Looming giant: Google is moving deeper and deeper into the hotel space, further threatening OTAs and likely leading to higher costs for keyword buyers. Now comes word that its travel site will provide more information about trip planning, ranging from the cheapest and most expensive times of year to go (including price ranges for hotels), neighborhood highlights, as well as typical weather and crowd forecasts. It is also going to show hotel taxes and fees.—Jeff Weinstein
Travel trends for 2020: A fun read from Forbes about travel trends in the new year – sleeper cars? Fun food! And, of course, the mindfulness trend and the overall admonition to slow everything down. Consciousness and connectivity (the real kind) are discreetly clearing their throats and angling for your attention in 2020 – “travel that helps us travel better,” as luxury travel adviser Philippe Brown put it.—Barbara Bohn
