Weekly Travel News Update

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Happy Travel Tuesday, here are some the top trends in travel right now:

Over 19.2 million travelers passed through a TSA checkpoint over the last week, thats 4.5% higher than the same time last year.

However, despite the record levels in airports, the price of airfare is down 5.8% and car rental prices are down 10.1% according to NerdWallet's latest Travel Price Index.

Finally, a warm welcome to our 89 new subscribers with representation from Marriott, IHG, and Qantas!

Have a news tip? Send to: [email protected]

The Travel Top 10

The quiet beach town of Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Kona, Hawaii - Home to this week’s Tour of the Week

  1. Hotel of the Week 🏨: The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa (Recently recognized as one of Italy's first MICHELIN Key hotels)

  2. Destination of the Week 🌍: Elk, CA (home to the newly opened Sacred Rock Inn - a beautiful new boutique hotel)

  3. Restaurant of the Week 🍴: Mawa’s Kitchen in Aspen, CO from Chef Mawa McQueen

  4. Experience of the Week 🎭: David Blaine’s Show at Wynn & Encore Las Vegas (New dates added for the summer and fall!)

  5. Tour of the Week 🚶‍♀️: Greenwell Coffee Tour in Kona, Hawaii

  6. Activity of the Week 🏄‍♂️: Camping in Lake George, New York (you can actually camp on islands)

  7. Airline of the Week ✈️: Qatar Airways

  8. Cruise of the Week 🚢: Margaritaville at Sea (Last week, Savannah Buffett, daughter of the late Jimmy Buffett, was announced to serve as Godmother of the newest ship, the Islander)

  9. Spa of the Week 💆‍♀️: Qua Spa at Caesars Palace (50,000 sq. feet of luxury!)

  10. Resort of the Week 🏡: Minute Suites (While not a typical resort, these are the best invention for passing time in airports and you feel like you are at a resort!0

DESTINATION INSPIRATION

Travel Predictions And Trends For Summer & Fall 2024

Orlando, Florida

It’s the Tuesday before Memorial Day Weekend (had to check the calendar as it really has come up fast this year)! Many travelers are extending their holidays for a full week of vacation, according to industry insiders.

Chase Travel recently shared data with Travel Today of the top U.S. and European summer travel destinations. Domestically, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles lead the list, while London, Paris, and Tokyo top international bookings. Emerging European hotspots include Brussels, Munich, and Zurich, each seeing significant year-over-year growth

For travelers planning a last-minute weekend trip or summer vacation, there are plenty of deals that tourism boards and destinations are offering travelers:

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, announces summer savings of up to 30% on resorts and attractions, alongside new experiences and seasonal events. From discounted theme park tickets to exclusive Florida resident deals, visitors can enjoy Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and more at reduced rates. Hotels like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort also offer significant savings on extended stays. Visit Orlando's free vacation planning service ensures a seamless and budget-friendly getaway. For more details and deals, visit VisitOrlando.com/summer-deals.

Hop-on jet service JSX is expanding its Scottsdale offerings with new nonstop flights to Dallas starting October 3, 2024. Known for its premium, hassle-free travel experience, JSX allows passengers to avoid crowded airports by traveling through dedicated hangars on spacious 30-seat jets. Introductory fares start at $369 one-way, including amenities like business class legroom, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and beverages. "When Customers ask, JSX delivers," says CEO Alex Wilcox, highlighting the company's commitment to convenience and reliability.

TRAVEL TECH

New Tech To Capture The Perfect Travel Shot

Travel Photographers Utilize Adobe’s Lightroom

With travel photography booming on social media, Adobe's latest Lightroom update is a game-changer for capturing perfect vacation shots. Powered by Adobe Firefly, the new Generative Remove tool lets you non-destructively remove unwanted objects from photos with a single click, ideal for eliminating distractions from your travel snapshots. "We’re excited to bring the magic of Firefly to Lightroom’s millions of users," said Ashley Still, SVP and GM, Creative Cloud at Adobe. Paired with the newly available AI-powered Lens Blur tool, Lightroom makes editing and enhancing your travel photos easier than ever, ensuring every shot from your adventures looks stunning and share-worthy.

HOTEL NEWS

Hotels Expand, Add New Offerings for 2024

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Completed A New Renovation

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort announces a stunning $45 million transformation. Enhancements include redesigned guest rooms, suites, and public spaces, five new beachfront villas, new dining options, and upgraded spa facilities. Guests can enjoy unique wellness experiences such as a traditional Temazcal, and new culinary delights led by Executive Chef Pablo Arias. Located on a tranquil peninsula in Riviera Nayarit, this iconic resort elevates luxury with its blend of Mexican-Mediterranean design and world-class service.

Summer is just around the corner, and affordable luxury hotel brand citizenM is launching its annual summer sale, offering up to 25% off stays through August 2024 at 34 participating hotels. Perfect for planning long-awaited summer vacations, this sale coincides with the upcoming openings of new properties in Boston and Miami. Both members and non-members can enjoy significant savings, making it the ideal time to book your next stay with citizenM.

DEALS AND UPDATES

New Deals & Promotions For 2024

The glorious and huge Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.

With travel to the Bahamas on the rise, Atlantis Paradise Island is offering a Summer Sale with 25% savings and up to $400 resort credit for stays of 4 nights or more. Book from May 15th to June 19th for travel through November 22nd. Resort credits start at $100 for 4-night stays and increase with longer bookings. The Aqua Dining Plan lets children 6 and under eat free with an adult plan. Book at AtlantisBahamas.com or call 888-877-7525.

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month this June with a unique retreat at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona. From June 12-15, the newly renovated guest ranch and spa hosts "Alchemy: A Yoga Experience in the Desert." This immersive retreat features 3-hour yoga sessions in an outdoor stone Labyrinth, a tea ceremony by Tea Master River Dream, horseback rides into energy vortexes, and sunrise hikes up Vulture Peak. Embrace the heat and rejuvenate in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Planning a summer getaway to NYC? The Gansevoort Summer Sessions package at Gansevoort Meatpacking offers 20% off stays from May 19th to September 4th, 2024. Enjoy exclusive rooftop pool access with city views, complimentary Chandon Garden Spritz, and a $50 credit for onsite dining. Suite bookings include a bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé. Book now for an elevated summer experience in the heart of the city!

Outside Lands returns to Golden Gate Park on August 9-11, featuring Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, and a special country set by Post Malone. The lineup also includes Sturgill Simpson, The Postal Service, Grace Jones, and many more. Tickets are on sale now. Expect diverse genres, top-tier culinary offerings, and unique experiences like the Dolores’ stage and SOMA's new open-air dance space.

With travel to London on the rise, The Londoner Hotel is offering an exclusive package in collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum. Guests can enjoy a luxurious stay paired with complimentary tickets to the "NAOMI" exhibition, celebrating the iconic career of supermodel Naomi Campbell. The package includes one night’s bed & breakfast, two exhibition tickets, and access to The Residency and The Retreat. Available from June 22, 2024, to April 6, 2025, this offer is a perfect blend of fashion and luxury in the heart of London. Book your stay now and dive into the world of Naomi Campbell.

Walk Japan introduces its latest adventure, "Kyoto: Mountains to the Sea," an eight-day guided tour through the rural hinterland of Kyoto Prefecture. Starting from the ancient capital, travelers will journey along ancient trade trails, passing historic temples and little-known villages, and concluding at Amonohashidate on the Sea of Japan coast. This immersive experience showcases the region's natural beauty, local cuisine, and cultural tales, offering a serene contrast to Kyoto's urban hustle. Tours begin in October, with prices starting at $2800 per person.

JW Marriott and Flamingo Estate have partnered to enhance travel experiences through a new sensorial journey rooted in well-being. Guests can enjoy a signature herbaceous scent, curated nature-inspired playlists, and a handcrafted honey blend featuring adaptogenic Holy Basil. "Together, JW Marriott and Flamingo Estate are reimagining luxury hospitality by cultivating a fusion of elegance and sensorial experiences," said Bruce Rohr, VP and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. Experience these offerings at select JW Marriott properties worldwide starting May 14, 2024.

Kessler has launched Kessler Charters, offering luxury boating experiences along Savannah's Intracoastal Waterways. Featuring two hand-crafted wooden vessels, Kessler Charters provides year-round tours for up to six guests, helmed by local captains with 20 years of experience. "This one-of-a-kind experience will allow boating enthusiasts, leisure travelers, and culture seekers to enjoy a glamorous journey," said Richard Kessler, chairman and CEO. Tours include a Daytime Dolphin Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and Island Tour, starting at $2,500. Book your voyage at kesslercharters.com.

Discover a family-friendly paradise with summer travel packages at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa. Families can enjoy the Meet A Sea Turtle package, including a self-guided tour of Loggerhead Marinelife Center and a sea turtle adoption. Adults can take advantage of the Hot Savings on the Singer Island package, offering valet parking, yoga classes, and activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Relax with the Journey to SiSpa package, featuring two spa treatments and a welcome glass of Champagne. Book your luxurious oceanfront getaway today at palmbeachmarriottresort.com.

Travel Tip of the Week: Before heading on a cruise, make sure you know the difference between cruise insurance and travel insurance! Thanks to Yonder for sharing this tip.

Upcoming Travel Calendar

May 19-25 is National Travel and Tourism Week from U.S. Travel Association

May 23 - AirFrance debuts new service between Paris and Phoenix. The airline also announced a new partnership with triple Michelin-Starred French Chef, Dominique Crenn

March 23 - Peak Cherry Blossoms Begin in Washington, D.C. according to the National Parks Service. (Check out our favorite hotels in the area, Viceroy Washington DC and Kimpton Banneker Hotel)

May 24–26 - Cali Roots in Monterey, CA

May 28 - Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt will play an exclusive concert residency at Broadway’s recently refurbished Palace Theatre

April 25-30 - San Luis Obispo International Film Festival

June 6 - 16 MURAL Festivals returns with 14 headlining visual artists for its 12th edition - Quebec is a great place to visit during the summer, so we recommend checking out this awesome festival in Montreal.

June 7, 8, 9 - Governor’s Ball NYC - New for the first time ever this year is the ultra-premium Ultimate Ticket which has had incredible public reception! The ticket includes access to a shared Ultimate guest Cabana with all day snacks, dinner buffet, all-inclusive bar, dedicated restroom, and prime views of Main Stage, exclusive front-of-stage viewing at all stages with complimentary beer & seltzer, golf cart transportation between stages, festival concierge to assist with your festival needs, $100 credit to use at official Festival Merch store, and more.

Summer Olympics - This summer, Paris takes the center stage as host of the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. On Location, the official Hospitality provider for the Games, has special tourism packages to help visitors get in on the action.

Aug 15–17 - Park City Song Summit in Park City, UT

October 28 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex announced today that registration is now open for this year’s The Hospitality Show (The Show), which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from October 28-30. Attendees can register here. (While in San Antonio, check out one of our favorite hotels - the Hotel Emma!)

Bon Voyage! See you next Travel Tuesday!

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