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KAYAK Launches WTF (What the Future) Travel Trend Report

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1 year ago

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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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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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7 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

Published

7 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

By

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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Fathom Applauds Introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the First Federal Blueprint for Independent AI Verification

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7 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduce a bill to build a competitive marketplace of independent verifiers for frontier AI models.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom welcomes the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the most complete federal framework yet for independent, third-party verification of frontier AI. The legislation is built to earn public trust as AI technology continues to accelerate. As frontier systems begin to take autonomous action in the world, the gap between what these models can do and our ability to keep them in check is widening. FRONTIER is the starting point to close that gap.

“AI governance keeps running into the same wall. The technology is hard to measure and it moves faster than any law can keep up with,” said Andrew Freedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Fathom. “Trying to write the perfect rules and freezing them in place won’t work. What will work is a competitive market of independent verifiers who are accountable for real-world outcomes and who the government can actually count on. The FRONTIER Act shows we can move fast and still get this right.”

The bill gets the fundamentals correct. It sets one public standard – the adequate mitigation of catastrophic risk – and holds both the AI companies and their independent verifiers accountable to it. FRONTIER does not freeze a single testing method into statute. Instead, it licenses competing verification organizations, allows them to sharpen their methods, and gives the government the power to revoke a license when a verifier’s work does not hold up in the field. That is how you build a system that keeps pace with the science instead of falling behind it.

Fathom thanks Reps. Trahan and Obernolte for their leadership, and for their courage in releasing a discussion draft, inviting scrutiny, and incorporating substantive improvements from across the field. One priority improvement as the bill advances: giving the government a fuller range of tools to act upstream – for pushing companies to close identified gaps in risk mitigation early, rather than only once a catastrophe is imminent. We are committed to working with these sponsors, committees of jurisdiction, and Congressional leadership to continue refining the bill in the weeks and months ahead.

About Fathom
Fathom is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to build a governance architecture that helps society navigate the transition to a world with AI by fostering trust, safety, and innovation. Fathom has developed and championed the independent verification model for AI and works with policymakers across the country to put it into practice. Learn more at http://fathom.org.

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SOURCE Fathom AI Inc.

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