We’re in the Big Game…sorta.
We did it. KAYAK has one of those coveted ad spots during the Big Game. But only if it gets supersized and goes to overtime. While we sit with our fingers crossed like the rest of America, we want to celebrate our almost-accomplishment by giving away 56 (see what we did there) $1,000 gift cards, so you can take an epic post-game trip.
To enter, watch our commercial at the link below (which is good, we promise!) and post #OpenYourEyes in the comments section under the video. You could be one of our lucky sweepstakes winners (see rules).*
The pre-check
With more destinations ready for travelers to return, an airline changing its rules around in-flight libations, two budget airlines merging and more, here are this week’s top travel stories.
- Who’s ready to open back up.
Last week, New Zealand government officials announced that the country will soon reopen its borders. But many tourists may have to wait till October before they can enter without quarantining. - Speaking of down under…
After two(ish) years, Australia announced that it will be reopening its borders on February 21st to fully-vaccinated travelers, with no quarantine required. - Who’s changing their menu.
Southwest Airlines recently announced that they will be adding alcoholic beverages back onto their in-flight offerings for the first time in over two years. - Coupled up just in time for Valentine’s.
It was announced that Spirit and Frontier Airlines are making it official: They’ve decided to merge. This move was made to create an “ultra low-fare” carrier and will become the fifth-largest airline in the US. - Who’s trying to change the rules.
Many major airlines, businesses and travel groups are working with the White House in hopes to bring an end to COVID-19 testing requirements for vaccinated international passengers hoping to travel to the US.
Trending travel
Here’s what’s trending and how it can help you make the most of your trip.
Tis the ski-son.
As we’ve mentioned before, getting outdoors is a 2022 trend we’ve seen reflected in our data. More people are searching for destinations that make it easier to get back to nature, which goes hand-in-glove with winter ski trips. That’s why we launched our guide to Trending Ski destinations – which includes info on slope protocols, cost and more. Check out some of our top spots:
- Big Sky, Montana
Search interest is up 106% compared to 2019** - Stowe, Vermont
Search interest is up 89% compared to 2019** - Lake Placid, New York
Search interest is up 84% compared to 2019** - Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Search interest is up 68% compared to 2019** - Park City, UT
Search interest is up 40% compared to 2019**
Want to see the full list of trending destinations and our insider tips? Check it out.
Community Voices
Stories from our community of travelers that can help elevate your own journey.
Embracing travel as part of a new era.
This month, we teamed up with award-winning travel blogger, podcaster and adventure coach, Lauren Gay to share how she empowers black women to adventure outside their comfort zones. Lauren shared her tips on how to embrace travel as part of our lives, even though the travel landscape has changed. Here are some of her tips:
- Create a new travel vision board.
“This is your chance to set new travel goals for yourself so that you can create a plan to make them happen.” - Get inspired by amazing Black Travel content creators.
“With the explosion of TikTok, there are countless creators sharing travel tips and giving us much needed travel inspiration.” - Set up alerts for travel deals.
“Now that things are opening again, go ahead and turn those reminders on so that you can be in the know for the latest flight and vacation package deals.”
Head to the Travel Hacker blog to read what else she had to say.
Social Shoutout
We love a good state park moment – shoutout to @isansjourney for this shot of Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada.
We love to see where KAYAK takes you, use #KAYAKPicks when you post to be featured.
*KAYAK Open Your Eyes Sweepstakes. No purchase necessary. Start date: 02/09/22 at 12:00 PM (EST); End date: 02/14/22 at 11:59 AM (EST). Eligibility: 18 years or older and US Resident residing in the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia. Void where prohibited. See official rules here for full details.
Methodology: **KAYAK considered US hotel searches from 6/1/21-12/31/21 for travel 1/1/22 – 5/31/22 compared to the same search and travel dates 3 years ago.
Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.
