What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Microsoft Outlook” trended +200% this week as a global Microsoft outage on November 12 disrupted email, Teams and other Microsoft 365 services, causing widespread interruptions to workplace communication and daily operations.
02/ With Media
This week, the media were interested in unexpected places to spend Christmas and New Year's, Black Friday deals, hotels with unique sports amenities, the best events in December, holiday cocktails, and more.
Firefox is bringing back its iconic early internet memes for its “Come Back to Firefox” campaign, using nostalgia to win back former users while positioning itself as an alternative web browser amid growing concerns about online privacy, AI and excessive advertising.
A new Notified study found that press releases with descriptive subheadings receive 61% more AI citations, while those with more factual information earn up to 33% more, underscoring the value of clear, information rich content in AI search.
TikTok and AI-driven algorithms are reshaping how trends start, spread and fade, with influencers and social media increasingly shaping consumer preferences. Brands and trend forecasters are using TikTok metrics to get a broader picture of consumer interests and track how trends evolve.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Coachella has announced its 2027 headliners, with Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA taking the main stage in April. The lineup also features Madonna returning to the festival’s dance tent, alongside acts including Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer and Daddy Yankee.
Immersive exhibits and behind-the-scenes workshops are becoming a way for luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Gucci and Chanel to attract younger shoppers and rebuild trust as prices rise. By offering a closer look at the craftsmanship and heritage behind their products, brands are giving customers a better sense of the value beyond the price tag.
Industry Insights
Travel + Leisure has announced India as its 2027 Destination of the Year, celebrating the country’s diverse travel experiences, such as tiger safaris, historic landmarks, luxury hotels and wellness retreats. The recognition also draws attention to the country’s lesser-known regions, giving travelers new inspiration to explore beyond the country’s most famous attractions.
Fora Travel’s 2026 Hot List reveals the destinations and experiences shaping luxury travel, with a spotlight on Mexico City, hidden-gem regions of Japan and the Nordics as top places to visit. The report also highlights the growing interest in luxury train journeys, pet-friendly hotel amenities, wellness experiences and solo adventures.
Scott Dunn’s 2027 Travel Trends Report highlights growing interest in multigenerational trips, emerging destinations made more accessible by new routes and major events like Egypt’s 2027 solar eclipse. Travelers are also prioritizing more personalized experiences, from slower rail and sea journeys to private access and conservation-focused travel that benefits local communities.
Fodor’s has released two lists for 2027 travel: a Go List of 27 destinations worth traveling for including Busan, Ponce, and Lord Howe Island, and a No List of 8 places to reconsider, such as Kyoto, Bali and the Amalfi Coast, where overtourism is straining residents. Together they encourage travelers to go abroad with more intention, whether that means discovering somewhere new or giving a favorite place some breathing room.
Luxury hospitality brand Aman is teaming up with tennis champion Novak Djokovic to launch Atma, a new wellness and longevity brand focused on fitness, recovery and personalized health experiences. Set to debut in Miami in 2031, the property will feature a hotel, residences, and a 120,000-square-foot wellness center.
Uber is turning bad airplane seats into savings with a Thanksgiving promotion that gives travelers up to 30% off an airport ride when they share an unfortunate seat assignment, like a middle seat or the row next to the lavatory. The offer runs Nov. 18 to Nov. 30 and is part of a broader slate of holiday perks, including Uber Ski's return and Uber One member savings.
Mahjong is gaining popularity across the travel industry, with more than 1,300 clubs popping up across the U.S., prompting hotels, resorts, cruise lines and travel advisors to build trips around the game. Advisors say it appeals to travelers who want connection and community, which is especially true for solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people.
The Good
Quince taps into Friends nostalgia by bringing David Schwimmer back to one of the show’s most recognizable moments in a holiday campaign built around Ross’s iconic red sweater. Pairing a beloved pop culture reference with a comedic New York storyline gives the brand a timely, shareable hook, while Schwimmer’s involvement helps generate entertainment and lifestyle media interest around its first major celebrity-led campaign.
e.l.f. Beauty’s first-ever holiday campaign, “e.l.f. Made to Stand Out,” is a short stop-motion film narrated by Alan Cumming, with a message of individuality that gives the campaign a compelling story beyond the products themselves. The project also stands out for its distinctive production style, with a predominantly female puppet and animation team bringing the story to life.
The Bad
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS is under fire over its $148 holiday advent calendar, with customers expressing disappointment after discovering it contained relatively low-value items such as hair ties, clips and keychains. After viral unboxing videos sparked complaints about the product’s value, the brand has offered customers full refunds or store credit.
Maybelline’s decision to replace its iconic tagline, “Maybe She’s Born With It. Maybe It’s Maybelline,” with “Maybe. We’re Born With It. It’s Maybelline” has sparked backlash from consumers who feel the original slogan did not need to be changed. While the rebrand aims to introduce more inclusive messaging, the response demonstrates how revising recognizable brand assets without clearly communicating the rationale can alienate loyal customers.
