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Do You Know Why Easter is Never on the Same Date?

Do You Know Why Easter is Never on the Same Date?

PLUS: New Wave of Boutique Ships Emerging in the Mediterranean

Alex Mustaros
April 10, 2025

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You probably didn’t 😉,

… but me, while I was growing up, every time Summer Vacations ended and a new school year began, I’d flip through the calendar looking for one thing: school breaks.

Easter Vacations were the best: two glorious weeks off and, almost always, a family trip somewhere fun.

But there was one thing that really bugged me.

Why was Easter never on the same date?

My slightly OCD brain couldn't handle the inconsistency.

Christmas? Always December 25. But Easter? A moving target.

It wasn’t until years later that I discovered the reason had less to do with the calendar and more to do with… the moon.

Easter is what they call a "moveable feast," determined by a centuries-old formula: it falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (fixed as March 21).

Calendario Pasquale - Apatak - Creative Commons

The reasoning? Early Christians wanted to align Easter with Passover, which also follows a lunar calendar. But instead of using that calendar directly, the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE came up with a new system—blending lunar and solar cycles to calculate Easter’s date.

Because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, and because of its shifting alignment with the equinox, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.

Add in the difference between Western (Gregorian) and Eastern Orthodox (Julian) calendars, and voilà—your Easter Eggs never came on the same Sunday.

Got it?

In short, you can blame the cosmos for the ever-shifting spring break plans.

And with cosmic relief, here’s the news …

Travel Industry News & Trends

Boutique Mediterranean Cruises Aim to Convert Cruise Skeptics

A new wave of boutique ships is emerging in the Mediterranean this summer, catering to those who are hesitant about traditional cruising. Options include the 381-foot Carinthia VII, offering eight lavish cabins and top-tier amenities, and the culturally immersive Explora II, featuring upscale suites and fine dining. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Ilma also debuts, blending Michelin-starred cuisine with luxury suites. These vessels promise exclusivity without the crowds, aiming to redefine luxury at sea.

Who knew downsizing could be so upscale?

See RitzCarlton’s (1:00 minute) new campaign here 👇🏼

All Aboard for Roman Elegance: Orient Express Debuts La Minerva

The iconic Orient Express brand has opened its first hotel, La Minerva, in Rome's historic Piazza della Minerva. This meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo offers 93 uniquely designed rooms and suites, blending Art Deco sophistication with modern luxury. Guests can indulge in panoramic city views from the rooftop restaurant, Voliera, and savor cocktails beneath the grand skylight of La Minerva Bar. With its rich history and opulent design, La Minerva promises a stay as timeless as the Eternal City itself. ACCOR

Finally, a Roman holiday where the accommodations rival the city's grandeur.

Booking a New Chapter: The Rise of Luxury Reading Retreats

In a world where wellness meets wanderlust, reading retreats are the latest page-turner in luxury travel. Literary enthusiasts are now indulging in vacations that blend the joy of reading with opulent experiences. From Tuscany's vineyards to Barcelona's vibrant streets, these retreats offer bibliophiles a chance to connect over shared stories, often in the company of best-selling authors. It's not just about the books; it's about the experience—think wine tastings, cultural excursions, and spa treatments, all centered around the written word. NY POST

Turns out, the hottest luxury trend this season… is staying in with a good book.

Florida Sets New Tourism Record in 2024

Florida broke its all-time tourism record, welcoming over 142 million travelers in 2024, according to Visit Florida. This figure surpasses the previous 2019 high and marks the third consecutive year of growth. Notably, international tourism grew by 20.3%, with over 8 million overseas visitors and a 7.6% increase in Canadian tourists. Florida remains a top destination for both domestic and global travelers.

Apparently, sunshine and palm trees never go out of style.

See Visit Florida’s (1:00 minute) new campaign here 👇🏼

Upgrade Your Private Island Getaway with Bespoke Concierge Services

Islands.co, the premier platform for private island rentals and sales, is set to launch an exclusive luxury concierge service by the end of May 2025. Catering to high-net-worth clients, this service promises comprehensive assistance—from private travel arrangements to personalized in-villa experiences—across select destinations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. The initiative underscores Islands.co's commitment to redefining opulent seclusion.

Nothing says 'ultimate escape' like having your own island and someone to handle all the details.

Sponsored by dos:deux

✈️ Easter Travel Surge: A Boon for Global Tourism

Every year, Easter offers a golden opportunity for the travel industry.

Families, couples, and solo adventurers across the globe take advantage of the extended holiday to plan escapes that blend tradition, rest, and exploration.

In 2025, Easter travel is not just back—it’s booming.

🛎️ Global hotel bookings are up 16.8% compared to the same period last year, according to SiteMinder. Travelers are booking earlier and heading farther, often with international experiences in mind. HOTEL BUSINESS

🛫 Flight searches across Europe have jumped 36%, with “sun & beach” destinations like Palma de Mallorca seeing spikes as high as 79%. FORWARD KEYS

🍻 In the UK, a quirky trend is taking off: “pub-cations.” Over half of Brits are planning countryside getaways built around visiting cozy local pubs—fueling a 71% rise in rural Airbnb bookings.

🌏 Australia’s Sydney Airport is preparing for its busiest Easter since the pandemic, with 2.5 million passengers expected between April 9 and 29—a 5% bump from 2024. DAILY TELEGRAPH

🌞 And in Mexico, Semana Santa is predicted to bring in a staggering 282 billion pesos (US $13.6 billion) in tourism spending—up 4.4% from last year. MEXICO NEWS DAILY

Beyond the numbers, what’s most interesting is how travelers are changing: they’re planning further ahead (96-day lead time, up from 87), but opting for shorter, high-impact getaways.

This is a signal of increased confidence—but also increased selectiveness.

I guess Easter may move on the calendar, but for travel pros, it’s starting to look like the most reliably unpredictable boom of the year.

How important is the Easter holiday to your business?

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

Helen Keller

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