D/R DOWNLOAD 9.5
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“New Visa Fee U.S. Travel” trended +650% this week after it was announced earlier this year that the U.S. will soon charge a $250 visa integrity fee for most non-immigrant travelers.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in the best cocktail recipes for Halloween, travel expert insights on affordable vacation spots, top spots for seeing fall foliage around the U.S., best ghost tour offerings, and more.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will stop distributing print newspapers by year’s end, shifting to a fully digital operation. President and Publisher Andrew Morse says the move is about evolution, ensuring the newsroom adapts while keeping local journalism alive.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Chloe Malle, 39, has been tapped as Vogue’s new Head of Editorial Content, following Anna Wintour’s 37-year run as Editor-in-Chief. A self-described “proud nepo baby,” Malle plans to steer the brand toward niche audiences rather than chasing the masses. Wintour, meanwhile, remains active as Chief Content Officer and Malle’s direct supervisor.
Industry Insights
“Calmcations,” the rise of luxury silent retreats and digital detox escapes, are redefining what it means to truly get away. From Nantucket’s curated silent travel packages to yoga in Switzerland’s Alps, people are trading packed itineraries for intentional quiet to return home rested, not needing another reset.
Millennial parents are increasingly prioritizing family travel to teach their kids adaptability, cultural awareness, and empathy. These trips can be expensive and stressful, but many parents believe the challenges are worth it for the memories and lessons they create, even when joy is found close to home.
North Korea’s million-dollar Wonsan-Kalma resort, which opened in June, has only seen a handful of Russian tourists, raising questions about whether the hyper-surveilled property is ready for international visitors.
The White Lotus is reportedly setting its fourth season in France. While the exact place is still under wraps, potential locations include one of the country’s three Four Seasons resorts, which have previously served as the fictional White Lotus hotels in the series.
International arrivals to the U.S. are projected to drop 8.2% in 2025, driven by tariffs, visa restrictions, and political rhetoric, leading many destinations to focus on domestic travelers instead.
While international arrivals are down for 2025, a massive travel surge is expected for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, pushing airlines to adopt scalable technology to streamline check-in, reduce delays, and improve passenger experiences before demand spikes.
Many professionals are leaving high-paying corporate jobs in fields like finance and law to become travel advisors, attracted by the flexibility and growing demand in the industry. Travel booked through advisors is projected to reach $141.3 billion in the U.S. next year, with luxury clients spending up to $40,000 annually on vacations.
The Good
Gap’s latest Better in Denim campaign starring KATSEYE went viral, tapping into Y2K nostalgia with throwback denim styles and a “Milkshake” soundtrack. The ad’s diverse cast and dynamic choreography are earning praise, especially as a sharp contrast to American Eagle’s recent controversial “Great Jeans” campaign.
The Bad
Cracker Barrel’s new logo rollout backfired, with declining sales, a stock plunge and public criticism prompting the company to quickly reinstate its original branding. While the modernized rebrand was meant to attract younger customers and spark growth, critics were upset “Uncle Herschel” was removed, with some even accusing Cracker Barrel of bowing to “wokeness.”
