This is Window Shopping, a weekly briefing from Window Seat. Every issue covers essential news in luxury travel, spotlights one exceptional hotel, and shares personal updates or recent product discoveries.
54% of travelers are confident about using AI to help them plan and book travel in 2026, up from 47% the year before.
Instagram still reigns supreme as the go-to search platform for travel inspiration, with YouTube taking second place, then TikTok trailing in third, which surprised me.
When it comes to destinations, travelers are gravitating toward Limón’s jungles, Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces, and Bodrum’s beachside glamour—each seeing some of the biggest year-over-year surges in interest.
Here’s a fun one: skincare tourism is officially trending. Nearly a third of Gen Z travelers plan to seek out beauty treatments or skincare stores abroad next year—compared to just 8% of Boomers. (If you see me come home from Seoul with a new face, no you didn’t.)
Pan Am has announced plans to relaunch passenger service, marking the first real progress toward a comeback. The proposed revival of the iconic airline from aviation’s golden age has officially begun FAA certification. The company hopes to launch in 2026 with a fleet of Airbus aircraft. Even if the certification is granted, the real challenge will be competing with today’s established U.S. carriers—Delta, United, and American—whose vast networks and loyalty programs define modern air travel. Nostalgia may help lift it off, but it’ll take far more than that for it to stay airborne.
Amex just made it easier to cancel flights—for any reason. This week, American Express rolled out its Trip Cancel Guard® benefit for airline tickets purchased on any platform—whether directly with airlines or through third-party sites—within 30 days of booking. The perk lets travelers cancel or change flights for any reason and receive up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable fares! It’s a big deal: flexible coverage like this has typically only been available through costly or restrictive travel insurance. Now, Amex Card Members who book early or change plans often get built-in peace of mind (and a little more freedom to be spontaneous). We absolutely love to see it.
This week, Marriott Bonvoy invited me to experience The Elite Experience Suite, an immersive showcase of offerings from 13 of their hotels across North America, hosted at the New York Marriott Marquis. The space was full of clever, sensory experiences—from a remarkably true-to-life New York bodega (cat included) to aura photography to curated tastings.
But my favorite by far was the Chocolate Sculpting Masterclass with world-renowned chocolatier François Behuet. As someone who has fallen down a chocolate sculpture TikTok rabbit hole or two, getting one-on-one time to learn from a true master was surreal. It’s the type of interactive, thoughtful moment I’d book in a heartbeat—and you can actually try it yourself at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live.
The Siren — Detroit, Michigan
I know, I’ve been sleeping on all the incredible hotels in our own backyard! This hotel is the epitome of “the destination is the hotel.” I don’t have any reason to go to Detroit, but I’ll find one just to stay at this stunning hotel by Ash, the group renowned for its immersive worldbuilding. The Siren captures decadence and nostalgia in equal measure, reimagining old-Hollywood glamour with a distinctly Midwestern twist. It’s for the kind of traveler who values atmosphere over itinerary; someone who’s as happy sipping a martini in the on-site bar as they are exploring the city outside. And when in Detroit, well… you let The Siren’s call draw you in.
Window Seat covers the intersection of luxury hospitality, aviation innovation, and the culture of modern travel, written by Tori Simokov, a writer and designer based in New York. For partnership opportunities: tori@v1projects.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, or ShopMy.
The Siren is on my list! I’m from Detroit and love a good staycation. The Shinola is a favorite.