Travel Trends
What is ‘Naked Flying’: The minimalist travel trend taking off around the world |
A new travel trend called “naked flying” is making waves among Gen Z and millennial travellers, and no, it doesn’t involve removing clothes. Instead, it’s about removing luggage. The term refers to travellers who choose to fly with little to no baggage, skipping the traditional carry-on suitcase and often packing nothing more than what fits in their pockets or under the seat in front of them.According to a 2024 Global Travel Study, about 35% of travellers aged 18–34 now opt to fly with just a personal item or less. They say it reduces stress, saves time, and avoids the hassle of baggage fees and long check-in lines. The New York Post reports that what began as a niche strategy for budget-conscious flyers has turned into a broader lifestyle statement—embraced by influencers, digital nomads, and practical travellers across North America, Europe, and increasingly in Asia.Despite the trend’s quirky name, the motivation is simple: maximize mobility and minimize stress. For a generation raised on fast access, digital efficiency, and sustainable consumption, naked flying offers a smarter way to travel. But like any trend, it comes with pros, cons, and a variety of styles.
What does “naked flying” actually mean?
In essence, naked flying refers to travelling without any checked luggage and often without a standard carry-on bag. Travellers take only the essentials—usually a small backpack, a tote bag, or even just the contents of their jacket pockets.According to the Houston Chronicle, this approach eliminates the need to wait in baggage lines, worry about lost luggage, or haul heavy bags through airports. It’s a trend fueled by rising baggage fees, increased airport crowding, and the growing appeal of intentional minimalism.
The three main styles of naked flying
The trend has evolved into three main categories, each catering to different levels of commitment to the no-baggage lifestyle.These travellers are the most extreme adopters of the trend. They bring only what they wear or carry on their person—such as a smartphone, wallet, passport, and maybe sunglasses or earbuds. They skip toiletries, spare clothes, and even bags altogether. As The Sun UK reports, some ‘totally bare’ flyers rely on laundry services at their destination or buy whatever they need on arrival.This group embraces a more tactical version of minimalism. Instead of using a bag, they rely on multi-pocket clothing like cargo pants, jackets, and vests to hold their essentials. Items like travel-sized toiletries, medication, snacks, and chargers are packed in zippered compartments. Outlook Traveller explains that this style is particularly popular for short weekend trips or ultra-budget flights.These flyers don’t carry bags on the plane but ship their luggage separately using courier or delivery services. While it involves more planning and cost, it lets them travel bag-free while still accessing all their belongings upon arrival. As noted by Thrillist, this method is favoured by travellers going on longer trips or attending events that require specific clothing like formal wear.
Why is the naked flying trend catching on?
One of the main benefits cited by naked flyers is the elimination of decision fatigue. Packing light removes the need to choose between outfits, organize toiletries, or stress over what to bring.By skipping check-in counters and baggage claims, travellers save up to an hour on either end of their trip. Boarding and exiting the plane are quicker, especially on budget airlines that charge extra for overhead bin space.Baggage fees on many airlines can cost $30–$100 per flight leg. Naked flying completely sidesteps this expense, making it especially attractive to budget-conscious and frequent travellers.
- Sustainability and minimalism
The lifestyle appeal of doing more with less also plays into the trend. Travelers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of overpacking and fast fashion. Naked flying promotes the idea of intentional consumption.
Where is the naked flying trend growing?
Initially popular in the US and Europe, the trend is now expanding to Asia, including India, South Korea, and Japan. According to The New York Post, young influencers and travel vloggers in these countries are promoting naked flying as both a fashion statement and a symbol of independence.Airlines are also noticing the shift. Some carriers in Europe and the US now offer discounted ticket options or perks (like early boarding) to travellers who decline overhead bin use. Several low-cost carriers are also experimenting with “no baggage” tickets that further reduce airfare.
Real-world challenges and limitations
Despite its appeal, naked flying does come with practical downsides:
- Unexpected purchases: Many travellers find themselves needing to buy essentials like toothpaste, socks, or weather-appropriate clothing at their destination, which can lead to extra spending.
- Limited clothing choices: Extended trips, sudden weather changes, or business travel may demand a broader wardrobe than naked flying allows.
- Return trip complications: Shoppers often return home with souvenirs or new purchases, which may require an extra bag—or worse, an overpriced suitcase from the airport gift shop.
- Not suitable for everyone: Families, people with medical needs, or those travelling with children may find naked flying impractical or impossible.
Tips for following the naked flying trend
For travellers curious about trying naked flying, here are a few simple tips:
- Invest in multi-pocket clothing like travel jackets or vests.
- Ship luggage ahead if you need more items than you can carry.
- Plan purchases and know what you can easily buy at your destination.
- Pack collapsible bags for your return trip in case you shop.
- Wear layers to stay flexible for different temperatures.
Travel Trends
BCD Travel and Oversee partner to implement agentic AI for scalable, traveler-centric service
UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS – BCD Travel, one of the world’s leading corporate travel management companies, and Oversee, a travel technology company specializing in AI-powered spend optimization and agent operations, announced the expansion of their partnership. This move will scale Oversee’s agentic AI technology across BCD’s operational environment, following a successful multi-customer pilot focused on automating email-based service requests.
This partnership positions BCD as a future-ready TMC: blending technology and talent to transform service delivery, increase operational resilience and deliver a consistently high-quality experience for travelers and travel agents.
“At BCD, we’re continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s business travelers,” said Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD. “Our partnership with Oversee aligns with our strategic focus on digital transformation, allowing us to automate intelligently while maintaining the personal service travelers expect.”
“We’re proud to partner with BCD to bring agentic AI into real-world operations,” said Aviel Siman-Tov, CEO and co-founder of Oversee. “Our agentic AI solution has been purpose-built to support the unique workflows of TMCs. Together with BCD, we’re proving how AI can enhance – not replace – the human side of travel management.”
Aviel Siman-Tov, CEO and co-founder, Oversee
Oversee’s agentic AI technology supports travel agents by automating repetitive tasks – such as booking requests, exchanges and shell PNR creation – enabling agents to focus on more complex service and support requests. Through this solution, BCD has improved agent workflows and increased SLA adherence across pilot markets.
The goal is not just speed, but quality, ensuring travelers receive fast, accurate responses 24/7, globally – without losing human touch.
In today’s rapidly evolving travel environment, BCD is taking bold steps to scale smartly – without compromising traveler care. By investing in AI-powered solutions, BCD is redefining the role of travel agents and building a service model designed for long-term agility and efficiency.
This partnership reflects a shared vision between BCD and Oversee: to build foundational AI capabilities that streamline global operations, empower travel agents, and elevate traveler satisfaction. As BCD continues to scale its service offering, this agentic AI platform will serve as a core enabler – delivering automation that’s fast, accurate, and globally scalable.
The article BCD Travel and Oversee partner to implement agentic AI for scalable, traveler-centric service first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
FITUR Cruises 2026 reaffirms its commitment to the booming cruise holiday industry
MADRID – In 2024, the cruise industry reached a record 34.6 million passengers worldwide, 9.3% more than the previous year, and by 2025 this figure is expected to increase to 37.7 million. Furthermore, by 2030, the global cruise market is expected to generate revenues of 18.35 billion dollars with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%, according to the ‘State of the Cruise Industry 2025’ report published by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Faced with this solid expansion of the cruise sector, the International Tourism Trade Fair is responding to this global tourism trend and is offering the strategic opportunity of connecting with a dynamic market with great potential at the fifth edition of FITUR Cruises from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID.
Organised in collaboration with online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, the event will debut a redesigned space in Hall 4 of the Trade Fair Centre that will combine the exhibition area, the central auditorium and the Cruise Market business area, which in 2026 is gathering together the largest number of cruise lines and auxiliary industry companies.
FITUR Cruises’ dual strategy: B2B and B2C approach for a personalised offer
Over the course of the trade visitor days -Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January – FITUR Cruises 2026 will connect the key players that drive the sector’s solid performance and will offer an interesting programme of conferences. This will contribute to boosting cruise sales, reinforcing their public image as a holiday option and promoting awareness among sales agents and travellers.
Cruise Market will be the heart of FITUR Cruises 2026, acting as a meeting, work and business point between cruise lines, destinations, ports and tour operators, as well as between these actors with the trade visitor and the end traveller. For its part, Cruise Campus will continue with its innovative system of 25-minute talks and mini-courses focused on areas such as marketing for travel agents, who account for approximately 50% of the industry’s turnover, communication and the travel experience from all angles and with a more practical approach.
At the weekend, when FITUR opens its doors to the general public, the Cruises area will reinforce the loyalty of cruise passengers and organise awareness-raising activities on this type of tourism, bringing travellers closer to the diversity of the offer, which includes family cruises with attractions and a wide range of on-board leisure activities to ultra-luxury cruises with helicopters and submarines; premium and upper premium cruises offering fine dining; expedition lines; river cruises, or cruises specialising in a specific geographical area.
In addition, visitors can also take part in the fifth edition of the Cruise Scavenger Hunt, a big treasure hunt among the FITUR stands, as well as the popular Café & Cruises meeting where passengers can share their on-board experiences.
Cruceroadicto Awards, the only awards voted by the Spanish-speaking travel community
On Thursday 22 January, FITUR Cruises will be hosting the IV Cruceroadicto Awards ceremony, the only ones voted 100% by the Spanish-speaking travel community and certified by the AENOR mark for their commitment to transparency and impartiality. During the event, the best ship, cruise line and port of 2025 as well as the different sub-categories will be revealed.
The article FITUR Cruises 2026 reaffirms its commitment to the booming cruise holiday industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
Actions for Hoteliers to Leverage Emerging Travel Trends : 4Hoteliers
Travelers are blending business with leisure, seeking cooler climates, and working from inspiring new locations, but the hotel industry has largely remained unresponsive.
The data may not yet fully reflect the volume of these burgeoning trends, but this signals a crucial opportunity for proactive hoteliers to move beyond generic offerings and capture a growing market of guests seeking higher value and tailored experiences.
The disconnect between trending topics and hotel actions is apparent. Standard hotel offerings leave many travelers in these emerging categories underserved. Hotels have a clear opportunity to differentiate themselves and build guest loyalty.
Instead of waiting for overwhelming statistical evidence, savvy hoteliers should be at the forefront, shaping their services to meet and exceed the expectations of these new traveler personas. Here are three key actions hoteliers should take to interpret and act on the latest trends, ensuring they capture their full impact.
1. Deep Dive into Data and Decipher the “Why”
Understanding a trend’s relevance to your specific property is crucial before taking meaningful action. Acknowledging a new buzzword isn’t enough; investigate how it appears in your market and guest data to gain a deeper understanding of its relevance. Moving beyond guesswork and manual spreadsheet analysis is essential.
To truly unlock these insights, you need a hotel business intelligence (BI) system. A modern BI platform automates the collection and analysis of data from all your key systems—your Property Management System (PMS), point-of-sale (POS), and even online guest reviews. Instead of relying on gut feelings, a BI system provides a comprehensive view of guest behavior.
It can flag patterns, such as increasing lengths of stay that bridge a Thursday to a Monday (a classic bleisure indicator), correlate guest origin with on-site spending, or track booking lead times from specific markets. This technology enables you to identify emerging trends with statistical confidence, allowing you to act decisively while your competitors are still discussing it.
With this powerful analytical foundation, you can begin to dig deeper. Are you seeing longer stays that bridge weekdays and weekends? Are guests inquiring about workspaces or the reliability of high-speed internet? Is there an uptick in visitors from regions experiencing extreme heat during certain times of the year? A BI system will not only help you ask these questions but also give you the clear, data-backed answers you need to build your strategy.
2. Reimagine and Repurpose Your Physical Spaces
Once you have a handle on the trends impacting your business, the next step is to adapt your physical environment. A one-size-fits-all approach to hotel rooms and common areas will no longer suffice.
For the “work-from-anywhere” guest, this means more than just a desk and a chair. Consider creating dedicated, well-equipped workstations that feature ergonomic seating, ample power outlets, and excellent lighting for video calls. Could a lesser-used common area be transformed into a stylish and functional co-working space? Offering day passes to these spaces can also attract local remote workers, creating a new revenue stream.
Attract “bleisure” travelers by ensuring a seamless transition between work and relaxation. Offer packages that bundle a spa treatment or a happy hour credit with a room booking. Create a “Business and Leisure” section on your website to highlight your meeting facilities and proximity to local attractions.
For “coolcationers,” the focus shifts to the experience of the destination. While you can’t change the weather, you can enhance the enjoyment of it. Partner with local tour operators to offer unique excursions that capitalize on the pleasant climate, such as guided hikes, boat trips, or outdoor yoga sessions. In-room, you could provide amenities that encourage exploration, like pre-loaded transit cards or a curated guide to local parks and outdoor cafes.
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