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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, 2024December 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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VERNAL CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP. ANNOUNCES PRICING OF $100 MILLION INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

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NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vernal Capital Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: VECA) (“Vernal”) announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 10,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under “VECAU” beginning May 6, 2026. Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one right to receive one-fourth of one ordinary share upon consummation of an initial business combination. Upon separate trading, the ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on NYSE under “VECA” and “VECAR,” respectively.

D. Boral Capital LLC is acting as sole book-running manager of the offering. The underwriters have a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional units to cover any over-allotments. The offering is expected to close on May 7, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

A registration statement for these securities was declared effective by the SEC on May 5, 2026. The offering is made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, from D. Boral Capital LLC, 590 Madison Ave., 39th Floor, New York, New York 10022, by telephone at (212) 970-5150 or by email at dbccapitalmarkets@dboralcapital.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or to buy, nor shall there be any sale where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the applicable securities laws.

About Vernal

Vernal is a blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Vernal’s target search will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding Vernal’s IPO. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. No assurance can be given that the offering will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, beyond Vernal’s control, including those in the Risk Factors section of Vernal’s registration statement filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Vernal disclaims any obligation to release publicly updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in Vernal’s expectations, except as required by law.

Contact

Binghan Yi, CFO
binghan@vernal.com
www.vernalspac.com

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RIVANNA nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year at MedTech World Awards 2026 | North America

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Nomination places the Charlottesville-based company among growth-stage medtech leaders recognized for commercial momentum in AI-powered clinical decision support; public voting is open through May 8

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RIVANNA®, developer of AI-powered clinical decision-support solutions, today announced that it has been nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year at the MedTech World Awards 2026 | North America. Public voting is open through Friday, May 8, 2026, with category winners to be announced at the inaugural North American Awards Gala on May 11, 2026, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida.

The MedTech Scale-Up of the Year category honors a growth-stage company successfully scaling revenues, partnerships, and adoption across the global medical technology ecosystem. Nominees across the program’s 22 categories were selected through a structured process led by the MedTech World Steering Committee, with category winners determined by a combination of expert evaluation and public voting from the global MedTech community.

“We have built RIVANNA on validation earned from the most rigorous technical buyers in healthcare: competitive federal awards translated into FDA-cleared products, each paired with a commercial program that meets clinicians where they work,” said Will Mauldin, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of RIVANNA. “Being nominated for MedTech Scale-Up of the Year is a meaningful affirmation of that approach and the team executing it.”

Public voting closes Friday, May 8, 2026. Members of the MedTech community are invited to support RIVANNA’s nomination at the official voting page: vote here.

The award nomination follows a year of measurable scaling for RIVANNA:

In October 2025, RIVANNA reported on being named a finalist in MedTech Innovator’s 2025 Early-Stage Grand Prize competition, selected from nearly 1,500 global applicants to represent the top 4% of medtech innovations worldwide.In December 2025, RIVANNA reported on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) clearance of its Accuro® 3S Needle Guide Kit consumables, building on existing Accuro 3S device clearance.In April 2026, RIVANNA reported on peer-reviewed findings, published in 2025 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine (DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.11.011), showing that the Accuro® XV musculoskeletal imaging system enables non-physician operators to acquire diagnostic-quality scans after just one hour of hands-on training.In May 2026, RIVANNA reported on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) clearance of the Accuro® XV Diagnostic Ultrasound System for musculoskeletal imaging, authorizing commercial use across hospital and clinic settings.The company’s clinical program now spans eight sites nationwide with more than 1,500 patients enrolled.

The 2026 MedTech World Awards | North America, powered by Blue Goat Cyber, will be presented Monday, May 11, 2026, at the inaugural North American Awards Gala at the Hilton West Palm Beach, marking the first time the MedTech World Awards have been hosted in the United States.

About the MedTech Scale-Up of the Year Award
Presented by MedTech World, the MedTech Scale-Up of the Year category recognizes growth-stage medical technology companies demonstrating strong commercial momentum, expanding partnerships, and accelerating real-world adoption. The award is one of 22 categories spanning innovation, clinical excellence, regulatory strategy, investment, and leadership across the global MedTech ecosystem.

About RIVANNA
RIVANNA® is a medical technology company developing clinical decision-support solutions powered by proprietary clinical datasets, AI models, and purpose-built imaging hardware. The company’s platform automates complex anatomical analysis at the point of care, enabling faster, more confident clinical decisions while reducing variability and expanding access to advanced capabilities. The first applications target significant market opportunities in regional anesthesia and fracture care. RIVANNA has built a proven FDA regulatory track record across its Accuro® platform, with device clearances for Accuro® 3S (spinal needle guidance) and Accuro® XV (musculoskeletal imaging), a portfolio of supporting cleared consumables, and AI software modules advancing through regulatory review. The company is backed by 100+ patents and validated through clinical partnerships with leading academic medical centers. RIVANNA is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and operates an FDA-registered, ISO 13485:2016-certified manufacturing facility. Learn more at rivannamedical.com.

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D2L Launch Week Highlights Latest Product Releases

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Latest innovations are designed to save time, simplify workflows, and help drive better learning outcomes

TORONTO, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, hosted its first-ever D2L Launch Week, a four-day virtual webinar series spotlighting the company’s latest product innovations across D2L Brightspace in 2026.

Throughout the week, D2L showcased a range of product releases through live demos and practical customer use cases, highlighting how institutions, school districts and organizations can help to drive engagement and improve learning outcomes. The featured updates include enhancements to D2L Lumi for idea generation, intervention suggestions, quiz creation and summarization; tools to strengthen parent and guardian outreach; and administrative capabilities designed to help large organizations delegate course and configuration management more effectively.

“We’re proud to showcase the ways D2L continues to innovate to help make learning more personalized, efficient, and scalable,” said Christian Pantel, Chief Product Officer at D2L. “From new D2L Lumi features to enhanced communication tools and more flexible distributed administration capabilities, these updates are designed to help our customers save time, improve usability, and deliver better learning experiences at scale.”

Enhancements to D2L Lumi

Among the new capabilities were several updates to D2L’s AI-native tool, D2L Lumi, designed to improve usability, transparency, and alignment across workflows, including:

D2L Lumi Ideas: Generates assignment and discussion ideas directly within Brightspace, making it easier to generate high quality content aligned to learning outcomes.D2L Lumi Insights: Gives educators access to learning intervention suggestions, designed to provide recommended next steps based on learner data.D2L Lumi Quiz: Helps educators generate questions from multiple course content topics and includes a more streamlined question-generation workflow.D2L Lumi Summary: Supports summarization from more content sources, including nested submodules, and can give educators the ability to preview and adjust source text before summarization.

Updates to Parent and Guardian Communications

D2L also introduced new parent and guardian communication enhancements to help K-12 educators strengthen engagement beyond the classroom. Teachers can now send bulk emails to all parents and guardians associated with students in their class. For individual student outreach, teachers can also email parents and guardians of a specific learner, making it easier to share timely updates on student progress and classroom activity.

Manage Distributed Administration at Scale

Distributed Administration gives organizations more flexibility to delegate administrative responsibilities across organization levels. With Distributed Administration, administrators can manage specific areas, enabling them to oversee courses while helping to reduce bottlenecks and free up time.

Learn more about the latest product releases showcased at D2L Launch Week.

About D2L   
D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L is on a mission to make learning more inspiring, engaging and human. Find out how D2L helps transform lives and delivers outstanding learning outcomes in K-12, higher education and businesses.

D2L Media Contact
PR@D2L.com
X: @D2L
© 2026 D2L Corporation.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS.

All D2L and H5P marks are owned by the D2L group of companies. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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