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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“AAA Travel Insurance” saw a 70% increase in trends this week, suggesting that travelers are seeking to safeguard both their trips and the investments they've made in them.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in winter getaways from NYC, the best places to visit in April, luxurious Valentine’s Day escapes, destinations perfect for an adult gap year, and more.
To reduce costs and reorganize its TV lineups, CNN plans to implement widespread layoffs this week, while NBC intends to cut no more than 50 jobs. These changes come as part of a broader shift in media strategy following the presidential election.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
After a brief overnight ban on Saturday night, TikTok was reinstated in the U.S. – however, the app is still unavailable for download in the app store.
Many Millennial and Gen Z women are embracing “granny-core,” a lifestyle that assumes nostalgic hobbies such as knitting, gardening, and baking, seeking a slower, cozier lifestyle reminiscent of their grandmothers' simpler times.
Hundreds of same-sex couples were wed in a mass ceremony this week as Thailand’s new same-sex marriage law took effect, making it the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
SNL tapped the winners of the viral Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in an ad promoting the actor's upcoming episode, where he will host and be the musical guest. The ad received over 8 million social media views and coverage in multiple national outlets, highlighting the importance of social listening and the rise of internet culture in mainstream media.
Industry Insights
Global tourism has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion people traveling internationally last year. The growth was largely driven by a rise in visitors to Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
Kayak is looking forward with its “What the Future” report, outlining 2030’s top travel trends, which include city jumping, booking travel based on what appears on social feeds, disloyalty programs, and more.
The New York Times names sustainable travel, private island cruises, group solo vacations, digital detoxing, and more as the top travel trends to expect in 2025.
As true crime podcasts and dramas rise in popularity, the travel industry responds with true crime tours. Experiences include visiting mob hit sites, tracing serial killer trails, and visits to missing persons’ last known location.
Hotels are embracing “hurkle-durkling,” a new trend where travelers prioritize rest and wellness during their vacations by spending long periods in bed with books, snacks, and more.
Millennials (80%) and Gen Z (75%) are key drivers in prioritizing immersive experiences, according to research released by Skift and Qiddiya City.
FlyJetr has made its debut in London, offering a revolutionary travel experience with a one-touch booking system, personalized concierge services, and more.
Inspired by Costa Rica’s heritage, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa launched a “Legacy of Regeneration” to demonstrate the resort’s commitment to regenerative tourism, environmental stewardship, proactive community engagement, and wellness.
The Good
Progresso’s new soup drops, soup-flavored drops that resemble cough drops, launched at the peak of cold and flu season and sold out after a second drop this week, causing the website to crash.
The Bad
Klan hoods during a Christmas holiday event. The crew claimed they were dressed as "snow cones" with white pointed hoods and robes, and the company apologized and acknowledged the inappropriate dress.
