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Makana Masks: A Smarter, More Comfortable Solution for Allergy Season and Beyond
As allergy season ramps up and travel becomes more frequent, many people are reaching for masks again—not just for health concerns, but to filter out pollen, pollution, and other airborne irritants. The problem? Most masks still don’t fit well enough to be worn consistently. Poor fit leads to discomfort, reduced protection, and ultimately, people abandoning them altogether.
That’s where Makana Masks offers a genuinely different approach—one that focuses not just on filtration, but on real-world wearability.
A Mask Designed for Real Faces
Traditional masks often follow a one-size-fits-all philosophy that doesn’t actually fit most people. Makana tackles this head-on with sizing that better accommodates smaller faces, making it a particularly strong option for women. At the same time, the company is actively researching solutions for people with facial hair—an often overlooked group when it comes to effective respiratory protection.
This attention to fit isn’t just about comfort—it directly impacts how well a mask works. A proper seal is essential for filtration efficiency, and Makana’s memory-foam face seal is designed to adapt to facial contours, improving both comfort and safety.
Built for All-Day Wear
Whether you’re navigating crowded airports, working in a clinic, or dealing with wildfire smoke, comfort matters. The Makana Mask is engineered for extended use:
- Ultralight design (just 45 grams)
- Breathable structure that reduces fatigue
- Anti-fog performance for glasses and goggles
If a mask feels good to wear, you’re far more likely to keep it on—and that consistency is what ultimately provides protection.
High-Level Protection Without the Waste
Unlike disposable masks that quickly pile up in landfills, Makana takes a more sustainable route. The mask itself is reusable and easy to clean with soap and water, while the filters—available in N95 or general-purpose options—last up to seven times longer than standard disposable N95s.
That means fewer replacements, less waste, and better long-term value.
Certified Performance You Can Trust
Makana Masks are pre-certified by Nelson Labs as exceeding N95 standards, capturing 99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. That level of filtration makes them suitable for a wide range of uses, from allergy protection to industrial environments and healthcare settings.
Designed with Purpose
The story behind Makana adds another layer of credibility. Founded by physician Dr. David Mathews after witnessing ineffective mask use and environmental waste abroad, the product reflects years of iteration and a clear mission: create a mask that people will actually wear—because it works and feels good.
Why It’s a Smart Pick This Season
With allergy counts rising and travel increasing, a mask that combines comfort, fit, and strong filtration isn’t just convenient—it’s practical. Makana Masks stand out because they solve the biggest barrier to mask use: discomfort.
At $49.95, it’s an investment upfront, but one that pays off through durability, performance, and sustainability.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for reliable protection this allergy season—whether from pollen, pollution, or crowded environments—Makana Masks are one of the most thoughtfully designed options available today.
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The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026
TakeUp, a revenue engine for independent hospitality properties that pairs collaborative AI with dedicated human oversight, today released The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026, a new consumer research report based on a survey of 300 U.S. travelers who took at least one overnight leisure trip in the past year. The study explores how travelers are using artificial intelligence to plan, research, and book their trips, and what that shift means for hotels and lodging operators.
Powered by survey platform Pollfish, TakeUp gathered responses that reveal a traveler audience that is highly aware of AI (90 percent), increasingly comfortable using it, and already relying on it to compare prices, evaluate accommodations, and make booking decisions. The research also surfaced key points of friction – 55 percent of respondents have yet to use an AI tool for travel planning activities – including concerns around accuracy, real-time pricing, and personalization, which will shape how AI tools evolve next.
“Travelers are no longer just browsing with AI, they’re using it to make real decisions about where to go, where to stay, and what to book,” said Bobby Marhamat, CEO of TakeUp. “This research makes it clear that AI is becoming a primary gateway for travel discovery, and if your property is not showing up in AI recommendations, you are losing visibility and bookings.”
The research shows that AI is already shaping how travelers discover hotels and experiences, with a large majority of travelers (86%) having used AI to find or book accommodations. It’s also shaping conversion. When travelers receive a hotel recommendation from an AI tool they trust, a clear majority said it directly increases their likelihood of booking that property, with 60% reporting they would be somewhat more likely to book and another 23% saying they would be “much more likely.” This underscores how quickly trusted AI is becoming a meaningful driver of bookings.
The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026 revealed that:
- AI Awareness Is Nearly Universal: 90% of travelers are aware that AI tools can help plan or book travel, signaling broad familiarity with AI-powered planning.
- Once Travelers Try AI, They Keep Using It: Among travelers who have used AI for trip planning, 63% rely on it for most or every trip, and 96% say they will probably or definitely use it again.
- Price Comparison Is a Primary Use Case: 35% of travelers say AI is most helpful for comparing prices across flights, hotels, and activities, highlighting pricing as a critical decision driver.
- Strong Trust and Satisfaction: 94% of AI users trust AI-generated travel recommendations at least as much as other sources (e.g., search engines, travel sites) and 96% report being somewhat or very satisfied with the recommendations they receive.
- AI Influences Booking Decisions: More than three-quarters of AI users have booked travel based primarily on an AI recommendation and 84% say a trusted AI recommendation would make them more likely to book a specific hotel.
- Non-Users Are Open to Adoption: Travelers who have not yet used AI cite satisfaction with existing methods and lack of awareness as top barriers, but most say they would try AI if it saved time or money.
The survey also highlights how traveler expectations are evolving. Future demand centers on more proactive and personalized AI capabilities, including real-time price alerts, smarter recommendations based on past travel behavior, and tools that adapt plans as conditions change.
“This data makes one thing clear,” said Kourtney Thomas, Head of Customer Success at TakeUp. “AI is changing guest behavior faster than most independent properties expect. The properties that win will be the ones that make it easy to understand what’s included, what’s unique, and why the stay is worth it.”
The full The Rise of AI-Planned Travel in 2026 report is available for download here:
https://cxpho.share.hsforms.
com/2pxCONR1qSPK_VXiG4AuJwQ About TakeUp
TakeUp is the AI-powered revenue optimization partner for independent stays. Purpose-built for properties without data science teams or big-brand budgets, TakeUp stands apart by pairing enterprise-grade AI with dedicated revenue experts, driving an average 20% revenue increase and saving operators up to 15 hours a week on manual pricing. Founded in 2022, TakeUp’s mission is to give independent stays powerful, approachable tools to help them compete and win in a fast-moving market.
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Kat Florence Hotel Unveils Daily La Mer Massages Included, Michelin-Origin ‘Infinity Pâtisserie,’ and a Nordic Winter Spa
The world-renowned luxury jeweller brings her signature precision and taste to a new era of bespoke “all-inclusive” where ultra-luxury amenities are included essentials in every stay
ELORA, ON, Jan. 13, 2026 /CNW/ – The Kat Florence Hotel, restored and designed by seven-time world record–breaking rare gem jeweller Kat Florence, announces an expanded collection of ultra luxury, inclusive experience layers arriving this month.
Kat Florence, who grew up in Canada’s famously beautiful village of Elora where her retreat resides, invested millions to personally restore the historic 1848 limestone building to its immaculate, present-day aura. “I approach a space the same way I approach a rare gemstone,” says Florence. “Its history and composition tell you what it wants to become. My role is to honour that story and elevate it. Our elaborate guest gifts and amenities also directly reflect the space, as well as our ethos of being a true home away from home. We’re thrilled to launch the next chapter of the hotel with even more signature, always included layers of wellness, nature, Michelin-level nourishment, and the most luxurious self-care elixir on earth (La Mer).”
Officially launching this month, the hotel debuts its private, guest-only Nordic Wellness Spa, a secluded plein air sanctuary within its hidden outdoor space. Steps from each suite, this intimate wellness garden features a hand-crafted cedar sauna, open-air hot pool, a restorative cold-plunge circuit for contrast therapy and a firepit lounge area; all supported by discreet, on-demand drink and snack service. Elemental, calming, and meticulously scaled, the spa is a sensorial extension of Florence’s design philosophy: purity, balance, and craftsmanship at every turn.
To further complement their already much loved, daily 60 minute full-body massages for all staying guests, delivered in the privacy of their suite by expert in-house RMTs, Kat’s daily ritual will soon be incorporating her personal favourite self-care product. From January, massages will be enhanced with a La Mer the renewal oil–infused face, neck, and décolleté finishing ritual (the La Mer elixir which famously retails for $395 per mini 30ml ounce bottle). The treatment also incorporates sound bath therapy and the Nordic practice of steam and ice, alternating warm and cool towel compresses to awaken the senses and create a harmony of temperature, grounding guests in the moment.
Adding to the hotel’s sensory and wellness offerings, December 18 also marks the debut of the Kat Florence Hotel’s new infinity-style Patisserie, a private, guest-only experience of daily edible art creations led by Chef Marc Collyer. The bakes and bonbons collection will be crafted using the most expensive ingredients on earth. While the collection will change every day, guests can expect delights like ‘mille feuille of housemade caramelized puff pastry, green apple caviar and hazelnut creme,’ ‘Caramelized white chocolate eclair with Amarena cherry mousse and burnt orange & Champagne powder,’ and signature house croissants Chef ferments for 3 full days prior to baking resulting in magnificently deepened flavours. Prior to collaborating with Kat, Marc spent 14 years honing his culinary distinction and imaginative flair at twice Michelin-starred Manor House in the British Cotswolds. Now innovating fine dolce delights at the Elora retreat, his guests are encouraged to visit in limitless tasting fashion throughout their stays (all at no charge; Chef’s high design cakes, chocolates and pastries are included for guests). In addition, each morning Chef Marc hand-churns his own butter and fresh bakes pastries, breads and more, sending energizing creations to be personal concierge-delivered to each suite as part of the hotel’s bespoke breakfast service. His patisserie program now forms an essential pillar of the property’s culinary identity, blending technique, artistry, and an intimate, at-your-leisure approach to Michelin heights indulgence.
Reflecting Florence’s celebrated eye for rarity and refinement, the hotel remains intentionally exclusive, welcoming a maximum of only 14 guests at any time and offering an unprecedented 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio; one of the highest in North America versus a luxury hotel average of 10:1. The result is a sanctuary of calm and privacy, with made-to-measure service for every stay.
Every booking at the Kat Florence Hotel includes her famous roster of signature high end gifts, services and experiences, all crafted to feel effortless and personal:
- Daily, 60-minute full body massages in-suite including La Mer the renewal oil infused face, neck and decolletage ritual (Kat’s personal favourite self-care ritual)
- A multi-course Chef’s Tasting Dinner on guests’ arrival night, prepared and hosted by renowned Chef Anthony Bish in his Anthony’s Private Restaurant reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
- Suite-delivered Breakfast Baskets every morning with daily rotating pastries, breads, hand-churned butter and more presented by Chef Marc Collyer (formerly of twice Michelin-starred Manor House in the British Cotswolds)
- A full bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne awaiting each guest upon arrival
- Rolls Royce & Bentley chauffeur service around town as well as complimentary valet
- Dedicated, personal concierge throughout your stay available for any request — from unpacking to private shopping to meal delivery to laundry service
- Enjoyment of the new ultra-private outdoor Nordic Spa just steps from the suites in the garden including hand-crafted cedar sauna, hot-pool therapy, cold-pool circuit and on-demand drink service
- Infinity visits to Kat Florence Hotel’s private, guest-only Patisserie day to night to experience Chef Marc’s daily edible art creations in unlimited fashion (at no cost)
The brand philosophy is one of complete ease with every detail anticipated, every moment curated.
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‘Adventure Travel’ Is Booming Amongst Middle-Aged Women
Women make up over half of the bookings with adventure travel companies, according to data from the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A global study of 1,000 women found that adventure travel was the most sought-after type of travel among those over age 50. To get some inspiration, here are a few trip offerings from top adventure travel companies. You’ll start to notice that a trip doesn’t have to be as physically challenging as you might expect, it may simply include an outdoor activity that is out of your usual routine.
- Fly-and-Cruise Antarctica: Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life. Begin the eight-day trip in Punta Arenas, Chile, then fly two hours to King George Island, board the Magellan Explorer and cruise among the icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales of the white continent. https://www.adventu
re-life.com/antarctica/cruises /13000/classic-antarctica-air- cruise - Trekking Amalfi and Capri: Experience the pure magic of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the enchanting nearby island of Capri on this seven-day hiking tour offered by Tourissimo. The fragrant lemon groves and vibrant flowers, the gentle breeze of the Mediterranean Sea, the verdant woods, and the picturesque towns perched on cliff slopes will captivate guests, much like the Sirens’ song that lured Ulysses’ sailors in Homer’s “Odyssey.” https://www.touriss
imo.travel/amalfi-capri- positano-hiking - Mountain Bike Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail loops in and out of a multi-colored array of spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Guests spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour with Escape Adventures riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches and ancient Puebloan ruins. https://escapeadventure
s.com/tour/utah-white-rim- mountain-bike-tour/
- Spain Gravel Riding: Join The Cycling House on a seven-day tour of world-class roads or less-traveled gravel paths surrounding the beautiful walled city of Girona, Spain. Girona has become a cycling mecca thanks to the many professionals who call it home between grand tours, and gravel riding there has grown tremendously in recent years, with miles of dirt roads ready to be explored. Enjoy cycling routes along the rugged Costa Brava, through farmlands and vineyards, and into the foothills of the Pyrenees, as well as accommodations in a large villa, chef-prepared meals with authentic Spanish ingredients and a few favorite local restaurants. https://thecyclin
ghouse.com/ - Historic Arizona Ranch Stay: Located north of Phoenix, the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been hosting travelers for more than 100 years. Explore the cactus forests, slot canyons, sandy washes and rocky ridges of the Sonoran Desert and the Hassayampa River on a guided horseback ride or UTV tour, try cattle work, sport shooting or archery, or go for a hike, then unwind with a swim in the pool or a cold drink in the adobe lodge. https://www.kayelbar.co
m/
- Amazon Autumn Adventure: Experience the astounding biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest during a stay at Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge. The 5,000-acre private ecological reserve surrounding the lodge is home to more than 600 bird species and other wildlife, providing guests an up-close opportunity to learn about the rainforest from naturalists and native Quechua guides. https://www.sachalodge
.com/
- Puglia Cycling Tour: From the Adriatic Sea to the Trulli of Alberobello, enjoy stunning scenery and world-class cuisine on a seven-day cycling tour of Italy’s Puglia region with Tourissimo. Bordered on two sides by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Puglia is the sliver of land that stretches along Italy’s heel, offering some of the best riding, food and wine in the country. https://www.tourissim
o.travel/puglia - Yellowstone Horseback Fly Fishing: Travel by horseback into Yellowstone National Park’s interior and cast for trout on seldom-fished streams guided by the experts at Flying Pig Adventures. Whether it’s for a few hours or a full day, a family or a group of friends, Flying Pig will handle all the details for a unique Yellowstone fishing excursion. https://www.flyingp
igrafting.com/flyfishing- montana
- National Parks by RV: National parks saw huge crowds over the summer, but fall is a wonderful time to visit for less traffic and pleasant temperatures. Blacksford rents fully stocked luxury overland adventure vehicles with all-inclusive pricing that provides unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, Wi-Fi, a free annual pass to the national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance. https://www.blacks
ford.com/ - Jackson Hole Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers twenty-five luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay for a fall getaway or winter ski trip. https://www.firesidejack
sonhole.com/
- Fall Galapagos Adventure: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to wildlife and weather. The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new weeklong program that includes day trips aboard the yacht Sea Lion, glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island and visits to remote locations that highlight the incredible diversity of the archipelago. https://www.scale
sialodge.com/ - Fall in Big Sky: A visit to Big Sky, Montana, and stay at The Wilson Hotel offers the opportunity for fall adventures in Yellowstone country. With elk bugling and pockets of aspen trees turning golden amid the green forest, hike, and mountain bike the trails surrounding town, fish the Gallatin River or take one last tour of Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders before roads close for the season. https://thewilsonhotel
.com
- Alaska Northern Lights Adventure: On Gondwana Ecotours’ eight-day Alaska Northern Lights Adventure, guests will get a dose of local culture by day, then photograph the aurora borealis at night. Highlights of the tour include dogsledding through snowy forests, taking curling lessons from locals, enjoying a meal with homesteaders, soaking in a geothermal hot spring, learning how to photograph the aurora borealis, snowshoeing on private land, having tea with a family of reindeer herders and more. https://www.gondwanaecot
ours.com/adventure-tours/ northern-lights-tour- fairbanks-alaska/
- Fly-and-Cruise Antarctica: Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life. Begin the eight-day trip in Punta Arenas, Chile, then fly two hours to King George Island, board the Magellan Explorer and cruise among the icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales of the white continent. https://www.adventu
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Wedding Capital of the World Unveils New Mural
New Wedding Mural at Marriage License Bureau.
(Photos Courtesy of Wedding Capital of the World™)WEDDING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD™ UNVEILS NEW MURAL AT MARRIAGE LICENSE BUREAU
Design Created by Acclaimed Local Artist Shan Evans
The Wedding Capital of the World™ announces the installation of a vibrant new wedding-themed mural at the Marriage License Bureau in Downtown Las Vegas, created by acclaimed local artist Shan Evans. The mural, designed to capture the joy, romance and distinctive energy of Las Vegas weddings, serves as the latest iconic photo opportunity for couples from around the world.
Evans was selected as the winner of a competitive local artist contest earlier this year, that attracted entries from some of Las Vegas’ most talented creatives. With a reputation for his compelling street art and larger-than-life murals, Evans is celebrated for his ability to convey emotion through bold colors and striking compositions. His new piece for the Wedding Capital of the World™ encapsulates the glamor and allure of Las Vegas, merging the city’s storied past with its ever-evolving role as the ultimate destination for love and marriage.
Spanning 40 feet wide and 14 feet high, the mural is a visually stunning addition to the exterior wall of the Marriage License Bureau. The artwork, digitally created and transferred onto a high-quality vinyl wrap, showcases Evans’ dynamic style and draws inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics, the award-winning Forever Happens Here campaign, our historic neon motifs and the timeless spirit of love in Las Vegas.
“This mural not only celebrates the history and character of Las Vegas weddings but also adds a modern twist to the love stories that unfold here every day,” said Clark County Clerk Lynn Marie Goya. “It’s a powerful reminder that in Las Vegas, love truly has no bounds—and every couple can be the star of their own unforgettable moment.”
“Whenever I think of love and marriage, I imagine a world filled with magic and fantasy,” said Evans. “But the reality is that it is built on hard work and dedication. As I created this mural, that understanding evolved and shaped the piece itself. I wanted to capture that effort—showing the bricks, the structures, the wires – little handmade touches strung together by threads. There’s work involved in keeping the glow alive, whether it’s in a piece of art, this city or a life together, and sometimes, you’ve got to change a few light bulbs along the way.”
The new mural will remain on display for at least one year at the Regional Justice Center building on the corner of Clark and 3rd St. With the Marriage License Bureau open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to midnight, it will also serve as the ultimate backdrop for Instagrammable wedding and engagement photos, offering couples a memorable setting to capture the excitement of their special day.
For more information about the Wedding Capital of the World™ and to see the mural in person, visit the Marriage License Bureau at 201 E. Clark Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Couples looking to include the mural in their wedding or engagement photos can tag @VegasWeddingCapital on Instagram and TikTok to share their images.
ABOUT THE WEDDING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
With more than five million weddings and counting, Las Vegas remains the undisputed Wedding Capital of the World. For over a century, a “Vegas wedding” has captured public imagination as the ultimate stress-free, fun, glamorous and romantic wedding, whether it is a spur-of-the-moment occasion or an elaborately planned extravaganza. Offering weddings for every budget—including elopements at iconic Las Vegas chapels, elaborate nuptial celebrations at the Strip’s most elegant resorts and everything in between—the destination delivers dream weddings of every description for every budget. For more information about the Wedding Capital of the World™ or the Office of the Clark County Clerk, Nevada, visit weddings.vegas. -
Stillwater Hosts Fourth Annual World Snow Celebration
The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the city of Stillwater proudly announces the fourth annual World Snow Celebration, a reimagined and enhanced installment of previous years’ global snow sculpting competition filled with fun for flurry fanatics of all ages. This storytelling through art and sport celebration, in addition to a wide array of community events and activities, is a great opportunity to bundle up, get outside, and discover Stillwater.
With applicant volume tripling following the success of three previous events, judges have carefully selected 12 teams from an impressive applicant pool of 35 submissions spanning 21 countries for a best-of-the-best showcase of snow sculpting excellence. Teams were chosen by a committee with decades of snow sculpting experience evaluating model sketches for technical skill, creativity of expression, and artistic messaging impact.
“We are elated to welcome teams from across the world to Stillwater for a glimpse of the beauty of Minnesota winter and a top-ranked display of this wonderful sport,” said Robin Anthony-Evenson, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an honor to come together in the warmth of community to celebrate this one-of-a-kind event hosted in a one-of-a-kind town.”
This year, Stillwater is thrilled not only to host teams of competitors spanning five continents in pursuit of the World Champion title, but to be facilitating NEW events and opportunities for winter health and wellness. Spectators are encouraged to step outside, breathe the crisp air, and stretch their legs in the wintry fun through a variety of all-age activities, including:
- Snow-It-All: people’s choice sculpture voting
- World Snow Day 5k
- Candlelight walk
- Find Stilly the Snowman
- Indoor market
- World’s coolest block party
The World Snow Celebration kicks-off January 13, 2025 and will include a week-long festival of events, attractions, entertainment, and activities highlighting the beauty of snow. The world-renowned snow sculpting competition will begin January 15 and winners will be awarded January 19. A full list of events can be found on the official website: worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn
.com/activities. 
For more information on World Snow Celebration including sponsorship opportunities, visit www.worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn .com or download the World Snow Sculpting App. About Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is an inclusive organization that serves, advocates, and promotes the interests of businesses while enriching the life of the community. Serving their members is not an obligation, it is a privilege. The Chamber represents its membership and community with the tagline, “Bridging Business & Community.” The Chamber works with its partners and communities to make Stillwater stronger and more vibrant. For more information, please visit greaterstillwaterchamber.com.
