Cue the lights.
As we get deeper into December, many of us are in the throes of finalizing holiday plans to see family, friends or just get away. We’ll keep sharing the news that’ll help you navigate this busy season – and wish you and yours a happy, healthy and bright holiday.
The pre-check
The week’s latest travel stories and news.
- Know before you go.
If you’ve traveled lately, airports almost feel like we’re partying like it’s 2019. Forbes has rounded up what restrictions still exist, like masking at NY airports and vaccine mandates. - Tag, you’re it.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a long line to check your bag, stressing that you’ll miss boarding – Alaska Airlines is bringing electronic tags to speed up the entire process. - All the dank travel tips.
For anyone who’s planning on packing some… herbal encouragement this season, here’s what you should know about traveling with cannabis products. - No more ragers.
AirBnB is cracking down on New Year’s Eve parties – banning 1-night bookings across their site for the NYE weekend.
Trending travel
Your travel future: what we see happening in 2023
Forget a crystal ball. We’ve got the data to back up our mouths when we say that these are the travel trends you should expect next year. Including which destinations are hotter than ever (spoiler: they’re mostly in the Asia/Pacific region – thanks, broadly, to changing travel restrictions in 2022). Check out some of the top trending destinations* travelers are searching for:
Searches up 769% year over year
In March, the country began to slowly back off restrictions, fully opening in May. Travelers got excited, making it our #1 trending destination.
Searches up 289% year over year
Taiwan lifted quarantine restrictions just this past October. Taipei City is known for its architecture and night markets – we can’t wait for you to see it.
Searches up 272% year over year
New Zealand didn’t mess back in 2020. Now, they’ve lightened travel restrictions, allowing in travelers as long as they’re vaccinated and test upon arrival.
Searches up 201% year over year
For travel to Singapore, as long as you show proof of vaccination, you’re free to enter. Check out the capital city’s pristine gardens and shop in Kampong Glam.
Want more (plus what we’re predicting will be the big travel trends next year)? Head here.
Tricks of the trade
The best day to leave for your trip.
First of all, let’s bust some myths. Better prices on Tuesdays? Not actually a thing. Using incognito mode? Also a lie. But, when it comes to the question of “is there a day of the week to fly out so I get a cheaper price?” Well, there’s some truth to that. Our data found that if you book your departing flight to leave on a Thursday or Friday, you can expect to spend less than other days of the week**. The more you know. 🌈
Social shoutouts
Travel connects us in so many ways. Thanks to @breakfast_with_tiffani for sharing
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Methodology:
*KAYAK US considered round trip, economy flight searches for search dates 7.1.2022-11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For YoY search change, search dates 7.1.2021-11.20.2021 and travel dates 1.1.2022-12.31.2022 were used. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.
**KAYAK US considered historical data for round trip, economy flight searches in 2021 and 2022. In both years, search dates 1/1 – 11/20 for travel dates 1/1-12/31 of the same year were used.
