Connect with us

STM Blog

Finding the Missing Piece: One man’s journey to a von Willebrand disease diagnosis

Frank, a 65-year-old man, spent decades suffering from von Willebrand disease (VWD) without a diagnosis. His journey, marked by severe bleeds and uncertainty, changed when his granddaughter was diagnosed with VWD. This discovery led to Frank’s diagnosis and treatment with VONVENDI, which allows him to better manage his condition and regain control of his life.

Published

on

Last Updated on October 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff

von Willebrand disease

Finding the Missing Piece: One man’s journey to a von Willebrand disease diagnosis

(Family Features) “I wanted to live my life like there was nothing wrong, but the fear was always there.”

That’s how 65-year-old Frank described life with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common bleeding disorder, affecting more than 3 million Americans.

For Frank, the signs started early with nosebleeds so severe they seemed unstoppable. In his 30s, one gastrointestinal bleed required nearly 7 pints of blood to stabilize him – a staggering amount, considering most adults only have 8-12 pints total.

Life with VWD can mean living in constant uncertainty. Any injury, surgery or even simple dental procedure can trigger a dangerous bleed. Symptoms like frequent bruising or heavy menstrual bleeding in women can affect quality of life. The consequences for Frank, even before his diagnosis, were often urgent and life-threatening.

Hospital visits and bleeds became routine, draining both his body and spirit. Frank lost weight, struggled with temperature swings and each trip home from the hospital felt like borrowed time before his next bleeding episode.

Eventually, his body began rejecting the blood transfusions meant to treat him during these mysterious bleeding episodes – a complication known as hemolytic anemia. With few options left, Frank and his partner, Carla, faced a future filled with fear and uncertainty, unsure how much longer his body could keep going.

Journey to a Diagnosis
Like many living with VWD, Frank spent years searching for answers – managing symptoms without understanding their cause. Bleeds came without warning. Triggers were a mystery. A diagnosis felt out of reach.

Through it all, Frank and Carla were their own fiercest advocates. Carla became his second set of eyes and ears by researching symptoms, writing down questions and sitting beside him in countless exam rooms.

“I realized when he was in the hospital, I must be there with him,” Carla said. “I needed to be there when the doctors and the nurses were talking to him. I slept in his room to be there for morning rounds to make sure everyone had the correct information.”

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

For years, they pressed on without answers or an official diagnosis until 2013, when everything changed.

Frank’s granddaughter was diagnosed with VWD, which they learned is a hereditary bleeding disorder. In that moment, something clicked. After decades of uncertainty, Frank finally had a clue and a connection.

He and Carla immediately sought out VWD education. Testing confirmed what they suspected: Frank had been living with VWD all along.

“Getting the diagnosis was a turning point,” Frank said. “For the first time, we weren’t just waiting for the next bleed – we finally had a way to take control.”

A Path Forward
Frank finally found hope and a path forward. After discussing which treatment option may be right for him with his health care team, Frank began using VONVENDI® [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)] on-demand to treat and control his bleeding episodes.

VONVENDI is the only von Willebrand factor (VWF) treatment made without human blood or plasma with approved uses in both adults and children with VWD. For someone whose body had begun rejecting transfusions, having a recombinant option was important. But more than that – it worked for Frank.

“Since starting VONVENDI, I feel like I finally found the right path forward for me,” Frank said. “I can control my bleeds when they happen, and I have a plan in place to treat the next one.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved an expanded indication for VONVENDI, which is now indicated for adults and children with VWD to treat and control bleeding episodes (on-demand), to prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery (perioperative) and for adult patients only, to reduce the number of bleeding episodes when used regularly (prophylaxis). Please see below for Detailed Important Risk Information or click here for the full Prescribing Information.

With this expanded indication, VONVENDI can now help more patients like Frank – not just control bleeds but also try to prevent them. Frank and Carla know there’s no cure, but for the first time in a long time, they have a plan to address Frank’s VWD bleeds.

Visit VONVENDI.com or speak with your doctor to learn more about VWD and discuss if treatment may be right for you.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

VONVENDI [von Willebrand factor (Recombinant)] Important Information

What is VONVENDI?

VONVENDI is used in adults and children with von Willebrand disease to:

  • treat and control bleeding episodes
  • prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery

For adult patients only:

  • reduce the number of bleeding episodes when used regularly (prophylaxis)

Detailed Important Risk Information

Who should not use VONVENDI?
You should not use VONVENDI if you:

  • Are allergic to any ingredients in VONVENDI.
  • Are allergic to mice or hamsters.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because VONVENDI may not be right for you.

How should I use VONVENDI?
Your first dose of VONVENDI for each bleeding episode may be administered with a recombinant factor VIII as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will instruct you whether additional doses of VONVENDI with or without recombinant factor VIII are needed.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I use VONVENDI?
You should tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Have or have had any medical problems.
  • Take any medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies.
  • Have any allergies, including allergies to mice or hamsters.
  • Are breastfeeding. It is not known if VONVENDI passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
  • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if VONVENDI can harm your unborn baby.
  • Have been told that you have inhibitors to von Willebrand factor (because VONVENDI may not work for you).
  • Have been told that you have inhibitors to blood coagulation factor VIII.

What else should I know about VONVENDI and von Willebrand Disease?     
Your body can form inhibitors to von Willebrand factor or factor VIII. An inhibitor is part of the body’s normal defense system. If you form inhibitors, they may stop VONVENDI or factor VIII from working properly.

Consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you are carefully monitored with blood tests for the development of inhibitors to von Willebrand factor or factor VIII.

What are the possible side effects of VONVENDI?
You can have an allergic reaction to VONVENDI.

Call your healthcare provider right away and stop treatment if you get a rash or hives, itching, tightness of the throat, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea or fainting.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Side effects that have been reported with VONVENDI include: headache, nausea, vomiting, tingling or burning at infusion site, chest discomfort, dizziness, hot flashes, itching, high blood pressure, muscle twitching, unusual taste, blood clots and increased heart rate.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see VONVENDI full Prescribing Information.

©2025 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327). All rights reserved. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA Logo are registered trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. VONVENDI is a registered trademark of Baxalta Incorporated. US-VON-1006v1.0 10/25

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:

Takeda

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Travel

Escape the Everyday Routine: Summer Travel Experiences Worth Logging Off For

Summer Travels: Between busy schedules, daily responsibilities and the seemingly nonstop pace of everyday life, taking time to disconnect can feel impossible. This summer, make an effort to step away from daily distractions and reconnect with yourself, your passions and the moments that matter most.

Published

on

17943 detail intro

Escape the Everyday Routine: Summer Travel Experiences Worth Logging Off For

(Feature Impact) Between busy schedules, daily responsibilities and the seemingly nonstop pace of everyday life, taking time to disconnect can feel impossible. This summer, make an effort to step away from daily distractions and reconnect with yourself, your passions and the moments that matter most.

Whether it’s a solo seaside escape, a culinary adventure with friends or a memory-making family vacation, World of Hyatt’s Global Summer Offers give members access to exclusive savings of up to 25% on stays at participating hotels and resorts across the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa, making it easy to plan a perfect getaway to escape the everyday this summer.

From paddleboarding in the Bahamas to wandering through Panama’s historic streets, these curated destination recommendations offer inspiration for every kind of traveler.

Sun-Soaked Seaside Escapes

Some summer vacations are about trading packed schedules for ocean breezes and sun-soaked days by the water. For a chic coastal escape, The Georgian, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, brings timeless glamour to the shores of Santa Monica. Just steps from the ocean, this iconic art deco hotel serves as the perfect seaside retreat for biking along the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach and exploring Santa Monica’s vibrant dining scene.

Every detail of a stay at Dreams Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa is crafted to inspire relaxation, connection and discovery. The all-inclusive resort offers a vibrant escape where contemporary comfort meets timeless Caribbean charm in a tropical haven designed for couples and families alike.

Memory-Making Family Adventures

17943 detail embed2Families looking to make the most of summer together can head to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, where every day brings a new adventure. From splashing through the resort’s waterpark and visiting the on-site wildlife sanctuary to enjoying family-friendly dining across more than 45 restaurants and lounges, there’s something for guests of all ages to enjoy together.

Along the shores of Kāʻanapali Beach in Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa provides the perfect setting for families to create lasting memories together. Families can fill their days with everything from culinary experiences to sunrise yoga, snorkeling and wildlife tours. Younger guests can even channel their inner sea creature during the resort’s popular mermaid classes.

Flavor-Filled Getaways

Combining contemporary luxury with Moroccan charm, Park Hyatt Marrakech is an authentic gateway to the destination’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can immerse themselves in local culinary traditions through hands-on experiences, from mastering classic dishes alongside the hotel’s chefs to exploring a Berber village market and sharing a home-cooked lunch with a local family.

Travelers looking to immerse themselves in Panama’s vibrant culture and food scene can enjoy a stay at Hyatt Regency Panama City. Whether exploring the colorful streets of Casco Viejo or savoring authentic cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Rulfo, guests can experience the flavors and energy that define the destination.

Immersive Cultural Discovery

Just steps from Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Hyatt Place Tallinn places guests in the heart of the city’s rich heritage and within easy reach of landmarks such as Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, as well as cobbled medieval streets, world-class museums, independent galleries and vibrant cafés that bring centuries of history to life.

Steeped in history and tucked in the heart of Westminster, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, blends modern luxury with its storied past. Once home to Scottish royalty and later the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police, the hotel’s legacy of sophistication and intrigue inspires every detail and standout experience, including its hidden speakeasy-style bar, where inventive cocktails are inspired by the building’s colorful history and Michelin-starred dining.

Set along Savannah’s vibrant riverfront, Thompson Savannah offers a stylish gateway to one of the South’s most charming and culturally rich destinations. Travelers can explore centuries-old architecture in the city’s beautifully preserved Historic District and immerse themselves in the renowned arts scene before unwinding in a private cabana on the hotel’s pool deck or enjoying a cocktail at the rooftop bar.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

To find more destinations to aid in the escape from everyday routines, visit Hyatt.com for a full list of participating properties and full offer details. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

World of Hyatt

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

Stay connected with STM Daily News!

Continue Reading

Consumer Corner

Deed fraud can cause vulnerable Detroiters to lose their homes – here’s why it’s hard to catch the thieves

Deed fraud is rising in Detroit, where forged deeds can strip vulnerable homeowners of their property. Here’s how title theft works, why it’s hard to catch, and what reforms could help.

Published

on

A Black woman with long dark curls sits on the steps in from of a yellow brick building. Deed Fraud.
Deed fraud victim Kim Page sits on her front steps in Detroit on June 12, 2026. Nic Antaya/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Donovan McCarty, Michigan State University

Buying her first home on Detroit’s far east side in 2021 was the moment when a lifelong dream finally came within reach for Kim Page.

“I accomplished something that I always wanted to do,” said Page, who grew up in the city. “I always wanted to buy my own home since I was like 18. I never wanted to rent from anyone.”

Page said she had saved US$15,000 and used $3,800 in cash to buy the single-family brick house on Britain Street. The house, owned by a friend planning to move out of Detroit, was “damaged pretty bad,” Page recalls. But the house was hers to care for, and she was determined to fix what was broken.

For the next several years, Page poured her sweat and paychecks into the property. Working first as a welder at automotive supplier Fisher Dynamics, and later as a phlebotomist, she paid for a dumpster, windows, a door, ceiling repair and an awning above her front porch. Page invested $27,000 in needed repairs and, in 2022, happily moved in.

But in August 2023, a storm damaged her roof. By March 2024, mold had grown inside the property, which made Page struggle to breathe; she moved in with family. She returned to the home in April 2024 for an appointment with a representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That’s when Page noticed the locks had been changed. Perplexed but undeterred, she broke down the back door to get inside and purchased new locks, which she installed.

Then on a hot, summer day in July 2024, Page came home to discover all her locks had been changed again.

Searching for answers, Page called the Wayne County Register of Deeds’ Mortgage and Deed Fraud Unit. The staff confirmed she was a victim of deed fraud – a crime where scammers forge signatures to record a phony transfer of property ownership. Once criminals hijack the title, they can sell the property, rent it out or drain its equity with mortgages, potentially leaving the rightful owner to face the legal and financial fallout.

“I just was in shock,” Page said. “I can’t believe somebody really did this to me.”

A nationwide problem that’s hard to nail down

A small yellow-brick Craftsman bungalow sits in a dense neighborhood.
Like many homes targeted by fraudsters, Kim Page’s was sold in a cash transaction. Nic Antaya/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Page reached out to me for help in March 2025. I’m a housing attorney, assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Law and director of the Housing Justice Clinic. I have represented dozens of victims of deed fraud.

I have also studied how property recording systems respond – or, more accurately, fail to respond – to fraud. My work examines how procedural gaps in title systems disproportionately harm elderly, low-income and minority homeowners.

Nationwide, deed fraud – also called quit claim deed fraud or home title theft – is a growing problem, including in New York, Boston, Miami and Philadelphia.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Exactly how big a problem it is, is hard to know. The FBI does not track deed fraud specifically, instead grouping it into a larger category of real estate crimes.

From 2019 through 2023, 58,141 victims in the U.S. reported $1.3 billion in losses relating to real estate crime, the FBI says. However, that number is likely undercounted because many people don’t know where to report it, are embarrassed they were victims or don’t know yet they have been targeted.

In Detroit, deed fraud may be particularly prevalent because so many housing deals are made in cash and many properties owe back taxes. The Wayne County Mortgage and Deed Fraud Unit has tracked more than 13,000 inquiries regarding deed fraud and has opened over 2,300 cases throughout Wayne County since 2005.

Without oversight, the crime often goes undetected

Committing deed fraud is remarkably simple.

A deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of a home or other real property from one person to another. When a home is bought or sold, a deed is legally drawn up to reflect the transfer of ownership. That deed is then recorded with a county register of deeds, providing public notice of who legally owns the property.

A fraudster can forge the signature of the real owner – sometimes someone who is deceased. They can file a deed that appears valid on its face but isn’t.

They then record that false deed with a county register of deeds, the local government office that keeps public land records and other documents showing ownership, claiming title to property they do not actually own.

Fraudsters often target vulnerable people and properties, including elderly owners, families dealing with inherited homes, and houses that appear vacant or neglected, such as those behind on property taxes.

The incentive is clear: Once a fraudster appears to hold title, they can try to sell the property to an investor or an unsuspecting buyer looking for stable housing. I have seen fraudsters secure as much as $50,000 from one deal when they obtained a mortgage based on a fraudulent deed. One notable case of fraud targeted Elvis Presley’s former estate, Graceland.

In Michigan and most other states, recording offices do not have authority to substantively review a deed to determine whether it is fraudulent. If the document complies with technical formatting requirements, such as margin and font size, it must be recorded. Once stamped and indexed, the deed appears legitimate and can easily trick desperate buyers, investors, financial institutions and even police officers, lawyers and judges.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

In other words, the recording process is largely administrative, not investigative. The government office accepts and files the document without first verifying that the person signing it actually had the legal right to transfer the property.

That means a fraudulent deed can enter the public record, look valid to the outside world and remain undiscovered for months or even years.

Detroit is vulnerable

The housing market helps explain why Detroiters are more vulnerable to deed fraud.

Homes in Black neighborhoods nationwide are systematically undervalued compared with similar homes in white neighborhoods. Black borrowers are also more likely to be denied conventional mortgage loans. Detroit is about 73% Black, with a median household income of roughly $39,000 and a poverty rate exceeding 30%.

Man holds sign
In 2011, residents flooded downtown Detroit, demanding an end to home foreclosures and evictions. Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In a market where access to traditional financing is uneven and home prices are relatively low, cash sales accounted for 4 in 10 sales in February 2024.

Lenders, brokers and title companies act as informal gatekeepers when people purchase a home using a mortgage. In cash sales, those actors are absent, and there are fewer opportunities to detect irregularities in the documented history showing how title passed from one owner to the next over time.

Illegal tax practices led to thousands of foreclosed homes

Property tax distress attracts fraudsters. Fraudsters seem to rely on publicly available tax foreclosure lists to identify properties that appear abandoned. They then pay the past-due taxes to remove the property from foreclosure and attempt to sell or mortgage the property using their fraudulent deed.

The fraudsters may also assume that the owner lacks the resources to wage a prolonged legal fight to recover title if they do uncover their scheme. In many cases, that assumption proves correct.

Michigan’s Constitution caps assessments at 50% of market value, but researchers have found that from 2009 to 2015, a majority of Detroit homes were assessed above that limit. Once those inflated bills went unpaid, interest, penalties and fees accumulated, often ending in tax foreclosure.

More than 100,000 Detroit residents lost homes in that crisis, and homeowners were overtaxed by at least $600 million between 2010 and 2016.

In a city already destabilized by unlawful tax foreclosure, fraudsters found opportunity in homes burdened by vacancy and broken chains of ownership.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

The burdens that deed fraud victims face

My first encounter with deed fraud came in July 2023. I received a request for legal assistance from a man who said he had been evicted from a home he claimed to own. Honestly, I didn’t believe him.

But when I pulled the court records and deeds, I learned he was right.

A fraudulent deed had been filed on his property, stripping him of title. The fraudsters then filed an eviction case against him.

The owner had no phone and no internet access to attend the virtual hearings. The court entered a judgment to evict him. A bailiff came, broke down his door and threw his belongings into a dumpster.

It took six months and two separate court cases before he was finally able to return to his home. He never recovered his belongings – and we never found the fraudster.

There are many other hardships for a legitimate owner. A fraudulent deed can prevent homeowners from selling their property, refinancing or accessing financial assistance programs.

To clear title, owners must file a quiet title lawsuit – a court action used to resolve disputes over who legally owns a property.

But quiet title cases are complex legal proceedings.

They require multiple filings, hearings and strict compliance with procedural rules. Even when fraud is obvious – for example, when a deed was signed by someone who was already deceased – courts generally require formal litigation to remove the cloud from the title.

Likewise, the legal process of notifying the defendant can be especially burdensome. Fraudsters often use fictitious names and addresses, making them difficult or impossible to locate. Even uncontested cases typically take months. If a defendant appears and disputes ownership, litigation can stretch for years.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Filing fees, service costs and other litigation expenses accumulate quickly. Hiring an attorney can cost several thousand dollars, and some victims have reported spending tens of thousands clearing title to their homes.

As for Kim Page, her case is still ongoing. After being locked out of her home, she had to move in with relatives for over a year, putting a strain on their relationship. She was eventually able to return to her home, but the legal dispute over ownership has not been resolved.

A collage of close-ups of repairs needed: in a basement, an unfinished plastic pipe, a ceiling fan with debris inside, a door is boarded up
Repairs that still need to be completed at Kim Page’s home in Detroit. Nic Antaya/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

On top of that, she is facing a counter-lawsuit from the company that filed the fraudulent deed, requesting $50,000 for repairs the company made to the home while Page was locked out, along with property taxes and utility bills that the company says it paid to the county and utility companies on her behalf. The county opened an investigation, but it remains unresolved. As a result, she still has no idea who orchestrated the scheme.

While there are free legal services organizations to help, they have limited capacity, and income thresholds exclude some homeowners who still cannot afford private counsel.

Legal reforms likely won’t resolve systemic issues

Across the country, state legislatures have begun responding. Twenty-one have enacted deed fraud legislation, and 15 more have proposed it.

Another common intervention is fraud alert systems, which notify owners when any documents that impact the title of their property are recorded.

Other reforms increase notarial requirements or enhance criminal penalties.

These measures may deter some misconduct, but they do little to reduce the burden on victims once a fraudulent deed has been recorded.

In my assessment, meaningful reforms focus on empowering registers of deeds to substantively review suspicious documents before recording them; simplifying and expediting quiet title proceedings; and expanding civil remedies so victims can recover the costs associated with clearing their title.

Some jurisdictions like Texas and Florida have adopted streamlined procedures that allow victims to initiate quiet title actions using standardized forms with reduced fees. Others permit recorders, prosecutors or judges to act when fraud has already been established.

In Michigan, I am working with lawmakers and stakeholders to develop comprehensive legislation addressing these issues. Bills are expected to be introduced later this year.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

At the same time, my clinic has begun exploring how technology can help identify fraudulent deeds already in the record. We are working with computer scientists to evaluate whether artificial intelligence tools could flag suspicious filings and potentially prevent fraudulent documents from being accepted in the future.

No property system can eliminate fraud entirely. Preventive and punitive measures may limit fraud, but they cannot eliminate the incentive to commit it. For fraudsters, the payoff can be substantial.

Conversations about the issue often begin and end with the mechanics of the crime or the procedural burdens victims face afterward. Far less attention is paid to the housing market conditions that make some communities especially vulnerable in the first place.

Page, now 42 and working as a transporter for Sinai-Grace Hospital, has been coping with the stress of legal proceedings for the past two years and living with a heart condition so serious that she got a defibrillator.

The longtime Detroiter is fed up – with the lack of police help to find the fraudster, as well as the court system. All she wants is to be the rightful owner of the home.

“Give me my house back,” Page said.

Detroit editor Eleanore Catolico contributed reporting.

Donovan McCarty, Director, Housing Justice Clinic at Michigan State University College of Law, Michigan State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

Stay connected with STM Daily News!

Start Your Morning Informed

Get the STM Morning Brief delivered to your inbox every weekday with breaking news, transportation updates, technology, science, and trending stories.

STM News Brief Ad 2

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Vacation Hangover: The Financial Stress Travelers Feel After the Trip

Published

on

17954 detail intro

(Feature Impact) Weekend getaways and cross-country trips are supposed to offer a break from daily routines and financial stress. Yet for many travelers, the return home comes with an uncomfortable reality: the trip cost far more than expected. From luxurious dinners and spontaneous excursions to airport snacks and daily coffees, vacation spending is becoming increasingly difficult to control in an era of rising prices and experience-driven travel.

According to a survey conducted by TopCashback, a cash back site serving more than 20 million members worldwide to help people save as much money as possible on everyday spending, overspending while traveling is now the norm rather than the exception. Nearly 94% of respondents said they have spent more on vacation than originally planned, with more than 65% reporting they typically overspend by at least $250.

“Vacations should create memories, not money stress,” said Elisabella Ricca, personal finance and consumer analyst at TopCashback. “Giving yourself a spending plan before you travel can make it easier to enjoy the experience in the moment and avoid feeling guilty about the cost afterward.”

These findings reflect a growing disconnect between travel budgets and actual spending as vacationers navigate higher costs and pressure to make their trips feel worthwhile.

Inflation’s Impact On Travel Behaviors

Airfare, hotel rates, dining and entertainment costs are all climbing, forcing many households to rethink how often they take trips and what those trips look like. In fact, nearly 78% of respondents said rising travel costs have changed the way they vacation. Meanwhile, nearly 83% said they’re traveling less often altogether due to rising costs.

Travelers are Turning to Financing

Vacation Hangover: The Financial Stress Travelers Feel After the Trip

These changing behaviors may also explain why financing vacations is becoming more common. The survey found 67% of respondents have used credit cards, financing plans or “buy now, pay later” services to pay for a vacation. While these tools can help make trips more accessible in the short term, they may also extend the financial impact of a vacation long after travelers return home.

Financial Stress After the Fun

For some travelers, that long-term effect is already being felt. More than 58% of survey respondents said they feel guilty at least sometimes about how much they spend on vacation, a feeling that often emerges after returning home and assessing purchases that seemed easier to justify while away from normal routines.

Small Purchases are Adding Up to Big Overspending

Vacation overspending rarely happens through one large purchase alone. Instead, smaller expenses accumulate steadily throughout the trip. For example, 53% of respondents said they’re most likely to spend more on coffee or drinks while traveling than they would at home, and another 53% said snacks are the common overspending culprit. These purchases may seem insignificant individually, but multiple small transactions each day can quickly add up.

Experiences Outweigh Luxury When Justifying Expenses

Even as travelers look for ways to cut costs, most remain willing to spend on experiences they view as meaningful. The survey found the top vacation splurges respondents are most likely to justify are fancy dinners (56%) and excursions or tours (48%). This suggests travelers are placing greater value on memorable moments rather than luxury, such as high-end accommodations.

Careful planning isn’t enough for most travelers to stay within a budget, as 59% of respondents said they set a vacation budget beforehand, signaling that overspending is often less about a lack of preparation and more about the realities of modern travel costs.

Nearly 90% of survey respondents said earning cash back or rewards on travel purchases would influence their spending decisions at least slightly. As people look for a better way to manage expenses and offset costs, many are turning to programs such as TopCashback, which offers travel-related cash back on airfare and last-minute flights, vacation packages, hotels and lodging, transportation and parking, car rentals, travel insurance, cruises, resorts and more.

To learn how cash back programs could help you stay within your next vacation budget, visit topcashback.com.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

SOURCE:
TopCashback

📰 Enjoying STM Daily News? Join the conversation!

💬 Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, updates, and “News You Can Use This Moment!” delivered to your inbox.

Stay connected with STM Daily News!

Continue Reading

Trending