John Garrison on LinkedIn: How My Travel Credit Cards Support My Digital Nomad… (2024)

🌍 Hey! I recently explored Expedia's "Path to Purchase 2023" report, and I'm excited to share how it not only broadens our understanding of the travel industry but also reaffirms Palette's direction. Here are a few standout statistics and how we're tackling these challenges:𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟰𝟭 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.Palette serves as a digital second brain for travelers. This approach was validated further by the CODE system (by Tiago Forte), which we learned more about through a user feedback interview. This framework has been instrumental in refining our approach, specifically targeting the challenge of information overwhelm in travel planning.𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀.Reading that desktop sessions last twice as long as mobile for travel research resonated with us, echoing our ongoing debate on prioritizing desktop or mobile development. We found that users often initiate their travel inspiration phase on mobile, shifting to desktop for deeper research, planning, and booking. This shift represents a significant friction point we're eager to alleviate.We have brainstormed some ideas to tackle this, but were curious about your experiences. How do you transition from mobile inspiration to desktop planning? Do you utilize both devices? What ideas do you have that you would like to see to smooth this friction point?𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝟳𝟭 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 - 𝟯𝟯 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.Palette aims to simplify this prolonged process. Palette is your go-to travel companion by being that friend you share every cool travel meme or TikTok with - always on hand to capture and organize your travel bucketlist. By doing so, we aim to eliminate the initial 33 days of uncertainty, positioning Palette as an ever-present companion in your travel planning journey. This approach ensures when the urge to travel arises, you're already prepared with an organized and personalized collection of destinations and experiences. Our goal is to make you '𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽-𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼', streamlining your planning to the essentials and redefining the journey from inspiration to booking.We'll be diving deeper into the Expedia report's findings in our upcoming posts to further explore how these trends shape our approach at Palette to making your travel planning journey effortless.#TravelPalette #TravelTech #StartupLife #Innovation #TravelPlanning #Palette #COLLAB22

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Satoshi Airlines: Revolutionizing Air Travel with Fly-to-Earn and Web3.0 InnovationsSatoshi Airlines is at the forefront of transforming air travel by integrating advanced Web3.0 and NFT game elements into its operations. Our innovative Fly-to-Earn and Travel-to-Earn business models aim to create a unique and engaging experience for travelers while opening new avenues for rewards and interaction in the NFT ecosystem. Below is a detailed overview of Satoshi Airlines’ core elements and the value they bring to both the travel and NFT industries:1. Fly-to-Earn Business ModelObjective: Tap into the global air travel market by rewarding travelers.Mechanism:Earn as You Fly: Travelers can earn SAP tokens based on the distance they travel. This introduces a new incentive for frequent flyers and adds value to their travel experiences.Global Appeal: The model is designed to attract a broad range of users, from casual tourists to business travelers, enhancing the appeal of air travel through financial rewards.2. WEB3 Air Travel Lifestyle AppObjective: Enhance travel with a blend of Social-Fi and NFT Game-Fi features.Mechanism:Interactive Experience: The app integrates social networking and gaming elements, allowing users to earn rewards through engagement.Ease of Use: Travelers can earn various incentives simply by utilizing the app, making it a seamless addition to their travel routine.Community Building: Promotes a social aspect to travel, connecting users with similar interests and enhancing their overall travel experience.3. SAP Token RewardsObjective: Offer tangible benefits to NFT cardholders.Mechanism:Distance-Based Rewards: Holders of Satoshi Airlines NFT cards earn SAP tokens proportional to their travel distance.Value Addition: This not only rewards users for their travel but also increases the utility and appeal of holding Satoshi Airlines NFTs.4. Uranus Chat BotObjective: Provide personalized travel assistance.Mechanism:Customized Services: The Uranus Chat Bot offers tailored airfare recommendations and travel destinations, enhancing user convenience.User Engagement: Facilitates easier travel planning, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable for users.Value PropositionEnhancing Traditional Air Travel:Satoshi Airlines merges conventional air travel with cutting-edge blockchain technology, offering travelers various benefits through Fly-to-Earn and Travel-to-Earn features. This integration enriches the travel experience by making it more rewarding and engaging, thus adding new value to the traditional air travel model.Attracting New Users to NFTs:By combining travel with NFT and Web3.0 elements, Satoshi Airlines introduces a wider audience to the NFT industry. This approach not only attracts new travelers but also educates them about the benefits and possibilities within the NFT ecosystem.

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New Post: Chase Sapphire Reserve review: A rockstar among premium travel cards - Our take: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® upstages the competition for its valuable rewards value, lounge benefits, and a list of perks and benefits longer than an encore version of “Freebird”.ProsAn up to $300 annual travel credit that can be used to book travel any way you’d like.Top-notch travel protections and insurances including primary auto rental coverageMultiple ways to maximize the value of your rewardsConsThere’s a hefty $550 ($75 for each authorized user) annual feeThe highest rewards-earning potential comes from bookings made through Chase or through transfer partners, which can be complicated to useSubject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, so if you’ve been approved for five or more new cards in the past 24 months, you’re ineligible for this oneChase Sapphire Reserve HighlightsCard type: Travel rewardsWelcome bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account openingAnnual fee: $550 ($75 for each authorized user)Rewards: 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually5x points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually3x points on other travel and dining (including eligible food delivery services) not booked through Chase immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually1x point on all other purchases10 points per dollar spend on Lyft rides through March 2025OverviewWhen it comes to putting the “premium” in a travel card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card doesn’t skip a beat. Yeah, it’s got a hair-raising annual fee you can’t ignore, but it’s packed so full of perks that any semi-regular traveler should come out ahead of the carrying cost. Let’s break it down.The card’s up-to-$300 annual travel credit applies to just about any kind of travel you can think of–from flying the friendly skies to parking lots and toll roads and is automatically credited back to you each time you use the card on an eligible purchase. This credit alone can effectively reduce the ownership cost to a more palatable $250.Those new to rewards redemption can appreciate that points earned on the Sapphire Reserve are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards site and more experienced points-and-miles mavens can take advantage of the card’s 11 airline and three hotel loyalty program transfer partners. Transferring your rewards from Chase to your preferred hotel or airline partner can often result in outsized value.The Sapphire Reserve also comes with Priority Pass Select membership which grants the cardholder and up to two guests (enrollment required) unlimited visits. Without a credit card that has this benef

Wanderlust is in vogue!Travel has been one of the services people are extensively engaging in in 2024. The recent data from the Mastercard Economics Institute suggests that the travel industry has been booming!Passenger numbers are reaching record highs, and people are taking longer trips to truly soak in the experience.It’s not a simple visit-and-click itinerary anymore.It seems like a strong labor market is putting more travel budgets in people's pockets, and they're prioritizing meaningful experiences over just ticking places off a list.This is where we have a unique opportunity. Travelers want it ALL: Value, Convenience, and Purpose!They are budget-conscious but experience-hungry. Traditional, non-conventional financial institutions and fintechs can plan for a travel CaaS. We can innovate with digital tools like T-CaaS for smart spending, seamless travel experiences, and a commitment to social good. Even with some economic bumps like fluctuating exchange rates, the desire to explore new places remains strong. People are getting creative, and planning trips strategically.With T-CaaS as a tool, both businesses and customers get a tailored set of services.For instance, cruises are even having a major moment crossing pre-pandemic records. 📍Some ways to leverage it - Corporate Cards with Travel Benefits ⤵️Many business credit cards offer travel benefits like points/miles that can be redeemed for cruises. Businesses can create a designated corporate card for cruise bookings while accruing rewards for the company.Expense Management Platforms ⤵️These platforms integrate with various travel booking services, including some cruise lines. Businesses can set spending limits and approval workflows for cruise bookings for budget control and streamlined expense reporting for employees.Travel Management Companies (TMCs) ⤵️Businesses can partner with TMCs in corporate cruise travel. TMCs offer services like group rates negotiation, itinerary customization, and centralized billing, simplifying processes, and ensuring compliance with company travel policies.Prepaid Cards ⤵️Companies can pre-load cards for employees' cruise expenses. This can help with budgeting and provide employees with a convenient way to pay onboard without needing to carry cash.Blockchain-based Payment Solutions ⤵️While still in its early stages, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize how travel is booked and paid for. Imagine a secure, transparent system for booking cruises and managing expenses without traditional payment methods.____________There’s more to it if you can be innovative.Experiences are deciding the destinations. The more T-CaaS can make customer decisions easy across the journey, the better will be the satisfaction per travel. Or, simply, higher customer retention. #Travel #Trends2024 #CaaS https://lnkd.in/d7MMP2Tg

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Nations Trust Bank American Express cardholders get 10% cashback with Crazy JetsNations Trust Bank American Express and Crazy Jets, a leading online travel company part of Inqbaytor Technologies, the preeminent innovator in Sri Lanka’s travel technology space, recently announced a strategic partnership to offer cardholders exclusive savings on their travel bookings. Through this partnership, Nations Trust Bank American Express cardholders can enjoy a 10% cashback on all flight bookings made through Crazy Jets’ website (https://crazyjets.com/) until 30 June. No minimum booking amount is required, and the offer applies to both one-way and return flights, making it the perfect opportunity to save on any travel plans. Additionally, the cashback benefit extends to primary and supplementary cards, ensuring everyone can enjoy the savings. Nations Trust Bank Senior Vice President – Cards and Consumer Assets Niluka Gunatilake said: “We are pleased to partner with Crazy Jets, the fast growing, innovative online travel company in Sri Lanka to offer a direct benefit to our Card-members. Nations Trust Bank American Express always aspires to support the lifestyles of our Card-member base and we believe that this special benefit will provide a more rewarding travel experience to our loyal customers.”Crazy Jets Chief Operating Officer Yashas Sumanasekera said: “As the largest and fastest-growing online travel company in Sri Lanka, we are excited to partner with Nations Trust Bank American Express to offer this exclusive cashback opportunity to their cardholders. This collaboration allows us to provide even greater value to travellers and further expands our reach within the Sri Lankan market.” Inqbaytor Chief Executive Officer Dr Harshani Perera said: “At Crazy Jets, we are constantly seeking ways to empower travellers and enhance their booking experiences. This partnership between Nations Trust Bank American Express and Crazy Jets perfectly embodies that commitment. The 10% cashback offer provides cardholders with a significant incentive to book their flights through Crazy Jets, a leading online travel platform. We believe this collaboration will not only benefit travellers but also contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s travel industry.” This partnership aligns with Crazy Jets’ continued dedication to providing innovative solutions that enhance the travel experience for Sri Lankan consumers. The 10% cashback offer empowers cardholders to save on travel expenses, while Crazy Jets’ extensive network of airlines and destinations ensures a convenient booking experience. Crazy Jets is confident that this partnership will be a resounding success, offering exceptional value to Nations Trust Bank American Express cardholders and contributing to a more rewarding travel experience for all.

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AI is impacting travel. Here's a collection of recent stories covering AI and travel.Which AI trip planning tool is the best? Here's how Expedia's and Booking.com's compared. Expedia Group's Romie and Booking.com's AI Trip Planner are AI-powered travel tools that help travelers plan and manage their trips.Both tools can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip. However, these AI travel planners are still in their early stages and can't yet be relied on completely.https://rb.gy/prsdbqUse these 5 AI-powered tools to plan your summer travelBefore you enjoy your vacation, you have to plan it. These Google features use AI to make the prep part easy.https://lnkd.in/gg4S5-T8Travel Warning: Look Out for AI Booking ScamsBeware when booking last-minute summer getaways! Generative AI is helping scammers prey on distracted online customers. We explain what to look for and how to stay protected.https://rb.gy/4rkz8jAI-Generated Images Are Distorting Travel Expectations. Here's What We Can Do as Travel Professionals.In an era where Instagram feeds and TikTok videos heavily influence travel decisions, the rise of AI-generated images — many of which go viral and are viewed by millions of people — is creating a fantasyland that many travelers will find does not match reality.https://rb.gy/k8kdojApple’s Siri Is Getting Better AI. How That Works for Trip PlanningGenerative AI is going directly into the iPhone. It helps with travel a little right now, but that's only the beginninghttps://rb.gy/egvrkmA Deep Dive Into Crafting a Data and AI Playbook in TravelLike any emerging technology, AI is not a foregone conclusion. Realizing its full potential in travel will require bold action within companies and collaboration between them.https://shorturl.at/MmUmg2024 American Travel Survey: Generational Trends, Economic Concerns and Impact of AIWashington State University's Carson College of Business released anew reportwith insights into Americans' upcoming travel plans, including motivations, budgeting habits and considerations surrounding sustainability and AI.https://shorturl.at/EfvvYIn the early days of AI, Expedia Group appears to be in good positionAnd as CEO Ariane Gorin said from the stage, "It's everywhere. And yes, at times, it feels like the only thing anyone is talking about. But that's for good reason."https://shorturl.at/tPKa9I used AI to plan my Costa Rica trip — why I'll never use it againFor the first time ever, I partially relied on ChatGPT to plan my Costa Rica trip with my significant other — and I'm not sure I'd do it again.https://rb.gy/tyrnzrWhat to Know About LinkedIn's New AI-Powered Job Search ToolsLinkedIn is unveiling several AI-powered tools to help job seekers find their next roles.https://shorturl.at/YzGOb4 AI travel concierge services that'll help plan your next vacationhttps://shorturl.at/lSLDH

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ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL AGENCIES Q3 RESULTS DECEMBER 20234. DREAMFOLKS SERVICES LTD PART 2Focussing on DiversificationAddition of New ClientsFiIn line with its long-term strategy to expand its client base beyond Banks and Network providers:• Onboarded new age fintech companies like FI Money• Also added an e-commerce company to its roster of clientsAddition of New ServicesHealthians and FlowerTreeIn its ongoing commitment to enhance the array of services, it added two new services:• Pathology testing across India, through a strategic partnership with Healthians.• Gifting services, through its collaboration with My Flower Tree, allowing customers to send flowers, cakes, planters, and more to friends and family.Management CommentaryLiberatha Kallat, Chairperson and Managing Director“We are delighted to announce that we have reported our highest-ever revenue in a quarter of Rs. 3,051 million, growing by a robust 49.5% YoY in Q3FY24 and achieved a commendable YoY growth of 59.5% in the 9MFY24 period.DreamFolks is strategically positioned to capitalize on favourable market conditions in the travel and credit card industries, which is well supported by the growing domestic passenger traffic, that witnessed a strong growth of 9% YoYin Q3FY24 and 16% YoY in 9MFY24, as per DGCA data. The number of credit cards issued has also been growing steadily and is expected to reach 10 crore cards by April 2024, growing by ~ 16% YoY.The introduction of our exclusive membership program, The DreamFolks Club, enables us to provide tailored premium travel and lifestyle services across diverse budget ranges. Additionally, we have seamlessly integrated new services such as health checkups and gifting into the DreamFolks Club, enhancing its overall value proposition. Moreover, our global presence has been augmented through a strategic partnership with Grey Wall, a leading lounge operator in Russia.As an outcome of all our strategies, we have received several awards during the quarter, from prestigious organisations like Economic Times, WCRCINT Group, and others.We are further expanding our business diversification efforts by leveraging technology and our client base to fortify our position in airport services. Favourable factors such as increasing domestic traffic, the adoption of digital payments, and growing demand for lounges present significant growth prospects for us moving forward.”DreamFolks Services Ltd is India's largest airport service aggregator platform facilitating an enhanced airport experience to passengers leveraging a technology-driven platform.DreamFolks facilitates customers of Clients’ access to the following airport-related services (i) lounges, (ii) food and beverage (iii) spa, (iv) meet and assist, (v), airport transfer (vi) transit hotels /nap room access, and (vii) baggage transfer. They facilitate access to 100% of the 54 lounges currently operational in India.

26 Best Travel Deals to Help You Get Away This Summer on aBudgethttps://ift.tt/pQ0bruoAll products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.Travel deals and promos are making that vacation getaway to far-off places or cozy staycations more obtainable. Rather than put that beachside getaway off for another month, you can take advantage of savings up to 50% off, and paired with luggage deals, you can travel the world more affordably.Whether you’re planning on going to any festivals and concerts this summer or just want a change in environment, beaches and unexplored regions await.Summer savings events are going on now including Prime Day travel promos that’ll tempt you to take advantage of that PTO and go on a much-needed vacation. To take some of the stress out of finding the best travel deals, we did the research and rounded up the hottest deals, steals and promos so you can focus on stocking up on travel necessities. RelatedThe 20 Best Memorial Day Beauty Sales: Save Up to 50% Off TopBrands05/22/2023See below for the best travel deals — from flights to experiences — that will help make sure you have the best vacation yet. These promos aren’t going to last forever, though, which means you need to act ASAP to avoid seeing the dreaded “sold out” or “offer expired” message pop up.What Are the Best Flight Deals?Jet off at a fraction of the price as airlines slash prices throughout the year to help you fly for less. No matter where you want to go, don’t drop hundreds of dollars on a round-trip ticket. Check below to see what the current best flight deals are.Southwest AirlinesAmazon is celebrating its latest Prime Day with 50% off Southwest Raid Rewards Points starting Tuesday (July 16) until Wednesday (July 17) at 11:59 p.m. ET/PT, which you can score through the official Prime Day Travel Deals page. In addition to Amazon’s promo, Southwest offers a low-fare calendar with one-way flights starting at $59. $59+book on southwest hereUnited AirlinesUnited is offering low-fare flights from select cities including Chicago, New York City, Denver, San Fransisco, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. All you have to do is book a trip from one of the cities listed and you can score flights as low as $91 roundtrip. You can also personalize your picks by entering your max budget for trips within your spending limit.$91+book on united hereSkyscannerSkyscanner looks across a variety of airlines to find the cheapest tickets on the market worldwide. You can enjoy the low-priced tickets any time of the year, not just during the holidays. Right now, some round-trip flights are as low as $35, so don’t miss out.$35+book on skyscanne...

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Tech-savvy travelers can leverage a variety of apps and technologies to enhance their travel experience. Here are some tips and recommendations:Before You Go:Trip Planning Apps:Use apps like TravelBandV, Google Trips, TripIt, or Sygic Travel to organize your itinerary and keep all your travel details in one place.Flight and Accommodation Apps:Travel B and V, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper are great for finding and tracking flight prices.Travelbandv.com, Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hotels.com offer a variety of accommodation options.Translation Apps:Google Translate or iTranslate can help you communicate in foreign languages.Weather Apps:Dark Sky or AccuWeather can provide real-time weather updates for your destination.During Your Trip:Navigation Apps:Google Maps is a must for navigation. Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity.Consider using Waze for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes.Local Transportation Apps:Uber or Lyft for ride-sharing.City-specific apps for public transportation information and schedules.Currency Converter Apps:XE Currency or Currency Converter Plus help you stay on top of exchange rates.Augmented Reality (AR) Apps:Apps like Google Lens can provide instant information about landmarks, objects, and text through your phone's camera.Document Management:Mobile Boarding Pass and E-Tickets:Use airline apps for mobile boarding passes and store e-tickets in apps like Apple Wallet or Google Pay.Digital Copies of Documents:Keep digital copies of your passport, ID, and travel insurance in a secure cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.Staying Connected:Local SIM Cards or Portable Hotspots:Consider getting a local SIM card for data or use portable hotspots to stay connected on the go.VPN (Virtual Private Network):Use a VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi networks and to access geo-restricted content.Enhancing Experiences:Augmented Reality (AR) Tours:Some cities offer AR-guided tours using apps like AR City or Detour. Another would be to reach out to us at travelbandv.com and we can provide complete access to numerous tours.Smart Travel Gadgets:Carry smart luggage with built-in chargers, Bluetooth trackers for your belongings, and noise-canceling headphones for a more comfortable journey.Social Media and Travel Communities:Join travel-related groups on social media like travelbandv or apps like TripAdvisor for real-time recommendations and tips from fellow travelers.Health and Safety:Health Apps: Install apps for emergency services, local hospitals, and health advice specific to your destination.Safety Apps:Consider apps like Safeture or TravelSafe to stay informed about local safety and security conditions.Remember to adapt these suggestions based on your destination and personal preferences. Always prioritize privacy and security when using technology during your travels.

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After more than two years of consistent year-over-year gains, leisure travel may have tapped all its pent-up demand from the peak pandemic years.Even during times of financial anxiety, travel has held a consistent share of Americans’ wallets. Enthusiasm for in-destination activities, growing interest in more diverse destinations, and the return of baby boomers in greater numbers add to the positive indicators for travelTravel frequency and certain indulgences may see a decline, but if higher-income groups are relatively insulated from economic headwinds, higher-end travel products could have a better year than budget ones. On the corporate side, many decision-makers in the coming year will seek a delicate balance between conservative budgeting and pursuing the strategic benefits that travel can support.Five trends expected to shape the industry this year:Suppliers find ways to touch up the travel experience. High interest rates and elevated costs of some goods can make it difficult to update, let alone upgrade, hotels. And some of airlines’ biggest challenges have stemmed from weather events and staffing matters not entirely in their control. Still, airlines and hospitality providers know they need to improve the experiences they offer or risk losing travelers’ attention.The corporate comeback continues, but gains decelerate. While trips to build client relationships and support team collaboration remain key to business success, costs are a significant concern. Amid these efforts at prudent budgeting, US corporate travel spend is still likely to finally pass the pre-pandemic line within the next year.More trips or longer trips? Travelers choose their own adventure. One of the most lasting effects of the pandemic has been a shift in how white-collar work gets done. Remote and hybrid arrangements appear to be here to stay, and the share of travelers who plan to work on their longest leisure trips has surged. In addition to adding and extending trips, this laptop lugger behavior also has an impact on travelers’ in-destination needs and preferences.Marketing spend shifts to account for changes in platforms and demographics. As travel demand has returned and shown continued resilience to economic anxiety, the industry’s marketing spend has trended up, and travel providers have ridden a wave of pent-up demand. But as travel growth slows, there will be a greater need for more targeted marketing and for travel providers to build new strategies for a changing landscapeGen AI: Behind the scenes and front and center. Gen AI is already influencing travel, with call center efficiencies the most widely reported benefit. In the coming year, expect it to influence the industry in major ways. More visible applications (discovery, shopping, booking) will garner much of the attention, but less visible applications might actually be more influential. Promising use cases for travel providers include advertising strategy, marketing content, and personalization

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