Walmart partnered with Getaway to open mini retail stores in remote outpost locations across America. The campaign aims to provide people with a greater sense of convenience during their remote staycation travels, but some people want more significant support for local businesses instead.

Hiking and camping might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the pandemic forcing people to stay inside has sparked new interest in exploring the outdoors. From camping to fishing, Americans are showing more interest in vacation and leisure activities that reconnect them with nature.

In the wake of the pandemic, young people are seeking out wellness-focused outdoor experiences on their doorsteps. Wild Awake is a nonprofit organization that curates sensory day trips in the Bay Area, catering to the growing demand for activities that merge wellbeing, nature, and spirituality.

The birdwatching boom that started during pandemic lockdowns simultaneously indicates a novel, deeply wholesome cultural mood and an emerging signifier of what’s ‘cool’ among American Gen Zers and Gen Yers. How can brands tap into people's newfound appreciation for nature and the outdoors?