TikTok Turned Travel Agent: How The Platform Is Redefining Summer Trends
Today's travelers are building their itineraries on TikTok, using its vast library of creator-led reviews to plan unique, personalized experiences. When landing in a new city, users simply open the platform for recommendations that help determine where to spend their time and money. Additionally, TikTok's tailored For You feed has become a powerful engine in destination discovery, boosting tourism to hidden gems like this lesser-known haven in West Volusia, Florida.
The content being saved? Unique stays, adventure activities, and cultural deep dives—indicating a decisive shift towards authentic, personality-driven destination marketing.
The changing travel landscape has resulted in a notable increase in trend-based travel
decisions. Viral TikTok locations like the Escalator in Barcelona near Sagrada Familia, are now landing on people's itineraries.
Also inspiring travel plans is the desire to recreate a specific video with a trending sound or aesthetic, and popular film and television shows like The Crown, White Lotus, Outlander, and Emily in Paris.
Niche TikTok content is driving hyper-personalized travel curation. Think unique foodie city tours, bucket-list activities, travel tips, friend's trips, and the best solo travel destinations.
Beyond curated itineraries, the platform has become a go-to destination for savvy travelers chasing flight deals, uncovering hidden hotel gems, and maximizing credit card points. One of the most popular travel trends that gained impressive traction? The 'High vs. Low' vacation challenge, where creators compare luxury and budget travel experiences in the same location. Publishers are uniquely positioned to join (and elevate) these trending conversations, offering depth and credibility through an expert editorial lens.
TikTok's influence on the travel industry will intensify throughout 2025, particularly during peak periods for holidays and tourism.
You can expect to see:
TikTok's influence on travel and tourism will continue to expand, driven by creators and tailored content. From destination discovery and budget travel to luxury experiences—TikTok's transforming how we experience and document our trips—one bucket-list-worthy video at a time.
For more exclusive case studies, best practices and insights visit TikTok's new Publisher Insights Hub.
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And finally, unless you have the included litter box tucked in the bottom pocket to moonlight as padding, the bottom isn't padded enough to minimize sink. Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack The Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack is made of sturdier materials than the other cat backpacks in my testing pool, including my top pick. It has thick walls, water-resistant lining and a thick leash clip and handle. It also has robust back and bottom pads, both of which are removable if your pet doesn't need the extra protection and you don't want the added bulk. This pack is very clearly built for adventure, as its name suggests, and to ensure your pet isn't overheating inside while you're on a wilderness trek, it has two big zippered mesh windows on each side as well as a zippered mesh top panel. Unzip those, and your fur baby can stick their head out and enjoy some fresh mountain air. Unfortunately, for something made for adventure and boasting a 25-pound capacity, it feels bulky and, ironically, tight in the main compartment. If you have a cat that likes small, dark spaces, they may take to this cat backpack; otherwise, there are more spacious options for your feline. Fat Cat Backpack Carrier The Fat Cat Backpack Carrier is, in my opinion, the most adorable cat backpack of the bunch. Beyond its good looks, it's spacious and has a few good features as well, namely the two decently sized mesh pockets on its sides, a rollable top and a leash clip. What sets this pack apart from the rest is that it blends the best elements of the two most common cat backpack types. It's what I would recommend if you want a bubble type but don't necessarily trust that it has enough airflow inside. Because its front panel is swappable, you can replace the preinstalled mesh plastic with the included transparent dome window, which allows your kitty to stick its tiny face out and enjoy the scenery. Meanwhile, the side mesh windows and mesh top, along with the air holes on the dome and front panel, provide ample airflow. The thing I don't like about it, however, is that its bottom edge sits directly on my hip bone, regardless of its straps' length. This might not matter if you have a longer torso, but if you have a similar body structure to mine and have a heavier passenger in the pack, you may feel it digging into your hip, which is not ideal. Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier I can't confirm if it was Taylor Swift who popularized the bubble cat backpack. All I know is I've wanted one since I saw her using it during one of her tours a few years back, so I'm sad to say the novelty has already worn off. I appreciate the bubble type's hard-shell approach. There are benefits to it, including added protection and more structure. However, as appealing as the Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier is, its design is plagued with potential complications. For example, it has several vents as well as two small mesh windows on the side, but it doesn't feel breathable in there. Petkit must have realized this, because the brand included a small fan. Unfortunately, the fan isn't strong enough, makes a bit of noise that might startle an already stressed-out cat and doesn't come with a built-in battery. Meanwhile, the main compartment is not only tight but also hard to manage when you're trying to put an unwilling cat inside. If you've ever handled a kitty that will scratch, bite and claw its way out of being placed in a carrier, you know the way this backpack is designed to open and close is not conducive to that scenario. The backpack straps also need more padding and adjustability so the backpack won't sit too low on your back. I really want to like this cat backpack, and if you've read my self-cleaning litter box guide, you know I'm a fan of Petkit, but sadly I feel like it needs to go back to the drawing board with this one. Are cat backpacks safe for cats? Are cat backpacks safe for cats? Absolutely. Many cat owners use a cat backpack for trips to the vet, hikes and even cross-country road trips. When choosing a cat backpack, make sure it's spacious enough for your kitty. Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight? Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight? Airlines typically require a pet carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. As long as a cat backpack meets that requirement, you should be able to bring it on board just like a regular carrier. Before your flight, however, make sure to double-check your airline's specific pet carrier requirements to ensure you're meeting them. When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier? When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier? That largely depends on your preference as well as your cat's needs and comfort level. Some say cat backpacks are better for short trips, while carriers are ideal for longer trips since they're bigger, but I've used small carriers and tested expandable cat backpacks, so that's not a hard-and-fast rule. The one situation where a hard-shell carrier is most ideal is if you have to check your pet. However, checking a pet means they'll end up in the cargo hold, which is risky. Unless you absolutely must, I would avoid this scenario. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we test each product accurately and only recommend the best products while considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering pet gear and writing pet product reviews. She's written several pet-specific guides, including the best automatic cat feeders and the best pet water fountains. She's a devoted cat mom to Arrow, Bow and Isla.
