Experiences

Travel today is all about immersion. At Skift, we dive into how companies like Airbnb, Marriott, and Disney are redefining what it means to create memorable experiences for travelers.

Here, you’ll find stories about everything from Airbnb’s unique experiences and Viator’s handpicked activities to the latest in luxury travel that’s setting new standards.

Read more

Virtual experiences are shaking things up, offering new ways to explore the world without leaving home. Whether it’s the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi or Disney’s latest attractions, we’re here to keep you informed on the trends that are driving the experiential travel landscape.

Check out the latest articles from Skift to stay in the loop on how the world of travel experiences is evolving.

Airlines

U.S. Experiential Traveler Trends 2019: New Skift Research

In the third iteration of this survey, we give an in-depth look at how the modern American travelers’ values, attitudes, and behaviors have changed or remained constant over time.

Meghan Carty | 7 years ago

Announcements

Submissions Now Open: Introducing the Skift Design Awards 2019

Brands that make life more seamless or more fulfilling win the long-term journey for loyal customers. This is accomplished through intentional design of built environments, digital services, and experiences, and that's what Skift Design Awards will uncover and recognize. Submissions are now open!

Rafat Ali | 7 years ago

Experiences

This California Destination Is on the Forefront of Innovative Meetings and Events

Scientific research has proved the connection between inspirational environments and forward thinking ideas. No wonder visionary meeting planners have embraced Monterey County, where a history of innovation and scenic landscapes collide.

Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau + Skift | 7 years ago

TripAdvisor Emphasizes Experience Booking and 13 Other Digital Trends This Week

This week in digital news, TripAdvisor moves away from the crowded hotel booking scene, USA Today Travel suffered when it moved online, and travel advisors realize boomers may be the most lucrative customers.

Isaac Carey | 7 years ago

Experiences

TripAdvisor Places Big Bets on Experience Bookers Rather Than Hotel Shoppers

TripAdvisor is leveraging its strengths — tours and activities, and restaurants — where it has leadership positions rather than choosing to devote the bulk of its energies in the crowded field of hotels and alternative accommodations. It is a wise choice to differentiate rather than be a mere clone of its competitors.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Experiences

TripAdvisor Saw Experiences and Restaurants as Major Growth Contributors in 2018

Fickle investors, meaning those without a long-range view, didn't necessarily appreciate the breadth of the TripAdvisor platform in the past. The company isn't the biggest player out there, but its strong positions in tours and activities, as well as restaurants, is injecting momentum.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Knowledge Is Now a Luxury Commodity

It makes sense for hotels to step up their cultural programming, and for a certain high-end guest, it will provide an extra incentive to book.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Experiences

Travel Megatrends 2019: Brands Give Travelers More Control Over Their Experience

Creation is the new consumption, as travelers weary of commodity travel seek to have a more active role in curating their experiences, and digital platforms more seamlessly mediate in-trip discovery, increasing the opportunity for serendipity.

Andrew Sheivachman | 7 years ago

Experiences

New Science Says Meeting Planners Should Embrace Unorthodox Venues and Experiences

New scientific research links getting out of your comfort zone with increased creativity. For meeting planners looking for the next big thing, that means smaller-scale venues and unexpected destinations should be top of mind.

Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau + Skift | 7 years ago

Windstar Eyes the Future of Cruising With a Major Renovation Project

Travel providers need to step up the experiences they offer to compete in an increasingly crowded market –– and those in the cruise sector are no exception. With the recent announcement that it’s overhauling three of its ships, Windstar Cruises is one example of a cruise brand that realizes this.

Windstar Cruises + Skift | 7 years ago