Bureau of Adventure

Bureau of Adventure is a newsletter addressing the travel industry's business strategies, exploring the intricacies of customer experience, niche markets, and innovative travel options. It reviews company practices, offers travel tips, and suggests alternative travel ideas and the evolving dynamics of various travel modalities.

Travel Industry Customer Experience Business Strategies Niche Markets Alternative Travel Options Company Reviews

The hottest Substack posts of Bureau of Adventure

And their main takeaways

#17: Niche cruise products: Why they work and how they might grow

59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
💼 Business Cruise Industry Market Trends Consumer behavior Business strategy
  1. Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
  2. Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
  3. The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.

#16: Four alternatives to an Alaska cruise

79 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Travel tips Adventures Road trips Nature
  1. You can visit Alaska without going on a cruise. Alternatives include flying to Anchorage and taking a road trip to explore scenic spots like Denali National Park and Seward.
  2. Southeast Alaska offers a different experience accessed by flying or taking shorter ferries. You can spend more time in smaller towns and visit places that huge cruise ships don't reach.
  3. The Alaska Marine Highway is a ferry system that connects coastal communities. It's more local and lets you enjoy beautiful scenery while traveling, plus you can camp on the deck for a budget-friendly option.

#15: June Travel Links

99 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Travel Travel experiences
  1. There are unique travel ideas like cruises that have a resident dog on board to entertain guests. This creative marketing makes the cruise more appealing.
  2. A student created a neat map showing all the railway lines in the world. It's a cool way to see how extensive global train travel is.
  3. Airship cruises are being planned for special trips, like going to the North Pole. They promise a unique travel experience without needing traditional airports.

#14: Five ideas from the airline business

119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💼 Business Aviation Marketing Operations Economics Strategy
  1. Airlines can use different route models, like hub-and-spoke or point-to-point. Each has its benefits, with point-to-point focusing on direct flights and hub-and-spoke maximizing connections.
  2. Focusing on trip costs rather than unit costs can be more effective. Sometimes a smaller plane with higher costs per seat is better for fewer passengers, rather than trying to fill a large plane.
  3. Using an 'out and back' flying strategy can help airlines run more efficiently. It allows them to keep crew costs low and isolate delays, while also making it easier to cancel unprofitable flights.

#13: My weekend on "The Canadian"

99 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Travel experiences Travel planning
  1. Traveling on 'The Canadian' train offers a unique and enjoyable experience, blending vintage charm with beautiful scenery. It's a great way to see Canada, especially if you love trains.
  2. VIA Rail's long-distance service is different from Amtrak; it has fewer routes and lower budgets, which affects the trains and service. However, 'The Canadian' stands out with better comfort and service.
  3. Booking a sleeper on 'The Canadian' is highly recommended for a full experience. Enjoy social dining, good food, and stunning views while aboard.
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#12: What kind of business has Viking built?

99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💼 Business Travel Industry Financial Analysis Market Growth Customer Loyalty
  1. Viking has built a successful cruise business, focusing on premium river and ocean cruises. They have a strong market share and generate impressive revenues, growing faster than many competitors.
  2. Their river cruises make up a large part of their business, but they plan to expand their ocean cruises due to higher profitability. Viking currently has ambitious growth plans to increase capacity and explore new travel options.
  3. Viking's marketing strategy is focused and effective. They have a strong brand presence and a loyal customer base, which helps them book a lot of reservations well in advance.

#8: The best way to see the American West: Amtrak

139 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Transportation Destinations Travel tips Adventure
  1. Amtrak trains offer scenic views that you can't get from cars or planes. Traveling by train lets you enjoy the landscape up close, making the journey part of the experience.
  2. Amtrak's long-distance trains have comfortable spaces, including sleeper cars and dining options. It's a cozy way to travel across the country, especially on multi-day trips.
  3. While train travel may take longer and sometimes be pricier than flying, the unique experience and beautiful sights make it worth considering for your next trip.

#1: Travel Companies need to evolve their thinking around Customer Experience

259 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Customer Experience Travel Industry Digital Trends Information Management
  1. Travel companies must improve their customer experience to meet higher digital expectations. Customers now want their travel experiences to be as smooth and simple as their favorite online services.
  2. Communication is key in the travel industry, but many companies struggle with providing clear and helpful information to customers. They need to make sure customers understand what to expect throughout their journey.
  3. Internally, travel companies need better systems to share information about customers and products. This helps employees give the best service and avoids confusion for travelers.

#10: Why do cruise ships keep getting bigger? And will it ever stop?

99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Cruise Industry Sustainability Economics Tourism
  1. Cruise ships are getting bigger mainly because larger ships can serve more passengers at a lower cost per person. This helps cruise companies make more money but also leads to some criticism.
  2. Sustainability is another big reason for bigger ships. As companies aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, larger and more efficient ships help them meet those environmental goals.
  3. Despite the trend of bigger ships, there are limits. Some destinations can't handle large ships due to physical restrictions and tourism infrastructure, which may keep smaller ships in demand.

#11: Travel Agents: the misunderstood distribution channel

59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Tourism Cruise Industry Luxury Travel Customer Service
  1. Travel agents play a crucial role in selling travel products, especially cruises and luxury vacations. Many travelers still rely on agents for guidance and expertise when planning trips.
  2. The rise of the internet negatively affected the airline commission model, but many travel agents adapted by focusing on high-commission products like cruises. These products often pay agents better than airline tickets.
  3. Consumers appreciate the free support that travel agents offer. With so many choices in travel, agents help people navigate options and build trust, making the planning experience easier for travelers.

#9: January Travel Links

79 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Destinations Transportation Tourism
  1. Mexico City has 25 must-try dishes that chefs and locals recommend. It's a great guide for anyone looking to explore its food scene.
  2. Travel brands like Boundless are making it easier for families to live as digital nomads. They offer community and services in different locations around the world.
  3. Accident reports from Viking Polaris and Amtrak show important lessons for safety and design improvements in travel. Learning from these incidents can help prevent future accidents.

#3: The business of icebreaker cruises

119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💼 Business Travel Industry Luxury goods Market Trends Product Strategy Economic Factors
  1. Ponant's Commandant Charcot is the first luxury icebreaker cruise ship. It's specially designed to break through thick ice, making it unique in the cruise market.
  2. Operating an icebreaker is very costly. Charcot's building and running expenses are much higher than typical cruise ships, but it tries to offer special experiences to justify the price.
  3. Ponant has created unique itineraries for Charcot that go to places and times other ships can't reach, making each cruise a special adventure for wealthy travelers.

#6: A redemption narrative: the history of Viking Cruises

79 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Cruise Industry Market Strategy Luxury Travel
  1. Viking Cruises started with a focus on river cruising in Europe and became very successful by offering unique experiences that appealed to English-speaking travelers. They really understood their audience and tailored their offerings to fit their needs.
  2. The company grew rapidly by investing heavily in marketing and building a strong brand presence. This made them the leading name in river cruising, kind of like how Kleenex is for tissues.
  3. Viking expanded into ocean cruising and kept their style simple and inclusive, which attracted more mature travelers. They focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience without the usual formalities seen in luxury travel.

#4: Premium vs Luxury Strategies in Travel

99 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Luxury Travel Branding Consumer behavior Market Analysis
  1. Luxury is really about a unique experience rather than just being expensive. It’s more about how brands market themselves to create a special image.
  2. There are two main business strategies for travel brands: a premium strategy focuses on quality and value, while a luxury strategy emphasizes exclusivity and unique branding.
  3. For high-end travel brands, knowing whether you're premium or luxury is key. Each path has its own marketing rules and customer expectations.

#2: Svalbard!

99 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Tourism Destinations Outdoor activities
  1. Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world, located far north of Norway. It's a unique place where the sun doesn't set in summer and doesn't rise in winter.
  2. Visitors need to be cautious of polar bears, as they are common in the area. It’s important to have a trained guide when exploring outside the town.
  3. Traveling to Svalbard is possible with direct flights from Oslo and offers various ways to explore, including cruises and day trips. It's essential to plan ahead for activities and accommodation.

#18: Amtrak's Next Generation Trains Look Awesome

3 HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Design Experience Accessibility
  1. Amtrak is introducing new long-distance trains that enhance the passenger experience. The new designs aim to improve comfort with better sleeping compartments and dining options.
  2. The new trains will have special lounges for first-class passengers. This means they will have a place to relax, get snacks, and enjoy drinks that coach passengers won't have.
  3. Accessibility is a big focus, allowing more people to enjoy train travel. The trains will include features like lifts to upper levels and wider aisles to make it easier for everyone.

#7: What can we learn from Viking Cruises?

59 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Cruise Industry Business Growth Customer Experience Marketing Strategy Product Development
  1. Viking Cruises grew quickly by taking smart risks and thinking long-term. They started by buying existing operations to reduce risk and focused on profitable markets early on.
  2. They kept their cruise ships and itineraries very standard, which makes it easier for customers to understand and enjoy their products. This also lets them market their offerings more effectively.
  3. Viking clearly defined their target audience as older, English-speaking travelers. This focus helped them create a more appealing experience for their guests, leading to greater satisfaction.

#5: October Travel Links

59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Transportation Products Design Sustainability
  1. Japan Airlines is offering a clothing rental service for travelers. This could help people pack lighter and reduce the fuel used for flights.
  2. There are new high-speed trains connecting Miami and Orlando, making travel easier in Florida. More routes are being planned too, which is exciting!
  3. United Airlines is expanding its fleet with more planes. This shows they are focusing on premium travelers and growing internationally.