Have You Saved Money With These Travel Innovators?
In our insatiable quest to explore new travel trends, we’ve been devouring Fast Company’s newly published 2018 Top 10 Most Innovative Travel Companies list (fastcompany.com), and having our usual reaction, a mix of “of course,” “really?” and “wow, I didn’t know that.” Among the most relevant news for Budget Travelers:
HOPPER USES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Hopper, the mobile flight-booking platform, doesn’t just try to book you on an affordable flight, but increasingly employs artificial intelligence and push notifications to help you zero in on the kind of getaways you’re looking for, potential alternative airports, travel dates, and even alternate destinations. Fast Company reports that 20 percent of Hopper’s bookings are now for flights that users were not initially even looking for.
GRADUATE HOTELS IS CELEBRATING THE GREAT AMERICAN COLLEGE TOWN
Graduate Hotels develops lodgings near college campuses, integrating its hotels and overall aesthetic into the community. It’s no secret that Budget Travel has celebrated America’s Coolest Small Towns for more than a decade, and we’re psyched to see how Graduate Hotels expands from its current 10 hotels.
CELEBRITY CRUISES IS GETTING A MAKEOVER
Debuting in November 2018, Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Edge was designed in 3D, allowing for an innovative look that provides passengers with bigger staterooms, more public space, and an overall airier approach to the cruise experience. We're adding the Edge to our 2018 cruise to-do list.
HAVE YOU SAVED MONEY WITH THESE TRAVEL INNOVATORS?
In addition to the three brands mentioned above, Fast Company also cited, among others, Away for its innovative suitcase design, Delta Airlines for streamlining the airport process, and Budget Travel’s parent company, Lonely Planet, for its cool Guides and Trips apps and inspiring video platform. Have you traveled with any of Fast Company’s 2018 honorees? Have you saved time, money, or hassle thanks to their efforts?