Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textWelcome to Season 3! Our biggest and best season yet with over 20 episodes, key sponsors and a major virtual event. For our kick-off, we have Kayak Co-Founder, Paul English with us to discuss AI’s Impact on the travel industry in 2024. Listeners will gain exclusive insights into why Paul believes Deets.com has the potential to disrupt the existing travel search landscape, possibly even rivaling Kayak. He'll explain how Artificial Intelligence is leveling the playing field, allowing travel start-ups to compete more effectively with established players. Paul will also share which specific brands and businesses in the travel sector have captured his attention due to their innovative approaches. Furthermore, he will discuss key US consumer travel trends and important highlights to watch for throughout 2024, providing valuable foresight for industry professionals and travel enthusiasts alike.Curious to explore the future of AI in travel and the potential of Deets.com further?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!Connect with Our Guest: https://www.ca.kayak.com/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWelcome to the special Christmas edition of the Travel Trends podcast! We are excited to bring you insights from over 15 guests who attended the Phocuswright conference who share their valuable knowledge and predictions for travel trends in 2024.We gathered experts from various sectors of the travel industry who provide their perspectives on where the industry is headed and how it will impact travelers.  From technology advancements to emerging destinations and changing consumer behavior, our guests have covered it all.We hope this Holiday edition provides you with valuable insights and help you prepare for the future of travel. May this holiday season be filled with joy and may your travels in 2024 be full of adventure and memorable experiences.Thank you again for supporting Travel Trends podcast with Dan Christian this year . Happy Holidays and  wishing you all the best for 2024! 🎧🌍✈️🎄 The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textGet ready for a captivating journey as we reflect on an unforgettable season 2 of Travel Trends! Your hosts, Zach Vanasse and Dan Christian, discuss  the brightest minds in the travel industry and how they participated in the show this season. We've been lucky enough to engage with thousands of listeners from over 50 countries worldwide and are eager to continue delivering insightful experiences in the future. In this episode, we reveal the 'lost recording' from the Virtuoso conference that features three game-changing travel industry CEOs - Jessica Blotter, Grace McBride, and Andrei Papancea along with our good friend and VC Gilad Berenstein. Discovering their compelling origin stories and new business models will undoubtedly leave you inspired.  In addition to wrapping up the highlights from this season, we discuss our upcoming AI Summit scheduled for Feb 21-22 and how we want to empower people in our industry to prepare the next wave of technological changes that will impact every role in our industry.  We also address the contrasting opinions on AI's role in the industry and its potential to unearth exciting opportunities. Finally, we wrap up the show with a first ever double round of Trivia. Zach gets his shot at redemption and Dan gets his first chance to be on the hot seat. Who do you think prevails? You'll have to listen all the way to the end to find out. Thanks for all the incredible support this season. We are so excited to bring you Season 3 in January 2024. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textJoin host Dan Christian on the Travel Trends Podcast for an engaging look into the career of Robin Yap, a highly respected figure in the travel sector with a rich history at Singapore Airlines and in leadership at The Travel Corporation and Insight Vacations. Prepare to examine the key elements of Robin's extensive understanding of the Asian market and his strong passion for languages, understand the complexities of achieving work-life harmony while embracing lifelong learning, and gain valuable insights on travel, culture, and sustainability, enriched by his recent explorations in Bhutan.Join us as we chronicle Robin Yap's incredible journey, from Singapore Airlines to becoming an industry leader at the Travel Corporation, Insight Vacations, and more. Robin's deep understanding of the Asian market and his passion for languages have shaped his unique perspective – one that balances work and life, continuous learning, and a burning passion for travel, culture, and sustainability.Ever wondered how resilience and attention to detail can fuel your career? Robin, a revered figure in the industry, shares his experiences and thoughts on these along with insights from his recent trip to Bhutan – a country renowned for its measure of Gross National Happiness. As we traverse through his life, we also discuss the importance of understanding the religion and cultural aspirations in each Asian country, the changing trends in technology and social media, and the need for international recognition.Also, get ready for a deep dive into the emerging trends in travel, and the increasing popularity of high-end trips. Robin’s fascinating tales from Bhutan will surely enlighten you! Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a business leader, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and insights. Join us and gain a new perspective on the world through Robin Yap's eyes.Curious to explore the Asian travel market and gain leadership insights? Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App! The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a text Discover the cutting edge of travel on the Travel Trends Podcast as host Dan Christian speaks with Marius Nigond, the visionary Founder of an innovative travel AI startup. Their conversation illuminates the transformative potential of AI in crafting unique self-guided travel experiences. Prepare to examine the key stages of Marius's journey, from his early travel experiences in Peru to his current role as a tech innovator, understand the nuances of his AI-powered platform that creates bespoke audio tours, and gain valuable perspectives on the future of travel technology and its profound impact on exploration.Have you ever wanted a hand-held guide to give you the story behind the historic sites you visit on your travels? Our guest for this episode, Marius Nigond, founder of an innovative travel AI startup, certainly did as he found himself in Peru, staring at piles of rocks, yearning to understand them. This curiosity led him to create a unique platform for self-guided audio tours, transforming the way you experience your travels. Join us for an exciting conversation about travel trends, video guides, and how Marius's new AI startup plans to revolutionize the travel industry.Curious to explore the future of AI-powered travel further? Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App! Connect with Our Guest: https://iwander.io/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, host Dan Christian welcomes John Boulding, a 40-year veteran of the travel industry, for an engaging stroll down a remarkable memory lane. Prepare to delve into the core of John's incredible journey from mobile DJ and Contiki Guide to a long-standing global executive and his current role with Vox Group, unravel the nuances of navigating a life dedicated to travel, and gain valuable perspectives on the evolution of guided tours and the impact of technology.Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the globe for a living? Join us as we speak with John Boulding, a 40-year veteran of the travel industry, on an engaging stroll down a remarkable memory lane. From his early days as a mobile DJ, Contiki Guide and long-standing global executive role with Insight Vacations, to his present association with Vox Group, John's journey is one laden with humor, dedication, and a deep-seated love for the art of travel.Brace yourselves for an insightful exploration into how the rise of digital technology has turned the traditional travel industry on its head. John unpacks the art of balancing work with family life while on the road, and provides a glimpse into the potential future of guided tours and travel. Imagine a world where smartphones double as your personal tour guide, or virtual reality takes center stage in creating immersive travel experiences!But it's not all work and no play for John. Get a taste of his vibrant life from Bermuda to Guernsey and Geneva and back to London. As we journey through John's extraordinary life and experiences, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the evolving travel industry, the importance of humor in business, young people coming into travel, and the power of technology in shaping our adventures. Are you ready for an episode that promises a blend of humor, wisdom, and engaging insights? Jump in, and let's get started!Curious to explore the evolution of the travel industry further? Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App! Connect with Our Guest: https://voxtours.com/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textIn this special live episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, host Dan Christian brings you the excitement of 'Travel Trends on Tour' live from the Arival 360 conference in Orlando, Florida, featuring industry experts Mitch Bach and Lori Timony, as they explore the incredible benefits of attending Arival events and share highlights from the 2023 conference. Prepare to explore the core of groundbreaking innovations showcased at Arival, including a lively discussion on the power and potential pitfalls of AI, understand the crucial importance of human connection in our businesses and at industry events, and gain valuable perspectives on the compelling new business models and the exciting presence of startups and investors at Arival.Join Mitch and Lori as they delve into the key takeaways and exciting moments live from the Arival 360 conference. Discover the innovative initiatives and discussions that took place, including a significant focus on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and both its remarkable potential and possible challenges within the travel industry. The conversation emphasizes the fundamental importance of putting people first in our businesses and highlights the invaluable human connections fostered at industry events like Arival. Dan shares his insights on the significant presence of startups at Arival and the compelling new business models that are emerging within the sector, as well as the exciting involvement of investors in this dynamic space. If you weren't able to join this vibrant event live, you can learn more about becoming part of this incredible community created by Douglas, Bruce, and Alex. Be sure to also check out Mitch's Tourpreneur Podcast and Lori's Experience This! Podcast for more valuable industry insights.Curious to experience the energy and innovation live from a leading travel industry conference?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textDiscover a different approach to travel on this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, where host Dan Christian speaks with Richard Edwards, the accomplished CMO of Untours and Managing Director of the Untours Foundation. Their conversation centers on how travel can be a deeply immersive and enriching journey for both the individual and the destination. Prepare to unpack the fundamental ideas behind the 'Untours' concept and the philosophy of slow travel, understand the subtle art of connecting with local culture, economies, and the natural world in a meaningful way, and gain valuable perspectives on the rise of 'unfluencers,' the forward-thinking approach of 'unmarketing' within the travel industry, the pressing necessity of sustainable practices in travel given the climate crisis and global pandemics, and the growing importance of supporting companies that prioritize responsible tourism.Join us as Richard, a resident of Costa Rica, shares his transformative experiences in this Central American paradise and illuminates the revolutionary concept of 'Untours'. We delve into the principles of 'slow travel', a sustainable approach that prioritizes quality and deep engagement over simply seeing many sights. Richard explains how this enriching way of travel goes beyond the standard tourist experience, fostering a deeper connection with the local culture, economy, and natural environment of a destination. The conversation also uncovers the growing influence of 'unfluencers' who create meaningful and authentic content that resonates with thoughtful travelers. As we navigate the world of 'unmarketing', we explore how this innovative approach is currently shaping the travel industry. Against the backdrop of a climate crisis and a global pandemic, the urgent necessity for sustainable practices throughout the travel industry is also discussed. Richard provides valuable insights into how these global realities are influencing travel decisions and the increasing importance of supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. The episode concludes with a fun Travel Trivia session that tests Richard's knowledge of his beloved Costa Rica, offering listeners a genuine taste of his passion for sustainable living.Curious to explore the future of responsible and immersive travel?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!Connect with Our Guest: https://www.untours.com/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textJoin host Dan Christian on the Travel Trends Podcast as he sits down with a true visionary in travel tech, Mauricio Prieto. From founding the powerhouse eDreams to curating the influential Travel Tech Essentialist newsletter, Mauricio shares his remarkable journey. Tune in to hear about his pivotal move from consulting to travel, the groundbreaking creation of eDreams in Barcelona, and how they weathered the dot-com storm to build a trusted global brand. Plus, discover the story behind his must-read newsletter, his unique content strategy, and his take on the wider travel tech ecosystem.From his beginnings in Mexico City to his time at Princeton and UC Berkeley, Mauricio shares his inspiring path to becoming the founder of the $5.5 billion gross booking business, eDreams. He recounts his pivotal shift from the world of consulting to the dynamic travel industry and the genesis of eDreams in Barcelona. 1  The conversation delves into the strategies Mauricio and his team employed to navigate the challenging dot-com downturn while successfully maintaining consumer trust, ultimately leading to eDreams' significant success. The discussion then moves forward to the creation of the widely appreciated Travel Tech Essentialist newsletter, with Mauricio explaining how his profound experiences within the industry inspired this valuable resource for the travel tech entrepreneurial community. He also shares his unique approach to crafting content and fostering a strong community, including the development of platforms for investors and career opportunities. Curious to explore the journey of a travel tech visionary and gain insights into the world of online travel and entrepreneurial newsletters?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!Connect with Our Guest: https://traveltechessentialist.com/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textJoin Dan Christian, host of the Travel Trends Podcast as he welcomes Craig Dodge, the esteemed Director at the Phare Circus in Cambodia, for an engaging discussion on the inspiring evolution of the Phare Circus and the dramatic changes in Cambodia's tourism industry. Prepare to explore the core of the Phare Circus's origins as a humanitarian effort offering therapy through art to Cambodian refugees and its transformation into a beacon of hope for artists, understand the nuances of navigating a global pandemic while running a nonprofit social enterprise in Cambodia, and gain valuable perspectives on the resilience of Cambodians, the silver linings of the pandemic, lesser-known gems of Siem Reap beyond Angkor Park, the rise of sustainable travel, and the importance of meaningful travel choices.Join us on a captivating journey as Craig shares the inspiring story of the Phare Circus, born from a humanitarian initiative by Veronique de Croix to provide Cambodian refugees with art therapy, which has blossomed into an organization offering a future to its artists through storytelling. Craig also provides a firsthand perspective on the dramatic shifts in Cambodia's tourism industry. He recounts his personal journey from his first flight to New York to his pivotal move to Siem Reap during a critical time for the nation's tourism. The conversation delves into how the Phare Circus navigated the immense challenges of the pandemic, their survival strategies (including a Guinness World Record attempt), and their enduring hope for the future, highlighting the remarkable resilience of the Cambodian people and the unexpected positive aspects that emerged from the crisis. This episode also serves as a valuable travel guide to Cambodia, with Craig recommending explorations beyond the temples of Angkor Park, such as the Kulan Elephant Forest, local boutique hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants, as well as culturally enriching experiences like the Phare Circus and the Absara Theater. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the growing importance of sustainable travel and making conscious travel decisions.Curious to explore the intersection of art, resilience, and travel in Cambodia?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!Connect with Our Guest: https://pharecircus.org/The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/