Latest news with #travelTrends
New York Times
5 days ago
- New York Times
Land Snorkeling? Townsizing? A User's Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo.
For your next trip, have you considered townsizing? What about choosing a detour destination? And instead of forest-bathing, maybe it's time to give land snorkeling a try. If the terms sound odd, you might need a travel translator. Agencies, online platforms and sometimes travelers themselves have been flexing their creative language skills by labeling trends in travel — some new, some tried-and-true (like bleisure, a trip that combines business with leisure time). The following guide will help you keep up with the lexicon of travel. Last year's destination dupes became this year's detours in Expedia's 2025 trend report. Detour destinations are 'less well-known and less crowded than tourist hot spots,' according to the report. They can be destinations on their own or side trips from a bigger target. Examples include pairing Reims with Paris, in France, and Santa Barbara, Calif., with Los Angeles. This practical two-for-one trip concept bundles an appealing neighbor with the closest major airport destination. If there were awards for Wordsmith of the Year, consider Priceline for its addition of townsizing. Your next vacation is townsized if instead of big-city buzz you opt for small-town vibes in easygoing destinations. Popular townsizing destinations at the online agency include Stowe, Vt., Mackinac Island, Mich., and Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif. Think of forest bathing — slow, mindful walks in the woods — and remove the forest and you have something like land snorkeling. Coined by the Montana-based artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, land snorkeling in the context of a walk (which could even be in a city) is paying attention to where you are, not necessarily where you're going. It encourages a focus on minute details, the way you might hover over a reef when snorkeling to view the comings and goings of tropical fish and the current's effect on sea fans. 'When you snorkel, you don't go with a destination in mind but go with the water and let the visuals take over,' said Ms. Guzman. 'You wander and you wonder,' Mr. Aspevig added. Mr. Aspevig and Ms. Guzman have both volunteered with American Prairie, a nonprofit conservation group that is building a preserve in central Montana, where land snorkeling might focus on the movement of prairie grasses. How to fight FOMO, or fear of missing out? Change your point of view with JOMO — joy of missing out — by embracing a vacation that prioritizes relaxing and ditching your phone. The vacation rental company Vrbo proposed this mindset switch, citing 85 percent of respondents to a company survey who declared an interest in taking a vacation to unplug. and Campspot, two platforms that offer camping bookings, also celebrated JOMO as a digital detox method. In its 2025 trends forecast, the travel news site Skift came up with 'live tourism' to refer to the increase in the number of people booking trips around live events in entertainment, sports and natural phenomena. In 2024, few events were bigger travel motivators than the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, the Paris Olympic Games and the total solar eclipse. Some live tourism patterns are perennial, such as the Coachella music festival and the Super Bowl. The next total solar eclipse is expected to pass over Iceland, Portugal and Spain on Aug. 12, 2026. Start planning now. The magic of mystery tours, according to operators, lies in surrendering to the unknown and avoiding the quandary of choice. The high-end agency Black Tomato has a Get Lost service that offers clients journeys to unspecified destinations and the opportunity to find their way out of the wilderness (under a safe watch from afar, they say). The company has organized mystery trips — which are fully customized, but tend to run five to seven nights — in Mongolia, Morocco, Norway and Guatemala. EF Go Ahead Tours launched its Mystery Tours last year and said it sold out within three hours. Past trips have included Bali and Java in Indonesia. The 2025 slate of unspecified trips are on sale now (from $2,199 for an eight-day tour). If it's a travel adventure you have at night — from swimming in phosphorescent bays to stargazing — then it's also known as noctourism. While it's hardly new, trend forecasters are finding renewed interest in after-dark activities, sometimes as a strategy to beat the heat. cited noctourism in its 2025 forecast, noting that 54 percent of travelers surveyed in a recent study planned to increase their nighttime activities to avoid daytime temperatures. 'No matter the outing, the cover of darkness adds a sense of adventure and mystery,' said Stephanie Vermillion, the author of the new book '100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Adventures After Dark.' Noctourism activities she covers include night tours of Alcatraz prison, catching 'moonbows' or lunar rainbows seen through a waterfall's spray at places like Victoria Falls in southern Africa, seeing a lava flow in Indonesia, and browsing night markets in Taiwan. Separate natural phenomenon from live tourism and you have phenomenon chasing. Black Tomato cites rising interest in natural events like the northern lights and solar eclipses among travelers willing to go far and wide to see them in person. 'In a world that can feel overly digital and predictable, there's something incredible about witnessing a rare natural event,' said Rob Murray-John, the head of special projects at Black Tomato. 'These moments let us strip away the noise and immerse in something that feels both intimate and vast, like you're a small part of something much bigger.' Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2025.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solo travel is on the rise, and hotels are responding
Hotels worldwide are redesigning their offerings to better accommodate solo travellers, a group that is steadily growing across age ranges. Industry forecasts show nearly 10% annual growth in solo travel through 2030, driven by millennials, Gen Z, and retirees alike. This shift is prompting hotels to rethink their approach, with many now prioritising safety, flexible room design, and built-in social opportunities for guests travelling alone. For years, the hospitality industry catered primarily to couples and families. However, solo travellers are no longer an afterthought. 2024 survey found that 59% of travellers plan to take a solo trip, and hotels are responding with targeted amenities and design changes. At the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, the Artist Tower offers sleek, open-concept rooms designed to resemble modern studio apartments. 'It's perfect for someone travelling alone,' said Leon Bolivar, the hotel's Director of Marketing. Across the Atlantic, The Hoxton hotels have introduced compact "Shoebox" rooms for single occupancy, along with open lobbies and curated local events to foster social interaction among guests. Marriott's Moxy Hotels have replaced traditional check-ins with casual bar counters and host regular communal events, specifically catering to solo travellers seeking informal ways to connect. Safety remains a top concern, especially among younger and female solo travellers. Some hotels are offering measures like optional phone check-ins, staff training for approachability, and increased monitoring of public spaces. Bella Bucchiotti, a solo traveller and writer, described how a Paris hotel's proactive contact during her trip provided reassurance in an unfamiliar setting. Community-focused dining is also gaining popularity. At the Omni Boston, solo diners can join group wine tastings and trivia nights at on-site restaurants, while other brands like Freehand Hotels and Moxy feature bar seating and casual layouts that remove the stigma of eating alone. Hotels are also integrating programming that gives solo guests structured ways to explore and connect. The Omni Boston doubles as an art gallery and offers rooftop fitness classes and seasonal events. This summer, the hotel is launching a package featuring solo-friendly activities, including boat tours and museum visits. Eaton DC and Kimpton Hotels offer similar experiences with a focus on wellness and culture, including yoga sessions and wine hours, which serve as informal meetups for guests. These low-pressure environments are designed to give solo travellers the choice to engage socially without obligation. The rise in solo travel shows no signs of slowing, and hotels are increasingly tailoring their experiences to meet this demand. Features like private yet sociable spaces, safe environments, and inclusive events are becoming standard in the effort to meet expectations. Bolivar notes that feedback from solo guests has directly influenced new initiatives. 'The Artist Tower was built with solo travellers in mind, and the positive response has helped us expand our programming,' he said. As solo travel becomes more mainstream, the hotel industry's evolution signals a broader shift: travelling alone no longer means being left out. "Solo travel is on the rise, and hotels are responding" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
The State of Online Travel 2025
In the post-pandemic environment, volatility returns: not from viruses, but from economic headwinds and disruption of the current distribution landscape. In 2025, the winners will be those who adapt quickly to a more fragmented, tech-driven landscape. Report Overview This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of online travel in 2025, beginning with a look at the financial performance of major online travel agencies (or OTAs) Booking and Expedia from 2019 to 2024. It then explores how OTAs may fare in the face of a potential U.S. recession in 2025, compared to performance in the 2008/09 financial crisis, while accounting for today's more fragmented landscape. Finally, the report examines other emerging themes such as the growing influence of generative AI and social commerce in travel. We highlight how these trends are reshaping travel discovery and consumer behavior.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Regent Seven Seas' Immersive Overnights Taps Into Younger Travelers
In 2023, an estimated 31.7 million people cruised worldwide (according to Cruise Lines International), with forecasts predicting this number will grow to around 40 million cruise passengers by 2028. But what is the enduring allure of the classic cruise? For many aficionados, it offers a step back to a bygone, golden era of travel: days spent at sea with nowhere to rush to; looked after by a fleet of staff, with elevated food and entertainment on tap. For many, however, it is all about the thrill of discovery: the fact that in just one holiday you can soak up a variety of destinations, with the sweet anticipation of arriving in a new port every few days. Render of the new Seven Seas Prestige, which sets sail in 2026. (Credit RSSC) One thing is clear—the cruise industry continues to innovate. Next year, new mega-luxury ships, such as Explora Journeys' Explora III and Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, continue to push boundaries. Meanwhile, regarded as one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world, Regent Seven Seas (RSSC) is set to announce its latest and most luxurious ship to date. Launching next month Seven Seas Prestige will offer its inaugural sailings for 2026. Hosting up to only 822 guests, Seven Seas Prestige boasts one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry, as well as 11 dining experiences and unlimited shore excursions in every port of call. The new vessel, Regent's first new ship class in 10 years, is an elevated version of RSSC's classic ship, Seven Seas Splendor, which offers all-suite, all-balcony living. Known for its exacting standards and detailing, the ship has one of the highest guest-to-crew ratios in the industry, with 542 crew members for 750 guests. What's more, the brand's all-inclusive ethos, means that premium drinks, selected shore visits and dining are all included in the price with no hidden extras. Seven Seas Splendor features all-balcony suites. (Credit: RSSC) Adding to its wider offering, RSSC has also introduced new Immersive Overnights itineraries, giving a twist to what it sees as the future of cruising—where invention inevitably will be the key to attracting a new tranche of explorers. Available throughout Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asia sailings, the Immersive Overnights concept puts a new spin on in-port stays, with travellers able to see another—nocturnal—side to each destination they've arrived in. In short, unique evening shoreside experiences mean that each overnight call becomes an integral and memorable part of the journey. Discover Immersive Overnights itineraries on board Seven Seas Splendor. (Credit: Photographicframe Art Studio) New for this year is the Sunset Over Tuscany sailing, a 12-night trip on board Seven Seas Mariner, offering multiple days visiting destinations such as Valletta in Malta; Tuscany in Italy; and Provence in France. The cruise will allow guests the chance for even greater exploration of some of the Mediterranean's most culturally-rich destinations with evening shore excursions on offer, such as an authentic dinner at a Tuscan villa and sunset tours around the city of Florence. A selection of private tours also adds behind-the-scenes opportunities at some of the destinations' most sought after sites. Seven Seas Splendor leaving the shores of Miami. (Credit: RSSC) While cruise passenger numbers are steadily rising, data is showing—surprisingly perhaps—that the age of passengers is getting lower. Published in May last year, the State of the Cruise Industry Report, by the Cruise Lines International Association, reveals that: 'The future of cruise is the younger generation, with Millennials the most enthusiastic about planning a cruise holiday.' Reversing the stereotype that the average cruise passenger is a 'silver traveler' above the age of 70, the report also showed that in fact, '46 is now the average age of a cruise traveler, with 36% being under the age of 40.' A JP Morgan Research report, published in June 2024, also revealed similar findings: 'J.P. Morgan Research estimates the cruise industry will capture ~3.8% of the $1.9T global vacation market by 2028. While Baby Boomers once formed the core consumer base for the cruise industry, an increasing number of younger travelers and first-time passengers are now coming on board.' The pool deck on board Seven Seas Splendor. (Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET (561)883-7768) With this in mind, the Regent Seven Seas' Flair, Flavor and Culture cruise, which offers the new Immersive Nights after-hours' experiences across iconic Mediterranean stops, is the perfect option for younger and multi-generational travelers. The sailing with Seven Seas Splendor features a 10-night itinerary from Monte Carlo to Salerno in Italy, Kusadasi in Turkiye and Athens in Greece. Along the way, are excursions that allow you to soak up local culture later in the day and after nightfall—from exploring Turkish rural life with a local meal in the village of Caferli to driving along the breathtaking Amalfi coast, stopping off for an aperitivo in Positano and enjoying a cookery class in the town of Amalfi. The Pantheon in Athens is one of the excursions you can do as part of the Immersive Nights offering. (Credit: BBB) Highlights include exploring Athens' Acropolis and the Pantheon; while a call at Kusadasi, on the western shores of Turkey, brings a number of out-of-hours group and private tours taking passengers under the skin of some of the country's most interesting historic sites. Included are the ancient ruins at Ephesus and Sirince Village, an Ottoman-era settlement (recognized as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO). 'We are incredibly excited to offer such a diverse selection of travel experiences to enrich our unique Immersive Overnights collection, as well as adding a completely new itinerary for guests to enjoy,' said Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 'The collection features an overnight stay and multiple days in every single port of call, allowing discerning travelers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in Europe and Asia's rich history and vibrant cultures, all while reveling in spacious all-suite accommodations and personalised service onboard 'The World's Most Luxurious Fleet'.' Compass Rose restaurant is one of many offerings on board Seven Seas Splendor. (Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET (561)883-7768) On board Seven Seas Spendor, meanwhile, there's even more activities for all ages—from a Padel tennis court to an infinity-edge plunge pool; a putting green to a jogging track. On offer are lectures from destination experts, local wine tastings and dance classes. Each night, there's also West End-style entertainment in the state-of-the-art, two-tier Constellation Theatre and live music across a number of the ship's bars. While, for quieter moments, you can also retreat to The Study, which resembles a private library with its extensive collection of books, or head to the Serene Spa, a tranquil space where you can treat yourself to a massage or blow dry. Well-thought-out corners of the ship include a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen, where you can book in for cookery classes, such as 'Treasures of the Aegean', which are adapted to the cuisine of each port of call, and the Card Room, for poker tournaments and evenings of board games. The Regent Seven Seas' refined aesthetic also falls in line with the trend of the increased number of younger, design-savvy passengers coming aboard. Colours are chic and muted, with the décor oozing a quiet opulence. This plays out particularly in the Observation Lounge, located at the bow on board Seven Seas Splendor. This all-glass fronted bar and lounge, on Deck 11, was designed by Studio Dado and the large space offers expansive ocean views and a pastel colour palette inspired by an English garden. Specially commissioned art, by Gorman Studios, incorporates hand painted English roses and flowers on glass screens to mimic the look of porcelain, while in the centre of the room is a whimsical chandelier has been created from an abstract pergola, with blooms of handmade flowers in milky, clear and white glass. The apartment-like living room in the Regent Suite. (Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET (561)883-7768) Meanwhile, located on the 14th deck is the showpiece Regent Suite, which features unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship's bow from the wraparound veranda and a glass-enclosed solarium, offering a 'Captain's view' as the ship arrives in each port. Stretching across 4,443 square feet, the suite is one of the largest ever constructed on a luxury cruise ship. Not only is it home to its own spa, with sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, it also has a custom Steinway Grand Maroque piano, a dedicated butler, a personal car and driver in every port and a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus mattress and bed, worth over $200,000. The suite is also home to an original work of art by Picasso. The Regent Suite's bathroom makes its own splash. (Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET (561)883-7768) In fact, art is an important element of the ship, with a 300-piece art collection sourced from artists and galleries from around the world. A second Picasso—a lithograph—is found in Prime 7, the ship's classic American Steakhouse restaurant. You'll catch sight of it as you enter for an evening meal in its opulent dining room. As the sun dips over the ocean, the ship's seven premium restaurants become alive and buzzy with diners dressed for the occasion. Pacific Rim has dramatic interiors with a dragon art installation at the entrance. Tables are lit by low-hanging, black brocade lampshades. Go here for Pan-Asian dishes, including dry-ice sashimi, sushi platters and Thai curries. Another highlight is the Art Deco-style Chartreuse for elegant French dishes—think garlic escargots and veal rack loin. Also on offer is Italian dining at Sette Mari and customisable Mediterranean menus at Compass Rose. The dragon art installation at Pacific Rim. (Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET (561)883-7768) Best of all, for travelers who are passionate about food, are Regent's gourmet explorer tours, which gives guests the opportunity to experience the culinary culture of the various destinations they are visiting. From expert tours of local markets to wine-tasting at sun-kissed wine estates—this not only ticks the food tourism trend, but allows you to truly take a bite out of each place you visit—no matter what age you are.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
How the world's most dangerous country attracts 90,000 tourists every year due to worrying TikTok trend
A worrying new travel trend has seen thousands of thrill-seekers heading to one of the most dangerous countries on Earth - all in the name of fresh, trailblazing TikTok content. Libya, a country in North Africa torn apart by years of political unrest and armed conflict, is now attracting around 90,000 tourists every year. While most Brits are happy lounging on beaches in Spain or Turkey, a growing group of adventurous travellers are swapping poolside cocktails for 'undiscovered ruins' and local culture - with a side of bodyguards and military checkpoints. Fuelled by viral videos on social media showing off an aesthetic of rustic desert landscapes and 'hidden gem' UNESCO sites, so-called danger tourists are ignoring official advice - and heading straight into one of the globe's most unstable nations. Hudson and Emily are a travel-obsessed couple among those who've made the trip. On a mission to visit every country in the world, with only two countries left before they hit their 198 target, the pair ticked off Libya in 2024 and described their experience as surprisingly safe. Speaking to the Mirror, they said: 'Our bodyguard was very serious about his job; he would even follow us to the bathroom. I honestly never would have imagined we'd get to see some of these countries and I just feel so grateful.' The couple praised the stunning ruins of Leptis Magna, the 'beautiful' streets of Tripoli, and the friendliness of the locals they met. But despite photos and videos across the internet shining a spotlight on the Maghreb nation's overlooked traditions, architecture and culinary scene, not everyone is convinced it's a good idea to organise a getaway just yet. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to most of Libya, warning of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and fighting between armed groups. In some parts of the country, they say violence can break out without warning - and British travellers are also told not to expect much help if things go wrong, as the nearest embassy support is in Tunisia. The FDCO warned on the Gov UK site: 'Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. 'British people and nationals of other western countries are considered high-value hostages. Government buildings and security checkpoints have also been targeted in recent years, leading to deaths.' In recent years, there have been several bombings and deadly clashes, such as in 2022, when three people were injured in a car bombing by Islamic State. The year before, two separate attacks killed four people in Libya's south, and in 2023, fighting in Tripoli killed 55 people and shut down the capital's airport. Since the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been stuck in a power struggle. Despite photos and videos across the internet shining a spotlight on the Maghreb nation's overlooked traditions, architecture and culinary scene, not everyone is convinced it's a good idea to organise a getaway just yet Even now, there are rival governments, foreign fighters on the ground, and regular clashes that make the country anything but stable. However, for some tourists, the risk is part of the appeal, as thousands of travellers share videos showing dramatic desert landscapes, ancient cities and 'hidden' tourist spots that rack up millions of views on TikTok. Some travellers say these places are misunderstood, insisting that if you're careful, Libya is safe - but experts have warned tourists to keep in mind the nation is an active conflict zone before planning a trip. Read here for more information on the risks of travelling to Libya as a British national.
