Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textJoin us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the future of adventure tourism. From tech innovators and conservation champions to Indigenous leaders and destination dreamers, these voices share one thing in common: a deep love for people, planet, and place.Highlights & Timestamps6m22s – Erik Blachford, Former CEO, Expedia27m24s – Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund41m20s – Jody Potts-Joseph, Han Gwich’in Leader, Raven Clan Kennels1h04s – Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist, GLP Films1h29s – David & Becky Blacksford, Owners & CEO, Blacksford Premium RV Rentals1h50s – Christina Tunnah, GM, World Nomads2h11s – Richard Naha, Co-founder, Surf Synergy2h30s – Heather O’Halloran, MD, Destination Rwanda2h46s – Zaal Gachechiladze, CEO, Wandero3h11s – Jason Reckers, COO, ATTA & Eirik Skjærseth, Founder & CEO, Bolder Technology3h39s – Casey Hanisko, Coach & Consultant3h53s – Andy Brown, Communications Manager, Tourism Golden4h05s – Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Co-owner, Tracks and Trails4h21s – Will Cairns, MD, Active England Tours4h34s – Jorge Perez, Founder, Tierra De VolcanWhether you’re an adventure travel pro or just someone who believes in the transformative power of tourism, this episode is your ticket to inspiration. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s explore the wild, wonderful world of adventure travel together!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textLaura Sileo Pavat, Global Head of Brand Homes at Pernod Ricard, returns to Travel Trends to explore how spirit tourism is transforming cultural connections across the globe.With over 35 brand homes spanning four continents, Pernod Ricard has reimagined these spaces as immersive destinations that tell authentic stories and forge lasting emotional bonds. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery in Dublin to the architecturally striking Rabbit Hole in Louisville's arts district, these experiences highlight a new way for travelers to engage with places and their narratives.The discussion takes us to extraordinary locations like Scapa Distillery in Scotland's remote Orkney Islands, where a boat shelter-inspired building overlooks historic waters, and TX Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth, which evolves from a working distillery by day to a vibrant community hub by night, hosting everything from live country music to yoga sessions. Laura reveals how these brand homes foster genuine connections with local communities through collaborations with regional artisans, musicians, and chefs—such as TX Whiskey’s bottle caps made from recycled cowboy boot leather or locally-crafted goods at Casa Altos in Mexico.Perhaps most intriguing is how spirit tourism addresses overtourism by guiding travelers to lesser-known destinations while driving economic growth for local communities.Whether you're a travel advisor seeking distinctive client experiences, a destination marketer focused on sustainable tourism, or a curious traveler craving meaningful connections, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how spirit tourism is reshaping the travel industry.👉 Listen to Crafted Journeys: Exploring Culture Through Spirits Tourism Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer at BRC Imagination Arts, has over 25 years of crafting immersive travel experiences. He discusses the booming $1.3 trillion in-destination experience industry and how storytelling transforms ordinary venues into unforgettable memories. The conversation highlights the impactful Jameson Distillery, showcasing how it captures Irish hospitality. Christian shares insights on counteracting digital disconnection through designed experiences and emphasizes the importance of broad expertise for aspiring designers.

Joan Roca, CEO and founder of Essentialist, reveals how his membership-based travel company is redefining luxury travel. He shares insights on crafting unique itineraries by understanding individual member preferences, merging technology with personal touch. Roca discusses the shift towards meaningful, curated experiences that cater to affluent travelers and the growing importance of community ties. With an emphasis on authentic travel and the seamless blend of service and technology, he illustrates how Essentialist fosters deep connections between travelers and their destinations.

Send us a textStep into the future of aviation in this special event spotlight, recorded live from the Aviation Festival Americas in Miami.Host, Dan Christian sits down with some of the brightest minds in aviation and travel tech to explore the innovations reshaping the industry:• Amir Amidi explains how Plug and Play Tech Center connects startups with corporate partners across the travel ecosystem• Tom Trotta details how travel insurance is evolving through AI-powered claims processing and proactive benefits for delayed travelers• Marco Gons from "No Longer Lost" demonstrates their innovative QR code solution for reuniting travelers with misplaced items, pets, and even children• Aaron Bricker, CEO & Founder, Skyward Aviation Insights shares how to enhance efficiency and profitability • RAVL's community platform combats the isolation of business travel by connecting professionals in the same destination• Irma Sadlauskaite, Avion Express shares strategies for recruiting and retaining pilots amid a global shortage• Terminal manager Yaqui Ramos reveals how Munich Airport NJ creates exceptional passenger experiences• Arpad Szakal, Partner Aviation & Transportation, Cormis Partner shares how to find the best senior level talent• Dalton Laine from GoJetAirlines discusses his unique business helping entrepreneurs launch new airlines• Aviation recruiters, Signal Software highlight the growing demand for digital talent in traditionally operations-focused environmentsWhether you’re in the business of travel or simply curious about the future of flying, this episode delivers insider insights, breakthrough ideas, and a glimpse of what’s next in aviation.Subscribe now and stay tuned for Season 6 of Travel Trends, launching this September with an in-depth focus on aviation’s future.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textTravel tech is evolving at lightning speed - reshaping how the world moves, books, and experiences journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Bolda, Chief Product and Technology Officer for Private Label Solutions, Expedia Group’s B2B division, to explore the cutting-edge innovations driving the future of global travel from behind the scenes.Karen takes us behind the scenes of Expedia Group's massive B2B operation – a side of the business many travelers never see but that powers over 70,000 businesses and 160,000 travel advisors worldwide. From her unique journey starting as a software developer to leading technology strategy for one of travel's biggest players, Karen offers rare insights into how Expedia is integrating AI throughout its ecosystem.The conversation shatters common misconceptions about technology's role in travel. Rather than replacing travel advisors, Expedia Group's AI-powered tools are freeing them from operational tasks to focus on what computers can't replicate: human connection and expertise. Through specific examples like their quotation tools and virtual agents for travel advisors, Karen illustrates how technology enhances rather than diminishes the human element in travel planning.We explore how Expedia Group's expanding product offerings – from hotel and flight bookings to vacation rentals through vrbo and increasingly into activities and experiences – reflect evolving traveler expectations for more comprehensive, seamless journeys. Perhaps most impressive is their AI-powered fraud prevention system, which stopped $4 billion in fraud in 2024 alone.This episode offers a compelling look at the technological revolution transforming the way we explore the world. It highlights how innovative advancements are making travel more secure, seamless, and deeply personalized—ushering in a new era of smarter, more meaningful journeys. 👉 Listen to Expedia's B2B Strategy: How Technology Drives Global Travel Partnerships Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textThis spotlight episode takes you behind the scenes of the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC) 2025 Conference in Mobile, Alabama. Since its inception in 1987, ETC has cultivated a unique and thriving community of U.S. college alumni programs, nonprofits, travel planners, and industry suppliers. Together, this network manages billions in travel spending, united by a common goal—to create travel experiences that inspire meaningful change and lifelong memories.  Founded by the visionary Mara DelliPriscoli, ETC has set the standard for collaboration and innovation in the travel industry.This year’s conference brought together extraordinary voices, including Susan Black of Wowzitude, who is redefining virtual travel, and Alan Merschen, who introduced us to the enriching concept of the “dim sum life.” Industry leaders from organizations like National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, Journey Mexico, Adventure Canada, Tourism Winnipeg shared their expertise on the art of meaningful travel. Additionally, PHD Academic Michael Luongo took us on a deep-dive into travel in conflict zones, and Jim Friedlander gave us unique insights into ultra-luxury private tours.A special highlight? Our host, Dan, delivered a keynote on the groundbreaking role of AI in travel, an address that is now available on the Travel Trends Podcast YouTube channel for anyone who missed the live presentation. We’re thrilled to have been part of such an impactful gathering and are excited to have been invited to return next year! To all of our esteemed guests, the ETC Team and especially to Mara DelliPriscoli, who built this remarkable community from the ground up, thank you for making this gathering so extraordinary.For those passionate about shaping the future of travel and creating transformational journeys, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss it! The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat’s really behind the rising tide of interest in river cruising? In this episode, Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, dispels common myths and reveals the innovations fueling this fast-growing segment of the travel industry. From her serendipitous start in travel after a chance encounter in a college bar to leading award-winning ship designs, Pam shares how Avalon has reimagined the river cruise experience—infusing it with authenticity, sustainability, and unexpected luxury.By orienting beds to face panoramic windows and sourcing ingredients from local markets, Avalon redefines the meaning of detail-driven travel. Pam also discusses the surprising rise in younger travelers drawn to river cruising post-pandemic, and how programs like Avalon Choice deliver immersive, flexible experiences to match evolving preferences.Whether you're curious about crowd-free, motion-sickness-free cruising or simply want to hear what makes exploring the Rhine, Bordeaux, or Southeast Asia by river so unforgettable - this conversation will make you rethink what river cruising is really all about.👉 Listen to Transforming How a Global Tour Operator Masters River Cruising Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textDiscover how Scenic has redefined river cruising by introducing the industry's first ships with outdoor private balconies. Lisa McCaskill, VP of Sales and Marketing for Scenic Canada, shares the inspiring story of how this Australian-founded company evolved from a land touring operator into a global leader in luxury river cruising - all by listening closely to guest feedback. Scenic's "spaceships" deliver an ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive experience where guests can enjoy fine dining, premium beverages, excursions, and gratuities without worrying about additional costs. Their sister brand, Emerald Cruises, offers a more customizable "inclusive modern luxury" experience, catering to travelers who prefer to tailor additional options to their preferences. Lisa highlights Scenic's onboard amenities, such as multiple dining options, including Crystal Dining and the exclusive Table La Rive, as well as wellness features like the innovative Salt Therapy Lounge. She also discusses popular itineraries, like the Amsterdam to Budapest route that’s ideal for first-time cruisers and the increasingly sought-after Douro River cruises in Portugal, which often sell out well in advance. The conversation also covers how Scenic markets its experiences through a combination of travel advisor partnerships, informational sessions, and television programming. Additionally, Lisa sheds light on the company’s sustainability initiatives and its expansion into new destinations like Southeast Asia with purpose-built ships tailored for those waters. Whether you're an avid river cruise traveler or considering your first voyage, this offers a captivating look at the thoughtful innovations and authentic luxury driving the growth of this unique travel segment.👉 Listen to Crafting Luxury River Experiences Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat happens when 100 years of travel expertise converge with Europe’s iconic rivers? In an engaging discussion with Steve Spivak, Tauck’s Vice President of Global Sales & Reservations, we uncover how this family-owned company’s “small is big” philosophy elevates river cruising into a truly exceptional experience. Since its founding in 1925, when Arthur Tauck guided six guests on a New England adventure in a rented Studebaker, the company has grown while maintaining a steadfast commitment to its core principles.Tauck’s river cruising approach embodies this legacy, offering a more exclusive experience by hosting just 84-130 guests on ships that competitors often pack with 190. Spaciousness is key, with 80% of their cabins exceeding 225 square feet, ensuring unrivaled comfort. Unlike many operators, each ship is staffed by four director-level professionals rather than a single cruise director, delivering unparalleled attention to every detail.The concept of "truly all-inclusive" defines Tauck’s philosophy. Guests enjoy premium spirits, fine wines, gratuities, transfers, and every excursion without additional charges or upsells. Unique experiences, such as after-hours access to the Louvre or exclusive dining in private Viennese palaces, set Tauck apart. Solo travelers are also warmly welcomed, as their Category 1 cabins are offered without a single supplement.Looking ahead, Tauck’s deliberate growth reflects its dedication to quality over quantity. With two new French ships set to debut in 2026, their focus remains on preserving the guest experience rather than expanding rapidly to meet investor demands—an advantage of their family-owned model. Whether you’re new to river cruising or seeking to understand what makes operators unique, Tauck’s thoughtful approach and century-long expertise promise an unforgettable journey through Europe’s storied waterways.👉 Listen to Lessons in Exploring the Evolving World of River Cruises Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/