The view from California: Using Machines to Make Travel More Human and Other Observations

Observations from the US | November 2026 

The 24th of October 2026 marked two years since I moved back to California after 30 years in New Zealand. Since over half my life has been in New Zealand, I am equal parts Kiwi and American (even though my accent may say differently).  

Since arriving back, I've been captivated by what Americans are obsessed with; politics, where they/their children went to University, where they are travelling next, the last book read, podcast or movie (everything is about the Elizabeth Holmes movie right now).   

Post-Covid and now thanks to AI, what they think about travel is truly fascinating.  I've noticed some interesting contradictions and emerging trends around travel. 

We're using machines to make travel more human. Go figure! 

Americans are increasingly embracing AI to plan their holidays, while craving more authentic, personal and meaningful experiences. 

Most people I talk to use one or more forms of AI to suggest destinations, plan routes and/or book their travel. Expedia’s recent research found that 53% of surveyed travellers are comfortable letting AI suggest travel options. Yet a recent Robb Report article, "The Rise of A.I. Has Made Human Interaction the Ultimate Luxury Good", suggests that genuine human connection is becoming the new luxury. 

I love the irony! We're using technology to help us find experiences that take us away from technology. 

From FOMO to Slow-Mo 

I love this Virtuoso's newly coined expression – FOMO to Slow-Mo. I think it’s fabulous and relatable. Travellers are feeling an urgency to see the world, but once they arrive, they want to slow down and actually experience it. 

Less ticking off attractions, more lingering over lunch, meeting locals and enjoying the moment. Sounds rather refreshing! 

The rise of micro-niches 

I've always loved the idea of micro-niches. Not just wine tours, but specifically Pinot Noir experiences. Not just hiking, but hiking with a botanist. Not just sightseeing, but what the industry is now calling "sight-doing". 

This idea was also highlighted in an article by the Adventure Travel Trade Association with niche travel experiences like a growing interest in not just horseback riding but immersion in cowboy culture. Apparently, Americans are discovering their "inner cowboy"! 

It's fascinating to see travellers increasingly seeking experiences built around their very specific passions. 

And New Zealand is still SO far away! 

UGH. This is one perception that I keep encountering here in California - “I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, but it’s just so far away.” 

I feel like Tourism New Zealand should amend their entire US strategy and budget and just print a million t-shirts that say “New Zealand - closer than you think!”  

A couple of days don’t go by before I am repeating myself saying “flying nonstop from San Francisco to Auckland takes roughly the same time as flying to Rome”.  Somehow Italy feels accessible, while New Zealand feels like an expedition to the end of the earth! Some perceptions are harder to change than others, but I will persevere for the love of Aotearoa.  

Alas, my current favourite observation remains that wonderful contradiction: the more artificial our world becomes, the more we seem to crave something real. 

Perhaps the future of travel really is more artificial intelligence behind the scenes and more genuine human connection where it matters. 

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