Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

Post-pandemic, Gen Zers are eager to travel and are seeking new experiences and connectivity, both physically and digitally. But the current global outlook, from the cost of living crisis to climate change, means travel must also offer security and peace of mind for this values-driven generation.

Travel platforms are urging people to connect with destinations through the eyes of locals, catering to an appetite for realness within the experience economy. How is this content impacting travel media, and to what extent is authenticity affecting decision-making for Gen Z and Y travellers?

With pandemic-strengthened values of sustainability and community, US travelers are seeking eco-oriented vacations, looking to support local economies and slow down the pace of their adventures to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. What can brands do to cater to these ethical explorers?

The pandemic has left the travel industry shellshocked and travelers unsure when they can travel again. HipCamp offers people the opportunity to stay anywhere from a cabin in the woods to unused farmland, offering the dose of nature they crave and helping hosts stay afloat in tough times.