July Travel News: Why Risk Management Matters, Industry News, and A first-hand review of Explora!

AUGUST 2026

I HAVE A CONFESSION: I LOVE TRAVEL DATA

I know that probably sounds strange.

Most people see a hotel rate, a policy, or a travel report and move on. I see a story.

This time of year, as we start reviewing hotel programs and preparing for supplier discussions, I find myself digging into the numbers looking for patterns.

Where are travelers actually staying?

If they're not choosing the preferred hotel, why?

Has the business shifted to a different part of town? Is there a newer property that's simply a better fit? Has parking become expensive enough that the "cheaper" hotel isn't actually cheaper anymore?

The data usually tells us something we didn't know before.

One client may be doing a great job directing travelers to preferred properties but missing an opportunity to negotiate complimentary breakfast. Another may have negotiated strong rates years ago, but their travel patterns have changed and the hotels in the program no longer align with where business is happening today.

I'm also looking at questions like:

How much did travelers save by booking preferred hotels?
How much did they spend on parking, breakfast, transportation, or other extras?
What percentage of bookings were made outside of policy?
Which hotels are receiving the most volume?
Are there markets where we're spreading travelers across too many properties?
Where could a small adjustment create a better traveler experience and stronger negotiating position?

This is the part of travel management that often happens behind the scenes.

A hotel rate is only one piece of the puzzle. The real value comes from understanding how travelers behave, how the business is evolving, and whether the travel program is keeping pace.

Sometimes the data confirms we're on the right track. Sometimes it tells us it's time to make a change. Either way, it's one of the most valuable tools we have for helping clients make smarter decisions, improve traveler satisfaction, and get more from their hotel program year after year.

And yes, I genuinely enjoy every minute of it.

If you are ready to review your hotel program for 2027, let us know!

-Jennifer Harrison

Executive Vice President

Travel Prices Still Climbing

Business travel costs are expected to remain elevated through the rest of 2026, with higher fuel, labor, and operating costs continuing to impact airfares and hotel rates. While GBTA forecasts some moderation in 2027, pricing is unlikely to return to previous levels. For travel programs, that makes policy compliance, preferred supplier usage, and strategic travel planning more important than ever.

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Airport Security Change Takes Flight

A growing number of U.S. airports are exploring private security screening programs as an alternative to traditional TSA staffing, while maintaining federal oversight. Supporters say the approach could improve efficiency and reduce disruptions during staffing shortages or government funding challenges. As airports look for ways to enhance the traveler experience, this model is gaining increased attention across the industry.

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One Less Airport Line

United Airlines has officially launched its new "Twilight Bag Drop" service, allowing travelers on early morning flights to check their bags the night before departure. The program is designed to streamline the airport experience, helping travelers skip the check-in and bag drop lines the next morning and head straight to security. After a successful pilot, United is making the service a permanent offering and could expand it to other airports in the future.

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The Airport Experience is going Digital

For years, digital identity in air travel has been discussed as the future. According to a recent PhocusWire report, that future is starting to arrive, with biometric and digital identity programs moving beyond testing and into real-world airport operations. The goal is a more seamless journey, allowing travelers to move through parts of the airport with fewer document checks while maintaining security standards.

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See you in Chicago!

GBTA Convention is almost here, and our team is looking forward to spending the week in Chicago connecting with clients, partners, and industry friends.

Whether you're attending educational sessions, exploring the expo floor, or just catching up with colleagues, we'd love to see you. Stop by Booth #3314 to say hello, meet the team, and chat about what's happening in the world of business travel.

Safe travels to everyone heading to Chicago, and we'll see you at GBTA!

Shoulder Season Luxury: Four Destinations to Book Now

Written By: Jennifer Harrison, EVP

There’s a reason savvy travelers are increasingly choosing shoulder season over peak travel periods. Fewer crowds, more favorable pricing, greater availability at sought-after hotels, and a more authentic experience make this one of the best times of year to explore some of the world's most coveted destinations. Virtuoso advisors continue to report growing interest in shoulder season travel as clients look to avoid overtourism and enjoy more moderate weather.

If you're dreaming of a fall getaway, these four destinations deserve a spot at the top of your list.

Tuscany & Umbria, Italy

If Italy is on your travel wish list, autumn may be the perfect time to visit.

As summer crowds fade, the countryside comes alive with harvest season. Vineyards are busy with grape picking, olive groves are preparing for the season's first pressing, and local festivals celebrate everything from wine to truffles. The weather remains ideal for exploring hilltop villages, wandering through historic towns, and enjoying long, leisurely meals outdoors.

Whether you're sipping Brunello in Montalcino, exploring the medieval streets of Siena, or staying at a luxury countryside estate, fall offers a more relaxed and immersive Italian experience.

Portugal

Portugal continues to capture the attention of luxury travelers, and shoulder season is one of the best times to experience everything this remarkable country has to offer.

Explore the vibrant streets of Lisbon, cruise through the vineyard-covered Douro Valley, or unwind along the Algarve's dramatic coastline. September through November brings warm days, comfortable sightseeing weather, and a slower pace that allows travelers to connect more deeply with the destination.

Portugal also offers exceptional value compared to many of Europe's more traditional luxury destinations, without sacrificing world-class accommodations, cuisine, or service.

Japan

Japan remains one of the most sought-after destinations among luxury travelers, and autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit.

From Kyoto's historic temples to Tokyo's vibrant neighborhoods, fall transforms the country with spectacular shades of red, orange, and gold. Cooler temperatures make sightseeing more comfortable, while seasonal cuisine and cultural events add another layer to the experience.

Luxury travelers can combine bustling cities with peaceful ryokan stays, private cultural experiences, and unforgettable culinary adventures that highlight Japan's renowned attention to detail.

Danube River Cruise

For travelers looking to unpack once and experience multiple destinations, a Danube River cruise offers one of the most effortless ways to explore Europe.

Cruising through countries such as Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany, travelers enjoy charming villages, iconic cities, vineyard-covered landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences along the way. Fall departures bring crisp mornings, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds at major attractions.

With luxury accommodations, fine dining, and expertly curated excursions included, river cruising continues to be one of the most rewarding ways to discover Europe.

The Best Luxury Travel Secret? Timing.

Luxury isn't always about where you go. Sometimes it's about when you go.

Shoulder season offers many of the things today's travelers value most: more space, a slower pace, better availability, and the opportunity to experience a destination at its most authentic. Travelers are increasingly choosing shoulder season and off-peak travel to enjoy moderate weather and avoid crowded destinations.

If a fall getaway has been calling your name, now is the time to start planning.

TravelDesigns by Campbell Tip: Through our Virtuoso partnerships, many shoulder season journeys include exclusive amenities, preferred rates, complimentary upgrades, and VIP experiences that can make an already memorable vacation even more extraordinary.

Let's Start Planning!

www.campbelltravel.com

Phone or Text: (972) 850-2201
Email: corporate@campbelltravel.com