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KAYAK Launches WTF (What the Future) Travel Trend Report

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Rise in City Jumping, Spiritual Sidequests and Feedbooking among top travel predictions for travel by 2030

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Out with single-stop journeys, in with city jumping adventures. Bid farewell to self-care trips and welcome journeys of self-discovery and cosmetic-cations. Loyalty programs take a back seat as price-conscious travelers seek better deals.

Today, KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, is rolling out its WTF – What the Future – report, giving travelers a first look at the hottest travel trends shaping the next 5 years.

Diving into survey insights from over 9,000 individuals spanning 9 countries, exclusive interviews with KAYAK executives, and an in-depth analysis of KAYAK’s billions of searches, KAYAK teamed up with The Future Laboratory, a trailblazer in trend forecasting, to unveil eight groundbreaking travel trends set to dominate your social media feeds and shape the future of travel by 2025.

So… What’s The Future? KAYAK’s Travel Predictions for 2030

AI Agents
A new wave of travel agents is emerging, focusing on personalized travel experiences. Over one third (36%) of Americans would use AI for travel recommendations and inspiration. Another third wish AI could simplify comparing flight and hotel prices (33% and 34%) . While 71% of Americans have yet to try AI for trip planning, by 2030, AI assistants will be more commonly used.

“AI is already rapidly improving customer support for travel delays and itinerary changes. It’s also suggesting personalized recommendations of places to visit and things to do. The next big step forward will be automated bookings – and we’re already making KAYAK AI agent-friendly.” – Steve Hafner, CEO of KAYAK

City Jumpin’, Jumpin’
By 2030, travelers will prioritize multi-stop trips over single destination vacations. Looking ahead to next year, there’s already 45% of Americans who are planning to “city jump” or visit multiple cities in a single vacation. Why? 47% want to experience more during their trip and 49% are all about affordability. This year, 93% of Americans aim to explore 1 to 5 cities per trip. And by 2030, that number could double.

Vitamin T
By 2030, the value of a trip will hinge on wellness scores. KAYAK notes a surge in wellness travel, with pools as the top searched hotel amenity globally, followed by hot tubs, spas, and fitness facilities. 60% of travelers prioritize relaxation, while 13% emphasize health and wellness. Destinations promoting longevity will become sought-after additions to travelers’ bucket lists.

A Cosmetic-cation Boom For Americans It’s not just wellness scores that will be all the rage by 2030. If you’ve ever heard of a healthcation then get ready for a cosmetic-cation (i.e. a trip for a cosmetic or beauty procedure). While only a small group have jetted off for cosmetic treatments abroad, 1 in 8 have considered it, hinting at a future surge, with another 1 in 10 ready to go test it out. For those who HAVE traveled for a cosmetic-cation, affordability (for 61%) is the key factor. With healthcare expenses climbing, brace yourself for more international jaunts for beauty enhancements by 2030! Hair transplants in Turkey, anyone?

Feedbooking
A social shopping surge is on the horizon. Nearly half of Americans (43%) have made purchases influenced by social media, with another 20% having considered it. Facebook and Instagram are top influencers, with over a quarter of Americans booking a trip after seeing a post. Current social purchases run $200 or less, but by 2030, KAYAK expects social media to become a travel shopping hub, boosting purchase numbers.

Travel is Gonna be LIT (Low Intensity Trips)
Off-season adventures await. For more than one third of Americans (36%), off-season travel is preferred to avoid the crowds, even if it means a compromise on the weather. Not to mention the savings! Opting for shoulder season travel in Europe can slash costs by up to 27% compared to peak periods. KAYAK predicts a rise in offbeat destinations driven by better prices and more conscious traveler choices in the next 5 years.

Virtual Voyages
Here comes a travel tech revolution. 1 in 7 Americans are embracing VR headsets to explore destinations before booking, and by 2030, holographic concierges and automatic airfare refunds could be the norm. Travelers are excited about virtual hotel room previews (35%) and in-flight VR entertainment (10%) for an immersive journey.

Spiritual Sidequests
Get ready to soar with a spiritual sidequest. 1 in 6 Americans are eyeing silent retreats to disconnect from their phones, while 1 in 14 are keen on psychedelic therapy trips abroad. These trends are primed to skyrocket in the next 5 years!

Disloyalty Programs
Americans have a love-hate relationship with loyalty programs, which we predict will continue to evolve in the next 5 years. Now, about 22% of Americans are in travel loyalty programs, but 21% feel price comparison tools (like KAYAK!) offer better value than traditional airline rewards. This is why we’ll start to see loyalty programs shift to cater to more price-conscious travelers. With 72% expecting pricier travel ahead, saving is key – travelers are ready to switch brands to be loyal to the deal instead.

Learn more about KAYAK’s WTF predictions HERE.

Methodology

Global Survey insights
PureSpectrum interviewed 9112 respondents aged 18+ in the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden who travel for leisure purposes internationally at least once a year. The survey was conducted using an online methodology. A sample of 2000 people were polled in the US, and all other markets had a targeted minimum sample of 1000 completes. The research fieldwork was conducted from August 13 – 20, 2024.

US Survey insights
This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc panel of individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. Total sample size was 1091 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th – 20th December 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).

KAYAK data analysis
Based on hotel searches made on KAYAK and associated brands in the period between September 1, 2023 and September 15, 2024 for stays between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.

About KAYAK
KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We also support business travelers with our corporate travel solution.

About The Future Laboratory
The Future Laboratory is one of the world’s most renowned futures consultancies. With a unique blend of trend forecasting, consumer insight, brand strategy and innovation, the company has helped to shape, inspire and future-proof organisations globally since 2001.

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SOURCE KAYAK

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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