Deep breaths, everyone.
We know the holidays can be a stressful time, but when it comes to travel news and even gift-giving, we’re here to help. Pour yourself some cocoa (or wine), grab some fuzzy socks, inhale deeply, and start reading.
The pre-check
Between travel restrictions changing, stronger cyber defense for transportation and a new vax card, here’s what’s going on in the world of travel.
- Who’s sticking to the plan.
A recent poll showed that more than 75% of Americans intend to go through with their holiday travel plans, even while Omicron has caused the US and other countries to reconsider restrictions. While the emergence of any variant is a concern, it’ll take a while before we know Omicron’s true impact. Meanwhile, stick to local guidance. - Somebody’s ready to bulk up.
According to the AP, TSA recently announced new directions and recommendations for strengthening cyber security defense for US airlines and rail, in an effort to bulk up security for domestic travelers. This is another measure that the US government is taking as it begins to revamp nationwide infrastructure to improve transportation. Hopefully these recommendations will make domestic travel safer and more time-efficient. - Who’s starting to get carded.
Family travelers to NYC take note. Starting December 14th, kids aged 5+ will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to enter restaurants, theaters and more. On Monday the city announced that children 5 – 11 will have to prove having at least one of their COVID-19 shots and children 12+ will be required to have had both doses.
Trending travel
Here’s what’s trending according to our data and how it can help you make the most of your trip.
Some more cha-cha-cha-changes.
In our last newsletter, we gave a bit of a low-down about travel changes with Omicron and how it may impact holiday travel. With restrictions changing, so are our flight search trends. Inquiries for online searches for international flights dipped last week but are starting to improve, whereas searches for domestic flights have remained pretty much the same*.
Our advice? Better to be safe than sorry.
We may sound like a broken record, but you can never go wrong with being too-cautious, which may mean spending a little more to save your trip. We’d recco getting travel insurance and using our flexible filters when searching for flights. When life happens, it pays to be flexible and able to change plans without getting charged.
Gifts of the trade
This week, we’re shaking things up. We asked a handful of KAYAK employees for their must-have travel accessories to help you brainstorm for the traveler(s) in your life.
Tried-and-true gift ideas from the travel-obsessed.
We all have at least one person on our gift list that’s impossible to buy for. That’s why we asked a handful of our KAYAK employees about their most-loved travel accessories. Here are some ideas to help you finally cross *that* person off your list:
- For the person who never wants to pay for a carryon.
“When traveling with my daughter, I use the Target Kids 18″ suitcase and it fits under the seat. There’s enough room for a week in Florida with my 8-year-old’s stuff, including the extra mouse ears.” – Alicia, Brand Marketing - For the parents who travel with their kids to far-off places.
“For the jetsetting parents (& kiddos) you cannot go abroad without this JetKids bed for those long trips.” – Rachel, Instructional Design - For the gamer on the go.
“The Razer Raiju Mobile Gaming Controller makes game playing and video watching easy on the wrists and hands. It attaches to your smartphone so you can keep raiding, no matter where you are.” – Connor, Operations - For the business traveler you’ve envied all of 2021.
“The Dagne Dover Signature Tote allows me to keep everything I need right by my side in an organized fashion. Whether traveling for work or leisure I know I’ll be able to find my wallet, laptop, passport, you-name-it with speed and ease!” – Julie, Human Resources - For the person who needs a little peace and quiet.
“Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones are an absolute game changer for flights! Silence the noise of the engine or crying babies (or adults) and actually relax on a flight.” – Shannon, Talent Programs - For the person with the best comfy-chic travel outfit.
“Lunya leggings and Henleys for long distance airplane travel! The set is comfortable and breathes in uncertain climates (aka every airplane). They have travel sets if you need a full outfit.” – Adriana, Engagement Marketing - For the traveler who’s always losing things.
“This tech organizer case is perfect for your go-to inflight bag. Just place it in the seatback and stow the rest of your carry-on. No need for searching, untangling, or bumping into the person in the seat next to you.” – Deb, Accounting
Social shoutouts
Special shoutout to @shernand2021 for this tweet and for voicing over a feeling we know all too well. There’s a reason why we have a running list of Price Alerts at all times…
We love to see where KAYAK takes you, use #KAYAKPicks when you post to be featured.
Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.
*The data shown represents indexed flight search volume across KAYAK brands in the listed origin countries. The data will be updated daily to reflect month over month and year over two year changes in traveler interest. For year over two year comparisons by day, we compare the same day of the week from the same week two years ago.
