2015 Archives

FlightCar has a cool idea that lets travelers get monetary usage out of their cars, which would otherwise remain stationary during a trip, but it probably still isn't any easier or cheaper to use the service compared to an already existing airport car rental company.

Building a loyalty program for independent hotels creates a significant challenge considering the weight of both existing hotel plans and those offered by credit card companies including American Express, Capital One, and others.

The U.S. is the clear leader for connectivity megahubs as some carriers' hubs get bigger and Americans exhibit increased demand for inter-city business and leisure travel.

Young Chinese travelers increasingly want to connect with their adventurous sides as that market matures, but they're also bungee jumping, luging, and skiing to show-off cool photos on their social media profiles to prove they deserve attention and respect.

Some lines call them service fees. Others call them gratuities. But one thing is for sure: cruise lines generate income by charging daily fees that aren't included in initial cruise fares. It's unclear whether the money is actually going to those who serve passengers, or represents a growing source of ancillary income to offset other costs. For now, we'll call this phenomenon hate sailing.

HomeAway's acquisition of Dwellable looks like a classic employee grab to help with development of HomeAway's own apps. And having funding participation from a HomeAway board member at the time never hurts in getting the big company's attention.

On one hand, hotels can be impersonal giants that don't allow for individuality or local understanding. On the other they can be an escape from the mundane, where the cost of managing fun or freedom is outsourced to someone else.

Multigenerational travel is crucial to cruise lines filling their ships and driving a profit. Partnering with visible entertainment brands helps them attract families with kids. Then parents can send their kids off to play with Shrek while they spend money onboard.

While there are many issues prohibiting meeting attendees from booking Airbnb, the amount of those who do will skyrocket as more people understand the opportunities for local travel experiences and inherent cost savings. Affordable sharing accommodations also help people attend educational association events who otherwise might not be able to afford to participate.

Booking.com wants to answer the needs of "one customer," the one who books an apartment one day and a five-star hotel the next. Yes, a revolution in lodging is under way and Booking.com is now shouting about it.