Friends,
The future of travel does not usually arrive with fanfare. It arrives quietly, through small decisions, software updates, and brand choices that feel small in isolation but meaningful in aggregate.
Over the past few days, several developments caught my attention because together they point toward a broader shift in how we travel, how we identify ourselves, and what we expect from the companies that move us around the world.
First, Hilton made the bold decision to remove a Hampton Inn property from its portfolio after that hotel refused to accommodate US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Regardless of where one lands politically, it is notable when a global hospitality company draws a firm line at the brand level. Travel has often tried to stay apolitical. This moment suggests that may no longer be fully possible.
Next, Apple announced that passports can now be added to Apple Wallet for limited use. This does not replace your physical passport and likely will not for a long time. But it does allow for domestic identity verification at certain checkpoints in the USA and for pre-filling passport information when booking international travel through compatible airline apps.
For some, this raises privacy concerns. For others, myself included, it feels like a continuation of a reality we already live in. Biometric data is already widely used through programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. The question is less whether this future is coming and more how thoughtfully it is implemented and what redundancy exists when technology fails.
On the transportation side, Waymo is preparing to launch autonomous ride services in Dallas. I have used Waymo in Austin and San Francisco and found the experience surprisingly smooth. What makes this moment more interesting is emerging data suggesting autonomous vehicles may reduce serious injury and mortality rates compared to human driven cars. If that trend holds, driverless transportation becomes not just a convenience play but a public health one.
Luxury hospitality also continues to evolve in quieter ways. Sofitel is leaning further into its French heritage with brand wide initiatives meant to reinforce its identity. Aman is expanding into Miami, bringing its ultra luxury, destination focused philosophy into a major urban market. Rosewood is investing more heavily in its Elite advisor program, rewarding guests who book through qualified travel advisors with meaningful on property benefits. Four Seasons has announced a future property in Rio de Janeiro, a city long overdue for a flagship luxury presence at that level.
None of these announcements alone redefine travel. Together, they suggest something important.
Travel is becoming more integrated with technology, more explicit about values, and more segmented between mass convenience and highly curated experiences. The middle ground is shrinking. Friction is being engineered out of the system, while premium experiences are becoming even more intentional.
As travelers, the opportunity is to understand these shifts early and use them well. To travel with more clarity, more comfort, and more awareness of the systems shaping the journey.
Fly well.
