Booking Holdings Launches Vayo With Plans to Invest $100 Million
Vayo’s free private beta brings travel reservations into one place and monitors trips, while direct booking and a native app remain on the roadmap.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free U.S. service that provides safety updates and emergency contact support abroad.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service offered by the U.S. Department of State for American citizens traveling or living abroad. By enrolling, travelers receive safety updates, travel advisories, and important information about their destination. STEP also helps U.S. embassies contact travelers in case of emergencies such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
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Maldivian Journey+ Adds Priority Services, Lounges and Upgrades
Maldivian Journey+ brings together five optional flight extras, from prepaid baggage and lounge access to international cabin upgrades and domestic snacks.
Venice Considers €30 Day-Tripper Fee and Longer Charging Season for 2027
Venice is considering a higher day-tripper charge and more fee-paying dates in 2027, but the proposed €30 maximum has not been approved.
Disney World to Test AI Hotel Search and Flexible Pricing Calendar
Disney World is preparing a limited test of Google Cloud-backed hotel planning tools, combining flexible date searches, resort comparisons and optional AI recommendations.
Italy’s Famous Beaches Are Now So Crowded You May Need a Reservation
Popular beaches in Italy, especially in Sardinia, are using booking systems and visitor caps to manage overcrowding and protect fragile coastal landscapes.
Iceland Overtakes Switzerland as World’s Most Expensive Country
Iceland has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s most expensive country, with tourism, housing and high service costs adding pressure to everyday prices.
Uber Expands Into Travel With Hotel Bookings and a Bigger Push to Become an Everyday Super App
Uber is adding hotel bookings, vacation rentals, travel planning tools, and new in-app services as it pushes deeper into travel and strengthens the case for Uber One membership.
Google and Virgin Voyages Use Rovey to Show What Agentic AI Could Mean for Travel Booking
Google and Virgin Voyages are using travel as a high-profile test case for agentic AI, with Rovey designed to guide cruise customers from discovery through booking with more context-aware support.
GetYourGuide Bets on AI to Make Tours and Activities Easier to Trust and Book
GetYourGuide has rolled out a new set of AI-powered tools aimed at helping travelers book activities with more confidence while giving tour operators better tools to manage listings, pickups, and…
Expedia Says Travelers Use AI to Plan Trips but Still Trust Brands to Book
Expedia Group’s new AI Trust Gap report suggests that travelers are increasingly open to using AI for discovery and planning, but remain cautious when money, booking control, and post-trip support…