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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Best budget travel destinations” rose +40% this week as travelers look to maximize their vacation budgets without compromising experiences.
02/ With Media
This week media were interested in seamless budget trips, expert advice on the coziest fall getaways, unexpected U.S. food cities, best international christmas markets, fairytale towns and more
03/ In the Zeitgeist
‘John Galliano: Horizon’ is the subject of the 2027 Met Gala exhibit with intent to honor the designers work, but is already facing controversy from his 2011 arrests for antisemitic and racist incidents.
MySpace is planning a potential relaunch, reviving one of the internet's first social media networks following its distribution of the documentary. Online discussions hope that the platform will keep its original features and stray away from modernizing it.
Industry Insights
Atlas Ocean Voyages announced the launch of Atlas Adventurer, the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht. The new vessel combines yacht-style luxury with expedition travel, featuring all-suite accommodations and the ability to reach remote destinations as demand grows for experience-driven cruising.
The “Schengen Shuffle” is gaining attention as travelers look for ways to extend European stays without residency visas. The strategy involves alternating between Schengen and non-Schengen countries to work around the 90-days-in180-days travel limit, fueling interest in slow travel and longer-term European stays.
Severe drought on Europe’s Danube River disrupted river cruise operations, leaving a Viking cruise ship stranded in Bulgaria after low water levels caused it to run aground. The incident highlights the growing impact of extreme weather on cruise itineraries and river travel.
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is driving a new wave of tourism interest in South Korea, with fans visiting Seoul locations and experiences inspired by the film. The trend highlights the growing impact of entertainment-driven travel, as travelers increasingly plan trips around movies.
Japan is changing its tax-free shopping system for international visitors starting November 2026. Tourists will no longer receive an immediate tax exemption at checkout and will instead pay the consumption tax upfront before claiming a refund when leaving the country. The change aims to reduce misuse of the program as Japan manages record tourism growth.
Following backlash on an update to Southwest Airlines’ “Customer of Size” policy, the airline reversed the policy requiring plus-size passengers who need an additional seat to purchase it in advance and pay any applicable seat fees. Travelers can now request a complimentary extra seat at the airport if available or purchase an additional seat upfront and receive a refund if the flight was not full.
The FAA certified Boeing’s 737 Max 7, the smallest version of its best-selling 737 Max jet, after years of delays. The approval clears the aircraft to enter commercial service as Boeing continues to recover from years of safety and production concerns.
The Good
Zac Brown Band surprised more than 37,000 fans at Fenway Park with free Margaritaville at Sea cruise vouchers. The giveaway, announced during the band’s concert in Boston, promotes the upcoming Beachcomber ship and highlights the growing trend of cruise lines using entertainment partnerships and fan experiences to drive demand.
The Bad
A luxury, influencer brand trip hosted by Open AI and designed to promote its AI tools is facing backlash. The retreat brought creators to a high-end Hudson Valley resort, but sparked criticism online over the disconnect between the luxury experience and ongoing public concerns around AI’s impact.
