Summer vacations will be more expensive this year as US consumers face price hikes over considerations like airfare and lodging. As a result, many travelers are cutting back and turning to digital channels to find deals. Despite these economic headwinds, US digital travel sales are expected to reach $332.56 billion, up 5.0% YoY, EMARKETER forecasts. If sales are increasing on digital travel channels, it’s not because consumers are looking to buy more things. The rise in travel-related expenses is much higher than modest gains on digital channels, suggesting travelers are cutting back.
In a fragmented media landscape, reaching consumers is only part of the challenge. New research from Viasat Ads suggests the environment in which an ad is viewed can have a measurable impact on attention, recall, and performance.
Premium demand gives airlines confidence to pass fuel costs to travelers.
Rather than creating an out-of-home (OOH) campaign designed to generate social media buzz, travel app Skyscanner did the reverse: It turned an already-viral TikTok moment into a real-world brand experience. The company recently installed a billboard in the baggage claim area of San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, riffing on the viral "First time in San Juan, mi hijo?" audio created by Pittsburgh comedian Bill Stiteler (@saxboybilly18), which continues to soundtrack vacation videos, travel recaps and Puerto Rico getaways across TikTok. The billboard greets arriving visitors with the message: "First time in San Juan, mi hijo? Next time, compare flights and save 30% on average."
A wrap-up of the most popular payment stories so far this year.
Lower-cost business and first-class fares aim to capture new demand.
Travel AI earns trust, but only before checkout: Platforms use AI for planning and support while keeping booking in human-led territory.
Adding BNPL to booking platforms helps Southwest to serve travelers on a budget.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the scale of the World Cup, how many people in the US will engage with the event, whether the World Cup will spark a surge in sports tourism among Americans, and the best ways for brands to capture fans' attention during the tournament (and other major events). Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Forecasting Oscar Orozco, and Senior Forecasting Analyst Drew Spink. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify.
TikTok audiences watch just 21% of the average branded video, meaning 4 out of 5 viewers drop off before the end, according to a March report from Dash Social.
Bain trims expectations as Middle East conflict and softer tourism weigh on demand.
The launch of Visa Destinations beefs up travel rewards that nets younger consumers’ loyalty
In today’s podcast episode, we discuss what summer travel will look like for Americans this year, where people go online to book their vacations, and how AI is helping travelers plan and manage their trips. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Vice President of Research Jennifer Pearson and Principal Analyst Zak Stambor. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian, Analyst Paola Flores-Marquez, and Senior Analyst Gadjo Sevilla. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify.
Expedia Group (39.7 million) and Priceline.com (23.7 million) drew a combined 63.4 million unique US visitors in March 2026, more than 3.5x the 17.5 million pulled by the other eight sites on the top 10 list combined, according to March data from Comscore.
Airbnb attracted 17.7 million unique US visitors in March 2026, 55% more than Marriott's 11.4 million, the most-visited traditional hotel brand, according to an April report from Comscore.
Paid search ad clicks in the jobs and education industry fell 13.1% YoY in Q1 2026, a stark reversal from the same category's 254% growth in Q1 2025, according to an April report from Skai.
Fuel shock halves expected global earnings as fares climb and demand weakens.
Travel brands can stand out with smarter AI: Pairing personalization, transparency, and oversight could turn cautious users into loyalists.
International travelers are looking for affordability and health benefits when going abroad.