D/R DOWNLOAD 10.2
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Train trips” rose +70% as travelers show a growing interest in scenic rail journeys, making the transport part of the experience.
02/ With Media
This week, the media were interested in nostalgic fall experiences, Christmas market cruises, private islands, haunted hotels, remote nature lodges, destinations for non-family Thanksgiving, literary festivals and more.
Fast Company is launching M-Suite, a private WhatsApp community for working mothers in senior-level careers, offering a weekly newsletter, exclusive content and events on leadership, workplace challenges and work-life balance as publishers seek more direct relationships with readers.
Travel + Leisure’s new Substack The Fast Track, teamed up with Hotels Above Par to chat about what makes a great boutique hotel, from having a unique point of view, incorporating thoughtful touches, and helping travelers find accommodations that connect to a sense of place.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will bring its torch relay across all 50 states, starting in Atlanta before making its way to LA. The relay will pass along iconic landmarks and major events across the country, turning the countdown to LA28 into a nationwide cultural experience.
The 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show brings an all-women musical lineup, with Megan Thee Stallion, Megan Moroney, Tate McRae and KATSEYE set to perform at the October 18 show in Los Angeles.
Industry Insights
Visit Sweden has launched "The Introvert Travel Agency," a booking service and tourism campaign selling quieter vacations with fewer crowds and less forced interaction, backed by a YouGov survey it commissioned that found just 11% of Americans describe themselves as extroverts. The agency is pitching Sweden's open landscapes and cultural comfort with personal space to travelers who want to decide when they have company.
Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report finds travelers are ditching the idea of the “perfect” vacation for trips that fit more naturally into their lives. Among the trends to watch are “Growth Getaways,” with travel becoming a catalyst for new interests and personal growth, and “Micro-Travel,” as shorter, more frequent trips become the norm. The report also points to a greater focus on restorative wellness, flexibility and human expertise as AI becomes more embedded in travel planning.
Virtuoso's 2027 Luxe Report finds travel advisors are entering the new year with their most confident outlook in three years, expecting leisure demand to rise and predicting clients will spend more per trip. Based on a survey of more than 3,100 advisors, multigenerational family travel leads the trends for 2027, increasingly crossing over with expedition and adventure travel. Cultural immersion and authentic experiences also rank high, while wellness has become the leading experience for solo travelers and women-only solo travel continues to gain ground.
Luxury hospitality is shifting toward smaller, more intimate properties that prioritize privacy, space, and personalized service over the scale of traditional resorts. From historic buildings and converted restaurants to secluded retreats, a growing range of properties are embracing the boutique model, offering guests a more residential and distinctive experience reflecting the rising interest in boutique stays, with U.S. boutique-hotel demand increasing 3.1% in 2025, compared with a 0.6% decline for traditional hotels.
“Yearncations” are becoming a popular autumn travel trend for the travelers looking to swap the digital world during the constant rise of AI, with charming, nostalgic getaways focused on slowing down, unplugging, and experiencing a more simplistic way of life.
As families seek more opportunities for screen-free connection, designers are reimagining kids’ spaces with analog games, retro landlines, dedicated teen lounges, and expressive, gender-neutral interiors, creating thoughtful environments that encourage kids to play, socialize, and experience a greater sense of independence while traveling.
