D/R DOWNLOAD 7.24
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Hobby Travel” rose +140% this week as more people seek vacations centered on their favorite hobbies rather than traditional sightseeing.
02/ With Media
This week, the media were interested in underrated cruise trips, small-group photography voyages, expert money-saving travel tips, post-breakup travel destinations, electric-tech adventures, U.S. roadtrip spots, and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Jimothy, a Seattle raccoon with a rare congenital spine condition, became an overnight internet sensation, gaining millions of views as his story captured the hearts of animal lovers online.
The Odyssey frenzy continues, with overwhelming demand for the film's limited IMAX 70mm screenings. Showtimes have sold out weeks in advance as fans race to experience Christopher Nolan's epic in the format it was made for.
Industry Insights
According to BBC Travel, the “NonnaMaxxing” travel trend continues to gain momentum, with a GetYourGuide report finding that 76% of Gen Z travelers would book “grandma-inspired” experiences like making pasta with an Italian nonna or touring Japan with local grandmothers.
Concert tourism is evolving into a family travel trend, with families planning trips around live performances, using concerts as a catalyst for multi-generational experiences and destination exploration.
Bloomberg reports that luxury travelers are increasingly embracing “split trips,” pairing city stays with beach resorts as demand grows for multistop itineraries. 63% of travelers are likely to add a "detour destination” to their trip, according to Expedia Group’s Unpack 2025 travel outlook.
The "high-stakes honeymoon" is redefining luxury travel, as couples plan elaborate, customized itineraries that reflect their lifestyle and personal taste. From multi-country adventures to ultra-exclusive stays, honeymoons are increasingly viewed as a status symbol and an extension of the wedding itself.
AI is reshaping how travelers plan their summer trips, with 37% of Americans turning to artificial intelligence for vacation planning, including destination research, itinerary creation, and budget planning, according to TravelPulse.
American Airlines is introducing new mobile features designed to streamline the travel experience. Travelers can now pay for flights with Venmo, receive more detailed updates on delays and cancellations, and use an enhanced disruption platform that simplifies rebooking.
ClassPass has expanded beyond fitness by allowing members to redeem credits for admissions to theme parks, zoos, and aquariums. Participating destinations, including Legoland, Six Flags, and SeaWorld, now offer one, two, or four ticket admission through the platform.
The Good
Tinder has unveiled its first rebrand in 10 years, introducing "T," a warm, witty dating columnist persona developed with Porto Rocha. The refresh reflects a growing emphasis on distinctive brand personalities as companies look to stand out amid a surge of AI-generated content.
UPDATE, Kim Kardashian's energy drink brand, debuted its first major campaign with a humorous, self-aware spot highlighting her role as co-founder. By poking fun at her failed bar exam attempt, the campaign feels relatable and refreshingly authentic, garnering praise from fans and marketing professionals alike.
Sephora is expanding its “Quiet Hours” initiative, creating a calmer retail environment with reduced noise and lighting and more flexible assistance options to better suit the needs of neurodiverse shoppers.
The Bad
The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica following an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya in Playa Langosta, a popular beach destination. Travelers are encouraged to practice enhanced mosquito-bite prevention, including using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
