Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us Fan MailMoney movement is the hidden engine powering travel and too often the root cause of stalled bookings, compressed margins, and delayed supplier payouts. In this episode, we sit down with Erich Ko, Senior GTM Partnerships Manager at Airwallex, to break down the full financial journey from traveler checkout to final supplier settlement and outline practical ways travel brands can replace slow wire transfers, hidden FX costs, and manual reconciliation with a unified, programmable global platform.We unpack the real challenges tour operators face when pricing trips months in advance while paying suppliers in appreciating currencies. Erich explains how local payment rails, multi currency wallets, and like for like settlement reduce spreads and eliminate unnecessary fees at every stage. We also explore transparent FX with real time fee visibility, automated rules that lock in conversions at target rates, and programmatic execution that removes human delay from critical transactions.The conversation explores how virtual card issuing increases control and speed for supplier payments, why embedded payment acceptance boosts conversion through wallets like Apple Pay and Alipay, and how flexible options like deposits and BNPL better align with traveler cash flow in today’s higher rate environment.Canada stands out as a proving ground for globally ambitious travel brands that have outgrown domestic first banking tools. With local licensing, on the ground teams, and purpose built products, Airwallex enables seamless movement of funds across US, Europe, and Asia corridors with same day reliability and end to end visibility.Looking ahead, speed and reliability are no longer differentiators. They are expectations. The competitive advantage lies in programmability through APIs, wallets, and flexible payout infrastructure that can adapt to AI agents, emerging distribution channels, and increasingly dynamic travel products.The practical playbook is clear. Map your entire funds flow. Quantify the true cost including headcount and delays. Consolidate onto a single multi currency platform. Design your payments stack to be AI ready from day one.Learn more at airwallex.com.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailReady to meet the leaders driving the next phase of multi-day tour growth?In this Event Preview Episode we’re taking you inside the plans for Arival 360 Valencia, a focused three-day gathering where operators, distributors, and travel tech leaders come together to talk tours, activities, attractions and this year, a significantly expanded Multi-Day Tour Program.Building on the multi program success from Washington, DC, this isn’t just a side conversation. It’s a dedicated, strategic stream built specifically for multi-day operators looking to scale distribution, modernize tech, and build stronger partnerships across Europe and beyond.Our first conversation features Bruce Rosard, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Arival, who shares why the expansion of the Multi-Day Stream reflects one of the biggest shifts happening in in-destination travel right now: operators moving from fragmented systems and manual processes toward scalable, connected distribution ecosystems.   Meet the Multi-Day Leaders Before You ArriveAs part of our Travel Trends Podcast coverage, we’ll be hosting exclusive 15-minute pre-event interviews on our YouTube Channel with several of the key Multi-Day speakers including TourRadar CEO Travis Pittman, WeRoad CEO Andrea D’Amico, G Adventures GM EMEA, Brian Young, Contiki Director of Product Strategy Natasha Lawrence and more.These short conversations are designed to help you:Learn more about the speakers and their companiesUnderstand what’s bringing them to Arival ValenciaDiscover the partnership opportunities they’re actively exploringIdentify who you should connect with before you even landThink of it as strategic networking before the event begins.A Dedicated Multi-Day Stream The expanded Multi-Day Tour Program brings together senior leaders from companies like Intrepid, Exxotica, Evan Evans, TTC and Much Better Adventures and more for candid, practical discussions around:Distribution strategy across direct, OTAs, and marketplace partnersConnectivity challenges and API-driven integrationContent and inventory systems for complex, multi-departure catalogsChannel mix optimization and margin protectionMarketing that balances storytelling with operational disciplineBacked by Arival’s proprietary research, including new multi-day specific insights on tech adoption, channel performance, and shifting consumer demand, this stream is designed for operators looking for growth. Beyond Multi-Day: AI, Culinary & Executive StrategyWhile Multi-Day expansion is a major focus, the broader program also delivers:Executive Summit: A facilitator-led day for 100 industry leaders tackling pricing, channel strategy, product design, and scalable systems.AI Track & Hands-On Lab: Practical sessions on LLM distribution, evolving search behavior, and workflow automation you can deploy immediately.Culinary Experiences Track: Deep dives into premium product design, gastronomy partnerships, compliance, and pricing for high-value food and spirits experiences.Special Offer - Save €100 and Be Part of the Spotlight EpisodeIf you are a tour operator navigating the complexities of multi-day product distribution in Europe, this year’s Valencia event is especially built for you. When you register with this code, let us know and we’ll make sure you’re featured in our Travel Trends Event Spotlight in Valencia, hThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailMost travel stories skip the middle. The ferries, buses, and trains that actually move us between major gateways and the places we are dreaming about rarely get the spotlight. In this episode, we focus on that overlooked backbone of the travel ecosystem with Travelier CEO and cofounder Noam Toister, whose company is digitizing ground and sea transport across more than 100 countries and thousands of operators. If flights and hotels have long benefited from seamless booking technology, this remains one of the last major frontiers in travel and it is transforming what is possible when building an itinerary.Noam takes us inside the operational complexity behind the scenes. Fragmented schedules, inconsistent service standards, mid route stops, and operators without digital booking systems have historically made this category difficult to navigate. Travelier built the missing infrastructure, including operator software, aggregation tools, and a fast, reliable API that allows travelers to compare real time options, see transparent pricing, and book with confidence. This foundation does more than organize a fragmented system. It opens access to secondary and emerging destinations, helping shift demand away from overcrowded hubs and toward towns, islands, and regions that benefit most from tourism.We explore practical examples, from combining a flight and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao in a single booking flow, to transforming Greek island hopping from uncertainty into a streamlined plan. We also discuss how demand data is helping unlock new and underserved routes in Vietnam, Indonesia, Morocco, Costa Rica, and beyond. The conversation examines Travelier’s marketplace model across both B2C and B2B channels, its multi brand strategy including 12go in Southeast Asia and Plataforma 10 and DeÔnibus in Latin America, and how strategic acquisitions during the pandemic accelerated global expansion.Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Travelier is doubling down on domestic markets across Asia while scaling global distribution through a unified API that allows online travel agencies and tour operators to easily integrate non air segments. The long term vision is clear. Booking a bus or ferry anywhere in the world should be as simple and intuitive as booking a hotel. If you are interested in the future of connected travel and how we move beyond the usual hotspots, this episode charts the road and sea ahead.Visit travelier.com to learn more. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailReady for a clear eyed look at how to travel smarter in 2026? Dan and Travelzoo’s Senior Editor and co-host Gabe Saglie close our 10-part Best Bets series with Susan Catto, Head of Publishing and Production at Travelzoo Canada, for a forward looking conversation on the future of travel deals and the trends shaping how we book.This episode connects the dots between destinations, member behavior, and the offers that truly deliver value. We explore how Canadians and Americans are traveling differently this year, from longer international journeys and train powered domestic escapes to the revival of the great American road trip with Route 66’s 100th anniversary and heritage travel tied to USA 250.We uncover where value is hiding in plain sight. Mexico’s all inclusive scene is shifting from more to better. Saudi Arabia is emerging with remarkable UNESCO sites and a new wave of hospitality. Albania is gaining ground as a Mediterranean alternative without the crowds or price tag. Closer to home, winter in Muskoka, Vancouver Island, and Nova Scotia proves that off season can offer some of the richest experiences of the year. In Asia, Singapore stands out as a seamless gateway, while Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand continue to attract repeat visitors, often through flexible air inclusive packages that make it easy to extend your stay.If you want real savings and better experiences, timing is everything. We break down shoulder season advantages, last minute booking behavior, the rise of workcations, and why travelers are reallocating budgets toward meaningful upgrades like better seats and curated experiences. Most importantly, we talk about trust. Human vetted offers, verified stay reviews, and community driven recommendations are redefining what a great travel deal actually looks like.This is your roadmap to navigating travel trends and finding smarter value in 2026.Thanks for joining us for this series! Don’t forget to become a member at travelzoo.com to access exclusive offers. Register for just a dollar for the first month!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Cody Sudmeier, co-founder and CEO of Spur Experiences and longtime entrepreneur, explains why people now prize feeling over things. He traces Spur’s start in wedding registries and describes instant booking, nonexpiring vouchers, and easy swaps. The conversation covers why experiences beat gift cards, corporate experience stipends, AI-powered recommendations, and memorable high-adrenaline and food-focused offerings.

Jessica Canelo, Marketing Director at Sernatur promoting Chile abroad. She highlights Santiago’s urban renewal and walkable neighborhoods. She maps Chile’s dramatic variety from Atacama stargazing and desert blooms to Rapa Nui’s living traditions and Patagonia’s vast parks. She also discusses community-led sustainability and Chile’s evolving wine regions.

Send us Fan MailBig rooms. Bigger ideas. And a roadmap for what’s next in global tourism. In this event preview episode, we’re joined once again by Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin, to unpack what’s coming when more than 100,000 travel professionals from 170 countries converge in Berlin this March. From Angola’s host-country spotlight to Thailand’s major presence, we highlight the regions gaining momentum and the early signals that often shape the year ahead.At the heart of ITB Berlin 2026 is a powerful guiding theme: leading tourism into balance. Deborah breaks down what that really means in practice, sustainable growth that still drives revenue, AI that builds trust and boosts conversion, and innovation that respects human values. On the eTravel Stage, expect hands-on demos showing how AI is transforming distribution, personalization, and service. Across marketing and strategy tracks, we explore how partnerships and value chains are evolving in real time, while destination sessions reframe accessibility and data-driven stewardship as true commercial advantages that increase yield and smooth seasonality.For attendees, this episode doubles as a practical playbook. We share how to set clear goals, pre-book meetings using the ITB app and Navigator, plan efficient routes across 40 halls, and uncover high-impact sessions beyond the main stages. You’ll also hear field-tested tips, from why printed briefings still sharpen focus, to how pairing business cards with AI-powered follow-ups turns conversations into real pipeline.We zoom out as well, spotlighting ITB’s expanding global footprint and the launch of ITB Americas in Guadalajara, where regional depth and early signals come together to form lasting partnerships.If you’re heading to Berlin, or tracking the trends shaping 2026, this episode sets the stage. For more information, visit itb.com/en. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Jake Haupert, co-founder of the Transformational Travel Council, builds frameworks to turn trips into identity-shaping journeys. Joe Pine, author of The Transformation Economy, designs guided transformations for businesses. They discuss encapsulation (prepare, experience, reflect, integrate), TTC’s PATH model, timing for 2026’s shift, AI-enabled customization, and real-world examples of travel redesigned for lasting change.

Send us Fan MailHistory lovers, wine enthusiasts, and weekend escape artists will feel right at home in Niagara on the Lake. In episode eight of our 10-part Travelzoo Best Bets Series, Dan and Travelzoo Senior Editor and co-host Gabe Saglie travel to Niagara-on-the-Lake, selected as part of Travelzoo’s Canada Best Bets for 2026, alongside Brianne Hawley from Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake to explore why this lakeside town deserves a spot at the top of your 2026 travel list. Set where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, the destination offers 19th-century streets glowing in winter, half a million tulips in spring, bike friendly waterfront paths in summer, and harvest season tastings that linger into fall. With four nearby border crossings and strong value for U.S. travelers, it is an easy trip that still feels intimate, handcrafted, and deeply local.We explore the region’s cool climate wine strengths, from elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to the area’s iconic ice wine. You will hear how subzero harvests create a concentrated sweetness balanced by bright acidity, making ice wine more refreshing than expected and surprisingly versatile in cocktails, desserts, and savory dishes. Nearly 40 wineries anchor a broader tasting scene that includes breweries, cideries, and distilleries. The culinary offering rises to match, with farm driven vineyard kitchens, refined dining in historic hotels, classic high tea at the Prince of Wales, and a new wave of restaurants quietly chasing Michelin recognition without losing the town’s charm.Culture makes Niagara-on-the-Lake a true year round destination. The Shaw Festival runs across most of the year, jazz and classical performances bring music into intimate winery spaces, and winter delivers its own energy with outdoor hydrotherapy circuits, skating rinks with DJ nights, and fireside tastings. Whether you are planning a romantic wellness escape, a bachelorette weekend built around wine, a family trip pairing Niagara Falls with small town magic, or a midweek team retreat with vineyard dinners, the logistics are simple and the experiences come together effortlessly.New episodes drop every Tuesday, each featuring local experts who bring these Best Bets to life. Become a member at travelzoo.com to access exclusive offers.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailThe biggest surprise in travel tech right now isn’t a model, it’s a movement. From a 20 page memo to a Series C and $1.5B in annual sales, Fora’s rise has been powered by a community of 11,000 advisors, a product organization that ships fast, and a deep belief that hospitality is fundamentally human. Dan sat down with Co-founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer, Jake Peters at Fora’s NYC headquarters to trace how a modern travel agency evolved into a full stack platform that blends e-commerce speed with the craft of advising.Jake opens the door on Fora’s “better equation” for travel: equip advisors with world class tools, give suppliers precision distribution, and offer travelers live, transparent choices they can book at midnight. We dig into the nuts and bolts, from secure card vaults and AI powered booking ingestion to faster commission payouts and an itinerary and proposal builder that turns forwarded PDFs into polished, client ready plans. The breakout hit is bookable quotes with live rates and perks that drive real time upsell without friction. Up next is a client booking experience designed to capture last minute DIY trips while keeping the advisor at the center.We go deep on applied AI, including transforming unreadable GDS text, matching partner deals, generating social content, and embedding an agent that can add clients from voice notes, build proposals, and launch quotes on command. Jake is candid about legacy hotel systems, how Fora structures AI work across pods, and why human in the loop guardrails still matter when accuracy counts. We also talk scale, covering groups, cruise, a flights desk moving from email to interface, and plans to hire 55 engineers in New York to complete the end to end workflow.This conversation is for advisors who want leverage, hoteliers who want targeted demand, and builders who want to ship where the impact is obvious. If you’re curious how AI, community, and product discipline can truly change how travel is sold without losing the soul of service, you’ll come away with a clear view of what’s working now and what’s coming next.Learn more at foratravel.comThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/