2 min read

Hyper For The Loop ?

Picture of Tyler Wilcox Tyler Wilcox : October 12, 2018

TURNER Weekly Download

Where digital meets travel + lifestyle … A collection of can’t-miss news from this week. Sign up to get the TURNER Weekly Download in your inbox every Friday.

Travel Literacy

Are you travel illiterate? Christopher Elliott in the Seattle Times has tips on how to get up to speed. Travel literacy, he says, falls into two broad categories. “Understanding how the travel industry works, with its often-arcane rules and restrictions; and being aware of other cultures and customs.” Elliott’s suggests reading books. Or watch documentaries about other cultures. Or learn a new language. Finally, find affinity groups on social media. Additionally, reading the fine print is key. “At least 95 percent of it is reading the rules — all of them. A vast majority of misunderstandings with airlines, hotels and cruise lines end with travelers admitting they failed to review the terms of their purchase.”

Overtourism

“Overtourism” has become a buzzword in the travel industry. But it’s a real issue. Now, many destinations are losing that special something that made them attractive to travelers. CNN sat down with several tourism leaders from around the world. “More isn't always better,” says María Reynisdóttir, of Iceland's Department of Tourism. “We need to decide where we want to build up strong sites that are able to receive a large amount of visitors and which sites you want to leave more untouched.”

Hyper For The Loop

Travel could be transformed entirely by Hyperloop technology. It is designed to carry passengers at 1,000 kilometers per hour (620 mph). What's more, the tech is closer than you think. According to CNN, HyperloopTT unveiled a new, full-size Hyperloop capsule last week. It's a (possible) glimpse of the future of travel. "Today we have unveiled a new type of transportation vessel built with an industry high percentage of composite, which makes the Hyperloop capsule perhaps the safest transportation vehicle in the world," said Rafael Contreras, HyperloopTT’s co-founder and chairman. Are you ready to get Hyperlooped?

Super Exclusivity

What is today’s modern luxury traveler looking for? According to Skift, it comes down to “super exclusivity.” Think of how Hermes has a “very limited distribution strategy” in order to keep its products desirable. “Luxury is an overdone word and I hate to use it, but prices will always be consistent with that exclusivity,” says Nicholas Clayton, Capella Hotel Group’s CEO. “It’s OK that we’re not everyone’s cup of tea. There will always be more exclusive products and higher price points, but how it appeals to people and what appeals to people is changing. They understand quality and standards but they also want some degree of surprise.”