D/R DOWNLOAD 11.7
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Government shutdown travel” trended +2,350% amid growing uncertainty over flight cuts, delays and airport disruptions as the federal funding standoff prevails.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in kid-friendly holiday attractions around the tristate, hotels with astrology experiences, new luxury hotel openings, winter pop-ups, the world’s greatest places and more.
Gannett rebranded to USA Today Co., aligning its corporate identity with its flagship national brand to better reflect its digital-first focus. The move, following Dotdash Meredith’s shift to People Inc., signals a broader media trend of publishers consolidating around their most trusted and recognizable names.
Vogue is absorbing Teen Vogue, ending the teen publication’s run as an independent brand. Newly appointed Vogue editorial head Chloe Malle will oversee the transition following the departure of Teen Vogue’s top editor.
People Inc. struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Microsoft AI, ensuring payment whenever AI tools use the publisher’s content. The agreement is being hailed as a win for media rights while promoting a more equitable approach to using AI.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
The ESPN and YouTube TV standoff left millions of sports fans without access to live games, as Disney and Google clash over carriage fees and channel bundles. The dispute, which blacked out ESPN, ABC, and other Disney networks for 10 million YouTube TV subscribers, highlights how streaming power plays are increasingly leaving viewers, especially NFL and college football fans, caught in the middle.
Industry Insights
The FAA began cutting flights across the U.S. as the government shutdown continues. On Friday, about 4% of flights were cut at 40 major airports, with reductions expected to increase in the coming days.
Condé Nast Traveler released its Best Places to Go in 2026, highlighting destinations defined by renewal and cultural revival – from Fès’s restored medina and Udaipur’s new luxury hotels to Utah’s expanded Deer Valley resort and Canada’s rising wine region, Prince Edward County.
Brazil has been named the destination of the year for 2026 by Travel + Leisure, recognized for its mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, surf towns and tropical biodiversity.
Family travel is on the rise, with 92% of parents planning to vacation with their children next year – the highest since the pandemic. While most families expect to maintain or increase travel spending, affordability remains a top concern.
Thalassotherapy, the practice of bathing in seawater for its wellness benefits, is making a comeback. Global demand for the ritual has risen 26% in the past year, prompting resorts worldwide to add new hydrotherapy offerings.
Once symbols of road-trip simplicity, America’s motels are marking 100 years with a modern revival, transformed by retro design, boutique flair and luxury-level rates.
A century after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, Egypt has opened the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, now the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. The debut blends modern design with thousands of ancient artifacts, setting a new benchmark for cultural tourism.
The Good
Rare Beauty and BÉIS unveiled their much-anticipated collaboration, a line of limited-edition travel accessories inspired by Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Soft Pinch shade. The online-exclusive drop sold out within hours.
The Bad
Mariah Carey’s annual “It’s Time” holiday video drew backlash after featuring Sephora as a brand partner amid the ongoing government shutdown and economic strain. Some consumers criticized the ad as tone-deaf, as many plan to sit out Black Friday and Christmas shopping this year.
