#Trending This Week - Astrotourism, Hush Trips, Medical Tourism, And Dry-Aged...Fish?
Issue 162 • October 17, 2023
Always in search of the next big thing, “star bathing” and “astrotourism” seem to be striking a chord with consumers. Have you heard about “hush trips”? We’ve actually witnessed one in action and it was quite a humorous spectacle. Medical tourism is growing as people recognize our health systems got overwhelmed during COVID and they may indeed be on their own when it comes to maintaining wellness. Another fashion icon is entering the hospitality space, banking on the fact that if you like their clothing and restaurants, you might like a hotel with their name on it, too. And while dry-aged beef has been popular for quite some time now, the next entry in this category is dry-aged fish! Check it all out below in our under two-minute read below.
Get Ready For Star Bathing And Astrotourism
Ever since COVID, when people spent more time outdoors and realized they actually enjoyed it, we are seeing them asking for more. Like forest bathing, star bathing — also known as mindful stargazing — centers on appreciating and tuning into your surroundings without technology. If that’s even possible for some! Others are referring to it as astrotourism, which involves exploring rural destinations that have less light pollution so they can enjoy the amazing dark skies, stunning solar eclipse viewpoints, stargazing opportunities, and the like. Read more in Vogue here.
Have You Heard About “Hush Trips”?
I was recently visiting a hotel in Paris and overheard a couple pleading for a room within the next 10 minutes (it was still quite a few hours before check-in time) as the husband had a video call with his company and apparently they didn’t know he was actually out of the country on vacation! While I chuckled about the scenario, apparently he’s not the only one doing this. There’s a huge trend in what they call “hush trips,” where people avoid having to use paid vacation days, but still want a change in scenery, so they travel without telling anyone and can often get away with it because they work remotely. Read more on CNBC here.
Medical Tourism Is Growing
Reeling from physical inactivity, poor nutrition, burnout, and Long COVID, more Europeans are choosing health over hedonism on holiday. Meanwhile, the $7T wellness market continues to blend with the boom in medical tourism. Currently worth $31B, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14% between now and 2027, partly fueled by the fallout from overwhelmed healthcare systems. Read more in Well To Do Global here.
Another Fashion Icon Enters Hospitality
For those who love the Tommy Bahama brand, they are banking on the fact that you’ll want to stay at a hotel with the same moniker. The island-inspired clothing brand is making a foray into hotels, announcing plans to revamp the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., and turn it into the world's first Tommy Bahama-branded resort opening in late 2023. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
Dry-Aged Fish May Become A Thing
Sure we’ve all heard of dry-aged beef, but dry-aged fish? Perhaps the most complimentary adjective one can use when describing fish and seafood is “fresh,” but these days, top chefs are looking for anything but. The controlled rotting that renders dry-aged beef so sought after has come for seafood, forming the latest trend. This is particularly important for fish, known for its short shelf life and is an ode to more sustainable food practices for restaurants. Read more in Inside Hook here.