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✈️ Google’s New Travel Tools, 2027 Airfare Outlook & 10 New International Routes
Published about 1 month ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go - Travel Planning Briefing August 31, 2026
Happy last day of August. That flew by - and tomorrow, it's September, and the end of summer is just around the corner.
This past week, the schedule was particularly busy with editing our latest YouTube video. Our latest offering was more involved than usual as we tried to give our viewers a flavor of what 36 hours on the Camino de San Buenaventura feels like. We hope you get a chance to watch if you haven't already.
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Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Don’t Assume Fall Means Cheap — Research the Deals
Fall has traditionally been one of our favorite times to travel. The summer crowds begin to thin, temperatures can be more comfortable, and destinations often enter their “shoulder season.” But don’t automatically assume that traveling in September, October, or November guarantees a bargain.
Before choosing your destination, spend a little time comparing airfare and hotel prices across several cities and dates. Moving a trip by even a week—or choosing a nearby alternative destination—can sometimes uncover considerably better value.
Start by checking flexible dates on flight-search tools and setting airfare price alerts for destinations you’re considering. Then compare lodging for the same dates, remembering to consider the total trip cost, not just the airfare.
A slightly more expensive flight might take you somewhere with much cheaper accommodations, rental cars, or activities. And always check the local calendar: fall foliage, festivals, sporting events, conventions, and Halloween celebrations can turn what normally would be an inexpensive off-season weekend into one of the most expensive weekends of the year. The best fall travel deal may be hiding just a few days—or a few miles—away.
Google is turning its AI Mode in Search into a more powerful travel-planning tool, adding flight price tracking, points-and-miles searches, and hotel booking capabilities.
Travelers in more than 180 countries and territories can now ask AI Mode to monitor airfare and receive alerts when prices change, while integrations with airlines and hotel brands allow users to search award rates using loyalty points or miles.
In the U.S., Google is also rolling out hotel booking directly through AI Mode, letting travelers compare properties, reviews, amenities and cancellation policies before completing payment through Google Pay.
For travelers, the upgrades could mean fewer tabs, simpler comparison shopping and a more streamlined path from trip inspiration to booking.
United Airlines is planning its largest international expansion to date, adding 10 new destinations beginning in spring 2027, including Okinawa, Toulouse, Luxembourg City, Marseille, Ibiza, Valencia, Terceira in the Azores, Ljubljana, Olbia in Sardinia, and Catania in Sicily.
Eight of the cities will have no other nonstop service from the U.S. on a U.S. airline, giving travelers easier access to destinations that often require a connection.
United is also adding new routes from Los Angeles to Osaka, Washington Dulles to Milan, and Denver to Paris, while planning to resume service between San Francisco and Tel Aviv. Several of the new European routes will use United’s new Airbus A321XLR, featuring lie-flat Polaris seats, Premium Plus, expanded Economy Plus seating, and upgraded onboard technology.
Travelers hoping for cheaper flights next year may need to adjust their expectations. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby predicts airfares will continue to rise gradually in 2027, though not as sharply as in 2026. Strong travel demand has held steady despite higher ticket prices and elevated fuel costs, giving airlines room to recover expenses and improve profitability. For travelers, that could mean fewer bargains and more reason to book strategically, especially during busy travel periods.
Disneyland Resort will celebrate the holidays from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, with seasonal décor, entertainment, food and returning attractions across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, the resort hotels and Downtown Disney.
Travelers can look forward to favorites including “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks, “World of Color – Season of Light,” Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday, along with the Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Santa will appear at select locations through December 24, while the resort hotels add holiday character dining, festive displays and special experiences. Guests planning a longer visit can also save up to 20% on select hotel stays of three or more nights between October 11 and December 18, 2026.
Nearly one-third of experienced international travelers have changed, postponed, or canceled an international trip this year because of safety concerns, according to a Global Rescue traveler survey. Geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, terrorism concerns, and regional security issues are increasingly influencing destination choices, with 72% of respondents saying these factors have at least a moderate impact on where they travel. Still, most travelers are not giving up on international trips altogether—71% continued with their original plans, while others chose alternate destinations or postponed travel. For travelers, the findings highlight the growing importance of checking current conditions and reliable travel advisories before booking and again before departure.
Why Visit? Dunster, England, is a picturesque medieval village nestled in Exmoor National Park, renowned for its well-preserved historical charm, stunning natural surroundings, and unique heritage attractions. We were captivated by its cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, and close proximity to scenic countryside and coast during our visit.
Top Things To Do:
Dunster Castle & Watermill: This impressive 11th-century castle sits atop a hill, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a working watermill, offering dramatic views of Exmoor and engaging tours into its noble history.
Go Hiking in Exmoor National Park: You can be on hiking trails in the National Park within a few minutes' walk of the village.
Dunster Museum & Dolls Collection: Explore the fascinating museum featuring one of England's largest collections of dolls, along with interactive exhibits that detail village life from the Tudor to the Victorian era.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Dunster is late spring through early autumn, when the village and gardens are in full bloom and walking trails are most enjoyable. Dunster is highly walkable, but parking can be limited during peak travel periods; consider arriving early or using public transportation from nearby towns for a more relaxed experience.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Dunster for more ideas and tips on how to plan your trip.
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on February 2027, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Festival of the Arts - Tubac, Arizona - Festival of the Arts transforms historic Tubac, Arizona, into a vibrant open-air celebration of fine art, handmade crafts, music, and Southwestern culture. (February 10 to February 14, 2027)
South Beach Wine & Food Festival — Miami Beach, Florida - Celebrity chefs, tastings, demonstrations, beachside dinners and culinary seminars make this one of the country’s leading destination food festivals. (February 25-28, 2027)
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife — Tenerife, Spain - One of Europe’s largest Carnival celebrations features extravagant costumes, music, dancing, parades and the election of a Carnival queen. (January 22 to February 28, 2027)
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