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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Shop cosmetics travel case” trended +1,300% this week, reflecting how travelers are prioritizing stylish and functional ways to organize their beauty essentials, especially as summer trips and Mother’s Day gifting drive demand for compact, on-the-go luxury.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in domestic honeymoon destinations, remote and adventurous getaways, real-life filming locations for TV and movies, where to celebrate the USA's 250th next summer in New England, and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the U.S. has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic church, taking Pope Leo XIV and becoming the first American to hold the papacy.
Industry Insights
Summer 2025 travel is shaping up to be both adventurous and cost-conscious, with trends ranging from dude ranches and road trips to classic beach vacations and active retreats. While demand is strong for domestic destinations, affordability is top of mind, prompting interest in shorter getaways and budget-friendly trips.
Hotel Anna & Bel, located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, unveiled the Anna Suite by Anthropologie Home, Anthropologie’s first-ever hotel suite. This shoppable, apartment-style experience blends the brand’s eclectic design with the hotel’s historic charm and reflects both brands’ shared Philadelphia roots.
Estée Lauder launched its first Skin Longevity Institute in the Americas at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in Costa Rica. The partnership blends luxury Re-Nutriv skincare with scientifically proven longevity practices, offering immersive treatments and wellness programming inspired by the resort’s “Blue Zone” surroundings.
Casinos.org is hiring one lucky food lover to eat their way through the iconic Las Vegas buffets, offering a four-night hotel stay, $500 in flight credits, $1,000 cash, and Vuori travel clothes.
Newark International Airport is facing severe disruptions due to critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and ongoing runway construction, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations, with 1 in 5 staff reportedly walking off the job.
As of May 7, travelers 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant license or another federally accepted form of ID, like a passport, to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. While 81% of Americans are already compliant, those without one should expect longer wait times.
Disney is set to open its first Middle East theme park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, marking its seventh global resort. Located on Yas Island in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leader in immersive experiences and family entertainment, the park will blend Disney’s iconic themed offerings with Abu Dhabi’s culture and modern architecture.
Hawaii passed a new short-term lodging tax, effective in 2026, increasing the rate to 11%. Dubbed the “green fee,” the tax is projected to generate $100 million annually to fund climate change initiatives like coral reef preservation, wildlife conservation, and improving natural disaster preparedness.
The Good
For Mother’s Day, DoorDash is rebranding as “DoorDad,” encouraging dads to take charge and give moms a well-deserved break. The campaign, featuring actress Brenda Song, highlights the mental load mothers often carry and promotes the idea that Mother’s Day should be about relaxation, not additional tasks.
The Bad
Duolingo faced backlash after its CEO announced a shift to an “AI-first” strategy that includes phasing out human contractors. Users say this undermines the value of real human interaction in language learning, prompting user outrage, subscription cancellations, and a wave of one-star app reviews.
