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NDTV
30-05-2025
- NDTV
Townsizing To Mystery Tours, All The Viral New Travel Terms Trending This Year
New Delhi: So, you've packed your bags, triple-checked your flight timing and planned out your outfits. But wait, have you brushed up on your travel lingo? If not, don't worry. You're not alone. As the world of travel gets quirkier, cleverer and, let's face it, much more unpredictable, so does its vocabulary. Welcome to the Travel Dictionary 2025. From 'townsizing' (where you 'size up' a town), to 'land snorkelling' (no sharks involved here), here's a handy guide on all the travel terms that are trending at the moment. Let's decode. Detour Destinations Forget the bucket-list usuals, 2025 is the year of the scenic sidekick. Call it the underdog glow-up, but detour destinations are all about pairing big-name cities with their lesser-known (and way less crowded) neighbours. Think Reims with Paris or Santa Barbara as L.A.'s breezy little cousin. It's the savvy traveller's two-for-one trick: more charm, fewer queues and just enough space to actually breathe. Merci beaucoup. Townsizing Big cities? Been there, 'grammed that. Enter townsizing, a delightful little buzzword courtesy of Priceline that swaps skyscrapers for storybook streets. Want mountain air in Stowe, Vt? Or coastal charm in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Townsizing isn't just a change of scene, it's a mindset. Smaller towns, slower pace, bigger smiles. It's like therapy but with cobblestones and ice cream. Land Snorkelling Yes, it's a thing, and no, you don't need a wetsuit. Born from the poetic brains of artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, land snorkelling is like forest bathing's minimalist cousin. You walk slowly, soak in the world around you-city cracks, desert shadows, wildflowers by the sidewalk-and tune into the tiny, beautiful chaos of your surroundings. It's mindfulness in motion, minus the moss. JOMO Travel Still haunted by FOMO? Time to switch sides. JOMO, aka the Joy of Missing Out, is your digital detox dream. This travel trend is all about switching off the Wi-Fi and tuning in to... well, silence. Whether you're glamping in the woods or lounging in a cabin with zero signal, JOMO is your permission slip to say "no thanks" to vacation hustle and embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. Live Tourism Lights, passport, action. From Beyonce to the Super Bowl, live tourism has people chasing not just places, but moments. It's about planning your whole itinerary around that once-in-a-lifetime concert, Olympic showdown or celestial event. (The next total solar eclipse? Mark August 12, 2026. You heard it here first.) Because sometimes, memories come with a soundtrack and maybe even a merch tee. Mystery Tours Plot twist: even you don't know where you're going. Mystery tours are the ultimate trust fall into adventure. Agencies like Black Tomato and EF Go Ahead are crafting secret itineraries, whisking travellers to places they won't know until boarding time. Mongolia? Morocco? Magic? All of the above. You just pack a bag and go. No spoilers, just surprise sunsets. Noctourism Sleep is overrated. Stars, on the other hand? Worth it. Welcome to noctourism, where the best memories happen under moonlight. Whether it's stargazing in Namibia, glowing plankton swims in Puerto Rico or wandering neon-lit night markets in Taiwan, night owls are officially in style. Bonus: it's a clever way to beat the daytime heat and snap cooler photos. Phenomenon Chasing Why follow influencers when you can follow the Northern Lights? Phenomenon chasing is about tracking down nature's most jaw-dropping events - solar eclipses, volcanic eruptions, lunar rainbows -and just letting awe take over. It's the kind of trip that reminds you how small you are and how stunning the universe can be. Side effects may include goosebumps and dramatic life perspective shifts. Bonus Trend: Tripstagramming (Guilty As Charged) Okay, not official, but let's be real. You will post that dreamy cappuccino or mountaintop selfie. Just remember, whether you're townsizing, snorkelling on land or mystery touring through an unnamed jungle - don't forget to enjoy it offline, too. So, what's your next move? Whether you're chasing stardust or simply switching your phone off, let 2025 be the year you travel with curiosity and a bit of cheeky new lingo to match. Because if you can't say it in style, did you even travel?
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
10 of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for a Summer Getaway, According to Travel Experts
With summer on the horizon, it's high time to start plotting out your travel plans. While some travelers may be thinking about a grand European vacation, there are also plenty of options stateside—from national parks and beaches to buzzy cities and small towns. If the latter piques your interest, we're here to help narrow down your options. Maybe you're thinking of heading out West, to a small mountain town like Telluride or Jackson. Or perhaps you want a beach experience; if that's the case, St. Simons Island or Kennebunkport might resonate with you. No matter your preference, there's a small town that's perfect for your next summer trip. Read on for the best small towns to visit for a summer vacation—a list filled with picks from Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisors (plus a couple of my own personal favorites). 'What I love about Jackson Hole, and what I think makes it so distinctive, is its unique juxtaposition. You can spend all day outdoors—fly fishing, searching for elk, moose, or bears, or taking a scenic float down the Snake River,' says Mary Cropper, a T+L A-list advisor and travel expert at Black Tomato. 'Then, when it's time for dinner, you can dress up and hit the town [of Jackson] for a pre-dinner aperitif to watch the sunset, followed by fine dining. And if you really want to get into the spirit of things, make your way to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which is about as authentic as it gets.' Summer is also a wonderful (if crowded) time to explore nearby Grand Teton National Park; Yellowstone National Park is also doable as a day trip with Jackson as your base camp. For a memorable stay in the heart of Jackson, book one of the rooms at The Wort Hotel or The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa. 'Crested Butte truly feels like the last best-kept secret in Colorado, untouched and unhurried in ways many mountain towns just can't replicate,' says A-list travel advisor Kristin Diehl, who recommends staying at Scarp Ridge Lodge, one of the Eleven Experience Lodges. 'It's a restored 19th-century miners' saloon where they've thought of all the details. Their idea of a 'concierge' service means crafting your perfect day of guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting, followed by wellness treatments and private-chef-prepared meals that feel well-earned following very active days.' Plus, summer is also peak wildflower season in Crested Butte. Visitors are greeted by columbine, lupine, and mule's ear sunflowers—and the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place in July. Both Diehl and Cropper have the Kennebunks in Maine on their list—and it's not hard to see why. 'There's nothing quite like a New England summer, an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives,' says Cropper, who recommends visiting Kennebunkport. 'Located between Ogunquit and Portland, this charming seaside town is a perfect place to post up for a New England summer. With the beach just a short walk away and a downtown area perfect for dinner and drinks, it's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal vibes,' says Cropper. 'Not to mention, the area serves up some of the best lobster rolls I've ever had, putting it on the map as a foodie destination.' And if you want to elevate the experience, venture to nearby Kennebunk. 'Check into the White Barn Inn for a quaint coastal escape, perfectly charming and steeped in history. Spend your days indulging in spa rituals, learning the art of Maine cuisine in a chef-led cooking class, or cruising along the coast on a golden-hour sail,' adds Diehl. 'While everyone knows of St. Michaels when thinking of the Eastern Shore of Maryland—and I still recommend staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin—neighboring Easton, Maryland, is an unassuming, under-the-radar culinary hotbed,' says Diehl. 'Fueled by visionaries like Paul Prager and his Bluepoint Hospitality Group, the town is home to haute spots like Bas Rouge, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Harley Peet, and The Stewart, a sultry Scotch bar redefining small-town sophistication.' Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike, bike, or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area. 'While the Deep South may not top your summer travel list, St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a hidden gem of storybook charm and soulful Creole history beneath canopies of Spanish moss,' says Diehl. Before the sun gets too powerful, go horseback riding at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or tackle the 5.6-mile bike path and trail at West Feliciana Sports Park. Then get a break from the summer heat by popping in and out of the town's antique shops and boutiques; she recommends Deyo Supply and Sage Hill. 'A stay at the St. Francisville Inn is the cherry on top of this getaway teeming with Southern hospitality; the restaurant alone draws diners from all over southeast Louisiana for reservations,' she adds. Cropper calls Telluride an 'ideal playground for outdoor adventure,' where 'summer temperatures stay comfortably cool' and there are endless opportunities to bike, hike, swim, paddleboard, and soak up all of the fresh air. 'If you're planning ahead, consider timing your visit around the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Telluride Film Festival—two standout events that showcase the town's vibrant cultural scene and bring its creative spirit to life,' she says. If you want a classic summer beach vacation—the kind where you can spend every day swimming, reading, riding bikes, and taking everything at a slow pace—add St. Simons Island to your shortlist. One of Georgia's barrier islands and a longtime favorite of mine, St. Simons is just about as family-friendly as it gets. For a resort experience, book a stay at either The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort or The Inn by Sea Island, which has an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles for guests. Hungry after a long day at the beach? You've got lots of options, but it's almost criminal to skip the hot chicken at Porch or the brisket at Southern Soul Barbecue. 'I'll take any excuse to visit Ketchum, Idaho; it's the best home base for exploring all of Sun Valley's great outdoors,' says Diehl. 'Stay at the Limelight or the iconic Sun Valley Resort, then spend your days fly fishing, rafting, biking, or horseback riding before ending the night under a canopy of stars.' If you're in the area for more than a couple of days, definitely try to see more towns in the area. 'I also always love a day trip to Stanley, Idaho. It's out of a postcard; the tiny downtown is set against the dramatic Sawtooths and wide-open sky,' she adds. The small towns along the Jersey Shore are the type of destinations that ooze summertime nostalgia. Think wooden boardwalks, ice cream shops, amusement parks, and miles of gorgeous shoreline. There's one town in particular that stands out, though. Spring Lake is picturesque in every way—from its grand beachfront homes to its walkable downtown with one-of-a-kind eateries and shops (I always recommend sandwiches from Tom Bailey's and sweet treats from The Scone Pony). Just know that you will need a badge to access the beach; if you stay somewhere like The Ocean House Bed & Breakfast or the Johnson House Inn, they'll be able to help you out. 'If you're looking for a spot similar to Telluride but with a more off-the-beaten-path feel, check out Salida, Colorado,' says Cropper, describing the town as a 'hidden gem' and a 'little piece of heaven that hasn't been overrun by tourists.' Located on the Arkansas River, the town embraces both the outdoors and a creative nature. 'Salida is brimming with art galleries, live music, and festivals, with artists filling the streets. What really sets Salida apart is the town's easy-going, no-frills atmosphere. It's all about good vibes, fun times, and a relaxed pace,' she explains. As far as accommodations, Cropper recommends grabbing a tent or renting a camper—alternatively, you can stay at Salida's Amigo Motor Lodge or The Inn in nearby Buena Vista. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Set-jetting' turning fiction into real, and often expensive, vacations
The phenomenon, in which travellers choose vacation destinations based on TV series and films has become one of the biggest trends in travel (Representative AI image) Have you found yourself dabbling with the idea of spending your next vacation at White Lotus, a luxury resort famous for its obnoxious guests and regular murders? Welcome to the world of " set-jetting ," in which settings of popular movies and TVs shows like "The White Lotus" become pilgrimage sites for fans. The White Lotus resorts are, of course, fictional. But the properties where the HBO series films are real. And after seasons 1 and 2, set in Maui and Sicily, travellers flocked to those properties, and both reported a tenfold rise in bookings, said Marc Speichert, executive V-P and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The company was not able to share booking numbers for its resort in Thailand, where the latest season was set. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor The term set-jetting - a play on "jet set" - appears to date to a 2007 New York Post article describing the allure of trips inspired by films like "The Queen" (Brocket Hall, near London) and "Pan's Labyrinth" (the Segovia region of Spain). The concept goes back to at least the 1960s, said Daniel L Spears, an associate professor of hospitality and tourism, who has studied the trend. After the 1965 blockbuster "The Sound of Music", tourism to Austria surged, particularly to Mirabell Garden in Salzburg, setting for the song "Do-Re-Mi". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Set-jetting picked up steam in the early 2000s, when "Lord of the Rings" franchise began to draw large numbers of Shire- and Rivendell-obsessed tourists to New Zealand, and "Game of Thrones" did the same for Iceland and Croatia. Since then, the options have exploded. One of the biggest players in the field, the luxury travel company Black Tomato, offers an array of set-jetting vacations, including adventures that'll make you feel you're in a "Yellowstone" episode, with horseback riding and a fireside dinner with cowboys. If you fancy a tuxedo and a stiff (and shaken) martini, its menu of James Bond-themed trips is vast, including a training session with a stunt coordinator from the five latest 007 films. Black Tomato's clients typically pay $10,000 to $20,000 per person for a 10-day trip, said a company official. It's a long way mentally from the once-idyllic Coco Palms Resort of "Blue Hawaii" to the unsettling plot lines of "The White Lotus". Why are so many people travelling to places that are not exactly the stuff of ukulele solos and flower leis? It might be the immersive nature of streaming establishes a deep bond with the characters and the place, giving fans a "sense of nostalgia," Spears said. "There's a dark turn, but there's also emotional connection."
Business Insider
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
4 trips the ultrawealthy are taking right now, according to a luxury travel planner
Even as travel demand has softened, one group is spending their way through the economic uncertainty: the wealthy. Rich Americans have continued to spend on travel and other products even as others are cutting back, with airlines such as United and Delta reporting strong demand for premium bookings despite a broader slowdown in domestic travel demand. Major hotel brands like Hilton and Hyatt have also reported resilience in the luxury sector. For the wealthy travelers who are still spending, there are four specific kinds of trips that are trending, according to Tom Marchant, the co-founder of the luxury travel company Black Tomato. The average price of a trip organized by Black Tomato, which plans bespoke travel around the world, is about $40,000, Marchant said, adding the trips can range from $10,000 to hundreds of thousands. Marchant told Business Insider that the company's clients often say, "I'm pretty agnostic on where I want to go, but this is how I'm looking to feel." Rather than focus on specific destinations, he said there are certain emotions or experiences that luxury travelers are seeking. Earlier this year the company launched a " Feelings Engine" that incorporates AI to help users plan a trip around a feeling, whether they want to feel relaxed, challenged, free, motivated, or many other emotions. Here are the four kinds of trips that Marchant said are trending right now. 1. The earned experience Black Tomato has seen a rise in travelers seeking out challenging experiences that are "earned" through more than just how much they pay for them. "There's this desire to challenge yourself, whether it's through a trek or a long journey or going to a part of the world where you're going to be overwhelmed by cultural stimuli," Marchant said. These kinds of trips are often viewed by travelers as an antidote to the realities of day-to-day life, when just about everything is available at the click of a button, he said, adding that this type of trip is trending for solo travelers as well as couple and families who want to get out of their comfort zone. For instance, the company organizes "Get Lost" trips in which the client is dropped off in a remote destination and left with supplies to navigate themselves back to civilization over the course of several days. Esther Spengler, a Black Tomato client, previously told BI her $13,000 "Get Lost" experience in Morocco was more of an "adventure" than a vacation. Other earned experiences the company plans are river rafting in Papua New Guinea, mountain treks in Japan, or quad biking across the salt pans of Botswana. 2. In search of silence For many wealthy travelers, the goal of a vacation is to get away from the noise of everyday life, Marchant said. While these travelers don't necessarily want to be off-grid, they want to be somewhere with minimal background noise or noise pollution. "We've seen more and more people looking for places where there is genuine quiet — where they can go and reflect or just feel," he said. There's been a growing trend of quiet-place conservation and travelers seeking out "quiet parks," places that provide opportunities to experience relative silence, or nothing but noises from the natural world. In 2019, the non-profit group Quiet Parks International awarded Zabalo River in Ecuador as the first wilderness quiet park. Glacier National Park in Montana was the first US national park to receive the status. Marchant said one aspect of this trend is "reading weeks," in which the traveler says they want to go somewhere quiet primarily so they can read and reflect without any distractions. He said reading trips are especially popular with business leaders who feel they rarely have time in their day-to-day life to enjoy books without getting pulled into work. 3. Bare witness Traveling for natural phenomena is another trend among Black Tomato clients, with the company increasingly planning trips around natural events that could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see. Several years ago the company built bespoke camps in the mountains of Patagonia so its clients could witness the total solar eclipse in luxury. Traveling to witness natural phenomena like eclipses, the northern lights, or animal migrations could be especially appealing to the wealthy because it's likely to be very different from their daily life, Marchant said. He noted that a lot of their clients live in LA, so traveling somewhere with a gorgeous villa, fancy pool, and nice weather is less likely to be appealing to them since it's what they already have at home. 4. Travel as therapy The last major trend in luxury travel Marchant said he's seeing is "using travel as a kind of answer for some of life's challenges." Increasingly, travelers are viewing their trips as a way to step back and reevaluate aspects of their life, whether that's work, family, romantic relationships, or their health. "When you get taken out of the day-to-day, where you're immersed in everything, it gives you time to think on things and get perspective," he said. Those types of trips might bring the client to a place where they can immerse in a community that has a different or interesting perspective on the building blocks of life. One example would be travel to Blue Zones, locations where the local population tends to live longer, which have seen an increase in tourism since the concept was popularized. The travel as therapy trend also aligns with the increase in self-improvement retreats or psychedelic retreats that have grown in popularity, especially with business leaders. Marchant said he thinks the resources available to wealthy clients and how connected the world is makes them yearn for disconnection even more. He also said it makes them want to visit places that few other people have, adding, "There is still so many vast tracks in the world that you can do that in."
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Travel + Leisure
11-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
10 of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for a Summer Getaway, According to Travel Experts
With summer on the horizon, it's high time to start plotting out your travel plans. While some travelers may be thinking about a grand European vacation, there are also plenty of options stateside—from national parks and beaches to buzzy cities and small towns. If the latter piques your interest, we're here to help narrow down your options. Maybe you're thinking of heading out West, to a small mountain town like Telluride or Jackson. Or perhaps you want a beach experience; if that's the case, St. Simons Island or Kennebunkport might resonate with you. No matter your preference, there's a small town that's perfect for your next summer trip. Read on for the best small towns to visit for a summer vacation—a list filled with picks from Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisors (plus a couple of my own personal favorites). Fog rolls over Jackson, Wyoming in the morning. 'What I love about Jackson Hole, and what I think makes it so distinctive, is its unique juxtaposition. You can spend all day outdoors—fly fishing, searching for elk, moose, or bears, or taking a scenic float down the Snake River,' says Mary Cropper, a T+L A-list advisor and travel expert at Black Tomato. 'Then, when it's time for dinner, you can dress up and hit the town [of Jackson] for a pre-dinner aperitif to watch the sunset, followed by fine dining. And if you really want to get into the spirit of things, make your way to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which is about as authentic as it gets.' Summer is also a wonderful (if crowded) time to explore nearby Grand Teton National Park; Yellowstone National Park is also doable as a day trip with Jackson as your base camp. For a memorable stay in the heart of Jackson, book one of the rooms at The Wort Hotel or The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa. A hiker just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado.'Crested Butte truly feels like the last best-kept secret in Colorado, untouched and unhurried in ways many mountain towns just can't replicate,' says A-list travel advisor Kristin Diehl, who recommends staying at Scarp Ridge Lodge, one of the Eleven Experience Lodges. 'It's a restored 19th-century miners' saloon where they've thought of all the details. Their idea of a 'concierge' service means crafting your perfect day of guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting, followed by wellness treatments and private-chef-prepared meals that feel well-earned following very active days.' Plus, summer is also peak wildflower season in Crested Butte. Visitors are greeted by columbine, lupine, and mule's ear sunflowers—and the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place in July. A couple walks by shops in downtown Kennebunkport, Maine. Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Both Diehl and Cropper have the Kennebunks in Maine on their list—and it's not hard to see why. 'There's nothing quite like a New England summer, an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives,' says Cropper, who recommends visiting Kennebunkport. 'Located between Ogunquit and Portland, this charming seaside town is a perfect place to post up for a New England summer. With the beach just a short walk away and a downtown area perfect for dinner and drinks, it's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal vibes,' says Cropper. 'Not to mention, the area serves up some of the best lobster rolls I've ever had, putting it on the map as a foodie destination.' And if you want to elevate the experience, venture to nearby Kennebunk. 'Check into the White Barn Inn for a quaint coastal escape, perfectly charming and steeped in history. Spend your days indulging in spa rituals, learning the art of Maine cuisine in a chef-led cooking class, or cruising along the coast on a golden-hour sail,' adds Diehl. Main Street of Easton, Maryland. VisionsofAmerica/'While everyone knows of St. Michaels when thinking of the Eastern Shore of Maryland—and I still recommend staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin—neighboring Easton, Maryland, is an unassuming, under-the-radar culinary hotbed,' says Diehl. 'Fueled by visionaries like Paul Prager and his Bluepoint Hospitality Group, the town is home to haute spots like Bas Rouge, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Harley Peet, and The Stewart, a sultry Scotch bar redefining small-town sophistication.' Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike, bike, or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area. A church in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Bonnie Taylor Barry/Adobe Stock 'While the Deep South may not top your summer travel list, St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a hidden gem of storybook charm and soulful Creole history beneath canopies of Spanish moss,' says Diehl. Before the sun gets too powerful, go horseback riding at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or tackle the 5.6-mile bike path and trail at West Feliciana Sports Park. Then get a break from the summer heat by popping in and out of the town's antique shops and boutiques; she recommends Deyo Supply and Sage Hill. 'A stay at the St. Francisville Inn is the cherry on top of this getaway teeming with Southern hospitality; the restaurant alone draws diners from all over southeast Louisiana for reservations,' she adds. Downtown Telluride, Colorado. Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock Cropper calls Telluride an 'ideal playground for outdoor adventure,' where 'summer temperatures stay comfortably cool' and there are endless opportunities to bike, hike, swim, paddleboard, and soak up all of the fresh air. 'If you're planning ahead, consider timing your visit around the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Telluride Film Festival—two standout events that showcase the town's vibrant cultural scene and bring its creative spirit to life,' she says. A pier jutting out into the water on St. Simon Island. Stephanie Vermillion/Travel + Leisure If you want a classic summer beach vacation—the kind where you can spend every day swimming, reading, riding bikes, and taking everything at a slow pace—add St. Simons Island to your shortlist. One of Georgia's barrier islands and a longtime favorite of mine, St. Simons is just about as family-friendly as it gets. For a resort experience, book a stay at either The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort or The Inn by Sea Island, which has an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles for guests. Hungry after a long day at the beach? You've got lots of options, but it's almost criminal to skip the hot chicken at Porch or the brisket at Southern Soul Barbecue. A street corner with a moose statue in Ketchum, Idaho. Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock 'I'll take any excuse to visit Ketchum, Idaho; it's the best home base for exploring all of Sun Valley's great outdoors,' says Diehl. 'Stay at the Limelight or the iconic Sun Valley Resort, then spend your days fly fishing, rafting, biking, or horseback riding before ending the night under a canopy of stars.' If you're in the area for more than a couple of days, definitely try to see more towns in the area. 'I also always love a day trip to Stanley, Idaho. It's out of a postcard; the tiny downtown is set against the dramatic Sawtooths and wide-open sky,' she adds. Houses around Spring Lake in New Jersey. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images The small towns along the Jersey Shore are the type of destinations that ooze summertime nostalgia. Think wooden boardwalks, ice cream shops, amusement parks, and miles of gorgeous shoreline. There's one town in particular that stands out, though. Spring Lake is picturesque in every way—from its grand beachfront homes to its walkable downtown with one-of-a-kind eateries and shops (I always recommend sandwiches from Tom Bailey's and sweet treats from The Scone Pony). Just know that you will need a badge to access the beach; if you stay somewhere like The Ocean House Bed & Breakfast or the Johnson House Inn, they'll be able to help you out. Tourists enjoying the Arkansas River in the Tourist Town of Salida, Colorado.'If you're looking for a spot similar to Telluride but with a more off-the-beaten-path feel, check out Salida, Colorado,' says Cropper, describing the town as a 'hidden gem' and a 'little piece of heaven that hasn't been overrun by tourists.' Located on the Arkansas River, the town embraces both the outdoors and a creative nature. 'Salida is brimming with art galleries, live music, and festivals, with artists filling the streets. What really sets Salida apart is the town's easy-going, no-frills atmosphere. It's all about good vibes, fun times, and a relaxed pace,' she explains. As far as accommodations, Cropper recommends grabbing a tent or renting a camper—alternatively, you can stay at Salida's Amigo Motor Lodge or The Inn in nearby Buena Vista.
