Thinking of jetting to the U.S. on a short-term business visa? If you’re from a high-risk overstay country, you may need to majorly boost your budget to allot for a hefty entry fee.
Plotting an incentive trip that’s more glacier than golf course? Alaska Beyond, a new women-led DMC from Within the Wild, launches this fall with chef-led adventures and hyper-local luxury.
Dreaming of a full recline en route to paradise? Hawaiian Airlines is revamping its A330 premium cabins with leather lie-flat seats, oversized screens and island-inspired style, starting in 2026.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program to Affect Select Business Travelers
A new 12-month pilot program from the U.S. State Department will require certain short-term business and tourist visa applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 starting Aug. 20.
The program applies only to B-1/B-2 visa applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates, including Malawi and Zambia. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, such as the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany, are not affected and can continue using the streamlined Electronic System for Travel Authorization system for short-term business visits of up to 90 days.
According to the State Department, the bond will be refunded only if the traveler departs before their visa expires and uses a designated U.S. airport. The pilot is expected to impact roughly 2,000 travelers.
Business travelers from affected countries should factor in both the financial and logistical implications when planning trips. Those using VWP for meetings, conferences or negotiations remain exempt.
Within the Wild Launches Women-Led DMC, Alaska Beyond
Within the Wild Adventure Company, the family-owned hospitality group behind award-winning lodges in Southcentral Alaska, will debut a new destination management company this September. Alaska Beyond aims to craft luxury itineraries rooted in sustainability, local partnerships and authentic Alaskan experiences.
Helmed by Mandy Dixon, Lindsay Mondschein and Kirsten Dixon, the women-led DMC has already generated $128,000 in tourism revenue for local businesses through early partnerships. Guests can expect high-touch services like private wildlife excursions, glacier treks and chef-driven meals.
“Launching Alaska Beyond and creating meaningful career pathways for the next generation proves that mentorship and strategic growth can make a real difference,” said Kirsten Dixon.
Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Lie-Flat Seats in A330 Premium Cabin Redesign
Hawaiian Airlines has announced a redesign of its Airbus A330 premium cabins, introducing 180-degree lie-flat seats and a refreshed, island-inspired design aimed at elevating the long-haul travel experience to and from Hawai‘i.
Developed in partnership with Italian seat manufacturer Optimares and design firm PaulWylde, the new 76-inch lie-flat seats will be installed in a 2-2-2 configuration, ideal for couples and families. Features include large-format tablet entertainment systems with adjustable arms, premium materials like Poltrona Frau leather and cabin aesthetics inspired by Hawaii’s natural landscapes.
Read More: Hawaii: Events Meet Mahalo
“We’re creating an environment of tranquility and comfort in the air,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley. “The new premium cabin evokes a bold, contemporary sense of Hawai‘i, complemented by the warm aloha spirit of our crew.”
The first updated aircraft will enter service in Q2 2026, with the remaining A330 fleet slated for upgrades through 2027. The airline will also expand its extra comfort section from 40 to 68 seats, responding to increased demand for its premium economy offering.
Beyond Green Adds 10 Properties, Expands Global Footprint
Beyond Green, the global collection of sustainable hotels under Preferred Travel Group, has added 10 new and returning member properties to its portfolio, marking continued growth and its first entries in Sweden and Mozambique.
Among the new additions are Villa Dahlia in Stockholm, Vermejo in New Mexico and several andBeyond safari lodges across Africa. Three founding members (Vermejo, Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn) have also rejoined the portfolio following Beyond Green’s inaugural Leadership Summit.
Each property meets more than 100 sustainability indicators aligned with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Rejoining Beyond Green feels like coming home to a shared purpose,” said Jade McBride, president of Ted Turner Reserves.
The brand now includes nearly 60 eco-conscious properties across 24 countries, all focused on sustainability, community engagement and conservation.
Hurtigruten Debuts Community-Led ‘Open Village’ Experiences in Coastal Norway
Hurtigruten has introduced “Our Open Villages,” a new collection of community-led excursions exclusive to its Signature Voyages. These immersive experiences offer guests intimate access to three remote coastal villages—Træna, Bessaker and Sæbø—only reachable by smaller cruise ships.
The program emphasizes sustainable, slow travel by partnering directly with local communities. Guests can explore historical sites, enjoy traditional foods, meet artisans and attend concerts, all at no additional cost. A portion of each fare (250 NOK, approximately $24 USD) goes directly to support more than a dozen local businesses per village.
“These are not tourist attractions—they’re living communities sharing their stories and way of life,” said Odd Tore Skildheim, head of product development.
The Open Village experiences will debut on the North Cape Line in summer 2025 and expand to the Svalbard Line in 2026.
