#Trending This Week - Shoebox Rooms, Glamping Goes Mainstream, Pop-Up Escapes, Race-Cations, And Micro-Weddings

Issue 246 • June 3, 2025

We’re edging ever closer to the peak summer vacation season and there is a lot going on in travel and hospitality. Here’s what you need to know this week in a quick three-minute read. File many of these ideas away as you start your 2026 marketing planning.

Glamping Goes Mainstream

We’ve been reading about glamping more and more over the years as the number of brands offering glamping resorts increases. Suddenly we are seeing a major tour operator offering glamping resorts in their tours in a bid to elevate the experience and feature unique accommodations to help guests connect more deeply to the places they visit. Read more in Travel Weekly here.

Shoebox Rooms Arrive At Luxury Hotels

Compact yet comfortable — that’s the way luxury hoteliers are positioning their new “shoebox rooms” in a bid to attract solo and budget-minded travelers. Single occupancy rooms represent a growing category in the hospitality industry, accommodating everyone from the third wheel on group trips to single travelers on a budget. Many of these rooms are not much more than 175-square-feet, but in city destinations where people are out and about, they are quite functional and well appointed. Read more in The Wall Street Journal here.

It’s The Year Of The Race-Cation

If recent years were known for “sports tripping,” 2025 is going to be the year of the ‘race-cation.’ This is a new and fast growing market where challenge-chasing travelers are setting their sights on competing in scenic spots all over the world. With Sydney set to join the likes of London, Berlin, and New York as the world’s seventh marathon major, destination races are turning into the next weekend getaway. Read more in Time Out here.

Micro-Weddings Are In

For those involved in the weddings business, this might be bad news: weddings are shrinking. Ballrooms are out. "Micro weddings" are in. Couples are skipping big weddings to save money and throw a more intimate gathering. Courthouse ceremonies and parties in cozy restaurants or backyards let couples spend more time with loved ones. Downsizing can also limit stress, plus free up cash for that open bar or unforgettable carving station. Could a shift to off-site catering help bolster the lost revenue? Read more in Axios here.

Short Trips And Pop-Up Escapes For Summer Travel

While concerns about the economy may have many people worried about their summer vacation, recent data is showing 53% of those surveyed are planning more short trips or weekend getaways than in past years. Additionally, 90% are looking for "pop-up escapes," or quick trips within driving distance of their homes. Camping is another popular option for the summer, with 88% of respondents already planning a one- to three-night camping trip within driving distance. Moreover, 57% will travel 200 miles or less for their trips. Read more in TravelAge West here.