Travel Trends with Dan Christian

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This Captains of Industry episode explores what really goes into elite alpine skiing, beyond what you see on TV. You can watch the sport for years and still miss what actually decides a race: the travel grind, the equipment rituals, the recovery work, and the mental tunnel vision it takes to deliver one perfect run. That’s why getting time with Picabo Street feels so rare. She’s an Olympic gold medalist, a defining voice in US ski racing, and someone who has lived the sport from the inside for decades.

We talk about how travel shaped her from the start, from childhood passport trips to Mexico to chasing snow across continents as a teen on the US Ski Team. Peekaboo shares the unglamorous truth behind World Cup travel: moving fast between resorts, setting up ski rooms, managing physio and cross-training, obsessing over sleep and food, and trying to stay comfortable enough to perform. If you’ve ever wondered what viewers never see when the camera cuts away, this conversation fills in the blanks.

Then we get into the The Crest Club, US Ski and Snowboard's luxury hospitality program and why it’s a standout example of luxury experiential travel. These small-group, highly curated ski race experiences are built around iconic destinations like St. Moritz, Courchevel, Kitzbühel, Beaver Creek, and Sun Valley, pairing free skiing with insider World Cup access, athlete interactions, and the culture of each town when racing takes over. We also cover who these trips are best for, how to think about ability levels, and why meeting athletes in person can turn casual spectators into real fans while supporting a nonprofit mission that helps fund the next generation.
👉 Listen to All-Access on the Slopes: The Future of Luxury Ski Travel
🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. 
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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The most stressful part of a trip often isn’t the flight or the hotel, it’s everything in between. After a long journey, you arrive tired, navigating a new place, juggling luggage, and trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B. That “simple transfer” can quickly become overwhelming and often sets the tone for the entire trip. That’s why we sat down with Alexandra Mamrillova, Chief Commercial Officer, Daytrip, to explore how private ground transportation is reshaping the travel experience.
We look at what sets Daytrip apart in the global mobility and private transfer space, from door to door service in over 120 countries to vetted, English speaking drivers, GPS tracked journeys, and strict quality controls. Having already transferred around 2 million travelers, the company has built a strong foundation of trust and reliability. The real differentiator is the ability to transform transfers into experiences. With customizable sightseeing stops, travelers can turn a logistical necessity into an opportunity to explore, discover smaller towns, and access destinations that traditional transport options often miss.
Alex also shares how Daytrip has evolved from a consumer platform into a fast growing B2B partner, working with travel advisors, host agencies, consortia, and OTAs. We discuss the rise of mobility as one of travel’s fastest growing sectors, the role it plays in addressing overtourism, and why thoughtfully designed long distance journeys can offer more value than a standard airport transfer. Even in an increasingly AI driven world, this conversation reinforces why the human element in travel still matters more than ever.
Learn more at daytrip.com.
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. 
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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A sun holiday may look simple on the surface, but the best ones are carefully engineered. In this episode, we’re joined by Phillip Iveson, Director of Accommodation Product and Sourcing at TUI Group, to unpack how one of the world’s most vertically integrated travel companies designs package holidays that seamlessly connect flights, resorts, experiences, and distribution. If you’ve ever wondered why certain beach destinations surge in popularity while others struggle to gain traction, this conversation reveals how airlift, hotel partnerships, and customer demand all work together.
We explore TUI’s core sun destinations for European markets and why places like Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Mexico continue to perform year after year. We also dive into the “create demand” playbook, using Cape Verde as a standout example of how strategic investment, education, and access can transform an emerging destination into a year-round favorite. Phil also highlights rising long-haul demand, including Zanzibar, where travelers are increasingly combining beach stays with safari experiences.
From there, the conversation shifts to how all-inclusive resorts are evolving. Today’s travelers are less focused on counting amenities and more interested in what they can actually experience, from family-focused programming to elevated food and beverage that reflects local culture. We also touch on accessibility innovations like sensory rooms, along with how AI-powered search and in-destination tools are enhancing trip planning and support without replacing the human touch that defines great travel.
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to design a seamless sun holiday, and why the future of beach travel is about much more than just the destination.
Thanks to Holafly for sponsoring this series!
👉 Listen to The Evolution of Sun Destinations with TUI Now
🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. 
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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The American road trip is getting a luxury upgrade, and it’s happening faster than most travelers realize. In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with David Greenberg and Becky Goodell of Blacksford to explore why premium RV travel is emerging as one of the most compelling ways to experience the United States in 2026, especially as demand grows around Route 66, major sporting events, and record-breaking visits to national parks.
They break down what “luxury RV rental” really means today, from brand-new high-end vehicles and white-glove airport pickup to fully equipped interiors, optional grocery delivery, and 24/7 human support. What started as a personal RV trip during COVID in 2020 has evolved into a business built on a simple idea: creating customers for life. If your perception of RV travel feels outdated, this conversation will completely reframe it.
The episode also explores how travel advisors are beginning to package premium RV itineraries for clients seeking a blend of adventure, flexibility, and comfort without the hassle of constant hotel changes. From hybrid RV and glamping experiences to key gateway markets like Bozeman, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle, this is a look at how road trips are being reimagined for a new generation of travelers.
Learn more at blacksford.com.
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. 
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Club Med is one of those travel brands people think they understand until they hear the full story. In the second episode of our Sun Destinations Series, Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean, shares how a bold idea launched in 1950 built around sport, nature, and human connection went on to pioneer the all-inclusive concept that has since shaped the modern resort industry. What began as a simple, communal approach to vacationing evolved into a seamless experience where everything is taken care of, removing friction and allowing travelers to fully disconnect and engage.
Carolyne brings the Club Med spirit to life, from the iconic GO host culture to its distinct culinary identity and activity driven programming designed to create both freedom and connection. She also reflects on how Club Med helped shape some of today’s most iconic sun destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana, offering a behind the scenes look at how early development decisions continue to influence the premium travel experience today.
The conversation then turns to what travelers are seeking in 2026, including the rise of family and multigenerational travel and the growing demand for spaces that balance togetherness with individuality. From kids clubs starting as early as four months to adult only Zen zones and signature experiences like the trapeze, Club Med continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Looking ahead, Carolyne shares where the brand is going next, from its Exclusive Collection luxury offerings to sustainability commitments, wellness focused experiences, and new global destinations that continue to redefine what all-inclusive travel can be.
Thanks to Holafly for sponsoring this series!
👉 Listen to How Club Med Created All-Inclusive Holidays and Continues to Lead the Way Now
🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. 
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/