We might need a little something sweet.
Much like the moon last week, this week’s newsletter is full… of stories. From car rentals to new airline things and changing travel regulations, gab some candy from your stash, or a few crystals if you have ‘em, and read up on what’s going on in the world of travel.
The pre-check
With a new kind of rental car ready to hit the market, new things happening with flights and shifting COVID-19 restrictions, here’s your travel news for the week.
- A new COVID travel system in the US.
The US government – which will be launching a new travel system starting November 8. This system will end the travel ban on dozens of countries, will require fully-vaccinated US citizens to have a negative COVID-19 test within three days of returning and unvaccinated travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test within one day of returning.
- It’s electric!
Something you could be saying about your rental car soon. On Monday, Hertz announced that it will be buying some 100,000 Teslas to add to its global fleet. By the end of next year, these smart cars will be available to rent at airports around the US and some European cities, too.
- What you say when you finally find your keys.
Last Sunday, Aha!, became the third newest US airline to make its debut on the tarmac. The airline, whose name apparently stands for “air hotel adventure,” will offer non-stop flights between several cities in Oregon, Washington state and Nevada.
- In other flight-related news…
More passengers are flying first-class, according to a recent Washington Post article. Due to several pandemic factors, such as people wanting more space between others on board and unused points/miles, passengers have been more willing to splurge than ever before on a bougie seat.
- Who’s ready to open up.
After two months of asking travelers to kindly put their plans on pause, governor David Ige announced last Tuesday that Hawaii will be welcoming back fully vaccinated visitors starting November 1. With fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations, the governor noted that Hawaii’s economy can now start to recover. We love a good comeback story.
- Pfizer vaccine coming for kids 5-11.
This week, the FDA recommended approving Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 years of age. The expectation is that it will be authorized for use sometime in early-November, possibly in time for holiday travel. We’ll be on the lookout for news on how this impacts travel restrictions – especially changes to what’s required when traveling with kids internationally. Stay tuned.
Trending travel
Here’s what’s trending according to our data and how it can help you make the most of your trip.
Travelers taking TV fandom to the next level.
Our binge-watching habits are a far cry from March 2020, when big cat enthusiasts ruled our screens. Now, a South Korean dystopian drama has taken the top spot, with a plot-driven by classism under capitalism and unchecked violence. Sounds about right. After a certain show (…named after a cephalopod… please tell our legal team we’re trying) was released on September 17th, our data saw a spike in interest on flights to South Korea. Searches from the US to SK went up 29% in the month following the show’s release, when compared to the month prior.*
And listen, while the temptation of dalgona candy may be fueling those search fingers, we hate to burst your bubble. South Korea remains mostly closed to US travelers, having revoked their visa-free travel agreement, meaning most travelers won’t be able to enter the country – only those with special exceptions.
Off the beaten path
Where we share stories, tips, or hacks that might’ve been missed in your usual content feed.
Around the world in nine months.
Ever dreamed about traveling around the world? If so, Royal Caribbean just made that dream a whole lot closer to becoming a reality. As many cruise lines ease back into open waters, Royal Caribbean decided to take things a step further with a new cruise route that will take passengers to over 150 destinations.
The “Serenade of the Seas” is scheduled to depart from Miami in December 2023 and is split into four parts: Round the Horn Americas & Antarctica, Wonders of Asia & the Pacific, Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med and Capitals of Culture. Travelers can book the entire nine-month experience, or just join for one of the four sections outlined above. However, if your sights are set on the high seas, we’d recommend saving now. The trip ranges from $66,000 to $112,000 per person, not including taxes and other fees. Completely unrelated, but does anyone have 100k to spare? Asking for a friend…
Social shoutouts
ICYMI: As of last Saturday, it’s officially Scorpio szn, so here’s to all the jet-setting Scorpios out there.
Did we get it right? Retweet and/or respond via Twitter and let us know what you think.
Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.
*Methodology: KAYAK looked at searches from the US to South Korea between September 17, 2021 to October 17, 2021 and compared it to searches the month prior (August 17, 2021 – September 17, 2021).
