ClickZ Travel Newsletter - 08.29.2024

Essential gear for long-haul flights and EU's surprising luggage scanner U-turn.

Specialty Bites 🍪

The article reviews the best Away luggage of 2024, highlighting various models like The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, and The Medium Flex. Each bag is praised for its durability, spaciousness, and innovative features like TSA locks and spinner wheels. Expert insights and rigorous testing underscore the brand's commitment to quality and functionality.

So, Uppercase, the D2C luggage brand that’s been schlepping travel gear across India, just bagged $9 million in a Series B round led by Accel. This Mumbai-based company, founded by Sudip Ghose, is now valued at a whopping $60 million.

Uppercase isn’t the only player in the game. Mokobara, another luggage brand, raised $12 million earlier this year. And let’s not forget Assembly, Nasher Miles, and EUME, all vying for a piece of the pie. Nasher Miles grabbed $4 million in July, while EUME pocketed $1.7 million in June. It’s a luggage war out there, folks.

Anna LaPlaca, a seasoned traveler, shares 26 must-have items for long-haul flights, including a weighted eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and skincare essentials. Her recommendations aim to enhance comfort, improve sleep, and maintain skin health during flights, reflecting her extensive travel experience and practical insights.

Amazon's most-loved travel products are on sale, featuring top-rated items like anti-theft bags, portable chargers, and comfortable shoes. These deals, up to 65% off, cater to various travel needs, from cosy outfits to tech accessories. Discover 15 must-have travel essentials starting at just $5.

The European Commission has questioned the reliability of next-generation scanners at EU airports and has called for a temporary restoration of the previous model. This means airports using the new C3 scanners — which usually allow passengers to leave liquids and electronic items in their bags while being scanned and which removed the need for the 100ml restriction on each liquid, aerosol or gel — will be reverting to older methods to process passengers through security.

Performance Platters 🍽️

TikTok is revolutionizing peak season marketing, driving engagement and conversions through its unique blend of community, commerce, and entertainment. Brands should adopt a full-funnel approach, leveraging TikTok's advertising solutions to capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. This strategy promises significant business outcomes during the festive season.

B2B marketers in North America and Europe plan to boost social media and video content this year, driven by Gen Z's digital habits. Short-form social videos are seen as high ROI, with LinkedIn video uploads set to rise 45% YoY. This trend underscores the growing importance of video in B2B marketing.

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