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Set-jetting, Forest Bathing, and Hush Trips: 20 Innovative Tourism Business Ideas and Trends for 2023

In This Article: Trends to Inspire Your Tours and Activities

Top tourism trends of 2023.

It’s that time of year again to ask ourselves, “What’s new, cool, and innovative in tourism?”. We’ve compiled a list of new, innovative tourism business ideas for 2023 so you can find your niche. 

The travel and tourism industry is in a state of constant flux, never more so than in the last few years. Every change and new trend brings with it an opportunity for tour operators to deliver what their customers old and new want—as well as add new tours and experiences they don’t yet even know they want. 

  As countries began to ease restrictions, 2022 saw the travel industry rebound from 2021 and 2020. Despite new global challenges appearing during 2022 and continuing into 2023, including the Russian-Ukraine war and the global economic fallout, the most important trend of all is that people still want to travel and are even budgeting for more travel.

As one travel professional interviewed for TravelAge West ’s article on travel trends put it: “It’s almost like travel went from a discretionary spend to an essential spend for a lot of people.”

Despite all that is still happening in the world, around the industry there is a continued air of optimism in 2023. Travel Pulse noted that “ while 2022 was the year of recovery [recovered almost 60 percent of its pre-pandemic levels], 2023 is poised to be the year of reinvention.” Booking.com research prompted them to label 2023 as a year of “creative imagination of travel.” Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report concluded that “Post-COVID restrictions, travellers continue to prioritize adventures abroad and embrace travel freedoms with relish.”

Here are some of the latest major trends and innovative tourism business ideas to keep an eye on and potentially incorporate into the tours and travel experiences you offer. We’ll also highlight a few of the more unusual and niche trends that could take off during 2023 or in the longer term, or just inspire some “out of the box” thinking when looking at your own products and services.

1. Transformational trips

A buzz phrase you’ll hear a lot in 2023 is “transformational retreat.” This refers to travel experiences that cater to people who want to undergo a significant personal or spiritual transformation. Retreats and activities include meditation, yoga, therapy, workshops, and other experiential practices. Most promote self-awareness, personal growth, and positive change, typically taking place in a secluded and peaceful setting and led by experienced facilitators or coaches. 

Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2023 report called these trips “peace and pleasure pilgrimages.” The report found that 42 percent of travelers want to focus on their mental and physical health, including retreats to smooth the processes of pregnancy and menopause.” A large proportion of travelers are interested in meditation or mindfulness retreats. Some retreats even take the word “trip” literally, catering to people interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of the controlled and supervised use of “magic mushrooms” and other psychedelics.

Innovative tourism business ideas:

• Beckley Retreats : Science-backed psychedelic retreats
• Explorer X : A tour operator dedicated to transformational trips
• Organic Tuscany : Organic cooking retreats in Tuscany.

2. Forest bathing and digital detoxing

Not everyone is looking for a transformational outcome from their vacation; many simply want to unwind and enjoy some quality “me time.” Wellness vacations have been a growing tourism business trend for some time, with demand accelerated by the pandemic. Tours that offer people the chance to pamper themselves and generally recalibrate are likely to be extremely popular for the foreseeable future.

Two specific innovative tourism business ideas that look likely to be especially popular in 2023 are “forest bathing” and “digital detoxing.” 

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku , originated in Japan. It involves becoming immersed in nature to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be as simple as going for a long walk through a forest, or sitting by a lake and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural surroundings. Research has shown that forest bathing can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure and heart rate. After the last few years we’ve all been through, it’s no wonder it’s proving popular with travelers.

In a similar vein, many people want to unplug and undertake a “digital detox” where you never need to ask for the Wi-Fi password because there is no Wi-Fi. They could be seeking respite from “doom scrolling” through social media and news feeds on their digital devices, or they just want a break from the glowing screens so prevalent in their day-to-day. Trips that encourage travelers to leave their devices at home will be popular, whether to wellness retreats that ban or discourage digital devices or an out-of-the-way destination that makes electronic communication extremely difficult.

• Gaia Wellness Retreat : Digital detox packages in a forest setting
• Sheldon Chalet : A luxury chalet in Alaska
• Talaysay Tours : A corporate tour to “connect to the forest with all your senses”

3. Off-grid and “survival” travel

One way to both commune with nature and unplug from your digital life is to go where no signal can reach you. Booking.com’s report found that 55 percent of travelers want to spend their vacations off-grid, resulting in an increase in tour operators offering trips to places where you can’t easily be reached. This could be a lodge in a remote part of a country or backcountry camping.

A related trend is the opposite of “glamping.” A growing number of travelers want to challenge themselves to survive in inhospitable conditions (you know… just in case), while learning new skills at the same time. In Booking.com’s report, 58 percent of travelers want to learn survival skills on holiday—everything from fire lighting and food foraging to the more full-on prepping for societal breakdown. Zombie survival camp anyone?

• Off Grid Travel : Company offering a variety of off grid accommodation around Europe
• Docastaway : Offers a desert island castaway experience
• Black Tomato : Offers a “Get Lost service” for people who want to challenge themselves

4. Hush trips, workcations, and micro-cations

Shhh, don’t tell anyone (especially your co-workers and definitely not your boss), but “hush trips” are on the rise. A hush trip is a secret trip taken by an employee without their employer’s knowledge. It’s all linked to the huge rise in remote working. People who work in a different city and country from their employer can theoretically do their work from anywhere. However, a hush trip can be slightly different from a “workcation,” another popular trend in the age of remote working, when an employer’s permission is often sought. On a hush trip, no actual work might be done; the employee wants a real holiday to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and recharge, but they may not use their vacation days to take it. They complete their work and take a day or two off without anyone knowing (they hope,) perhaps logging in now and then for appearances’ sake. Or, they may travel somewhere and continue to work, while enjoying their downtime in a new place, again without telling anyone. 

Many hush trips are “micro-cations,” short trips often taken close to home, often at the last minute. The micro-cation trend has continued to grow for the last few years, as people look for quick, convenient, and often budget-friendly getaways that don’t require a lot of planning. 

When you combine the acceptance of remote working among many more employers with a large number of people who left the office behind and didn’t miss it for a second, you have an opportunity to create workcation and hush trip experiences for digital nomads and remote workers.  

• Selina : Opportunities for people to stay, travel, and work in interesting places around the world
• Ethos Remote Habitat : Remote working retreats
• Work from Hyatt : Packages for people who want to work from a Hyatt hotel

5. Traveling for “bleisure”

The travel industry does love a good old word mash-up to describe the latest trend. Hot on the heels of workcations, we have the related trend of “bleisure”—a name coined to describe the trend of business travelers tacking on some leisure time to the end of business trips. Where a workcation is often a longer trip designed around work, the growth of bleisure trips reflects the fact that as business travel bounces back, people still want as much vacation time as they can get. 

Although the economy could affect business travel in 2023 as companies cut costs, it’s worth keeping an eye on the business and conference market to target business travelers who want to carve out some vacation time to explore a destination on their own time.

6. Set-jetting

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the set of your favorite movie or TV show, you’re not alone. A top travel trend for 2023 is “set-jetting,” when travelers visit destinations primarily because they were featured in a popular movie, TV show, or book. According to research, 39 percent of travelers have booked trips to places featured on shows or movies ( Expedia ). While people have long been drawn to iconic movie locations, perhaps the earliest example of mass set-jetting was New Zealand’s tourism industry getting a huge boost after the country played a leading role in the “Lord of The Rings” movies. Fans of the “Outlander” books and TV series have also been making pilgrimages to Scotland to see the country that provides the backdrop for their favorite show.

People don’t just want to visit the actual physical set and filming location, but also just the cities or countries featured in a particular production. Keep an eye out for popular shows where the location is as much the star of the show as the actors, such as “The Crown” (England,) “Emily in Paris” (Paris,) and “The White Lotus” (Sicily), as they could trigger a surge in demand for particular locations and experiences relating to the shows, such as a themed tour.

• The Potter Trail : Harry Potter-themed walking tours in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Red Carpet Tours : “Lord of the Rings” set-jetting specialists
• On Location Tours : TV- and movie-themed tours in New York, Chicago, and Boston

7. Sustainable tourism and electric travel

“Ecotourism” has been on the rise for several years, and continues to be popular. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022 , 81 percent of global travelers say sustainable travel is important to them, and 50 percent are influenced by news reports on climate change when it comes to booking choices. 

So-called “ecotours” let tourists enjoy a vacation while also learning about environmental and sustainability issues in a particular location. Some enable people to do something tangible to help, such as volunteering to plant trees or help to restore habitats. Many travelers these days also seek out “small footprint” or socially-responsible travel. This may not be an eco-tour as such; it could just mean they favor tour companies that take steps to minimize the impact of their tours or incorporate a social responsibility element. 

Many travelers also want to stay in planet-friendly accommodations. According to Booking.com’s report, 57 percent of travelers prefer accommodation with sustainable certification. Another related trend to watch is road trips or other travel using electric vehicles. Some car rental companies are adding electric cars to their fleets, and VW has even built an electric version of their classic camper van, the ID Buzz. Within cities, travelers might want to do tours on electric bikes and focus on other more sustainable modes of transport rather than the traditional taxi and car hire approach. In the not too distant future, electric air travel may even become the norm thanks to companies like Eviation that are developing electric planes.

• Jumbari Family Safaris : Eco-safaris in Africa.
• OneSeed Expeditions : Responsible adventure travel around the world.
• EV Travel : Sustainable adventures in Iceland

8. Indigenous experiences

Countries around the world are making an increased effort to reverse past wrongs when it comes to treatment of Indigenous peoples, while also empowering Indigenous communities to take a lead in areas like travel and tourism. Canada is one nation going through a period of reconciliation as it faces up to and attempts to make amends for its colonial past. This has resulted in a huge growth in Indigenous-led travel companies, experiences, resorts, and accommodation options. 

Australia and New Zealand are also seeing a growth in opportunities for travelers to support and learn about Indigenous communities, histories, and cultures.

If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur, you may find great opportunities available with an increase in programs that support Indigenous tourism in these countries. For others, there may be opportunities for partnering with or supporting Indigenous-led businesses and organizations in your region.

• Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill : Tours offering the chance to connect with Australian aboriginal culture
• Road Scholar : Offers a New Zealand cultural experience, learning from local experts  
• Haida Style Expeditions : Cultural trips on Haida Gwaii on Canada’s west coast

9. Budget-friendly travel

The economic upheaval we saw through 2022 looks set to continue through 2023. Inflation and cost of living rises mean while the desire to travel is still strong, many travelers will still have at least one eye on their budget. This could mean more interest from thrifty travelers in camping, self-catering, and all-inclusive holidays. Activities and vacations that involve renting rather than buying equipment could also be more popular. 

Packlist : Camping gear rentals in Canada

Lazy Days : Camper van rentals in Ireland

Tampa Bay eBikes : eBike rentals on the Gulf Coast

10. Luxury cruises and upscale all-inclusive

While there will be a lot of budget-conscious travelers in 2023, there are also plenty of opportunities in the luxury travel market, including two types of travel luxury travelers may previously have turned their noses up at—all-inclusive trips and cruises. The luxury cruise market, as well as the cruise market in general, is set to rebound in style. CN Traveller reported on “ a new breed of luxury yachts from the world’s leading hotel brands,” including  The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , which boasts  “ the most sophisticated and expensive civilian ship ever built in Spain.” Cruise companies like Scenic and Emerald Cruises are expecting high demand for spots on their luxury ships . If you are on a luxury cruise route, catering your activities to a luxury-seeking clientele, with prices to match, might be worth considering.

Cruises tend to be all-inclusive as standard, but there is also a growth in upscale all-inclusive vacations in general. These experiences offer the best of everything—food, accommodation, and experiences, all for a set (and premium) price. Ikos Resorts will open a new five-star all-inclusive resort in Mallorca in June 2023.

• Ama Waterways : Luxury river cruises in Europe
• Windstar Cruises : Luxury small-ship cruises
• Conrad Maldives Luxury Island : All-inclusive resort in the Maldives

11. Train travel

From the “Flying Scotsman” to the “Orient Express,” there are few more romantic ways to travel than by train. However, train travel is also increasingly overlapping with other trends in our list, as it becomes more popular as a way to travel more sustainably by reducing car and air travel, travel slower (unless we’re talking train travel in Japan) and for longer, and travel to more countries on the same trip.

Train travel can also offer scenic views, comfortable travel with spacious seats, sleeping accommodation for longer or overnight trips, and the opportunity to socialize with other travelers, and convenient access to city centres. Piggy-backing the trend toward more immersive travel experiences, train travel also lets travelers see more of a country while mixing with locals. Many countries and rail companies, especially in Europe, offer passes that let travelers visit multiple places in one trip without leaving the ground. If your tours and activities are near a popular rail route, look for ways to capitalize on the increase in train travel by catering to people who may want something to do for a day or two before they move on.

• Byway : Lets travelers build their own train vacation
• Intrepid Travel : Offers a range of “Train it” itineraries
• Glacier Express : Cultural and foodie train trips in Switzerland

12. Glamping

During the pandemic, with international travel off the menu for most people,  RV rentals spiked dramatically . Road trips made it easier for tourists to physically distance from other travelers in a post-COVID world, and “glampervan” vacations became popular. Glamping is still on the rise in 2023; the glamping market is expected to reach US$4.1bn in 2028 ( Stratview Research ). Glamping lets people enjoy sleeping and living in the great outdoors, but with a step-up in comfort from traditional camping. Glampers can stay in everything from classic Airstream trailers to yurts and all manner of other non-tent accommodation.

• Woods on Pender : Stay in a classic Airstream trailer on an island.
• Huttopia : Glamping getaways in Canada and the US 
• Under Canvas : Upscale camping in Moab, the Grand Canyon, and other spectacular locations 

13. Go solo or go social

While “travel bubbles” are no longer required for COVID-related reasons, group travel continues to rise in popularity. Hotels and tour companies increasingly cater to family groups or groups of friends who want to take a memorable trip together. For example, Atticus Hotel  in Oregon’s  Bunkhouse room for groups . It’s not just families making up for lost time with “reunion” or “celebration” travel. Tour operator Contiki noticed an upswing in demand for what they call “social travel” from groups of Gen Z-ers who want to get together on a trip to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and other milestones: “Gen Z want to make up for lost time spent together and get travelling.” Another type of social travel piggybacks the rise of “travel influencers” on social media platforms like Instagram. Some popular influencers are pivoting to provide the opportunity for their followers to literally follow them on a trip. People can go on a trip or do an activity with their favorite influencer and a group of fellow followers.

Of course, not everyone has a posse to travel with or wants to travel with others. Solo travel continues to be very popular and has moved from a niche to a mainstream market. A Skyscanner report found that 40 percent wanted to travel solo for mental health wellness reasons, while singles and divorcees ranked highly for being ready to take a solo trip. The report concludes: “There is no longer any stigma attached to taking a trip on your own, and many tour companies cater specifically to this market.”

• Flash Pack : Small group adventures for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s.
• On the Go Tours : Pre-designed tours for private groups.
• My Life’s a Travel Movie : Join social media influencer Alyssa Ramos on a trip

Watch this space: Unusual and niche  tourism trends to track in 2023

14. flat pack hotels.

In a move that reflects the growing interest in responsible and sustainable travel, hotel company Habitas have opened a number of flat-pack hotels around the world for “like-minded people seeking connection, inspiration and a better future together.”

15. Crypto trips

A number of tour operators and travel companies now offer travelers the ability to pay with cryptocurrency. Some examples include Borrow a Boat , Soneva Resorts  and Get Your Guide . 

16. Dark tourism

There has been a rise in so-called “dark tourism,” when people travel to places or sites associated with disasters and darker historical events. Famous examples include Pearl Harbour, Alcatraz, and Hiroshima. If this is the first you’ve heard of this term, it can sound a bit ghoulish. However, travelers who explore these sites generally do so to pay their respects or learn more about important historical events that hopefully will never be repeated.

17. Sober travel

Sober travel has been around for a while, but it mostly catered to people in recovery. In 2023, sober travel is a subset of wellness travel. Travel companies like Travel Sober and  Sober Outside have pivoted to target anyone who wants a sober vacation.

18. Virtual travel

Forbes Magazine thinks 2023 will be “the year that tourism in the metaverse takes off.” Travel companies can use VR to give potential customers a taste of the experience they can expect from a tour or location. VR can be accessible through web browsers or people can enjoy a much more immersive experience using VR headsets.

19. Nostalgic travel

Booking.com’s 2023 travel predictions found that 88 percent of travelers want to go on a “nostalgic getaway,” whether that’s theme parks we went to as kids, nostalgic movie locations, or other trips down memory lane. 

20. Sleep tourism

Everyone likes a good night’s sleep, especially on vacation, and the travel is waking up to the opportunities offered by a rise in “sleep tourism.” The Park Hyatt New York now offers a stay in their  One Bedroom Sleep Suite by Bryte , while Swedish bed brand Hastens opened a branded Sleep Spa . Good night, sleep well.  

How to take advantage of innovative tourism business ideas

The key to taking advantage of these innovative tourism business ideas and other tourism industry trends is to always be thinking of your next profitable business opportunity. Here are a few ways to keep on top of what’s new and interesting in the travel business:

Maintain an ideas file

Include those “out there” trends that seem absurd the first time you hear them. Think about some recent innovations that would have been dismissed with a laugh not that long ago: Self-driving cars, passenger space travel, drone deliveries… Even that Holy Grail of futuristic inventions, the personal jetpack, is getting closer to reality. All but the most outlandish trends are worth tracking in case there’s a germ of an idea for a new business opportunity in there.

Listen to your audienc e

Hang out in online travel discussion forums, on social media, and in other places where travelers gather to swap notes and ideas or express needs and dreams. You might uncover a new business idea no-one else has come across yet.

Follow your competitors

Monitor what your direct competitors and others in the tourism business are up to. Subscribe to every industry newsletter you can, including those of your competitors, to keep up with emerging trends and help with your business idea generation.

Solicit customer feedback

Be proactive in asking your customers for feedback. Don’t just ask them what they liked and didn’t like about their experience with your company; ask them if there’s anything they would like to do that they currently can’t. 

Invest in the right booking system

It goes without saying that every tour operator should offer online booking and take a mobile-first approach. Not doing both of those things makes taking advantage of the above trends very difficult. The customer experience starts the moment they enter your website. Online booking enables them to easily browse, book, and pay for tours anytime and from is anywhere. Learn more about how Rezgo booking software is tailor-made for adventure companies.

At Rezgo, we always have our ear to the ground when it comes to the latest tourism trends and business opportunities. The Rezgo booking system is a comprehensive platform that enables you to become a more profitable business. It can also help you future-proof your business so you can develop and grow as the tourism industry changes.  Book a demo today or  sign up for free and start using Rezgo

Wondering what to read next? Here are our suggestions: The Future of Tourism: 10 Things Tour Companies Need To Prepare For in 2022 A Guide to Branding in the Travel and Tourism Industry Low Season Strategies to Prime Your Tour and Activity Company for Success

Written By | Rob Mathison

Rob Mathison is a Vancouver-based freelance writer focusing on tech, travel, digital marketing, and education. He is a co-author of The Complete Resident’s Guide to Vancouver.

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Top 9 Travel Trends & Innovations in 2024

How are the latest trends in the travel industry reshaping trip planning and enhancing tourist experiences in 2024? Explore our in-depth industry research on the top 9 travel trends based on our analysis of 3500+ companies worldwide. These trends include AI, immersive tourism, IoT, contactless travel & more!

Technological advancements in the travel industry meet the growing demand for personalized experiences, safety, and sustainability. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging travel trends mark a shift towards contactless travel through digital payments, self-check-ins, and more. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are automating various hospitality and travel-related operations.

For instance, smart hotels make use of internet-connected devices to remotely control rooms. Further, businesses offer virtual tours by adopting extended reality (XR) technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Travel companies also leverage data analytics to personalize marketing. At the same time, traveler assisting solutions like chatbots and voice technology aid them in booking accommodation and optimizing journeys. These travel trends improve the overall profitability of the tourism industry and enable it to make operations more sustainable and safe.

This article was published in July 2022 and updated in February 2024.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 9 Travel Trends & 18 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Top 9 Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 18 global startups and scaleups. The result of this research is data-driven innovation intelligence that improves strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies & startups in the travel industry. These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform , covering 2 500 000+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant startups, emerging technologies & future industry trends quickly & exhaustively.

In the Innovation Map below, you get an overview of the Top 9 Travel Trends & Innovations that impact travel & tourism companies worldwide. Moreover, the Travel Innovation Map reveals 3 500+ hand-picked startups, all working on emerging technologies that advance their field.

Top 9 Travel Trends

• Artificial Intelligence
• Immersive Tourism
• Internet of Things
• Contactless Travel
• Big Data & Analytics
• Post-Pandemic Tourism
• Tour Premiumization

Click to download

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 9 Travel Trends

Based on the Travel Innovation Map, the Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the Top 9 Travel Industry Trends in 2024. Startups and scaleups are enabling contactless travel using technologies like biometrics, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC). This is due to increasing health and hygiene concerns post the pandemic. The use of AI in tourism ensures hassle-free trip planning while AR and VR allow tourists to virtually visit various locations and excursions. IoT increases visibility into tourism industry operations and allows passengers to track their luggage more efficiently. Further, the demand for personalized and luxurious travel is rising. Several startups enable recreational space travel as well as offer sustainable travel options to passengers.

Global Startup Heat Map covers 3 635 Travel Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 3 635 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals that the US, Europe, and India see the most activity.

Below, you get to meet 18 out of these 3 635 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 18 startups are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.

Interested in exploring all 3500+ travel startups & scaleups?

Top 9 Travel Trends in 2024

1. artificial intelligence.

Hotels employ intelligent chatbots, powered by AI, to provide quick and personalized responses to traveler inquiries. These chatbots simplify the booking process and gather customer reviews, aiding potential travelers in making informed decisions. Moreover, AI-based robots enhance the customer experience by automating hotel disinfection and delivering room service.

At airports, these robots guide travelers and assist with luggage handling. Facial recognition technology, driven by AI, expedites identity verification at airports, enhancing security and offering a swift alternative to traditional methods. Startups are developing AI-powered trip planning solutions, optimizing journeys, and personalizing travel experiences.

Travel Professor develops a Travel Chatbot

UK-based startup Travel Professor offers an AI-enabled chatbot for travelers. The startup’s chat widget software monitors multiple flight deals and notifies users when their preferences match. It also provides travel destination recommendations and flight price alerts. This allows travelers to book economical flights and have a budget-friendly tourism experience.

Pneuma Travel facilitates Travel Planning

US startup Pneuma Travel develops a voice-assisted digital agent, Sarah , to streamline the process of travel planning. This assistant, powered by AI, excels in arranging flight and accommodation bookings and assists travelers in discovering a variety of activities. Sarah , available round the clock, provides continuous support for all travel-related inquiries.

Moreover, Sarah customizes travel options according to individual preferences and budgetary constraints. The agent further enhances the travel experience by providing insights into local attractions in unfamiliar cities. Importantly, Sarah enables real-time modifications to travel plans, in compliance with specific airline policies, thereby minimizing waiting times for users.

2. Immersive Tourism

Immersive tourism caters to the growing demand for meaningful experiences among travelers, leveraging AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR). VR simulates original locations through a computer-generated environment, allowing tourists to virtually explore destinations. It provides travelers with a comprehensive 360-degree tour of points of interest.

AR enhances the travel experience with interactive elements such as navigation maps and ads. Travel companies employ AR and VR-based gamification to heighten tourist attractions. Moreover, these technologies enable hotels and resorts to present amenities and rooms in an engaging, interactive manner.

VR Travel Expo offers VR-based Travel Plans

US startup VR Travel Expo develops a VR travel application to transform the way people research and book travel. The application enables users to plan their vacations more efficiently. It provides an engaging platform for users to explore and expand their knowledge of the world. Moreover, it employs 3D geospatial technology that creates real-time digital twins of the world. This further enhances the travel planning experience.

AR Tour makes AR Glasses

Italian startup AR Tour offers AR-powered tours. The startup’s AR glasses superimpose reconstructed images of archaeological ruins to show how the site originally was. Its tour informs the tourists about the site’s history and significance via an audio-visual package. Moreover, the startup designs lightweight AR glasses to prevent motion sickness among tourists, improving convenience.

3. Internet of Things

IoT generates ample data that tourism companies leverage to personalize services in their subsequent visits. Hotels use IoT sensors to enable smart rooms that automate room lighting, temperature, and ambiance control, enhancing guest comfort. These sensors adjust appliances in vacant rooms, conserving energy and reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

Startups harness IoT to deliver location-specific information to customers, including real-time luggage tracking via IoT tags, minimizing lost items. Airlines also incorporate IoT-based solutions into seats, monitoring passenger temperature and heart rate for proactive health management.

Altitude enables Smart Hotels

New Zealand-based startup Altitude creates an IoT-based hotel software and hardware to develop smart hotels. The startup makes self-service kiosks to automate reservations, room up-gradation, payments, as well as check-in and check-out. Its hotel management platform further enables contactless engagement with guests. Additionally, Altitude’s mobile keys allow guests to open doors using mobile phones, providing convenience and saving time for travelers.

Smart Tour provides Smart Itineraries

Brazilian startup Smart Tour offers smart itineraries using IoT and quick response (QR) codes. The startup recommends travel routes and destinations based on the user’s preference in real-time. This facilitates a seamless experience for travelers. Besides, the user-generated data enables tourism managers to better understand consumer behavior and indulge in proximity marketing. The startup also offers a contact tracing solution to monitor COVID-19 infected travelers and ensure public safety.

4. Contactless Travel

Travelers benefit from contactless recognition technologies like retina scanning, which replace traditional travel documents, speeding up passenger identification and reducing airport queues. QR codes offered by travel companies allow tourists to access relevant information on their mobile devices, enhancing engagement.

Hotels have introduced contactless self-check-ins, enabling visitors to arrange services before arrival. Additionally, contactless payment modes are available in hotels and restaurants for swift and secure transactions. Moreover, wearable devices are transforming the travel experience by providing real-time notifications and touch-free access to services and information.

Loxe designs Smart Hotel Keys

US-based startup Loxe makes smart mobile keys for hotels. The startup’s smartphone app replaces key cards with contactless mobile keys that allow users to unlock doors using smartphones. It also reduces operational costs incurred in the manufacturing of conventional keys or plastic cards. Moreover, the startup designs a Bluetooth retrofit module that converts normal door locks into mobile-ready door locks. This allows hotel owners to easily convert their existing locks into smart ones without additional expenses while improving guest safety and convenience.

Avendi provides Contactless Payment

Singaporean startup Avendi offers contactless and cashless payments for travelers. The startup allows tourists to accumulate expenses throughout their trip and pay at the end of the journey. Avendi’s app utilizes QR codes to add all the billed expenses and shown through its dashboard. The user settles the tab amount in the preferred currency, preventing the inconvenience of cash withdrawal or credit card payments.

5. Big Data & Analytics

Big data empowers travel companies with customer trends for strategic marketing. Analyzing traveler behavior, they offer tailored recommendations for hotel bookings, cab hires, flight reservations, and ticket purchases.

Predicting future demand is another advantage of big data and analytics, helping hotels and airlines identify peak periods to optimize revenue. Advanced analysis of transactional data aids in detecting cyber fraud, and safeguarding sensitive customer information such as credit card details and biometric data.

CheckandPack creates a Travel Platform

Dutch startup CheckandPack offers a big data travel platform. It runs marketing campaigns to gather traveler data and understand tourism trends. Based on these insights, the platform enables businesses to approach travelers with a customized appeal. It also provides travelers with holiday planning.

3Victors provides Travel Data Analytics

US-based startup 3Victors offers travel data analytics. The startup’s product, PriceEye Suite , proactively monitors the prices of numerous airlines to provide insights into competitor prices. It creates a dashboard to display travelers’ location of interest, allowing travel airlines to better manage their revenue and pricing strategy.

6. Post-Pandemic Tourism

Post-pandemic tourism focuses on safe, sustainable, and flexible travel options, responding to evolving traveler preferences and health guidelines. Enhanced health and safety protocols, including regular sanitization and contactless services, become standard in airlines and hotels, ensuring traveler confidence.

Destinations and operators emphasize outdoor and less crowded experiences, catering to a heightened demand for nature-based and wellness travel. Flexible booking policies and trip insurance gain prominence, offering peace of mind amid uncertainties. Sustainable travel gains traction, with tourists and businesses prioritizing environmental impact and community well-being.

GOPASS Global enables Pre-travel Risk Management

Singaporean startup GOPASS Global provides a travel risk analytics platform against COVID-19. It analyzes the biosecurity risk elements involved in a trip, such as border restrictions, quarantine requirements, airport type, and airline transit points or seating in real-time. This allows travelers to assess risk factors and plan their trips accordingly.

Moreover, the startup creates world maps displaying information regarding COVID-prone areas, testing areas, and vaccine coverage. This provides travelers with a preview of the current situation, allowing them to ensure safety during business and leisure travel.

Workcations enables Work from Anywhere

Indian startup Workcations provides properties at tourist destinations for remote-working individuals. It offers amenities like internet connectivity, food, and a quiet ambiance, allowing tourists to work in a peaceful environment without hindrance. This increases employee productivity, motivation, and retention.

7. Tour Premiumization

Hyper-personalization in travel experiences is on the rise, with tourists eager to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Luxury travelers enjoy tailored experiences and intuitive services through tour premiumization. Health and wellness packages offered by travel startups help tourists unwind.

These retreats enhance health and offer detoxifying food options. Space tourism is another exciting development, offering leisure or research trips to space. Lastly, travel startups are fostering customer loyalty and building strong relationships through membership or subscription models.

STOKE provides Space Tour

US-based startup STOKE facilitates space travel using everyday-operable rockets. The startup’s rockets are reusable and deliver satellites to any desired orbit. This enables on-demand access to space, paving way for space tours for exploration, recreation, and research. The startup also emphasizes the economical and rapid development of its hardware for feasible spacecraft launches, advancing space tourism.

Origin offers Travel Personalization

Dutch startup Origin provides premium travel personalization to tourists. The startup utilizes machine learning and travel curators to plan creative vacations. It also arranges flights and accommodation for travelers. Further, the startup measures the carbon output of itineraries and offers sustainable tourism options.

8. Ecotourism

Traveling responsibly minimizes tourism’s environmental impact and supports local communities’ well-being. Ecotourists strive to reduce their carbon footprint during their journeys. Startups contribute by developing sustainable transport, ecolodges, and solar-powered resorts.

Airline passengers have the option to offset carbon emissions during flight bookings. Local tourism stimulates small businesses economically and creates job opportunities. It also emphasizes minimum littering, which lowers pollution and the time spent on cleanups.

Jet-Set Offset simplifies Flight Carbon Offset

US-based startup Jet-Set Offset creates a carbon-offsetting platform for air travel. The startup partners with non-profit organizations working against climate change and connects them with travelers. Each time travelers book flight tickets via the startup’s platform, Jet-Set Offset contributes a certain amount per mile for their journey to environmental organizations. This way, the passenger’s journey promotes mileage-based donations to offset carbon emissions.

The Green Stamp facilitates Ethical Wildlife Tour

Dutch startup The Green Stamp provides a platform to book ethical wildlife tours. It curates tours based on the tourists’ inclinations toward certain locations or wildlife. Exploration of these projects allows travelers to indirectly contribute to their cause as these wildlife projects donate to the welfare of local communities and the environment.

9. Blockchain

Blockchain provides the travel industry with operational transparency and security. Traceable payments, particularly for international travel, are a key application, that fosters trust among parties involved in transactions.

Automation and enforcement of agreements in travel insurance and supplier contracts are achieved through smart contracts. This strengthens reliability and cuts administrative costs. Travel firms establish customer loyalty programs where points are exchanged for cryptocurrency. Lastly, blockchain increases data storage security, reducing the risk of information leaks.

Upswing facilitates Guest Profiling

Indian startup Upswing creates AURA , a blockchain-powered platform for guest profiling. It provides a holistic view of guests, their preferences, and purchase patterns. The platform associates a score with each guest and suggests improvements in their service. This facilitates hotels to provide a personalized experience to their guests and, in turn, increase sales.

UIQ Travel develops a Solo Traveling App

US-based startup UIQ Travel develops a blockchain-based app to connect solo travelers. It discovers people with shared interests and suggests tours or attractions. Such hyper-personalized recommendations assist in experience discovery and also increase traveler engagement.

Discover all Travel Trends, Technologies & Startups

Tourism, although severely impacted by the pandemic, now continues to rapidly grow across the globe. Post-pandemic trends indicate an increasing emphasis on hygiene and safety during travel. The industry is witnessing the widespread adoption of disruptive technologies like AI, XR, IoT, and blockchain. The travel industry utilizes big data to understand traveler trends for targeted marketing. The transition to ecotourism is accelerating as businesses integrate zero-emission transit and carbon offset programs to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Travel Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation and startup scouting process. Among others, personalization, decarbonization, and travel safety will transform the sector as we know it today. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout startups, technologies & trends that matter to you!

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8 good tourism trends for 2024.

• January 2, 2024
• No Comments

The future of tourism in 2024

The start of a new year is a great time to look towards the future. What’s happening and what’s changing? What are the most relevant trends and which ones are worth following?

The travel industry is thriving after the pandemic and exciting trends and developments are on the way. In this article you’ll find a selection of 8 trends that we believe are here to stay and are worth tapping into as a travel business.

8 key good tourism trends in 2024

To help you achieve a successful year, we listed 8 key good tourism trends that we find worth following. Be inspired and informed on how to respond and benefit.

In this article

• Cool weather summer vacations
• Increased growth for shoulder seasons
• Low-carbon adventure travel
• Long distance train travel
• Culinary tourism
• Passion focused niche travel
• Responsible revenge travel

Good tourism trends in 2023

Good tourism trends in 2022, trend 1: cool weather summer vacations.

The most popular destinations for the summer holiday were mainly those where the sun was shining brightest. In Europe, travellers would usually travel south to visit Spain, France, Greece and Italy and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. However, with the rising temperatures caused by climate change, we’ve seen extreme hot weather with temperatures rising over 40 degrees (104 °F). Resulting in a boiling hot summer in Europe but also in North America and China.

Travellers now think twice about visiting the same areas and are looking for summer destinations with moderate weather. In Europe, Northern destinations such as Norway, Finland and Iceland are gaining popularity. Also, in other parts of the world travellers are looking for cool weather summer vacations. In the US, they are promoting summer destinations with an average temperature of 80 °F (26 degrees).

How to respond to this trend

If you have the opportunity to expand to more destinations, focus on those that have cooler weather in the summer season and promote the benefits to your customers. This is also your chance to explore new destinations. Make sure to not simply follow the competition but to look closely at what fits your business and ideal customer best.

Travelling in shoulder seasons has many advantages for travellers.

Trend 2: Increased growth for shoulder seasons

Very much linked to the rising temperatures worldwide, there is an increased growth for travelling in the shoulder seasons, off-peak season. Instead of visiting destinations in their high seasons, travellers are looking to travel off-season more and more. Destinations that are usually in high demand in the high season are now gaining momentum for the shoulder seasons. The months before and after the peak.

Travelling in shoulder seasons has many advantages for travellers. Besides avoiding the extreme heat that some destinations experience in high season, they’ll also escape the crowds of tourists flooding every city, beach and landmark. And on top of this, the shoulder seasons are cheaper to travel in.

To follow this development and encourage your travellers to travel in shoulder and low season , you need to start adapting your itineraries. Develop brand new itineraries specifically for these shoulder seasons and excite your travellers for travelling off-season.

Read our article: “How to develop low-season travel experiences”

Trend 3: Low-carbon adventure travel

Now that more travellers opt for cooler summer destinations there is a growing increase in low-carbon adventure travel. These destinations are perfect for spending more time outdoors and enjoying nature . The global adventure tourism market size is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032 and is expected to continue to grow steadily!

With the increase of awareness of climate change, there is also a growing focus to reduce emissions while travelling. Travellers seek more immersive travel experiences that don’t produce emissions while being outdoors. Low carbon adventure travel experiences are the answer, where travellers engage in outdoor adventure experiences, but without the emissions.

Great examples of low-carbon adventures are:

• Mountain climbing
• Paddleboarding
• Rock climbing
• Scuba diving

Adventure travel experiences have always been popular, and they are in high demand from travellers in varied travel segments. Focus on adding more low-carbon adventure experiences to your itineraries. Thereby, reduce emissions in existing travel products to respond to this trend and also look into develop new low-carbon adventure experiences.

Read our article “Benefits of carbon-free travel experiences”

70% of travellers are craving a sense of calm and relaxation on their trips in 2024.

Trend 4: Calmcation

According to a study by Campspot , 70% of travellers are craving a sense of calm and relaxation on their trips in 2024. Travellers are feeling stressed in the post-pandemic phase and with the unpredictable global economic landscape, people are looking for a way to truly unwind. Calmcations have emerged as the ideal solution, offering a break away from complexities and uncertainties of daily life.

Travellers are looking for experiences closer to home, more affordable and immersed in nature. This means that in 2024, we’re back to nature driven travel but with a comfortable twist. Not only the committed camper is interested, so are many other travellers. They’re looking for beautiful destinations with facilities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Camping trips in nature where they can breath in fresh air, enjoy amazing views, and water-themed.

Travellers are looking for nature driven travel, but with a comfortable twist. Depending on your ideal target group , offer (luxurious) camping adventures combined with low-carbon travel experiences. Besides tents, cabins and ecolodges also fit well into this trend. Focus on developing experiences or complete holidays that allow travellers to take a break from their own life and reconnect and enjoy nature.

Trend 5: Long distance train travel

Rail travel is predicted to be one of the fastest growing travel categories worldwide in 2024. With a new wave of rail lines, itineraries and new train travel booking platforms, there is a growing demand for long distance and luxury train travel. According to the Euromonitor’s travel survey , one third (33%) of travellers prefer alternatives to air travel such as rail for their trips. There is a growing climate consciousness of both travellers as travel businesses, looking to travel more responsibly.

In Europe, new connections are being announced and it’s more attractive than ever to hop on a nightjet train to comfortably explore European cities such as Berlin and Prague or to Alpine ski resorts for a winter holiday. In Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express is making a comeback in February and let’s not forget about the extensive rail network in Japan, India and Canada. With more and more rail lines (re)opening, train travel is the solution for those that want to traveller slower, travel off the beaten path and reduce their emissions.

Train travel is more popular than ever among travellers so make sure to follow this trend. You can offer train travel as main transport mode to replace flights and reduce emissions or include train travel as a local mode of transport in the destination. You can also offer complete railway itineraries where the experience is the train ride, and not just the mode of transport.

Trend 6: Culinary tourism

For many people, food is one of the main reasons for travelling somewhere. Travellers are eager to explore a destination through its restaurants, farms, traditional ingredients and local dishes. Trends observed for next year are travelling with chefs, unpretentious wine-tasting and dining with locals. Travellers not only want to eat locally during their trip, but they also want to cook and eat with locals.

According to Food & Wine , there is also an increase in Foodie Field trips, where travellers have the opportunity to participate in classes such as bread baking and coffee roasting.

Social media also has a large influence on this trend, especially on younger travellers. Influencers are highlighting certain destinations and restaurants with special food that people will want to taste, sometimes even resulting in the so-called TikTok queues.

As we mentioned, food is one of the main reasons for travelling somewhere. Review your existing (or new) destinations and highlight the food experiences. What’s the destination known culinarily and what’s there to explore? Include local food experiences such as cooking classes and ensure the traveller actively participates in the food scene.

Looking to have your travellers explore the local cuisine? Social enterprise Resirest connects local families and travellers in food experiences. They empower local families long-term, while providing travellers with a unique, cultural and local food experience.

Trend 7: Passion focused niche travel

Culinary tourism is a very specific trend, based on the travellers passion for culinary experiences. In 2024, passion focused niche travel is booming. We’ve already seen that travellers are choosing experiences over specific destinations, and this year they’re more passion-led than ever. Passion focused travel is all about customisiation and personalisation based on your ideal customers.

The better you know your customer, the more insights you have in their passions and travel wishes. The thing with passion focused travel is that it’s very niche specific. It’s about being hyper-focused on what desires travellers have in experiencing and developing new itineraries around it.

Examples of passion focused niche travel:

• Passion for horses: spending a week in the African bush on horse-back
• Passion for dinosaurs: visiting dinosaur museums and learning about their history
• Passion for wine: touring a wine area, tasting and learning about the process
• Passion for birds: visiting designated areas to go bird spotting with experts

To actively follow this trend, you need to have in-depth insights in your ideal customer. Tailoring your travel experiences to their passions or even creating entirely new products for them, requires you to know their passions. Dig deep into your buyer-persona and determine the best combination of passion, destination and experience and turn this into a passion focused niche experience.

Read our article “How to identify your buyer persona”

This year, we’re looking at responsible revenge travel.

Trend 8: Responsible revenge travel

Revenge travel is a trend from last year and it’s the type of travel where people make up for missed adventures due to the pandemic. These trips are often fast-paced, bucket-list-ticking trips and focused on travelling as much as possible. It’s leaving travellers exhausted, they’re not truly connecting to a destination and are not taking sustainability into account that much.

This year, we’re looking at responsible revenge travel. Travellers are still looking to explore the world and make up for the time it was impossible to travel. But they’re doing it more consciously. They’re looking to travel to cool(er) weather destinations, travel in the shoulder seasons, go on low-carbon adventures, spend time outdoors calmcationing, travel by train, enjoy the local cuisine and simply love travel!

Travellers are looking for ‘the experience of a lifetime’ trip and grand adventures, but in a responsible way. Make sure to develop and promote travel itineraries that maximise positive impact and have travellers use their money as a force for good. Lead them off the beaten path, support the locals, celebrate local culture, ensure animal welfare , protect nature and reduce emissions.

Read our practical Good Tourism guide

What does your future look like?

We’re excited for the coming year and looking at the trends, there are great sustainable developments taking place. When responding to the good tourism trends, make sure to always apply the principles of people, planet and profit. Follow trends, improve your travel experiences and grow your business; but focus on creating positive impact.

Don’t forget that trends can also be combined. Think about low-carbon adventures or culinary tourism in shoulder season or calmcations in cool weather destinations. Be creative and use these developments to stand out from the competition, distinguish your travel experiences and be on your way towards travel success. Travel is a force for good, maximise its impact!

2023 was our second year we published an article with trends for the future of tourism. Are you interested to see if our predictions came true? Read our 8 key good tourism trends for 2023 below.

• Good tourism
• Excellent customer experience
• Strong online visibility
• Outdoor nature experiences
• Travelling off-season
• Remote working
• Local travel market
• Spontaneous travel

Trend 1: Good tourism

Travellers are looking for experiences that benefit the destination they’re travelling to. Good tourism is the concept of creating positive impact on people and planet, while offering great travel experiences.

This has always been a movement, but travel behaviour has shown it’s becoming more important. Travellers are looking to:

• Reduce their negative environmental impact
• Support local economies
• Support local cultures and communities
• Visit lesser-known destinations
• Contribute to nature and wildlife protection
• Reduce their carbon footprint

“90% of consumers look for sustainable options when travelling” – Expedia Group

Trend 2: Excellent customer experience

Travellers expect a personal and efficient customer experience (CX) at all times. They judge every interaction they have with your business and each of these interactions are evaluated. From the first up until the last contact moment, businesses and employees need to be on their best behaviour. Both offline and online.

The expectations of excellent customer experiences (CX) are changing , and loyalty and speed are more important than ever. So, it’s key you know what you stand for, and who you want to attract and to offer fast and personalised services.

“Being able to serve relevant information at the right moment in the customer journey often determines success” – Evolv Al

Trend 3: Strong online visibility

Travellers spend a significant time online searching for travel inspiration and tips. They’re absolutely doing so again in 2023. The importance of being visible online is still growing every year. We’re expecting for video to take over even more (look at the rise of TikTok).

With these travellers going online to find their next dream destination you need to be prepared. Make sure to have a fast and user-friendly website , your Google Business profile up to date, focus on content marketing , be active on social media channels where your target group is active and don’t underestimate influencer marketing .

Trend 4: Outdoor nature experiences

Travellers are looking to experience and explore the outdoors more often. The pandemic has made a lot of people realise how much they love the outdoors and how much they appreciate it. Travellers want to go out, breathe in fresh air and go back to basic . Think about multi-day trekking or camping trips.

Important to remember when looking at this growth in outdoor nature experiences, is to always develop travel experiences that are good for the planet too. Therefore, focus on carbon-free travel experiences where possible to truly connect travellers with nature.

Trend 5: Travelling off-season

Travellers are looking to avoid crowds and overtourism and go for a different experience instead. Travelling off-season is cheaper due to less demand, there are less people around so no crowds, and travellers are able to experience a completely different side and feeling of the destination.

Trend 6: Remote working

Travellers realised they can make the world their office and work remotely. The ‘work from anywhere’ trend has changed the tourism industry. The number of remote workers is growing rapidly and opening a new market for long-stays. Remote workers are usually very flexible, travelling to new destinations to work while exploring new surroundings.

The interesting factor here is that remote workers don’t need 24/7 entertainment while travelling. They’re working after all. What they are looking for, is a structure or plan of how to travel, where to stay and where to (co-)work.

Trend 7: Local travel market

Travellers have the desire to stay closer to home for ease, comfort, and local connection. Again, pandemic times have shown them there is a lot to explore close to home. They’ll be exploring lesser-known cities, going to the highlights they ignored before or rewinding in their own unexplored nature.

Be aware that people staying in their own country are looking for different experiences. This means they won’t be triggered by the same marketing messages you’re sharing to attract inbound travellers. Adapt your marketing efforts to their needs to ensure interest and bookings from locals.

Trend 8: Spontaneous travel

Travellers want to turn their ideas into travel plans quickly, easily, and last-minute. Planning proved to be difficult and unpredictable during pandemic times. People got used to not making plans at all or making them very last-minute.

They’ll most likely continue this behaviour and decide when and where to travel only shortly before departure. As a tour operator, you can expect more last-minute bookings and also less time between travel request and booking.

2022 was the first year we published an article with trends for the future of tourism. Are you interested to see if our predictions came true? Read our 6 key good tourism trends for 2022 below.

• Online preparation
• Loyal customers
• Philantourism
• Minimum carbon footprint
• Continued care for health and safety
• Experience of a lifetime

Trend 1: Online preparation

According to Google research, travellers who took a large trip in 2021 spent over 70% of their time researching their trip online. It’s expected this will grow in 2022 as well. When travellers are spending this much time online, they’re searching for inspiration, tips, and companies to book their trips with.

How to respond

You can respond this trend by being visible online. Invest time in your online marketing strategy. Make sure your website is found by those researching their next trip. You can achieve this through content marketing. This strategy helps you give potential customers what they are looking for, while they are actively searching for it. This means creating content, such as blogs, photos and videos about your business and everything you offer.

Also make sure to be active on social media for online brand visibility but also to convert followers to clients .

Trend 2: Loyal customers

It’s predicted that in the coming years, travellers will look to remain loyal to brands and businesses that align with their values. Brands that care for the planet and who contribute to a better world. If travellers found a brand they love, they’ll choose to come back again instead of searching for something else.

Earning customer loyalty is not something you can do overnight. Key is to make sure to know and communicate your own value. How can travellers align if you are not certain about yours? Also focus on increasing your customer value. There are no real shortcuts or easy ways to stimulate loyalty. You have to work hard and earn it, as creating loyal customers requires care and devotion.

Lastly, also (re)connect with your customers via email marketing to keep on top of their mind. You’ll benefit from this as soon as they’ll start travelling again.

Trend 3. Philantourism

Philantourism is a trend that originated in COVID-19 times and is a natural evolution of volunteer tourism. It’s tourism where travellers choose off the beaten track destinations to spend their free time and their money. Specifically in those destinations that need it the most. They don’t commit to projects locally, but simply spend their money to benefit the local economy .

Both you as a tour operator and your customers are important for this trend. For tour operators, it’s important to offer trips and travel experiences to lesser-known destinations and create itineraries that support the local economy. You can also increase your impact by developing community-based tourism .

For travellers, it’s important they know where to go and how they can best support the local economy. Do this by adding tips for local restaurants and shops to your itineraries and traveller communication . This stimulates travellers to go out and spend locally!

Trend 4. Minimum carbon footprint

This is already a very familiar trend to most tour operators, but now it’s also a growing factor for travellers. According to research by Ipsos, 50% of travellers claim that carbon emissions and offset options are worth considering when booking a new trip.

First, it’s important to take the goal of a low(er) carbon footprint seriously. Sign the Glasgow declaration and start reducing your emissions. In your office but also in the trips and experiences you develop. Offer destinations closer to home and include train travel. Also focus on slow travel and add carbon-free travel experiences. Hiking, biking, sailing, and kayaking are popular and allow travellers to experience the destination to the fullest.

Thereby, also provide your customers with the option to compensate their trip. Be transparent in your calculations and offsetting program or partner.

Trend 5. Continued care for health and safety

Not surprisingly, research continues to show that health and safety measures regarding COVID-19 make travellers feel safer. Travellers search online for the specific regulations and measures companies take to provide a safe experience. They expect their well-being to be top priority throughout their trip.

COVID-19 is here to stay, at least for now. Most importantly is that you take responsibility for the health and safety of your customers. Update your company health and safety protocol where relevant. And clearly communicate the safety regulations to your customers. Be clear and positive about what’s possible in the destinations you offer. But also manage expectations and prepare customers for changes.

Additionally, also make sure to have fair and flexible cancellation policy available. (Potential) customers require transparency and honesty.

Trend 6. Experience of a lifetime

Flowing from two years of COVID-19, lockdowns and travel restrictions all over the world, travellers are looking for “the experience of a lifetime” trips. They realised they don’t want to postpone their bucket list trips and are looking for grand adventures for when they can finally travel again.

Offer travellers the experience of a lifetime by creating new (and longer) itineraries with the highlights of the destination. Create trips that make travellers travel slower and experience the destination to the fullest. Don’t forget that a highlights trip does not necessarily mean including the most famous tourist attractions. Surprise your customers by going off the beaten track and to offer them something special.

For the best tailored experience, make it easy for travellers to add smaller packages to extend their trip. For example, a few days relaxing on the beach or a mountain trekking .

Keep in mind that not all trends (in this article and overall) are fully relevant for every tour operator. Select those trends that support you in your journey towards the future of tourism. Keep close to your mission and USPs and focus on the trends that make you better in business.

Your business development is subject to the (local) circumstances, niche market , target group and your preferences. Be in charge of your own future but remain open for outside inspiration and influences.

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Anne de Jong

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9 new concepts that are transforming the tourism industry, from language-translating glasses to emissions-free cruises

By Scott Bay

The future of the tourism industry is full of bright ideas. Players in tourism, big and small, are making big strides to create more equitable, eco-forward, and all-embracing ways to explore our world – all while taking much greater care of her, and the local communities that we love to visit. From groundbreaking technologies to social programs seeking to influence the broader industry, we're spotlighting eight of this year's brightest travel innovations. 

Silversea Cruises, Silver Nova

Silversea Cruises

Thanks to a mix of hybrid technology, Silversea's Silver Nova will be the first low-emissions luxury cruise ship in the brand's new-build Nova fleet when it launches next July . It will be entirely emissions-free while at port (an industry first), with suites that generate 40 per cent fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than the company's previous class of ships.

Proper Hospitality

American hotel brand Proper Hospitality has brought tipping into the 21st century, developing an app system that allows guests to scan the QR codes of eligible employees, carried on their person. No more fumbling awkwardly for cash again.

Alphabet Inc.

One of Alphabet Inc.'s latest bright ideas might break down language barriers for good. While still in the prototype phase, its glasses will translate what you're seeing or hearing in real-time, using AR technology to project closed-captioning in front of the lenses.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai

Opening this fall, Dubai's Atlantis The Royal used the past to inform its sustainable design: taking inspiration from ancient courtyards, it's strategically stacked to create shade and foster airflow to its indoor and outdoor spaces, providing natural energy efficiency.

Klawock Cruise Port

Next year, Alaska's new Klawock cruise port will start bringing travellers on Oceania Cruises – and new revenue – to a nearby Tlingit village, with locals leading tours and activities.

Niarra Travel

London-based tour operator Niarra Travel is hoping to change industry norms by halving the standard 20 per cent commission on bookings and investing the other 10 per cent in conservation and communities in the destinations it serves, like South Africa and Costa Rica .

Air4All, a patented system set to hit the market in the coming years, will allow power-wheelchair users to board planes while still in their chairs. The design enables an airline seat to fold up and securely lock in a variety of wheelchair sizes – a game changer for travellers with disabilities who have avoided flying.

Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay

The “sell big or go home” ethos of the travel-agency world is changing with Fora, a free digital platform where amateurs passionate about trip planning can become travel advisors, with access to a training library and tools like an SEO-optimised profile page and automatic commissions collection.

GoldenPass Express

When Switzerland's GoldenPass Express launches in December , connecting Montreux in the west with Interlaken in the east, it will mark the first time that a train will hop between different types of tracks, thanks to a variable gauge bogie that could revolutionise international train travel .

This article appeared in the October 2022 issue of Condé Nast Traveller, and was originally published on Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine   here .

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

As travel resumes and builds momentum, it’s becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. —a number made more significant because it was reached without travelers from China, which had the world’s largest outbound travel market before the pandemic. 2 “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Recovery and growth are likely to continue. According to estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80 to 95 percent of prepandemic levels depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, travel recovery in Asia–Pacific, and geopolitical tensions, among other factors. 3 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries in which the organization conducts research will have either recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95 percent of full recovery. 4 “Global travel and tourism catapults into 2023 says WTTC,” World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), April 26, 2023.

Longer-term forecasts also point to optimism for the decade ahead. Travel and tourism GDP is predicted to grow, on average, at 5.8 percent a year between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the growth of the overall economy at an expected 2.7 percent a year. 5 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 , WTTC, August 2022.

So, is it all systems go for travel and tourism? Not really. The industry continues to face a prolonged and widespread labor shortage. After losing 62 million travel and tourism jobs in 2020, labor supply and demand remain out of balance. 6 “WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide,” World Travel & Tourism Council, October 6, 2021. Today, in the European Union, 11 percent of tourism jobs are likely to go unfilled; in the United States, that figure is 7 percent. 7 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022.

There has been an exodus of tourism staff, particularly from customer-facing roles, to other sectors, and there is no sign that the industry will be able to bring all these people back. 8 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022. Hotels, restaurants, cruises, airports, and airlines face staff shortages that can translate into operational, reputational, and financial difficulties. If unaddressed, these shortages may constrain the industry’s growth trajectory.

The current labor shortage may have its roots in factors related to the nature of work in the industry. Chronic workplace challenges, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, have culminated in an industry struggling to rebuild its workforce. Generally, tourism-related jobs are largely informal, partly due to high seasonality and weak regulation. And conditions such as excessively long working hours, low wages, a high turnover rate, and a lack of social protection tend to be most pronounced in an informal economy. Additionally, shift work, night work, and temporary or part-time employment are common in tourism.

The industry may need to revisit some fundamentals to build a far more sustainable future: either make the industry more attractive to talent (and put conditions in place to retain staff for longer periods) or improve products, services, and processes so that they complement existing staffing needs or solve existing pain points.

One solution could be to build a workforce with the mix of digital and interpersonal skills needed to keep up with travelers’ fast-changing requirements. The industry could make the most of available technology to provide customers with a digitally enhanced experience, resolve staff shortages, and improve working conditions.

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Complementing concierges with chatbots.

The pace of technological change has redefined customer expectations. Technology-driven services are often at customers’ fingertips, with no queues or waiting times. By contrast, the airport and airline disruption widely reported in the press over the summer of 2022 points to customers not receiving this same level of digital innovation when traveling.

Imagine the following travel experience: it’s 2035 and you start your long-awaited honeymoon to a tropical island. A virtual tour operator and a destination travel specialist booked your trip for you; you connected via videoconference to make your plans. Your itinerary was chosen with the support of generative AI , which analyzed your preferences, recommended personalized travel packages, and made real-time adjustments based on your feedback.

Before leaving home, you check in online and QR code your luggage. You travel to the airport by self-driving cab. After dropping off your luggage at the self-service counter, you pass through security and the biometric check. You access the premier lounge with the QR code on the airline’s loyalty card and help yourself to a glass of wine and a sandwich. After your flight, a prebooked, self-driving cab takes you to the resort. No need to check in—that was completed online ahead of time (including picking your room and making sure that the hotel’s virtual concierge arranged for red roses and a bottle of champagne to be delivered).

While your luggage is brought to the room by a baggage robot, your personal digital concierge presents the honeymoon itinerary with all the requested bookings. For the romantic dinner on the first night, you order your food via the restaurant app on the table and settle the bill likewise. So far, you’ve had very little human interaction. But at dinner, the sommelier chats with you in person about the wine. The next day, your sightseeing is made easier by the hotel app and digital guide—and you don’t get lost! With the aid of holographic technology, the virtual tour guide brings historical figures to life and takes your sightseeing experience to a whole new level. Then, as arranged, a local citizen meets you and takes you to their home to enjoy a local family dinner. The trip is seamless, there are no holdups or snags.

This scenario features less human interaction than a traditional trip—but it flows smoothly due to the underlying technology. The human interactions that do take place are authentic, meaningful, and add a special touch to the experience. This may be a far-fetched example, but the essence of the scenario is clear: use technology to ease typical travel pain points such as queues, misunderstandings, or misinformation, and elevate the quality of human interaction.

Travel with less human interaction may be considered a disruptive idea, as many travelers rely on and enjoy the human connection, the “service with a smile.” This will always be the case, but perhaps the time is right to think about bringing a digital experience into the mix. The industry may not need to depend exclusively on human beings to serve its customers. Perhaps the future of travel is physical, but digitally enhanced (and with a smile!).

Digital solutions are on the rise and can help bridge the labor gap

Digital innovation is improving customer experience across multiple industries. Car-sharing apps have overcome service-counter waiting times and endless paperwork that travelers traditionally had to cope with when renting a car. The same applies to time-consuming hotel check-in, check-out, and payment processes that can annoy weary customers. These pain points can be removed. For instance, in China, the Huazhu Hotels Group installed self-check-in kiosks that enable guests to check in or out in under 30 seconds. 9 “Huazhu Group targets lifestyle market opportunities,” ChinaTravelNews, May 27, 2021.

Technology meets hospitality

In 2019, Alibaba opened its FlyZoo Hotel in Huangzhou, described as a “290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality.” 1 “Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has a hotel run almost entirely by robots that can serve food and fetch toiletries—take a look inside,” Business Insider, October 21, 2019; “FlyZoo Hotel: The hotel of the future or just more technology hype?,” Hotel Technology News, March 2019. The hotel was the first of its kind that instead of relying on traditional check-in and key card processes, allowed guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, to check-in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

The hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. Each guest room has a voice-activated smart assistant to help guests with a variety of tasks, from adjusting the temperature, lights, curtains, and the TV to playing music and answering simple questions about the hotel and surroundings.

The hotel was developed by the company’s online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba’s AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal of “leveraging cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we’re living in,” according to the company.

Adoption of some digitally enhanced services was accelerated during the pandemic in the quest for safer, contactless solutions. During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a restaurant designed to keep physical contact to a minimum used a track system on the ceiling to deliver meals directly from the kitchen to the table. 10 “This Beijing Winter Games restaurant uses ceiling-based tracks,” Trendhunter, January 26, 2022. Customers around the world have become familiar with restaurants using apps to display menus, take orders, and accept payment, as well as hotels using robots to deliver luggage and room service (see sidebar “Technology meets hospitality”). Similarly, theme parks, cinemas, stadiums, and concert halls are deploying digital solutions such as facial recognition to optimize entrance control. Shanghai Disneyland, for example, offers annual pass holders the option to choose facial recognition to facilitate park entry. 11 “Facial recognition park entry,” Shanghai Disney Resort website.

Automation and digitization can also free up staff from attending to repetitive functions that could be handled more efficiently via an app and instead reserve the human touch for roles where staff can add the most value. For instance, technology can help customer-facing staff to provide a more personalized service. By accessing data analytics, frontline staff can have guests’ details and preferences at their fingertips. A trainee can become an experienced concierge in a short time, with the help of technology.

Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential

According to Skift Research calculations, total revenue generated by guest apps and in-room technology in 2019 was approximately $293 million, including proprietary apps by hotel brands as well as third-party vendors. 1 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. The relatively low market penetration rate of this kind of tech points to around $2.4 billion in untapped revenue potential (exhibit).

Even though guest-facing technology is available—the kind that can facilitate contactless interactions and offer travelers convenience and personalized service—the industry is only beginning to explore its potential. A report by Skift Research shows that the hotel industry, in particular, has not tapped into tech’s potential. Only 11 percent of hotels and 25 percent of hotel rooms worldwide are supported by a hotel app or use in-room technology, and only 3 percent of hotels offer keyless entry. 12 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. Of the five types of technology examined (guest apps and in-room tech; virtual concierge; guest messaging and chatbots; digital check-in and kiosks; and keyless entry), all have relatively low market-penetration rates (see sidebar “Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential”).

While apps, digitization, and new technology may be the answer to offering better customer experience, there is also the possibility that tourism may face competition from technological advances, particularly virtual experiences. Museums, attractions, and historical sites can be made interactive and, in some cases, more lifelike, through AR/VR technology that can enhance the physical travel experience by reconstructing historical places or events.

Up until now, tourism, arguably, was one of a few sectors that could not easily be replaced by tech. It was not possible to replicate the physical experience of traveling to another place. With the emerging metaverse , this might change. Travelers could potentially enjoy an event or experience from their sofa without any logistical snags, and without the commitment to traveling to another country for any length of time. For example, Google offers virtual tours of the Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan via an immersive online experience available in a range of languages. 13 Mariam Khaled Dabboussi, “Step into the Meroë pyramids with Google,” Google, May 17, 2022. And a crypto banking group, The BCB Group, has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 14 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?,” Middle East Economy, July 29, 2022.

The metaverse holds potential for business travel, too—the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in particular. Participants could take part in activities in the same immersive space while connecting from anywhere, dramatically reducing travel, venue, catering, and other costs. 15 “ Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual? ,” McKinsey, May 4, 2023.

The allure and convenience of such digital experiences make offering seamless, customer-centric travel and tourism in the real world all the more pressing.

Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

Is the future contactless.

Given the advances in technology, and the many digital innovations and applications that already exist, there is potential for businesses across the travel and tourism spectrum to cope with labor shortages while improving customer experience. Process automation and digitization can also add to process efficiency. Taken together, a combination of outsourcing, remote work, and digital solutions can help to retain existing staff and reduce dependency on roles that employers are struggling to fill (exhibit).

Depending on the customer service approach and direct contact need, we estimate that the travel and tourism industry would be able to cope with a structural labor shortage of around 10 to 15 percent in the long run by operating more flexibly and increasing digital and automated efficiency—while offering the remaining staff an improved total work package.

Outsourcing and remote work could also help resolve the labor shortage

While COVID-19 pushed organizations in a wide variety of sectors to embrace remote work, there are many hospitality roles that rely on direct physical services that cannot be performed remotely, such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and facility management. If faced with staff shortages, these roles could be outsourced to third-party professional service providers, and existing staff could be reskilled to take up new positions.

In McKinsey’s experience, the total service cost of this type of work in a typical hotel can make up 10 percent of total operating costs. Most often, these roles are not guest facing. A professional and digital-based solution might become an integrated part of a third-party service for hotels looking to outsource this type of work.

One of the lessons learned in the aftermath of COVID-19 is that many tourism employees moved to similar positions in other sectors because they were disillusioned by working conditions in the industry . Specialist multisector companies have been able to shuffle their staff away from tourism to other sectors that offer steady employment or more regular working hours compared with the long hours and seasonal nature of work in tourism.

The remaining travel and tourism staff may be looking for more flexibility or the option to work from home. This can be an effective solution for retaining employees. For example, a travel agent with specific destination expertise could work from home or be consulted on an needs basis.

In instances where remote work or outsourcing is not viable, there are other solutions that the hospitality industry can explore to improve operational effectiveness as well as employee satisfaction. A more agile staffing model  can better match available labor with peaks and troughs in daily, or even hourly, demand. This could involve combining similar roles or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles. Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in other maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles could be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels. By applying a combination of these approaches, hotels could reduce the number of staff hours needed to keep operations running at the same standard. 16 “ Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages ,” McKinsey, April 3, 2023.

Taken together, operational adjustments combined with greater use of technology could provide the tourism industry with a way of overcoming staffing challenges and giving customers the seamless digitally enhanced experiences they expect in other aspects of daily life.

In an industry facing a labor shortage, there are opportunities for tech innovations that can help travel and tourism businesses do more with less, while ensuring that remaining staff are engaged and motivated to stay in the industry. For travelers, this could mean fewer friendly faces, but more meaningful experiences and interactions.

Urs Binggeli is a senior expert in McKinsey’s Zurich office, Zi Chen is a capabilities and insights specialist in the Shanghai office, Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, and Jackey Yu is a partner in the Hong Kong office.

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Stronger, Greener and More Innovative: The Future of Tourism in the Americas

• 18 Jun 2020

Ministers from across the Americas have met to map a course for the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism sector, a lifeline for many millions and a key driver of economic growth. Though kept apart physically due to the extraordinary circumstances, the 65th meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas saw Member States more united than ever in their determination to harness the power of tourism to recover from the economic and social impact of COVID-19 and drive future growth.

The second of the UNWTO Regional Commission meetings to be held virtually, the high-level discussions were opened by Chairman and Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett. He was joined by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, and Ministers of Tourism for 22 Member States from across the Americas. The meeting was held as destinations across the region continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, as well as allowing Member States to share their responses to the shared challenge, discussions also focused on plans for sustainable recovery and future resilience , with an emphasis on the potential of digitization and new ideas and in boosting investment in green business models.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The temporary suspension of tourism has had a significant impact on the Americas. This meeting showed the shared determination to grow back stronger and better once the conditions allow. Sustainability and innovation will be at the heart of tourism’s recovery, both in the Americas and in every other global region. The sector’s return to growth will be a lifeline for many millions of people across the Americas while also helping protect and promote the region’s many cultures and natural heritage.”

Strong Partnerships for Innovative and Sustainable Tourism

The sector’s return to growth will be a lifeline for many millions of people across the Americas

Reflecting the dynamic nature of tourism and the sector’s ability to adapt, the meeting featured the announcement of a joint collaboration between UNWTO and the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) designed to promote digital transformation and positive change. The “Beyond Tourism Innovation Challenge”, will identify the best new ideas for the disruption of tourism, with a focus on sustainability and creating opportunities for all.

The meeting of the Commission for the Americas also saw a presentation of UNWTO’s joint project with the IFC (International Finance Corporation). The “Green Investments for Sustainable Tourism” initiative is designed to promote more investment in the greening of the sector, with a special emphasis on hospitality and on small-and-medium-sized businesses.

Enlaces relacionados

• Download the news release
• Allied for Action: Tourism’s Restart Brings Hope for Millions
• African Destinations Meet to Plan Growth and Sustainable Future for Tourism
• Covid-19: Putting people first

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The Cool List 2024: the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024

From Argentina to Australia and Norway to Nova Scotia, these places chosen by National Geographic Traveller (UK) will be making headlines in the year ahead.

Ahead of the new year, we’ve crossed the world to find the 30 most exciting destinations for 2024. With landmark hotels opening, ambitious rewilding projects under way and new train routes making travel easier than ever, there’s a lot to choose from for your next trip — whether you’re looking to connect with nature in Norway, scale Himalayan peaks in Sikkim or savour the culinary stars of Lima.

Albanian Alps, Albania

A wild escape in Europe's rising star

Travellers on the hunt for something a little different from their next European adventure are increasingly looking towards Albania. This piece of the Balkan jigsaw is drawing a rising number of visitors thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coasts, intriguing Ottoman and Communist past, and relatively nascent tourism scene.

Tucked into the northern interior, the Albanian Alps are equally part of the draw. Known, rather ominously, as the Accursed Mountains, this realm of jagged karst peaks is a dream for hikers, where lynxes roam spruce forests and wildflowers cover valley floors. Those looking to tackle the region’s challenging trails can set off on a new, eight-day, self-guided tour with Walks Worldwide , which offers an itinerary that includes treks through mountain passes, traditional homestays and a visit to the village of Theth, starting point of the Peaks of the Balkans hiking trail.  

Albania is also more accessible than ever thanks to a raft of new air routes. Ryanair has recently started flying to the capital Tirana from Edinburgh, Manchester and Stansted, while Wizz Air will operate from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Liverpool from 19 December 2023.

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Belfast, northern ireland.

A long-promised year of culture comes to the home of the Titanic

If city pride in Belfast is like a flower that’s managed to grow in difficult soil, then 2024 should see a super-bloom thanks to the Northern Irish capital’s year of culture. It’s been years in the making — the 2010s saw an unprecedented rise in the number of visitors, drawn in part by the new Titanic Experience museum , its use as a Game of Thrones filming location, and a chance to look back on turbulent history with some peaceful distance. Belfast’s 2017 bid to become a European Capital of Culture aimed to build on this, but it was scuppered by Brexit. Not wanting to waste the work it had already put in, the city continued with plans for a year of cultural celebration. Most details are still under wraps, but Belfast’s riverfront and maritime heritage will loom large, with a mass boat-building initiative, among others. There will also be a collaboration with Cornwall’s Eden Project to explore the city’s relationship with nature, and following its 2021 listing as a UNESCO City of Music, the birthplace of Van Morrison and home of over 80 music venues is sure to put on a performance to remember.  

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Tour the gastronomic heartland of Italy on two wheels

The Tour de France kicks off in Italy next summer, with the Grand Départ happening in Florence on 29 June. But most of the action on this first stage will take place not in Tuscany, but in the villages and vineyard-draped landscapes of neighbouring Emilia-Romagna. The finishing line will be in the beach resort of Rimini, while Bologna and its famous cuisine await at the end of the second stage. Riders will then push off from historic Piacenza on their final leg to Turin.

Not that you need a support team to discover the region by bike — this is one of Italy’s greatest cycling destinations, perhaps best explored on a gentle, self-guided itinerary visiting Bologna, Parma and Modena with scenic stops in between. A growing number of tour operators are offering trips, including Inntravel and Skedaddle . More seasoned cyclists can tackle the Ciclovia di Dante under their own steam: starting in Ravenna, where the poet died in 1321, the trail winds for 139 miles back to his birthplace, Florence, passing hilltop towns and chestnut forests along the way.  

( Exploring Emilia-Romagna's gourmet heritage on a city food tour of Parma .)

Europe by train

The night-time railway renaissance continues

After decades in decline, Europe’s network of once-fusty sleeper trains is having a revival. Leading the charge is Austrian rail operator ÖBB, which is in the process of rolling out 33 new trains on its Nightjet sleeper service and a host of new routes, including Paris to Berlin. Elsewhere, European Sleeper is extending its recently launched Brussels-Berlin route to Prague via Dresden, with plans to make tracks into Scandinavia and Spain, too. Midnight Trains — which is billing itself as a 1920s-inspired “hotel on rails” — is also set to launch its first service, from Paris to Venice via Milan, in 2025. Other routes in the offing include Paris to Edinburgh and Porto, meaning travellers from Scotland could soon reach Portugal with just a single change in the French capital, bedding down in slick carriages on the way.  

These companies aren’t the only ones to tap into a sense of nostalgia, either. Next year, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita sleeper train is poised to roll out six itineraries spanning the length of Italy, from the snow-capped Alps to the shores of Sicily. Naturally, it’s a seriously stylish affair, evoking the golden age of rail travel, with a cream colour palette, five-star service and top-notch Italian cuisine.  

( How to plan a family rail adventure around Europe .)

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland

A bright future for Scotland's original biosphere reserve

From windswept slopes to dense forests threaded with streams, the richness of landscapes in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire region helped it become Scotland’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2012. Just over a decade later, the reserve has further cause for celebration after being granted an extra 10 years of protection by the organisation. Its boundaries have also been extended, upping the area from 2,034sq miles to over 3,780sq miles. The expansion is culturally significant, as the village of Alloway now falls within the new borders. The birthplace of Robert Burns, it features in his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. Budding bards can channel the poet on a writing retreat, or try one of the tours offered by the Biosphere Guides, a group of locals whose expertise ranges from creative writing to bushcraft.  

The biosphere is also part of Scotland’s new UNESCO Trail, unveiled earlier this year. It connects all 13 of the country’s listed locations, from Glasgow, a City of Music, to the pine-covered hills and lochs of Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve on the northwest coast.  

( A journey along Scotland's Ayrshire & Galloway coast .)

Nordland, Norway

Off-grid innovation in the Arctic Circle

Nordland is a region of glaciers and soaring peaks, tiny fishing towns and remote villages, where Sámi traditions play out beneath the midnight sun or the Northern Lights. Next year, its powerful landscapes will be celebrated with the much-anticipated opening of Six Senses Svart — the world’s first energy-positive hotel, running entirely off-grid from its own solar power. The pioneering design will be complemented by a Nordic spa and zero-waste dining.

There’s much to attract adventurous travellers to this fjord-frayed coast year-round, with mountain biking and fishing in summer, and dog sledding when winter creeps in. The twisting drive along the E10 through the Lofoten Islands, which rise like humpbacked dragons from the Norwegian Sea, takes some beating. Nordland also offers plenty of culture: the town of Bodø is marking its turn as one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2024 with artistic and musical events.  

North Yorkshire, England

New shoots of hope in the edge of the Dales

Deep in the Yorkshire countryside, around a third of 3,000-acre Broughton Sanctuary estate is being returned to nature to help visitors reconnect with the wild environment. Intensive sheep grazing is being reduced, peat bogs and waterways are being restored and tens of thousands of newly planted saplings will boost tree cover from 6% to over 20%. All this is intended to help boost the area’s biodiversity, which already includes otters, hares and kestrels.  

The project is a natural move for Broughton, which already offers experiences such as foraging tours, woodland dining and even moon bathing on its grounds. The rewilding initiative is part of a long-term vision for the estate. “It’s going to take decades to get to the point where we’ve rewilded so much that nature is truly looking after itself at scale,” says Broughton’s environmental adviser, Professor Alastair Driver. In the meantime, visitors can explore the changing landscape on one of the Sanctuary’s walking trails — perhaps with a picnic in hand, prepared by the estate’s in-house chefs.  

Pompeii, Italy

A fresh way to reach an old classic

Those who want to delve deeper into ancient Italy after a few days exploring the Eternal City can now head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii in under two hours, thanks to a new direct train from Rome. Day-trippers previously had to change at Napoli Centrale station on the 150-mile journey south. The new service, on Sundays only, means it’s possible to swoop straight through, leaving Rome Termini station at 8.53am, arriving in Pompeii at 10:40am. The return train departs at 6.40pm and pulls into Rome at 8.55pm — just in time to head to a trattoria for a bowl of Rome’s legendary carbonara.

The service has come at a good time, too, with Pompeii’s frescoed, first-century House of the Vettii having recently emerged from a 20-year renovation. Meanwhile, in the Regio IX area of the site, more discoveries were made in 2023, including jewellery, human remains and a still-life fresco depicting food. As Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano put it: “Pompeii is a treasure chest that always reveals new treasures.”  

Saimaa, Finland

A taste of the lakes in the European Region of Gastronomy

It’s not just the fresh air and peace that draws Finns to the woods and lakes of Saimaa — it’s the food, too. And its star is set to rise in 2024 when it becomes the European Region of Gastronomy. Much of the region’s best-loved produce comes from its forests and waters: wild game, chanterelles and blueberries from the woods, perch and vendace from the lakes. Smoked reindeer hints at the region’s Arctic influences, while producers like the Ollinmäki Winery fly the flag for Finland’s burgeoning wine industry.  

Food makes for a helpful compass when exploring a corner of Europe full of hiking trails, manor houses and historic towns. Särä, a dish of roasted lamb and potatoes, is a speciality of Lemi, while the markets in the nearby city of Lappeenranta and town of Mikkeli sell everything from local pickles and Finnish caviar to fresh strawberries and meat pies. The town of Savonlinna, a 65-mile drive east, is worth a detour — home to a fortress, it’s also the birthplace of lörtsy , a crescent-shaped pastry filled with meat and rice.  

Tartu, Estonia

The second city steps into the spotlight

Estonians have long considered Tartu — 110 miles from capital Tallinn — to be their country’s cultural and intellectual heart, due to its top-notch museums, lively cafes and the country’s oldest university. Little wonder, then, that this UNESCO City of Literature has been selected as one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024, alongside Bad Ischl in Austria and Bodø in Norway.

Tartu and the wider southern Estonia region are marking the occasion with a year of events, from classical concerts and film screenings to edgy outdoor art installations. One of the highlights will be Kissing Tartu, a nod to the city’s Kissing Students fountain. Its roster of events will celebrate the joy of locking lips — with a kissing demonstration set to take place in Town Hall Square and broadcast live. Stencibility, the annual roving European street art festival, will also hold a special edition in the city, showcasing Europe’s biggest sticker exhibition. The Curated Diversity scheme, meanwhile, will oversee a major drive to spruce up Tartu’s public spaces with new greenery.

The Euros, Germany

A year of art, culture and first-class football

For a month from mid-June, football mania will descend on Germany during the 17th UEFA European Championship , providing travellers with a fresh reason to visit the country’s beer halls, gothic churches and Berlin Wall in the 35th anniversary year of its fall. Munich, Hamburg and the capital, Berlin — where the final will be held on 14 July — are among the 10 host cities, but the Euros also gives new grounds to explore Germany’s lesser-known outposts.

Visitors to host city Dortmund can tour the National Football Museum at Signal Iduna Park, which charts the sport’s colourful history in Germany. It’s around a 30-minute walk from Phoenix West, the reclaimed bones of Dortmund’s old steelworks, which can be explored on an 85ft Skywalk. Leipzig, another host city, has made admission to four of its biggest museums free of charge, including the City Museum and Natural History Museum. An hour east by train, Dresden should also be on travellers’ radars in 2024 as it marks 250 years since the birth of Caspar David Friedrich, the Romantic painter who lived in the city. The celebrations include a major exhibition at Dresden State Art Collections, opening 24 August, to showcase his work — much of which was inspired by the surrounding Saxon countryside.  

( 5 of Europe's best family city breaks for football lovers .)

Valletta, Malta

Gladiatorial combat returns to a Mediterranean city of epic views

A sequel to the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator   is in the works, set for release in late 2024. And, just as with the original, director Sir Ridley Scott has used the Mediterranean light and golden rock of Malta as his canvas for recreating ancient Rome and its arenas. Photos of the set show a mocked-up Colosseum and other Roman buildings taking shape behind the 17th-century ramparts of Fort Ricasoli in the east of the island, next to the capital, Valletta. Ridley’s new biopic Napoleon   also uses the Grand Harbour area, linking the city with neighbouring walled strongholds, as a double for the French naval city of Toulon. It’s little surprise that filmmakers would be impressed by Valletta. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its skyline of battlements and cathedral domes was shaped by a multinational order of knights who ruled Malta from the 16th to 18th centuries. Scenic terraces are set above a glittering waterfront, where wooden townhouse balconies overhang the narrow streets — add in year-round warm weather and it’s not just filmmakers who should be inspired to visit in 2024.  

Whisky in Wales

Raise a glass to the Welsh distilleries renaissance

Scotland and Ireland may be the cradles of whisky/whiskey, but Wales has a centuries-old tradition of its own, too. Whisky production here declined in the 19th century and it wasn’t until the 1990s that the craft saw a slow, steady revival. Since then, the industry has blossomed — so much so that Welsh single malt whisky was awarded UK GI (geographical indication) status in July, joining the likes of Welsh lamb and Anglesey sea salt in receiving the coveted protection.  

Nothing beats sipping it at the source. Connoisseurs can learn more about the production methods involved — and have a dram or two — at one of Wales’s four UK GI-sanctioned single-malt distilleries. These include In The Welsh Wind , set in the rolling fields above Cardigan Bay, and Penderyn , located in Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons). The latter is just a few minutes from the gorges of the Vale of Neath, also known as Waterfall Country — it became Wales’s first commercial distillery in over 100 years when it opened in 2000.  

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Celebrating a decade of West Coast adventures

Winding for 1,600 miles along the rugged west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way has become one of Europe’s most exciting road trips, not least because it ticks off some of Ireland’s most memorable experiences: the edge-of-the-world lighthouse at Fanad Head; Galway’s legendary oysters; the lunar-like landscape of the Burren; and the paintbox-palette town of Kinsale. It’s celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, and a string of new experiences along its route means there’s more to enjoy than ever.

This summer saw the opening of the National Surf Centre at Strandhill in County Sligo, where the Atlantic swells draw novices and seasoned surfers alike. In nearby Sligo town centre, the development of Queen Maeve Square is continuing apace on the banks of the Garavogue River and will offer a scenic spot for farmers’ markets, craft fairs and live music when completed later in 2024.  

Down in County Cork, the final county on the trail, Ireland’s only cable-car has recently reopened after a major upgrade, whisking passengers across the sea from the Beara Peninsula to the windswept silence of Dursey Island in just 10 minutes, a favourite spot for birdwatchers with its guillemots and razorbills.  

THE AMERICAS

Atacama desert, chile.

A new oasis in the driest place on Earth

On rare occasions (around once every three to 10 years) for a few weeks in spring, carpets of wildflowers erupt from the parched floor of the Atacama, transforming one of the world’s most arid environments into a riot of colour. It was this ‘desert bloom’ event in 2022 that prompted the Chilean government to establish the Desierto Florido National Park in 2023 — 141,000 acres of protected landscape around 20 miles south of Copiapó in northern Chile.

The park was created to safeguard the region’s flora, much of which is endemic to the Atacama. It will allow scientists to study more closely how 200-plus species of plants — such as the yellow mallow and fluffy pussypaw — survive in some of the planet’s starkest conditions. It’s also hoped the drought-resilient vegetation can offer solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, while the microorganisms living on trace amounts of water inside rocks here could even offer clues to life on Mars. The new park is best admired on a drive from Copiapó to Vallenar along Route 5 — ordinarily, the region’s largely flat landscapes have their own stark beauty, but in superbloom years, the scene makes pulling over in awe an inevitability.

( The ultimate Andes road trip, from Chile to Bolivia .)

Get a taste of the exciting culinary capital

Lima’s culinary star shows few signs of dimming. It was the only city with two spots in the top 10 of the most recent World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. The Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) at Maido   earned it sixth place, while Central, regarded by many as having placed Lima on the global food map, came first for its innovative focus on indigenous ingredients.  

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Away from Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop bars have fast become the hangout of choice for Limeños. Most are in the Barranco and Miraflores neighbourhoods, including Hotel B, which serves small plates such as trout ceviche and suckling pig tacos, and slick Insumo at AC Hotel, which goes big on Nikkei.  

If all that’s whetted the appetite, the good news is that the Peruvian capital will be even easier to reach from December this year, when LATAM Airlines will begin flying direct from Heathrow up to five times per week.

( A guide to Lima: South America's culinary capital .)

New York State, USA

Milestone museum openings across the Empire State

In 2024 there’s a lot to look forward to across the state of New York. It’s going to be a hundred years since the creation of New York State Parks, and Niagara Falls — the nation’s oldest state park — has some additions to celebrate: the Niagara Falls Heritage Gateways Project will offer panoramic views from a new spiralling observation deck, while the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center will transform into Great Lakes 360, showcasing local wildlife.  

Meanwhile, New York City is opening the American LGBTQ+ Museum on the Upper West Side. Several years in the making, the space will be the first in the city dedicated to both international and local LGBTQ+ history and culture. Over on Christopher Street, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center will explore the legacy of the 1969 protests through exhibitions when it opens in June.  

And while the eyes of the world will be on Paris in summer 2024, fans of the Olympic Games can enjoy a slice of sporting excellence at the new Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which focuses on the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, held in the scenic upstate town.

Creative openings are taking the beachside city in fresh directions

After the High Line in New York repurposed an abandoned Manhattan rail viaduct into a leafy, green space, Miami has embarked on a similar project: the Underline, where land beneath the elevated Metrorail is being transformed into a 10-mile linear park. The second of its three phases is about to open, greatly adding to the small initial segment. Public art has been a big part of the project, with new works adding to the dazzle of a city already known for the murals of Wynwood Walls, and the recently expanded Museum of Graffiti alongside it.  

Next door to Wynwood, the Allapattah neighbourhood is set to gain an artistic reputation of its own: Marquez Art Projects (MAP) has just opened a gallery there dedicated to emerging artists, with works picked by major local collector John Marquez. For the boldest turn in Miami’s creative transformation, though, look offshore from Miami Beach, where the Reefline should soon receive the first works in what will be an underwater sculpture gallery open to snorkellers and scuba divers.  

A new trail highlights the wild isle's beaches and swim spots

Dominica is that rare Caribbean island where the coast is often bypassed by visitors in favour of its magnificently wild interior. The Waitukubuli Sea Trail is a step to redressing the balance, while staying true to the island’s focus on adventure activities and low-impact tourism. It’s the first dedicated sea kayaking route in the Caribbean, running along the west coast for almost 40 miles. The 14 stages take in sculpted cliffs, fishing villages, hidden beaches and rewarding spots to go snorkelling, with strategically placed rest stops for the night. Local outfitters rent out equipment to experienced sea kayakers, and offer guided multi-day expeditions for beginners.  

‘Waitukubuli’ is the name of the island in the language of the Indigenous Kalinago people, and the sea trail is a conscious companion to the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail, which opened over a decade ago as the longest hiking route in the Caribbean, and helped to establish Dominica’s nature-loving reputation.

Nova Scotia, Canada

A feast of music and seafood comes to the Atlantic coast

Atlantic Canada, comprising most of the country’s east coast, is best known to travellers for its seafood, thrillingly high tides and traditional lighthouses clinging to the craggy shore. But in August 2024, its 400-year-old Acadian community will be in the spotlight, as the Congrès Mondial Acadien (Acadian World Congress) takes place among the villages at the southwest tip of Nova Scotia.  

While family reunions are part of the programme for those descended from the original French settlers, travellers can look forward to concerts showcasing the ever more diverse Acadian music scene, which is heavily influenced by the community’s bluegrass-style roots. Cooking demos will also draw on traditional foods, including the coast’s rich larder of lobsters and scallops.  

The congress rotates every four years between different places linked to the Acadian diaspora, and this will be the first time in two decades that the nine-day event will be back in Nova Scotia, taking place right beside the Atlantic swells.  

All eyes on the sky for a solar eclipse

Texas may be the Lone Star State, but in 2024 attention will be on the sun and moon as they align in a total solar eclipse. On 8 April, a huge band of central Texas will be plunged into darkness as the moon passes between Earth and the sun (following the path of totality), meaning the state offers great opportunities to catch the spectacle. Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio are some of the cities expected to offer the best view of the phenomenon, along with the Dark Sky Parks of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.  

The Texas Eclipse Festival, just outside Austin, will mark the occasion with four days of live music, lectures from expert speakers and immersive art experiences. Space enthusiasts can also join a specialist tour with companies such as Intrepid Travel , which will combine the eclipse with observatory visits, stargazing sessions and visits to historic Fredericksburg, with its German heritage and up-and-coming local wineries.  

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico  

Discover ancient cultures in the Maya heartland

Few archaeological discoveries stir the imagination quite like the unearthing of a lost city, and that’s just what happened this year in the jungle-cloaked depths of the Yucatán Peninsula. While the remote site of Ocomtún is still being properly unearthed, and travellers can’t yet visit, it adds a piece to the puzzle about what is known about the Maya civilisation, which spread across parts of Mexico, Guatemala and northern Belize before its mysterious collapse around 900 CE. Now all that’s left are the great stone buildings and pyramid temples, but some six million people in the region still speak Mayan languages, and this living culture is increasingly reflected in how visitors can experience the region. Hotels such as the newly refurbished Maroma, on the Riviera Maya south of Cancún, follow Maya design principles and offer traditional treatments in their spas. The Camino del Mayab, meanwhile, is an 80-mile hiking and mountain biking route that weaves between less-visited Maya communities and cenotes to end at the Maya city of Mayapán.  

Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

South American wildlife returns to a sub-tropical reserve

Not long ago, you’d have had zero chance of finding a giant anteater in the watery maze that skims Argentina’s northern border. Now, as rewilding efforts in the Iberá Wetlands reach a turning point, there are around 200 of these distinctive creatures, recognisable for their thin faces and big, shaggy tails, under which they often sleep. The wetlands lie within a finger of Argentina that squeezes between Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil to reach sub-tropical Iguazu Falls. Once largely given over to cattle ranches, the core of the Iberá area became a national park in 2018. Giant anteaters were an early priority for reintroduction, but other creatures have followed in their wake. Following the release of eight jaguars in 2021, their population is now a dozen strong; a small number of giant river otters is being readied for reintroduction, too. The chance to spot these creatures alongside capybaras, caimans and 370 types of bird makes the Iberá Wetlands a haven for wildlife-watching.  

Akagera, Rwanda

A shining example of safari success

Marking its 90th anniversary in 2024, the 433sq-mile Akagera National Park is a patchwork of swamps, savannah and woodland that teems with wildlife. But it wasn’t always this way. One of Rwanda’s oldest national parks, it was decimated after the country’s civil war in 1994, when formerly exiled farmers returned to the area, razing the land and wiping out wildlife to make way for cattle grazing. In 2010, the Akagera Management Company was established with the vision of restoring the park to its former natural glory. Conservation successes have included the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos in 2015 and 2017, and the introduction of white rhinos in 2021. Giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, leopards and birds thrive here, too. And it’s not just the wildlife that’s benefited: 2,000 schoolchildren visit each year as part of the park’s education programme, and the increased need for guides, rangers and anti-poaching staff offers employment opportunities.

Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar

An expanded World Heritage Site honours a unique environment

In Madagascar’s wondrous western flanks, the rocks are razor-sharp, the trees bulbous and the lemur species adapted to thrive in an otherworldly region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, famed for its maze of jagged limestone pinnacles and first inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1990, saw its boundaries expanded this year to include the Andrefana Dry Forests. Although these are home to fewer species overall than the rainforests of the east coast, those that are found here are more likely to be endemic. This is especially true in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park , in the country’s southwest. Its most visible attractions are its thick-trunked baobabs, but it’s also home to the critically endangered Verreaux’s sifaka, a lemur often spotted skipping and jumping along the forest floor.  

Sierra Leone

An upgraded airport makes this natural beauty easier than ever to visit

Fresh shoots of tourism are finally springing up in Sierra Leone, with new infrastructure making it easier than ever to access the West African country. The international airport opened in Freetown, the capital, got a major upgrade in 2023, and many miles of roads are in the course of being revamped.

Nature is a major part of the appeal here, with wide, sandy beaches lapped by Atlantic waves and a mountainous inland plateau that’s home to the country’s national animal, the chimpanzee. Community-led projects have been key to showcasing its natural beauty, including the nation’s first surfing school, at Bureh Beach, and the Tasso Ecotourism Project, on mangrove-rich Tasso Island, which runs a rescue programme for the endangered Timneh grey parrot. Meanwhile, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bunce Island makes for a poignant visit, chiefly for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Travellers will soon have more accommodation options to choose from, with hotels springing up across the country. In Freetown, boutique hideaway Toma is adding more suites, while later in 2024, the country’s first Hilton will open its doors, offering a clutch of luxurious rooms. Estuary Resort, a laid-back beach retreat on the banks of an inlet, is also expanding, with new chalets and a pool.

Sikkim, India

An overlooked Himalayan kingdom steps into the limelight

A corner of the Himalayas wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, Sikkim often gets overlooked. One of India’s smallest states, it was its own kingdom until 1975. It was also the last state in the country to get an airport — in 2018 — although teething difficulties and Covid-era travel slumps have meant that regular services have been patchy. Direct flights from Delhi and Kolkata resumed in 2023, a move that has seen an upsurge in domestic tourism — the alternative route involved a mountainous drive of five hours to the next-closest airport. Travellers can also join in after getting the necessary permits to visit this frontier region. As in neighbouring Bhutan, visitors are drawn here by trekking opportunities, mountain monasteries and dazzlingly coloured festival displays. Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, rises 8,586m on the border with Nepal. It’s a stand-out sight on the 10-day, 50-mile Goechala trek. Shorter walks are also possible in this land of glaciers, where hillsides are bright with rhododendrons and forests are home to red pandas.

Tainan, Taiwan

The country's oldest city marks its 400th birthday

Where Taipei sparkles with steel and glass, Tainan — Taiwan’s former capital — cuts a more historic figure, its skyline dotted with fortress towers and soaring temple roofs. And in 2024, the city’s quadricentennial puts its intriguing heritage under the spotlight and offers a fresh reason to visit.

The area has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years, but it wasn’t until 1624 that the foundations of Tainan were laid by the Dutch, who named it Fort Zeelandia. Centuries of international influence followed, from Chinese and Spanish to Japanese. The history is evident in the wealth of architecture, from the Old Japanese Martial Arts Academy to the Qing-era facades of Shennong Street, festooned with red lanterns. Street food is a major draw, too: look out for prawn-rich danzai   noodle soup and hollowed-out ‘coffin bread’, filled with a deliciously creamy chowder.  

Tainan is also known for its calendar of events, the most unforgettable being the raucous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival . Taking place 15 days after the Lunar New Year, the day sees rockets being let off from large, apiary-like structures in the streets — it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Xi'an, China

A 2,200-year-old wonder marks five decades above ground

It’s strange to think that just 50 years ago, an icon of Chinese culture was resting unknown beneath the fields of Shaanxi province. Farmers digging a well on 29 March 1974 discovered the head of a figure who turned out to be one of more than 8,000 soldiers in the Terracotta Army. Their duty was to guard the nearby tomb complex of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, after his death in 210 BCE — the low, forest-covered pyramid remains unexcavated to this day. The nation’s cultural sector isn’t standing idle, though: 382 new museums were registered in 2022 alone, including Xi’an’s Shaanxi Archaeology Museum .  

China had the longest-lasting Covid-related travel restrictions of any major country, so visitors have a lot of catching up to do, from sailing down the river between the mist-draped peaks of Guilin to finding a banquet of regional cuisines in Beijing or Shanghai. But where better to start than Xi’an, the historic capital, and the earthen army still being reassembled under a vast hangar in its outskirts?

AUSTRALASIA

Victoria, australia.

Take the plunge on the country's steamiest new road trip

Australia’s beaches feature high up on many travellers’ itineraries, but Victoria’s lesser-known hot springs might be about to tempt travellers away from the surf and sand. Drawing on a rich history of open-air bathing, thanks to the mineral-rich waters bubbling underground, the Great Victorian Bathing Trail links thermal springs and sea baths across the state to form a 560-mile road trip, with state capital Melbourne at the heart of the route.  

Six spots are already open, including the luxurious Alba thermal springs and spa, on the Mornington Peninsula, and Metung Hot Springs, where a soak in a bathing barrel full of thermal water can be followed by a night in a safari-style tent. Two more additions are planned for the trail in 2024: Phillip Island Hot Springs and the 12 Apostles Hot Springs and Resort. Just a short drive from the iconic sea stacks of the same name, the latter will be the largest hot springs complex in Australia when completed, featuring 150 rooms and 3,363sq metres of bathing facilities, drawn from natural hot springs.

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Interview: Time to rethink tourism, an economic lifeline for millions

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Hopes that the tourism industry would rebound from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been dented by the wildfire spread of the Omicron variant. In an exclusive interview with UN News, Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), called for new ideas to restart the sector.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ) is one of the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations, which aims to promote tourism around the world, and make it the driving force of economic growth and sustainable development.

Speaking to Bessie Du of UN News at the end of 2021, shortly after the agency’s general assembly, Ms. Urosevic began by outlining the devastating impact the COVID-19 epidemic continues to have on tourism, and the prospects for recovery. 

The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Zoritsa Urosevic: Tourism has been the sector hit hardest by the crisis, as well as all the people and the livelihoods that depends on it. Basically, this has been a very tough two years, but we see that, in the future, we will have to fully rethink the sector, and that's maybe an opportunity. 

Developed countries were much better prepared to support the hit, mostly with financial packages to support the industry and small businesses, and to try to preserve people’s jobs. Developing countries have been really struggling to do that.

We created the tourism recovery package, a tool to rapidly assess what needs to be done in a particular country, and we have created the first ever code for the protection of tourists, because building confidence is really a very important element for people who decide to travel.

We are totally aligned with the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on the importance of engaging in safer travel protocols rather than stopping travel altogether, because we know how many livelihoods depend on tourism, not only directly, but also those working in the industries that depend on the sector, such as food production, services, and manufacturing.

At a time when populations are increasingly moving to urban areas, rural development through tourism is certainly going to be one of the major trends in the sector. We have launched an initiative called Best Tourism Villages, and we are going to have a global centre for rural development of tourism.

UN News:  Would you say the hit on tourism is unprecedented?

Zoritsa Urosevic: This has been certainly the biggest crisis ever for the sector. Basically, it's like we went back 30 years in 2020. Over the last three decades, tourism has been steadily growing by around four per cent every year, so now we have a situation where we have a lot of supply, a lot of businesses, and no tourists.

Countries which had the size and purchasing power for it, such as China, were able to switch to domestic tourism, but for small, developing countries like Fiji, which have been the hardest hit by the crisis, and where tourism represents between 40 and 70 per cent of GDP, this isn’t possible.

We are calling for the harmonization of travel protocols, which have been very volatile because, even if countries reach an agreement, a change in the pandemic situation means that it can’t be applied.

The most successful countries have been the ones that were able to communicate very clearly, and spell out the protocols. Greece is a great example: they opened up in July 2020, but communicated well in advance, and many tourists who had been planning to go elsewhere went to Greece instead, because they were well informed.

UN News: How do you inform the everyday tourists on the progress made in internationally coordinating travel protocols?

Zoritsa Urosevic: We have really scaled up our presence on social media, and have a hundred times more followers than we used to have. We are trying our best, but it's never enough, so we are very welcoming to new ideas and new opportunities.

UN News: What do you say to the people whose livelihoods depend on tourism?

Zoritsa Urosevic: First, I would say that this sector is very resilient: we all dream，and we all want to travel. For now, we need to improve education and training, but I think the future is bright. Tourists will come back, and they will be more respectful than before: there will be a new path for happiness in tourism and cultural exchange.  

New trends in tourism

As you know, on Ethik Hotels we are spearheading sustainable tourism. And we won’t teach you anything about the fact that there are different types of tourism, sustainable or not. 2021 is really the year when the sector is looking to reinvent itself and we see new practices coming in. As always, we want you to have all the information you need to plan the responsible holiday you want. That’s why we want to highlight the new trends in sustainable tourism to perhaps inspire you to try it.

#1 Slow tourism, the art of slowing down on holiday

#2 local tourism or how to rediscover your region, #3 micro-adventure, a new tourism trend to try out for a weekend.

• #4 Regenerative tourism, active responsible holidays

#5 Bleisure, reconciling holidays and work

• #6 Holidays in a van, freedom regained
• #7 Glamping, chic camping
• #8 The great return of train travel

Slow tourism is inspired by the slow food movement. This movement, which began in Italy in the 1980s, aimed to counter the emergence of fast food. To this end, Carlo Petrini, the founder, wants to restore food to its rightful place at the heart of our lives. He advocates moments of sharing and living with our loved ones around a good meal with quality products.

For slow tourism the idea is the same: to spend quality time during our holidays. To do this, we avoid the race after the “must-see” sites and we take our time. We learn to discover, to enjoy the moment. Discover our suggestions for implementing slow tourism in  our article on Ecological Activities .

If you decide to embark on slow tourism your new motto will very quickly become :

See less but better!

The end of the first confinement, and the 100-kilometre limit, pushed us to discover places that in normal circumstances we would never have taken the time to visit. It must be said that after 2 months locked up at home, we all had only one desire: to get some fresh air. Once again we showed our resilience, we adapted and found activities in our 100 kilometres. And what lovely surprises! It has to be said we all discovered some nuggets during this period.

Everyone can in their own way practice local tourism and discover their environment:

• cultural places : museums, historical sites …
• sports activities : cycling, canoeing, hiking …
• other activities : discovering crafts, local cooking classes
• industrial/professional tourism: discover the companies that make our regions live, meet local producers, etc.

The micro adventure is completely in line with the approach of proximity tourism, but it is also in line with the approach of minimalism and sobriety. That is to say, to leave for one or two days (micro stay), very close to us (micro distance) and in an accommodation like a  tiny house  (micro house). The main idea remains the same: to discover all the riches that surround us.

With community-based tourism and microadventure, what was once a constraint is being transformed into a new form of tourism and a new way of life. Given the richness of what everyone has discovered in the wake of confinement, there is plenty to do. We are not about to run out of ideas! There have been many blog posts about these two new tourism trends, so check out the ones in your area. A new tourism trend is born!

However, if you are still looking for inspiration, I invite you to visit the  Chilowé website . This site is full of information so that you can “go on an adventure just around the corner”.

#4 Regenerative tourism, responsible active holidays

In the new trends in tourism, this one is really the most recent. It is part of the regenerative agriculture movement which aims to give the soil time to regenerate. So, it looks like this is another slow-motion story! More concretely, for tourism it means leaving a place in a better state than we found it.

This involves several actions:

• limit and control access to certain places that are victims of over-tourism. Venice comes to mind, but this is also the case for Machu Picchu, Dubrovnik…
• Encourage travellers to take part in positive actions in favour of the eco-system they are visiting. This can be done by planting trees, corals, participating in the construction of infrastructures for the local population, contributing their knowledge in a particular field and passing it on to the inhabitants…
• not bringing or returning with you any plants or animals that are not part of the local eco system and that could have dramatic consequences if they proliferate.

It is a question of having a positive action and not just consuming tourism. In this movement, we must become actors in tourism!

The what? Yes, you read that right: the Bleisure. What is it? It’s a contraction of business and leisure. Originally, it concerned employees who integrated personal time before or after a business trip. In a way, they combined business with pleasure.

Once again the pandemic has reshuffled the deck. With the rise of teleworking, a new trend in tourism has emerged. Now it’s all about integrating business into our leisure time. More concretely, for those who are lucky enough to be able to work, many can work from wherever they want. The only condition sine qua none is to have a good Wifi condition. As a result, many who had planned a weekend here or there plan to stay a few days longer and telework there. This makes it possible to optimise the journey, to take full advantage of the place where you are.

Thanks to the  Bleisure website  for this infographic on good practice.

Some destinations go further. Indeed, given the cessation of international flights, they are trying to propose alternatives with one-year visas for those who agree to come and telework in their country during that year. There is Mauritius in particular, Barbados seems to be thinking about it and travel agencies are even starting to offer this type of proposal.

#6 holidays in a van, freedom regained

The big trend in tourism: converted vans.

We have heard it said over and over again for months, for many people the repeated confinements and restrictions on movement have been felt to be a reduction in personal freedom. In this context, driving a van and stopping wherever you want is one of the new trends of these years. In fact, 2020 saw a 19% increase in the number of registrations of this type of vehicle and 2021 seems to be following the same curve.

As far as parking and overnight stays are concerned, there is nothing written or forbidden in the law in France. However, some town halls can put in place specific restrictive decrees. We invite you to read this very detailed article on the blog  Le Monde de Tikal . They are specialists in this field.

Best Western Le Conquérant, an eco-friendly hotel in Rouen

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Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

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Published on July 21, 2022 Updated on October 2, 2023

With the pandemic winding down, countless Americans are getting back to traveling! That means now is a great time to establish a travel-related business and build a steady income. The tourism industry is massive and diverse, offering many opportunities for sharp entrepreneurs. 

You could start a travel agency, a campground, a hotel, or a concierge service . Explore many more excellent tourism business ideas in our list below.

1. Travel Agency

If you love to travel and are always planning your next trip, starting a travel agency might be the perfect career choice. It’s a great way to share your love and knowledge of travel, and it can be very lucrative. US travel agencies are rebounding strongly from the pandemic and expect a 38% increase in revenue in 2022. Looking ahead, the market is expected to grow steadily through 2026.  

If you have the resources, starting a travel agency business can be a breeze. But first, you need to identify your target market. Will you focus on domestic or international travel? A lot of Americans go on short trips for vacation or business purposes, providing an opportunity for travel agencies to earn money. Arranging tours and outings for international visitors is also possible now that the US has eased travel requirements. Once you find your niche and draw up a business plan, you should work on establishing your brand and promoting it to find clients.

2. Nightclub

Do you enjoy late nights on the town? If so, starting a club might be right up your alley. Nightclubs and music venues are part of the US bars and nightlife industry, which suffered a sharp decline during the pandemic. But now that people are hitting the town again the market is set to grow 14% and exceed $28 billion in revenue in 2022. 

Before you open your club, it’s important to know that the industry is heavily regulated, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. You’ll need to meet both state and local regulations and licensing requirements so it’s best to inquire about the details from your local authorities first. Next, it’s a good idea to research the market and find out what other clubs in your area are offering. You’ll have to innovate and come up with a unique selling proposition and a creative marketing plan for your club to attract customers. With these in place, your club can be very profitable.

3. Photography

Are you an amateur photographer who loves snapping great images? Photography in the US is an $11 billion industry expected to see steady growth in the coming years, so now would be a great time to stretch your entrepreneurial wings and give it a shot. You could focus on travel photography, if that’s your passion, and give the world beautiful photos while also seeing the world. 

Assuming you already have a professional-level camera, you’ll just need some great editing software and to build a website showing off your portfolio and listing your prices and services. With a bit of talent and determination, you could be snapping your way to success in no time!

If you’ve stayed in an Airbnb, you probably know how sweet it is to have a home away from home! This is why the homestay segment of the hotel and lodgings market has seen explosive growth in recent years, with Airbnb leading the way. Renting out your home as an Airbnb is an easy and flexible way to earn income, whether you’re looking for a little extra money or to build a serious business. 

The first step is to make sure your home or apartment can be rented out for short-term stays. In many areas today, there are laws either banning Airbnb rentals or limiting them to a certain share of local units. If your home clears that hurdle and is in an area with some tourist appeal, you’re already halfway there. If your apartment fails to meet one of these requirements, you might want to look into purchasing a home or apartment in an appealing destination, which you could then develop into a successful Airbnb. 

Whichever approach you choose, the most important step is delivering fantastic service to your guests. If you can achieve Superhost status, you’ll be well on your way to Airbnb success.

5. Translation Business

Demand for translation services is expected to grow as more companies seek to capture or increase their share of the global market. In the US, more than 10,000 new jobs for interpreters and translators are expected each year through 2030. Translation businesses help translate documents, localize travel and city guide websites, and interpret speech, including sign language. If you’re thinking of starting a translation business, you’re not alone. But if you have the skills and the right talents and tools, you could edge out the competition. 

In this internet age, finding translators who can work remotely across the globe has become easier. Promoting diversity among your staff could also be good for your business because you’ll be able to offer translation services for more languages. Do the paperwork to register your business, keep yourself updated with the latest technologies, promote your services, and you should be able to gain traction as soon as you start operating.

6. Bed and Breakfast

Many Americans still prefer to stay in a traditional B&B for the unique hospitality, homemade food, and fascinating local insights. The US bed and breakfast market was worth $1.7 billion in 2021 and expected to rebound strongly from the pandemic after the lifting of travel restrictions. If you’ve been thinking of opening your own bed and breakfast, now is a great time.

When starting a B&B, it’s important to be aware of the latest industry trends. For example, many guests prefer a facility that offers live entertainment or is located close to tourist attractions. It’s also to your advantage to research the market and see what features and services are being offered by the competition. Be innovative in coming up with ways to differentiate your business. Running a bed and breakfast is not easy, but it can be very rewarding if you play your cards right. 

7. Glamping

A decade ago nobody had heard the word glamping, which is short for “glamorous camping”. Today it’s a nearly $3 billion global industry and among the fastest-growing segments of the travel and hospitality market, expected to more than double by 2030. If you have a bit of land in an appealing location, or have the funds to purchase such a plot, you could start your own glamping business and make a good living offering luxury experiences to discerning travelers.

There will be some serious work involved. In addition to acquiring the property, you’ll need to outfit it with all the bells and whistles — from tents and teepees to high-end beds, furniture, lighting and air-conditioning and heating units. If your location is on the water, you could boost your revenue by also offering sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and more. But before you get started, this is a new and fast-evolving industry, so it’s best to take the time to research the market and learn the latest trends before diving in.

To attract customers, your glampground needs to be among the most appealing in your area.

8. Jet Ski Rental

Do you like having fun out on the water? Well, so does everybody else! That’s why starting a jet ski business is almost always a great idea. The global personal watercraft market is worth $1.5 trillion and expected to expand an impressive 50% by 2027. Right now is a great time to start a jet ski business, bring good times to your community and ride the market expansion to great success. 

Getting there will require a significant investment. You’ll need to spend about $25,000 to get your first few jet skis, plus a rental facility on the water and permits and licensing fees. Of course, you’ll also need to live near an appealing body of water, preferably one that’s enjoyable for more than a few months of the year. Finally, you will want to get good insurance, because jet skis are as dangerous as they are fun.

Once that’s all settled, just start advertising on local outlets and events, posting on relevant social media groups and online vacation platforms. You’ll have your first few customers in no time, and soon be cruising toward success.

9. Campground

Do you love the outdoors? If so, setting up a campground could be the perfect way to start your entrepreneurial journey. Camping is one of the most popular US pastimes in the US. Despite the pandemic, the number of US campers increased to 48 million in 2020, as outdoor activities were deemed safer than indoor recreation. 

Your biggest challenge in starting a campground is likely to be finding a suitable location. The most visited campgrounds in the US are in state parks, near bodies of water, surrounded by wilderness, or in the mountains. Once you find an ideal campsite, you’ll need to comply with licensing, zoning, and other legal requirements. Before you launch your business, it’s wise to research the market and find out what other campgrounds are offering. With careful planning and a creative marketing strategy, your campground can give competing sites a run for their money.

10. Pet Sitting

You’d probably never guess that pet sitting is a $2.6 billion industry, but it is indeed. People love their pets, and will spend whatever it takes to ensure they’re taken care of when they are away. The pet sitting market is projected to see impressive growth through 2027, so if you’re an animal lover, now is the perfect time to start your own pet sitting business and ride that wave to serious profits. 

The first step is to decide which type of pets you’ll care for. Do you have more experience with dogs or cats? Are you OK with snakes? Pigs? Once you’ve got that nailed down, you’ll just need to buy some pet toys and supplies and offer your services on a gigs site like TaskRabbit. It’s a good idea to reach out to friends, family and work-related contacts and acquaintances. If you’re able to generate an initial client or two from your own personal network, and provide them with great service, you’ll have a strong reference to promote your services and start building a successful business.

11. Spa Salon

Countless travelers love to relax with a day at the spa, which is why this is a growing $17 billion US industry. If you’re a massage therapist or esthetician, you could open a beauty salon, nail spa, luxury spa, massage studio, or even a mobile spa, and make people feel better while making a good living.  

You will likely need to get licensed, which can take some doing, and deliver excellent services to compete in an increasingly competitive and saturated market. Another crucial aspect will be location — your spa should be somewhere with steady traffic. Or you could go the mobile spa route and make house calls, bringing your massage and therapeutic services to your clients. This is more convenient for them, which means you can charge a higher rate, despite having lower overhead.

There are many elements to consider for your spa business, but what is not in doubt are your chances of success if you’re determined and can deliver healing services.

12. Scooter Rental

With gas prices going up, more and more Americans are turning to cheaper, more eco-friendly options for their commute and for seeing the city. Scooters cost less than cars and run on electricity. Over the past decade, Americans took a third of a billion trips on shared bikes and scooters. That’s a huge number, and it’s expected to increase sharply in the next few years. Considering this, a scooter rental business is a smart choice.

But first, it’s important to understand that scooters are used primarily as a transport option for short distances. Setting up this kind of business requires a huge upfront investment because you might have to purchase some scooters, unless you can lease them. You’ve need to make sure you have all the necessary permits and insurance in place before opening.

Once you have everything you need, it’s a good idea to work on a marketing plan. You can use social media, print ads, and word-of-mouth to get the word out about your new venture.

13. Party Bus

Ready to party? As the pandemic recedes, everybody’s getting back out there to have a good time. For a lot of people that means renting out a party bus and dancing and drinking the night away while cruising down the streets. Party buses are part of the $8 billion US limousine industry, and expect strong growth as people schedule long-delayed parties, gatherings, and nights on the town.

Starting your own party bus business will require considerable investment. The major cost will be, of course, the bus itself. Hopefully you’ll be able to find a reliable one at a reasonable price and then deck it out with all the trimmings, from a bar and disco ball to a DJ booth and more. Once you’ve done some marketing and gotten the word out you’ll be able to charge as much as $700 per night, so it shouldn’t take too long before you see a major return on your investment. 

Just be sure to get all your licenses, permits and insurance — the last thing you want is for the party to get parked on the curb.

14. Car Rental

As people book long-delayed holidays in the wake of the pandemic, car rentals are booming, with global revenues expected to double by 2027. With some hard work and determination, you could start your own car rental business and provide travelers the transport they need while grabbing your share of a growing $50 billion US market.  

Keep in mind that this is a competitive industry, which means you’ll need to find ways to stand out, such as with deep discounts or a unique selection of cars. Speaking of which, you’ll also need to lay out a sizable investment to get your initial fleet of four to five cars. Finally, it’s crucial that you meet all the licensing and insurance requirements or your business could face severe fines, or worse.

But if you’re able to clear these hurdles, there’s a good chance your car rental business will soon be cruising down easy street.

15. Boat Rental

Who doesn’t love a day out on the water? There are so many things to do. from skiing and tubing to cruising, socializing, swimming and just taking in the sun. That’s why boat rentals are a $5 billion US industry expected to see smooth sailing and steady growth in the years ahead. If you like spending time outdoors, you could start your own boat rental business and help people enjoy their time off while making a good living. 

There are several possible constraints. For one, you should live near a sizable body of water, and find an available access point or marina to base your operations. Second, you’ll likely need to accept the seasonal nature of this line of work, which in most areas of the US will only bring in revenue for 6-7 months of the year. Finally, getting started will require a significant investment, as appealing, rentable boats do not come cheap. 

But if you’re OK with all this, and able to acquire the necessary permits and insurance, once you start putting boaters on the water you’ll be cruising straight toward success.

16. Bike Rental

As travel regains steam and more workers return to the office, demand for bike rental for last-mile connections is sure to increase. If you’re thinking of starting your own business, a bike-share outfit or bike rental shop could be a great option. The US bike rental industry, valued at nearly $800 million, is projected to grow in the next five years amid a bike-share boom, driven in part by environmental concerns.

There are a few things you need to consider before starting a bike rental business. Is there a market for bike rental in your area? What kind of bikes should you offer? How many bikes should you start with? You will find the answers to these questions as you research the market. It is also important to comply with all the legal and regulatory requirements and to come up with a good marketing plan. One option is to place bike docks near subway stations and major bus stops.

17. RV Rental

RVing , or traveling in a recreational vehicle, is a popular way of exploring the US with family and friends. It’s showing no signs of slowing as more than 70 million Americans are expected to go on road trips in an RV they rent, own, or borrow, according to the RV Industry Association. You could start an RV rental business and tap into this exciting travel market.

You can either invest in a fleet of RVs, which would require a hefty investment, or you can just list your RV on an online marketplace like Outdoorsy. Before setting your rates, it’s a good idea to scope out the market and find out what your competitors are charging. You’ll have to factor in insurance and other costs in order to make a profit.

Finally, it’s important to keep your RVs well-maintained to attract customers, most of whom prefer to rent out new units. With all this in place, your RV rental business will making good money in no time.

18. Kayak Rental

As more people explore the outdoors in a post-pandemic world, a kayak business makes sense. It’s an eco-friendly way to help travelers enjoy their time off while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Sales of kayaks and accessories are expected to see steady growth and reach nearly $300 million by 2027. So, why not start a kayak rental business now?

Aside from offering kayaks for rent, you could also also offer apparel and helmets, storage bags, seats, life jackets, and safety gear. Selecting the location of your shop is important. It will have to be near the coast, a river or a lake, and with steady foot traffic. You’ll need a substantial investment to set up your shop. Finally, it’s a good idea to promote your business and let people know about your offerings.

19. Taxi Business

Considering all the ride-sharing apps out there, you might be surprised to learn that old-school taxis are not only surviving, but doing quite well. The US taxi and limo market is worth more than $66 billion and expected to see steady growth in the coming years. If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, starting a taxi business might be the right move for you. 

Getting started will require some real effort and investment. You’ll need to buy a reliable car, if you don’t already have one, plus reliable insurance and all the necessary permits. In some cities the car hire license can be a major expense, for instance a New York City taxi medallion costs $80,000. In other places, like $300 in Cleveland, not so much. Once you’ve all set up, it’s a good idea to build a website so people can find you, and you might want to offer an app as well, as most car services nowadays offer on-demand ordering. 

Finally, get creative with your marketing to stand out in a competitive market, provide excellent service and steady driving to your first few clients, and the good reviews and revenues should start pouring in.

20. RV Park

The wanderlust spirit and a rise in road-tripping have amplified the allure of RV travel. Capitalizing on this trend, starting an RV park presents a golden opportunity in the travel business sector. Such parks cater to a growing demographic of explorers seeking the comfort of their RVs while embracing the freedom of the open road. With the right amenities and a strategic location, an RV park can be a haven for both short-term travelers and long-term nomads.

Location is paramount, ideally near popular tourist spots or natural attractions. Additionally, ensuring modern facilities, security, and possibly offering unique experiences or events can differentiate your park from competitors. As travel patterns evolve, an RV park can offer travelers a blend of adventure and convenience, making it a profitable and sustainable business venture.

21. Tour Operator

Tour operator business thrives on curating unique experiences, offering tailored packages, and ensuring travelers get the best out of their journeys. Unlike general travel agencies, tour operators control and manage the specifics of the trip, right from itinerary planning to the on-ground execution. This means creating partnerships with local businesses, ensuring safety standards, and offering a seamless travel experience to clients.

In today’s digital age, a tour operator’s success doesn’t just hinge on local networking, but also on a strong online presence. Reviews, testimonials, and digital marketing strategies play a pivotal role in attracting potential customers. Whether one chooses to cater to adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, or luxury travelers, the key is to differentiate, maintain high service standards, and keep evolving with the dynamic travel industry.

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• Travel Agency
• Photography
• Translation Business
• Bed and Breakfast
• Jet Ski Rental
• Pet Sitting
• Scooter Rental
• Boat Rental
• Bike Rental
• Kayak Rental
• Taxi Business
• Tour Operator

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How to weave together science and traditional wisdom for sustainability, openmind books, scientific anniversaries, in search of the traces of the anthropocene, the era of the human being, featured author, latest book, restarting tourism: a sustainable approach for the new era.

“Tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic. By bringing people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation that is so urgently needed at this time.” With these words, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, sent a landmark message to the world on June 9, calling for the restoration of tourism activities.

For months, “stay home” became an inescapable mantra, repeated over and over to raise awareness about the importance of not going out to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. Building on this same idea, the World Tourism Organization came up with its own tagline, “ travel tomorrow .” Today, this ‘tomorrow’ is already upon us, and the challenge is undeniable. But, in the context of this new normality, how can an industry that entirely depends on people’s mobility safely resume operation?   

A key sector for more vulnerable countries

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council figures , in 2019 Tourism accounted for 10.3 percent of the world’s total economic activity. Restarting tourism is essential due not only to its fundamental economic importance, but because it is a sector that’s intimately linked to the social, economic and environmental welfare of many countries, with a particular impact on developing countries.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda included tourism as one of its key pillars. “The livelihoods of many depend on it, especially women and particularly in the world’s most vulnerable countries, including Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. Moreover, in many parts of the world, the protection of biodiversity relies heavily on the tourist sector, from conservation to the revenue generated by those efforts,” said Guterres.

Sustainable tourism: The key to the future?

In a recent paper entitled “ UNWTO Priorities for Global Tourism Recovery ”, the UNWTO included “Innovation and Sustainability as the new normal” one of the seven key strategies for the industry to face this new era. Just as the additional challenge posed by the medium-term impacts of an unexpected pandemic should not be used as an excuse to stop focusing on sustainability, which was singled out last year as one of the top priorities on a global scale, this purpose should remain as a clear goal in the path to recovery for one of the world’s most important sectors, tourism.

What does sustainable tourism exactly mean? In UNWTO’s own words , sustainable tourism should:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources and help conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, and offer stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities.

Taking these points into account, the development of sustainable tourism could have a positive impact on all Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), but especially on goals 8 (decent work and economic growth), 12 (responsible production and consumption) and 14 (life below water)

Measures to reactivate tourism from sustainability

The global guidelines of the UNWTO to restart tourism published on May 28, 2020, hinted at some of the measures that could contribute to making tourism activities more sustainable.

• Promote proximity and domestic tourism in the short-term enhancing the local value chain (e.g. local producers)
• Develop segmented and sustainable products focused on nature, rural areas and culture. Some examples could be eco-tourism, small group or individual sports, history, bird-watching tourism, traditional routes.
• Promote new destinations and experiences with added value and local inspiration namely with the creative industries.

As in any other industry, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on the logic of demand . The variety of options will only expand in as far as the number of sustainability-minded travelers, who value this type of changes in their activities, increase

Tourism, an activity that in recent decades has become a commodity, not a luxury, for many people, should not remain unfazed by the climate crisis, and could play a key role in meeting some of the most ambitious goals of the plans to curtail environmental degradation, such as carbon neutrality and biodiversity conservation .

Sara González for OpenMind

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• Climate Income: an Idea for the Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery

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Venice Sees a New Future for Tourism Post-Pandemic   

By Julia Buckley

They were the photos that went round the world: Shoals of fish swimming through the Venice canals; an empty St. Mark’s Square; the milky-white Rialto Bridge, free of milling crowds. The city that had struggled so publicly with overtourism in the past few years—an estimated 30 million visitors annually to a city-center with just 50,000 residents—was, it seemed, reclaiming its identity in the pandemic.

“We went from 100 to zero,” says Paola Mar, former tourism councillor for the Venice authorities, who now serves as councillor for heritage and promotion of the area. But is that a good thing? While those on the outside eagerly shared videos of crowd-free canals, Venetians were less happy. For them, those photos meant economic ruin—and more.

“I guess those images have a certain fascination, but I don’t think there’s any beauty in a city that’s completely empty,” says Giuseppe Calliandro, who owns Antica Sacrestia , a restaurant five minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco . “They left me with a profound sense of sadness and desolation.”

Calliandro was one of the first to reopen his restaurant as soon as restrictions lifted. “I wanted to give a message of hope—we’d been tested hard, but we were ready to rebound," he says. "Venice doesn’t only belong to Venetians—it belongs to everyone who loves it, and hosting people from every corner of the world is second nature to us.”

For the tourists who have visited since the E.U. started relaxing its border restrictions in June, the upsides are obvious: more room on the notoriously narrow streets, shorter lines for the sites , the ability to snag restaurant tables as a walk-in instead of with a reservation.

Venetians, however, have a mixed view. “Everyone needs tourism here,” says Valeria Duflot, co-founder of Venezia Autentica , an online social enterprise connecting tourists to locally owned businesses and artisans. “It has hijacked the economy to such an extent that even businesses that don’t survive on tourists still need tourists to survive.”

The Grand Rialto Bridge, one of the most popular stops for tourists in Venice.

But many in the tourism sector—Duflot included—are wondering if this year’s enforced pause could end up setting Venice on a different path. “We can’t go back to the numbers of before," she says. "Tourism can be positive, but here it was extractive—it has literally extracted most of the population [city-center inhabitants dropped by 70 percent in the last 70 years]."

"We need to change the way Venice is marketed, and measure success by the impact of visitors, not just the numbers," she continues. "It’s predicted that tourism won’t recover to its previous levels until 2023, so we need this time to reset.”

Her vision is to get visitors exploring beyond Piazza San Marco and the Rialto. “It’s not that the city can’t take the numbers we have currently, it’s that they all go to the same place at the same time,” she says. “We need some indoors, some outdoors, some in artisans’ workshops, some exploring the lagoon.”

Paola Mar—who has worked on sorting out Venice’s overtourism problem under the global gaze—is thinking along the same lines for the future. “It’s clear that the challenge will be to raise the quality of tourism,” she says.

She hopes that a move toward experiential tourism will change how visitors view, and treat, the city. If you feel part of it, perhaps you’ll be less inclined to jump in the canals, wander round in swimwear, or sit down on bridges with a picnic.

Pre-pandemic, 2020 had kicked off as the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism, and Mar—alongside Ca’ Foscari , the local university—had prepared an itinerary around Venice’s links to China, from a medieval map of the country in the Correr Museum to Marco Polo’s haunts. Now, she says Venice is pledging to do the honors for other nations, in the hope of inspiring a more thoughtful kind of tourism. “Germany, France, the U.K., the U.S.—you made this city great, too. Do you want to see the traces your people left? You’ll be able to do that.”

Mar is proud of what the latest administration, led by recently re-elected mayor Luigi Brugnaro, has achieved. In the past five years they have, among other things, largely put a stop to new hotels and take-out restaurants opening in the historic center of Venice, disincentivized the booming Airbnb economy by requiring new owners to install costly septic tanks, and implemented turnstiles that, on busy days, can funnel pedestrians off the city’s main thoroughfares. This summer, they were also due to introduce a “contributo di accesso”—an "access fee" of up to €10 ($12) for day-trippers on busy days—although they have now postponed it.

In the meantime, she wants to help the city’s artisans, who are keeping centuries-old traditions alive. The fourth Venice Glass Week —seven days dedicated to the art of glass-blowing—was held in September. Although tourist-centered events don’t look like they’re directly helping artisans—many of whom are close to a breaking point after a disastrous year that saw 2019’s freak floods followed by the pandemic—the aim is to put the focus on them and their work. “They’re an invaluable part of Venice’s history, identity, and community—and they’re on the verge of extinction,” Duflot says.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

With fewer visitors to attend to this summer, many Venetians have had time to think of their own solutions. Calliandro, like Mar, wants the city to rediscover its roots, which he says have been “partly lost” in recent years, as souvenir shops eclipse artisans. For Paolo Olbi , a printer and bookbinder, there should be a focus on high-end crafts—like the marble-clad notebook he once made for a bet, and which Johnny Depp wanted to buy (he said no, but later gifted it to Michael Bloomberg). As mass tourism drags prices down across the board, it’s only by elevating artisans that their traditions will survive, he says.

Claudio Scarpa, director of the hoteliers’ association, Associazione Veneziana Albergatori , thinks the city should be disincentivizing the “unsustainable” number of day-trippers by assigning different arrival points based on whether people will be staying overnight. In his vision, those with hotel reservations would use Piazzale Roma, the current access point from the mainland; those without would be diverted to less handy areas such as Fondamente Nove or Zattere, on the outskirts of the city center. He’d also like to see more restrictions on Airbnbs, which have rocketed from 3,500 to more than 7,000 in the past five years, pushing rental prices for locals artificially high.

Housing is the most pressing issue to sort, according to Fabio Carrera, who runs the Venice Project Center , which has been monitoring tourism in the city for 30 years. “The real problem is depopulation,” he says. “It’s connected to tourism, in that there essentially aren’t any jobs outside tourism, so people leave; and on tourism salaries, nobody can afford to live in Venice.”

His solution? Creating a start-up incubator on Giudecca island . “The goal is to create high-paying jobs in tech so you can afford to live here, and to have 10-plus people per company.” He sees COVID-19 as an opportunity: the pandemic has caused the closure of countless tourist-oriented businesses, finally making space for new ideas to break through.

The elephant in the room when discussing Venice is always cruise ships. Not only do the vessels disgorge thousands of visitors into the city at a time ( and occasionally even crash ) but their gargantuan presence erodes the lagoon, turning it into a “sea strait” and increasing flooding, according to Stefano Micheletti from the activist group No Grandi Navi .

With no cruise ships passing through this year, “we saw a reappropriation of the lagoon by nature after only a few weeks,” he says. “We should take advantage of the pause to finally expel the ships.” But the authorities—who say some 5,000 jobs at the port rely on the ships, and that around 60 percent of the 1.6 million annual cruise passengers stay overnight in the city—want merely to move the port to Marghera on the mainland. The decision now lies with national authorities, who are expected to make the call in October.

While residents wait, they continue to mull the future of tourism. “You only have to walk around the city center to see how sometimes the Venice brand is misused to offer something standardized and unauthentic,” says Calliandro, the restaurateur. “Every plan to improve things should start from this tenet: Venice is the world’s most beautiful city , and it needs quality, now more than ever.”

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10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

W hile classic family vacations like theme parks and all-inclusive family resorts never go out of style, embracing the newest travel trends for 2024 might expand your idea of what a family trip can look like. That's especially true if you've stayed close to home the past few years, because 2024's emerging vacation trends are all about finding brand-new experiences to enjoy together as a family.

Here are the newest travel trends that could help you make this year's family vacation the best yet.

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1. Set jet (yes, you read that right)

Jet-setting might feel like the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, but set-jetting is for everyday travelers who are fans of media made "on location." From vacationing in the City of Light a la "Emily in Paris" to journeying to Sicily to see the sights of "The White Lotus" Season 2, visiting the spot where your favorite movie or television show was filmed is an emerging trend for 2024 vacations. In the U.S., Los Angeles is the epicenter of family set-jetting. Fans of "Barbie" can rollerblade in Venice Beach, just as Barbie and Ken did in Greta Gerwig's hit. 

For set-jetting with multigenerational appeal, channel Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, where much of the iconic movie is set. Dine like Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop" overlooking Rodeo Drive at The Blvd (the large kids menu should please even finicky eaters). Or stay at The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles and imagine yourself in the presence of the "Ghostbusters" (scenes from the original movie were filmed there) or Molly Ringwald from "Pretty in Pink."

More 2024 vacation ideas:

• 14 most anticipated new family resorts and hotels of 2024
• What's coming to Disney’s theme parks and cruises in 2024
• 50 fun family vacation ideas for all ages in 2024

2. Bring more, it's merrier

The popularity of multigenerational family vacations shows no sign of slowing in 2024. When you travel with extended family, booking an accommodation with room to spread out offers privacy and togetherness in the right proportion. Some families opt to rent a big house , maybe even hire a cook or organize meals together, while others relish having it all included. Either way, making memories in person has rarely felt quite as important as it does these days.

My family and I recently took a multigenerational vacation to Beaches Negril in Jamaica. We stayed in a new Eventide Villa with a kitchen, living room, four bedrooms, and 4½ bathrooms that sleeps 18 people comfortably. While it was far from a cheap family vacatio n, the per-person cost fit into our budget and hit the sweet spot straddling independence and family time. You could also purposefully choose a combination of rooms and suites across a Caribbean family resort like Beaches so meet-ups for activities are all the more special.

More multigenerational vacation ideas:

• How to plan a multigenerational Disney World vacation
• 19 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S.

3. Renew your passport the easy way

With post-pandemic travel demand still soaring and so many possible travel trends to pursue in 2024, the process of applying for or renewing your passport through traditional methods continues to be unpredictable and, at times, downright frustrating. I recently used It’s Easy, a passport and visa expediting company that has been in business since 1976 but is experiencing renewed interest in today's travel environment. 

I downloaded the app, which allowed me to take my passport photo in my living room, then filled out a few forms and mailed it all to their office. My new passport arrived straight to my mailbox in a jiffy. The process was efficient and well worth the reasonable fee. Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person, but It’s Easy can facilitate the process, holding your hand throughout. 

More vacation ideas with (or without) a passport:

• 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a U.S. passport
• 6 ultra-affordable all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

4. Learn indigenous history and culture

After a strong year in 2023, tourism that allows us to learn about the culture, traditions and homes of our nation’s first inhabitants will continue to gain in popularity in 2024. This kind of travel can guide you to some of North America's most beautiful natural settings while helping you learn history you may not have been taught in school. 

Seek out Navajo-led tours through Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly to learn not only about the area's cultural history but also about geologic time. In Monument Valley, you can do both by hiring a local guide to take you beyond the prescribed 17-mile loop. In Canyon de Chelly, there's no other way to see the valley from its floor than with a local guide which adds power to the stories of the generations. Both the The View Hotel in Monument Valley and Thunderbird Lodge at Canyon de Chelly are Indigenous-owned and -operated, so your visit serves you and channels important resources to local communities. 

Similarly, purchasing crafts made by Native American artisans is welcome at a variety of Native Art Festivals all year long around the U.S., and you can learn about the creative process of some of the most prized crafts from Acoma potters with a visit to Acoma Sky City in New Mexico, the longest continually inhabited community in the United States.

Near the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, stay at Shash Dine EcoResort in a traditional off-grid Native hogan near Page, Arizona. Or, for a more curated experience, consider joining Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas guided group tour. On this nine-day trip, you'll gain a deeper knowledge of Indigenous history and current issues, including the value of respectful tribal tourism as a source of income.

More indigenous tourism ideas:

• Tour review: Trafalgar’s national parks and native trails of the Dakotas
• 5 family-friendly luaus in Hawaii that celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures

5. Engage with outdoor art 

Even a few years on from social distancing, Americans continue to want to incorporate open spaces into their travels, and the many outdoor sculpture gardens around the U.S. are a perfect and low-key way to do it. Liberated from the constraints of an indoor museum, sculpture parks hold special appeal for families. Kids can run and play while absorbing color, form and the ever-changing dialogue between art and the environment. 

This past summer, my family and I visited the Olympic Sculpture Park in the heart of Seattle. The kids ran circles around Alexander Calder's immense The Eagle while the adults took a seat on Eye Benches, surrealist eyeballs that double as surprisingly comfortable benches. It was free, easy and fun. Of course, sculptures abound in the form of monuments, statuary, and fountains around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., most notably at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and the easy-to-miss Vietnam Women's Memorial .

For one of the best sculpture treasure hunts in the country, build a visit to the Storm King Art Center into a New York family vacation . Stretch your legs while you walk among marvels by Calder, Maya Lin and Andy Goldsworthy, among others, or rent bikes to travel further afield. The 500-acre outdoor museum just 90 minutes from New York City is worth a whole day's visit, and if you run out of steam or simply prefer to see more with less energy, there's a regular tram tour throughout the day. 

More nature and outdoors vacations:

• 10 best campgrounds and RV parks for family vacations
• 10 incredible family glamping resorts in the U.S.

6. Discover the joys of low-season vacations

For the family who sees art in all of nature and loves an outdoor adventure, ski resorts make great summer playgrounds , providing ample opportunities for mountain biking and hiking in particular. Though vacationing in swanky, snowy wonderlands in places like Aspen and Jackson Hole is expensive in winter, prices tumble as temperature rises. At the exclusive St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, ski trails are transformed into a patchwork of mountain biking and hiking trails. Out-of-the-box activities like falconry and candle-dipping are also part of the summer experience, and the giant swimming pool is a magnet for kids. 

Similarly, Limelight Ketchum 's central location in Ketchum, Idaho, makes for an ideal home base for mountain adventures. A fly-fishing mecca, Ketchum offers the thrill of the river, an extensive trail along the valley riverbed, and downhill mountain biking with handlebars pointed toward the water. Bikes are available at Limelight, and it's a gentle jaunt to the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens or deeper into town for any of Ketchum's awesome dining spots. 

More Affordable Family Vacation Ideas:

• 8 cheap spring break trips that don’t skimp on the fun
• 7 cheap California vacations for the whole family

7. Savor a new kind of culinary travel

Travel tends to be best enjoyed with delicious dining options , and everyone can enjoy a special setting. After all, why have dinner at an ordinary restaurant when your family can feast in a novel setting with plenty of panache? Pair your Colorado vacation with a stop at The Airplane Restaurant and dine inside a real Boeing KC-97. Then, take a quick trip to Denver to dine at Casa Bonita, where waterfalls, all-you-can-eat Mexican food and seating for 1,000 create a true dining experience. 

Other special dining experiences worth building a 2024 vacation around include Tellers , an Italian eatery inside The National Hotel in Oklahoma City. Once the First National Bank, today it's a place to enjoy luscious pasta while sitting in restored original teller booths. Similarly, you can dine in a renovated train factory in Montreal's Hoogan et Beaufort , where architects preserved the history of the building while creating an inviting space for meals. And in Rhode Island, dine inside a Hobbit house straight out of "The Lord of the Rings."

More food-themed vacation ideas:

• Skip the buffet: 7 all-inclusive resorts with the best food offerings
• 11 one-of-a-kind Disney foods you need to try at Disney World

8. Enjoy wine instead of whining kids

Though you have to be at least 21 to drink, wineries are opening their doors to kids with fun activities from cider tastings to cornhole toss. The relaxed atmosphere that tends to come with wine tasting can be ideal for visitors of all ages as long as the kiddos have something to do.

All of the wineries in Traverse City, Michigan, welcome children. Black Star Farms in Sutton Bay has a herd of goats, horses, hiking trails, an outdoor patio and organic apple cider. Seasonal sleigh rides and brunch with Santa are a hit with families. Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley is another respected viticulture region, and at family-owned Woodward Canyon Winery , kids can play lawn games while parents taste.

In Northern California, your whole family can enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train . If staying on terra firma is more your style, nearby Sonoma's Cline Cellars offers not only delicious wines but also opportunities for kids to feed the koi, birds and goats; it's also home to a California Mission Museum with scaled models of the California missions, so kids can have a learning opportunity while you enjoy your wine. Further south in Paso Robles on the Central California Coast, Sculpterra Winery’s sculpture garden, giant kaleidoscope and table tennis will keep kids occupied while parents sip and savor. 

More Wine-Themed Vacation Ideas:

• How to plan the perfect wine tasting trip to Napa and Sonoma
• 9 Napa Valley hotels that actually welcome kids

9. Avoid the crowds at state parks 

There are nearly 4,000 state parks scattered across the United States, many of them offering excellent recreational facilities and pristine beauty. The two things state parks often lack? Big crowds and big prices. State parks are often extremely affordable hidden gems. I've learned that not all of North America's beauty resides in the bigger and busier national parks , and you can usually find a great state park within an hour of most urban centers.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a family favorite with 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls and miles of trails. Camping, fishing, disc golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are recreational possibilities.

New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park sit on the shores of Echo Lake and is just an hour's drive from Concord. With boating, fishing, swimming and views of Cannon Mountain, this state park is a scenic delight.

At Florida’s Cayo Costa State Park , you cam make like Robinson Crusoe. This secluded island state park is accessible only by boat, but once you're there and pay a $2 entry fee, you'll find an undeveloped shoreline and a rich array of marine life and shorebirds.

More state park vacation ideas:

• 10 best Florida state parks for families
• 12 super fun Midwest family vacations

10. Finally get a good night's sleep on vacation

Parents know the saying "sleep like a baby" can be misleading. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your family’s well-being, but it can be tough to achieve when you’re in a new environment. In 2024, many hotels will be prioritizing the intersection of sleep and hospitality. 

At the hip Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, the Rest and Recovery Suite aims to induce slumber with a pillow menu, mattress with an adjustable thermostat, and eco-friendly earplugs. In New York, buck the "City That Never Sleeps" label with a restorative sleep bed by Bryte at the Park Hyatt . At Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, there’s a resident sleep expert to guide you toward better rest after a day spent enjoying any of the many Orlando theme parks .

10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
• 15 best all-inclusive family resorts around the world
• 8 all-inclusive family resorts for a tropical winter escape

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

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GTEF 2023 unveils new ideas on sustainable tourism

The 10th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) Macao 2023 culminates in success after a series of inspiring exchanges and discussions which ignites new ideas and momentum into the robust development of the global tourism economy, as well as reinforces Macao’s status as a world centre for tourism and leisure

Brought to you by Global Tourism Economy Forum

The 10th Global Tourism Economy Forum Macao 2023 (GTEF) achieved fruitful results after a series of innovative and inspiring high-quality exchanges and discussions.

During the three-day forum, a diverse range of activities took place, including keynote speeches, panel sessions, special interviews, engaging fireside chats, insightful case sharing and productive business matching sessions.

These sessions enriched the event and infused new ideas and momentum into the robust development of the global tourism economy, with the goal to benefit all stakeholders by harnessing new opportunities and enhancing their quality of life.

Successful delivery & impressive turnout The year 2023 commemorated the 10th anniversary of GTEF, and it concluded on a remarkable note.

With 2,300 participants on-site and an active engagement of over 2 million online participants across more than 38 countries/regions and 84 cities/provinces in China, this milestone edition has made a lasting impression.

Themed around Destination 2030: Unlocking the Power of Tourism for Business and Development , it gathered over 100 ministers of culture and tourism, industry leaders, decision-makers, scholars, and stakeholders from different tourism sectors.

In the context of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, participants were encouraged to think beyond tourism and explore opportunities for the recovery of the global tourism economy.

They also discussed about constructing a resilient, high-quality, and people-oriented environment for the tourism industry in the new normal through innovative and sustainable international cooperation.

The secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, said in his opening speech: “The Global Tourism Economy Forum is set to be the premier platform for cooperation between governments and the private sector in the area of tourism for development. By creating the ‘Davos of Tourism’, we can shape the course of the sector’s future around the pillars of jobs, education, innovation and investments.”

Minister of Tourism of Italy, Daniela Garnero Santanchè, also delivered a speech on behalf of Italy as the partner country of GTEF, where she emphasised that tourism is crucial to spread the values of peace and friendship among people worldwide, as well as achieve sustainable development goals.

During the opening ceremony, vice chairman and secretary-general of GTEF, Pansy Ho, also delivered a setting-the-scene keynote speech on “Charting a Visionary Path: Unlocking Tourism’s Potential at the Global Tourism Economy Forum”.

Besides, former vice minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of China, former secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia and honorary chairman of GTEF, Long Yongtu, made a keynote speech on “China & the World Towards a New Vision”, followed by a keynote speech on “Collaboration for Prosperity and Development” by president and chief executive officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council and honorary chairman of GTEF, Julia Simpson.

Injecting new ideas & momentum The GTEF is hosted by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism and Macao Government Tourism Office, and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC).

The GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the European Travel Commission (ETC), The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Macao (MCEA), The World Tourism Alliance (WTA),  and the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA).

Since its inception in 2012, the GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China.

Pansy Ho, vice chairman and secretary-general of GTEF, concluded: “In the past decade, we have attracted tourism industry practitioners across the globe to this international forum originating in China. We will take it to the international stage in the next decade, bringing GTEF to other parts of the world, raising both the voice and influence of China’s tourism industry internationally. We will continue to provide an equal and inclusive platform for stakeholders worldwide and inspire the global tourism industry with innovative ideas.”

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35+ creative travels and tour ideas for your tourism business

By Kevin Tjoe — 7 Feb 2022

business ideas   customer experience   marketing

Updated August 2023 – Are you weary of the monotonous 9 to 5 routine or feeling confined to your desk on a glorious day? Whether you’re aiming to break free from the grind or seeking to elevate your tourism business to new heights, the realm of possibilities awaits. Within the vast expanse of the tourism industry lies the canvas for an incredible business venture. It’s not just about forging a lucrative business, but about channeling your passion into a travel-related venture that resonates with your know-how and aspirations.

Amidst this landscape of opportunities, the spark of a great business idea can set the stage for crafting a truly profitable business. If you’re prepared to infuse your love for experiences with strategic thinking, get ready to unveil over 35 exciting tours and travel business ideas in our latest compilation. Your journey toward a rewarding and unforgettable business experience begins here.

Getting into the tour operator industry

The tourism industry is such a rewarding one to work in. As a tour or activity operator, you can spend your days with great people, share your special part of the world and even raise awareness of important cultural or environmental values.

Of course, even if you don’t directly run tours and activities there are many different ways to build an amazing career in tourism. You could run a travel-related business. For example, if you’re a travel photographer, you could run your own travel photography business. Some other type of business ideas are souvenir shops, hiking gear rentals, running a travel blog or becoming a travel blogger, or even providing catering for tour and activity operators.

Staying open-minded will help you find your ideal niche in the industry and help you achieve your goal of becoming an entrepreneur within the tourism space!

5 tourism business ideas to get started with

When you offer travel tours, you’re offering an enjoyable journey of some kindled by an experienced guide. Some of the hottest tours and travels business ideas right now include:

• Walking tours and bike tours
• Snorkeling tours
• Tours that take into account growing wine and food tourism trends , such as Hideaway Private Tours , Black Swan Tours , Darwin Gourmet Tours , and Mullarkey Tours
• Ghost or haunted location tours
• Scenic guided tours, such as Italy Pass Tours , Wineglass Bay Discovery Tours, Meteora Thrones , and Bruny Island Safari

There may also be a gap in your local area for a niche tour guide business. For example: if your hometown was the birthplace of a famous musician or even a centuries-old famous cuisine, there could be a perfect opportunity to tap into that interest!

Keep in mind there are two big growth areas to consider when it comes to offering tours for the modern traveler:

• Sustainable and ecotourism, because guests increasingly want to minimize their environmental impact when traveling. Find out more about proactive steps that sustainable tour operators can take here
• Culturally and socially responsible tours , where guests look for a genuine experience connecting with local people and practices

2. Activities

Tourism activities can encompass a vast array of options from the relaxing to the extreme! These could involve physical activities, connection with natural environments, or even incorporate virtual reality. Unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides are also an option for relaxing activities that involve a thrilling side to them. You could also consider more recent technology that people might be itching to try out, such as jet boarding , flyboarding,  and indoor skydiving . There may also be an opportunity to offer intentionally tech-free experiences – such as a retreat with no mobile reception where people can unwind!

Here are some other popular tourist activity ideas:

• Escape room experiences 
• Glowing art rooms or VR rooms
• Themed corporate retreats  or glamping
• Modern summer camps or school camps
• Survival or bushcraft trips
• Fitness or wellbeing retreats

There are two big notable areas to consider for tour operator activities. Think about:

• Activities that are family and group friendly , which are becoming popular within the travel industry as social restrictions ease.
• Accessibility . Tourism business owners should be actively looking for ways to support equal access so everyone can enjoy their activities – as best as possible for the activity in question.

3. Attractions

As a travel software provider , we can say with certainty that experiential travel is huge right now. Considering that experiential tourist attractions have both local and long-distance appeal for travelers, they offer an impressive amount of opportunities for growing tourism businesses. These can range from heritage attractions and natural formations to cutting-edge art exhibitions.

Here are more relevant ideas for building an attraction that guests will be keen to visit:

• Amusement parks 
• Niche museums and art galleries
• Festivals with amazing settings
• Garden and maze experiences
• Instagram-worthy photo rooms and experiences , such as Selfie Factory or Happy Place
• Magic shows,  such as Gentleman Magician
• Farms, petting zoos , and horse riding such as Sun Valley Mares and Swan Valley Wagon Tours

Nostalgia and retro appeal are also big right now in attractions, with everything from arcade games to Australia’s ‘ big things’ providing popular. Travelers are increasingly looking to explore the road less traveled and find novel experiences. So – even if you’re in a small regional area you could get in on the action by embracing the bizarre, weird, and wonderful!

4. Shuttles

As interstate and international travel resumes, there will be demand for airport transfers, shuttles , and unique transport options to and from accommodation. You might tap into the wedding transportation market, or offer fun journeys for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties. Consider how you’ll separate your shuttle service from the rest with either a unique form of transport, added options like food and drink, or a distinctive driver who adds to the experience. You might consider offering:

• An airport shuttle business
• Traveler shuttles to accommodate tour and travel bookings
• A party bus or ferry
• Specialist pet or luggage delivery
• Unique transport such as tuk-tuks, school buses, or a custom limo 
• Premium shuttle services .

It’s also worth considering the notable events in your area and how people might want to travel to these. Guests may get excited about a festival bus that transports them from the city to the festival site complete with karaoke, as just one example!

5. Charters & equipment hire

Travelers love charter services because they can have a luxurious or far-flung experience without having to buy all the equipment or vehicles themselves! There are numerous forms of rental businesses you could run such as self-driven charters, car rentals, or equipment hire. You could even go a step further by providing an experienced skipper or pilot as part of the product package. Ideas for modern charter businesses include:

• Party yachts for relaxed island days
• Fishing charters 
• Houseboat charters
• Private river cruise charters
• Hovercraft charters
• Kayak,  rafting, small boat hire , or paddle board
• Helicopter or small plane charters

For tour guides looking at how to run a charter boat business , it’s a great idea to promote the destination as well as the charter experience itself as the two go hand in hand.

A great charter experience is almost always about the escape from the everyday. It’s something guests are willing to splurge on, so be sure to consider ways you can elevate the experience. You can achieve this by offering optional extras and added services. If you are wondering how to sell tour packages with your charter service, extra bonuses like drink options, catering, entertainment, and DJs can help to boost your revenue.

6. Luxury vacation operators & Travel agency business

Guests love Luxury Vacations because they are money-rich but time-poor. They want to draw on the experience and expertise of their trusted travel agent or operator to discover the finest travel arrangements, boutique properties & off-the-beaten-track destinations. However, they may not have the time to research the thousands of options available to them. And because they may well only visit these destinations only once in their life and want to be sure they get the greatest possible experience. They’ll want the security of knowing they will be well looked after whilst visiting far-off countries with different languages and customs with which they are not familiar.

A great example of one such Luxury Vacation Operator is  The Luxury Peru Travel Company . Their services provide guests with a chance to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu – in absolute luxury.

Building your tours and travels business ideas in the tour operator industry

If you have a brilliant business idea in mind, then you may be raring to put the wheels in motion. There will be a few things to think about as you build out your business idea, such as finding the best name for your business , developing your business plan , and deciding how you’ll take bookings securely online with real-time availability. One big advantage in the tourism industry is also the ability to partner with resellers , distributors, and other tourism and travel businesses to grow your bookings faster.

Rezdy supports you with both online bookings and a distribution platform  developed specifically for the experiences industry. We’re also here to support you as you start your business – simply register for your free 21-day trial or book a demo with the Rezdy team to see how we can help your business.

You can also explore our Resources section to find industry-specific guides across business operations, marketing, and more, with a range of free ebooks available to help you save time and increase your bookings. If you enjoyed this article – 35+ tours and travels business ideas – then make sure to follow the Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and tour operator tips designed with businesses like yours in mind.

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4 new types of tourism

June 28, 2019 •

4 min reading

Traveling is one of the most effective ways of exploring a place, culture or a destination. There are various types of tourism that you must have heard of: Leisure, business, sports, adventure and more. This is an article that represents 4 new types of tourism.

1. Sustainable tourism

People everywhere have been alarmed about the climatic conditions currently taking place all around the world and some tourism organizations are contributing their share of awareness regarding the subject. More and more people are being conscious about environmental health hazards and its impacts. People not only want to leave a long-term positive impact, but also contribute as much effort as they can to the local community when they are traveling. Many popular hotels in Europe are becoming eco-friendly , giving travelers an opportunity to travel healthy - these are referred to as Ecotel Hotels.

2. Food tourism

Food tourism which is also known as culinary tourism, is the building block of any touristic destination or location that contributes to tourism. Food also represents the culture of a destination that delivers beauty and entertainment as their primary source of interest. More precisely, travelers might judge a tourist attraction based on the local dishes because food is tightly bound to the corresponding tourist spot. With that said, “food tourism” does not refer to eating only. It is the collection of activities such as; vegetable farming, produce market, tasting sessions, etc. The rise of food tourism is trending rapidly and should be planned carefully and efficiently. Tour radar allows you to explore and try  culinary experiences across the globe.

3. Experiential tourism

Experiential travel, also known as immersion travel, is a form of tourism in which people focus on experiencing a country, city or particular place by actively and meaningfully engaging with its history, people, culture, food and environment. There’s been growing demand around culinary travel, cultural exploration, and activity-based travel experiences for a while now. So, before it runs its course, which it never will, you might want to try this type of tourism. Make wine in Bordeaux, cook street food in Vietnam, and go hiking in Patagonia are some of the famous examples of experiential tourism.

4. Wellness tourism

Due to increasing work schedules, and exhausting jobs, wellness tourism has become an escape route for many tourists. While wellness travel, referring to tourism promoting health and well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities, has come into existence for a while, it’s only recently become massively popular. According to a travel column conducted by booking.com, 48% of travelers are willing to take holidays as a moment to “reflect and make better life choices”, and nearly 40% are interested in health or well-being travel experience. Obviously, recharging themselves by going for wellness travels would become one of the most desirable choices. This has led to an opportunity for travel agencies to diversify product line and discover a niche in the outstandingly competitive landscape. Would you want to take a break and visit beautiful destinations for wellness ?

Senior Lecturer at EHL Passugg

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• It List 2024 Overview: It List 2024

The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year

• The Best New U.S. Resorts of 2023
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• The Best New International Resorts of 2023
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• It List 2024 The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year The Best New U.S. Resorts of 2023 The Best New Affordable Luxury Hotels of 2023 The Best New International Resorts of 2023 The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023 The Best New City Hotels of 2023 The Most Luxurious New Hotels of 2023 CLOSE Part of It List 2024

It List 2024: The best new hotels of the year, all visited and reviewed by Travel + Leisure's expert editors and contributors.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Our annual guide to the most game-changing hotel openings (and reopenings) has taken Travel + Leisure editors and contributors to 39 countries on six continents. We started with a list of more than 200 soon-to-open hotels, and T+L editors and reporters visited nearly 130 of them over the last 12 months. The endeavor brought us to a swish, antiques-filled hot spot in Fort Worth , Texas’s Cultural District; a hideaway that breathes big personality into Spain’s little-known wine region of Priorat; and an all-inclusive ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan , among other intriguing new hotels redefining the destinations around them.

Related: Our Hotel Values

Ahead, the 100 very best new hotels, including hidden gems in Morocco and reborn icons in Mexico and Hawaii. And, for the first time, the best newly launched luxury cruise ships. We’ve divided our picks into six categories to help you find the right escape for your travel mood. And we’ve noted, at the end of each entry, properties that have accessible rooms and common spaces that meet or exceed ADA or similar, country-specific rules. 

Read on for T+L’s 2024 It List — we’ll see you at the rooftop pool. 

— Edited by Maya Kachroo-Levine and Danielle Pointdujour

Hotels by Category

The full 100, 1 hotel hanalei bay, kauai.

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

Once in a while, a hotel lands in a new place feeling like it’s always belonged there. The 1 Hotels brand and the Hawaiian island of Kauai were destined to be a match: They share a dedication to sustainability and a reputation for lush greenery. When 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opened its doors in February 2023, the first thing locals and returning visitors noticed was that unlike its predecessor, the stark-white St. Regis Princeville, it didn’t stand out. On Kauai, that’s a good thing. A khaki-green exterior, rooftop gardens, and a host of endemic plants mean the hotel blends into its surrounding hills, leading all eyes straight to Hanalei Bay. And the bay is well deserving of the spotlight: as if its clear, swimmable waters weren’t enough, the skyline is dominated by the peaks of Mount Makana — also known as Bali Hai, the start of the otherworldly Na Pali coast — and the vibrant rainbows that appear in the sky almost daily. From the ocean-facing rooms and open-air restaurants to the pool with a view, everything at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is built for enjoying this incredible backdrop, blurring the lines between indoors and out. The Bamford Wellness Spa is focused on Hawaiian plant medicine, with personalized facials and massages that make use of local scrubs and honeys. The spa also offers sensory stimulation like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a zero-gravity float chamber. The new Within Wellbeing program, a first for the 1 Hotels portfolio, curates four- and seven-night retreats focused on personal growth, longevity, balance, nutrition, and more. The 8,000-square-foot Anatomy gym offers personal training and fitness classes daily, and the signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen , serves organic vegetables grown on site, sustainably and locally caught seafood, and biodynamic wines. The hotel makes a concerted effort to support Hawaiian businesses, from the designers in its boutique and the juices and coffee at Neighbors , its all-day café, to its partnerships with nearby farms, surf schools , guides, and nonprofits including the Kauai Humane Society . From $1,200/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels

Opening in August 2023 with the not-so-hidden agenda to breathe new life into one of St. Louis’s most historic neighborhoods, this 173-room property — Missouri’s second 21c Museum Hotel — has proven that it is indeed fun to stay at a YMCA. Before the renovated, 10-story neo-Renaissance building found a second life as a hotel, it housed the downtown St. Louis chapter of the YMCA for nearly a century. Today, instead of luring guests with team sports and weight rooms, this Locust Street location does so with art exhibitions, culinary extravagances, and well-curated guest rooms. The building’s Wes Anderson–esque facade was renovated by the preservation pros at Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel , while Bill Rooney Studio reimagined the guest rooms and architecture firm Hufft designed the public spaces. True to the brand’s ethos, the hotel only showcases art from the 21st century, each piece hanging from an unexpected place, like on the walls lining the YMCA’s former basketball court — gloss floors, suspended running track, and all. Altogether, there is more than 14,000 square feet of art exhibition space, all designed to double as event space hosting community activities like altruistic happy hours supporting a different local nonprofit each month. Even the hotel rooms act as mini galleries, featuring unconventional layouts and exclusive artwork from artists with strong ties to Missouri, like Carmon Colangelo. Designers brought in custom Rookwood Pottery tiles to replicate the historic inlays of the basement fitness and swim club, where the phrase “Swim for Life” is still etched on the pool floor, preserving a piece of YMCA history. In contrast, new culinary additions bring a fresh appeal to the hotel — I loved the Northwest Coffee at Good Press cafe and the playful, Spanish-style tapas and cocktails at Idol Wolf restaurant. From $161/night. Accessible hotel. — Kristy Alpert

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, Italy

Housed in a 13th-century Capuchin convent, Anantara Convento di Amalfi 's church has been meticulously maintained, as have its Arab-Norman cloisters, where a Franciscan friar leads walking meditations and luxury wedding ceremonies between the cliffs and the sea. Inside, convent benches still line simple, dimly lit halls, inspiring quiet moments of contemplation, though the bougainvillea-draped exterior corridors are just as appealing. Convento is built high into a cliff overlooking one of the most beautiful sections of the Amalfi Coast, serving a sparkling blue view that’s best enjoyed by day from the infinity pool or a table at La Locanda della Canonica , where pizza by legendary Neapolitan pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo is plated on colorful ceramics. By night, yachts light the dark waters below, adding to the romance of fine-dining restaurant Dei Cappuccini , where chef Claudio Lanuto creates tasting menus using fresh seafood and vegetables from the on-site monks’ garden. The sea is also on display from the outdoor gym and each of the 52 beige-and-white rooms and suites — where reflections of the sapphire Mediterranean offer the only pop of color, save for bowls of bright yellow Amalfi lemons. The only exception is the Suite del Priore (formerly home to the convent prior), with a ceiling covered in preserved frescoes above the four-poster bed. The serene neutral color palette extends to the spa , which includes a hammam and uses Valmont skin care products. Amalfi’s town center is a short walk away, and the hotel arranges some of the area’s most breathtaking excursions , from private sunset cruises and scenic hikes to helicopter tours. From $1,401/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, Thailand

Courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

The 40-minute speedboat ride from Phuket to the new Anantara Koh Yao Yai brought me to a secluded property in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The 27-acre paradise sits on a quiet, powdery stretch of sand shared only with elusive hornbills and macaques. Built from the ground up, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s 148 rooms are spread across a handful of buildings: two-story penthouses and cozy villas, all featuring private plunge pools, plus family-friendly suites outfitted with darling bunk beds and slides. A minimalist design runs through every butler-serviced room: sleek wood paneling, woven headboards, marble baths with soaking tubs, and copious amounts of light pouring in through floor-to-ceiling balcony doors. The same aesthetic carries over to the 10,00-square-foot spa with a hammam as well as the resort’s main, silver gray–tiled infinity pool overlooking the water. The indoor-outdoor Beach Restaurant serves an ambitious international menu — sushi, pastas, and much more — which excels thanks to fresh, local ingredients. For a more hands-on culinary experience, I tried a cooking class at the on-site Spice Spoons culinary school and learned to make green curry, pad Thai, and mango sticky rice with an expert chef. From $750/night. — Tanvi Chheda

andBeyond Punakha Valley, Bhutan

Chris Schalkx

Luxury safari operator andBeyond’s first property outside Africa and South America, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge is a game-changer for Bhutan. After locating a lush plot of land along the roaring Mo River in the Punakha Valley, the company worked with Fox Browne Creative, known for its high-end African safari camps, to bring the vision to life. The lodge’s eight suites meld the brand’s signature safari-style tents with Bhutanese details such as ornate timber frames, shingled roofs, and kaleidoscopic textiles (woven by Renew, a nonprofit dedicated to women’s empowerment). Bathrooms open onto outdoor showers and have skylights above the soaking tubs, making them perfect for stargazing. The spa features herbal hot-stone baths and poolside loungers with views of the Himalayas. Adventure seekers can opt for bike rides in the mountains and whitewater rafting, complete with elaborate picnics. The lodge also offers guided tours to the gold-trimmed Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s oldest fortresses, and jungle hikes to frozen-in-time villages. From $890/night, all-inclusive. Accessible hotel. — Chris Schalkx

Angama Amboseli, Kimana, Kenya

Emli Bendixen

In the south of Kenya, everybody looks for elephants, but it’s the birds you notice first: lilac-breasted rollers, grey-crowned cranes, turacos, kingfishers, and hornbills. The wildlife is as varied and eye-catching as the landscape, which is dominated by the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro. No wonder high-end safari operator Angama chose this spot for its new lodge , a follow-up to the game-changing Angama Mara, which opened in 2015. The new property, with its 10 spacious suites, sits in the private Kimana Sanctuary, a 5,700-acre tract filled with wildlife, including antelope, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs. With an infinity pool, excellent farm-to-fork cuisine, and a bar lounge, Angama Amboseli makes for a plush home base for forays into Amboseli National Park. From $1,650 per person, all-inclusive.​ Accessible hotel. — Paul Brady

Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fort Worth, Texas

Denny Lee/Travel + Leisure

Arriving at Bowie House on a Friday night, I was surrounded by fun-loving Texans in cowboy hats and fur vests leaving their Rivian SUVs with the valet. They walked through the art- and antiques-filled lobby, richly adorned with Texas longhorns, cowhide-upholstered club chairs, wool rugs, and a riot of horse-themed objects: paintings, statues, photographs, saddles. The wood-paneled bar overflowed with elegantly dressed women laughing over bottles of wine; older couples slurping down oysters by the fireplace, families carving into steaks in the Bricks & Horses restaurant, and young professionals perusing the impressive art (all collected by the hotel’s charismatic owner, Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard). The equestrian theme continues upstairs in the 88 rooms, each of which is furnished with comforting touches like bar carts, art books, woven leather headboards, and dimmable lighting. Of course it’s no accident that the hotel is practically next door to the Will Rogers Memorial Center, a premiere venue for horse competitions and livestock shows. (When I visited, there was a stock show and rodeo going on.) Now those riders, cowboys, and cowgirls have a place to hang out, in all their western finery. From $609/night. Accessible hotel. — Denny Lee

Broadwick Soho, London

Courtesy of Broadwick Soho

Broadwick Soho ’s mishmash of florid patterns and bold colors make it hard not to fall for this endearingly eccentric London property. Its aesthetic has proven to be catnip to the artists and actors who’ve always patronized Soho, central London’s most louche and creative district. At the ground-floor reception, finished in pretty pinks, big-bucks artworks by Bridget Riley and Francis Bacon are displayed without fanfare. Truth is, they’re easily missed in the midst of so much aesthetic flamboyance. Look out for drinks cabinets secreted within adorable brass elephants, handcrafted by Jaipuri artisans; pretty illustrated countertops specially made in Positano, Italy; and a glitzy mirrored cabinet in The Nook, a residents-only lounge where hotel guests can peruse a British-inflected record collection including classics from Sade and The Rolling Stones. There are opportunities to mingle with locals at rooftop bar Flute, where the gorgeous, golden onyx-topped bar counter is offset by some good-humored kitsch: animal-print fabrics, cork-clad walls, palm-print carpets. This might be a lighthearted spot, but they take cocktails seriously; a bartender educated me on Soho’s long standing as a center of mixology before presenting me with a perfect paloma, and the atmospheric city views from the terrace make this a top spot for date nights. Named for the owner’s mother, dimly lit basement restaurant Dear Jackie is more discreet and feels fun and indulgent — my rich, punchy puttanesca pasta was delicious and a good value at less than $20. Sated on all the delights of Soho, within and beyond the hotel, guests can retire to one of 57 comfy, characterful rooms finished in soft pastels, distinguished with unique artworks, and generously stocked with toiletries by chic Sicilian outfit Ortigia. From $753/night. Accessible hotel. — John O'Ceallaigh

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo

Courtesy of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts

“We bring the art of Italian living wherever we go,” Silvio Ursini, executive vice president of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts , told me at the opening of the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo . The 98-room property, which occupies the top five floors of the 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower, is the eighth in Bulgari’s small, luxurious portfolio (a ninth, in Rome, opened in June). It feels like a Roman holiday in Japan — where both arigato gozaimasu and grazie mille are completely acceptable ways to thank someone for a glass of Champagne. Guests can choose from an Italian restaurant helmed by Niko Romito, an acclaimed chef born and raised in Italy, or an eight-seat omakase counter from chef Kenji Gyoten, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan. The hotel’s design is a pastiche of Japanese artistry. In my room, the ceilings were hand-painted with five layers of gold paint by local craftspeople and were second only to the alluring black granite bathtub. My favorite Italian design piece was the one I visited each morning, when I would take the elevator to the 40th-floor, and plunge into the spa’s 15,000-square-foot pool. Its floor is breathtaking, made of mosaic tile and Venetian glass in an entrancing shade of green that glimmers gold when natural light shines through the water. From $1,700/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia 

Frédéric Lagrange

Nothing builds anticipation like a 45-minute drive between corn fields and the sapphire Indian Ocean, on a road lined with flora so lush vines spill onto the pavement. It wouldn’t have taken much to enchant me after that trip, but the welcome I received at Cap Karoso , a 15-acre beachfront resort on an undeveloped island east of Bali, still managed to overdeliver. The staff greeted me by name and handed me an indigo ceramic cup containing a heavenly hibiscus-coconut elixir: precisely the type of off-the-grid charm that makes this 47-room, 20-villa property so singular. The food and drink from the Beach Club restaurant and Apicine Bar were flavored with local ingredients — think papaya spritzes and handmade gnocchi with Sumba cashew foam, courtesy of executive chef Antoine LeVacon and consulting mixology maestro Nico de Soto. The guest chef–only restaurant Julang stimulated my tastebuds with dishes like king prawn with asparagus, cardamom foam, and ponzu sauce courtesy of Tokyo-born chef Katsuaki Okiyama, the guest chef during my stay. This is a place well equipped for downtime, thanks to the Malala Spa, which uses healing herbs and rituals for its treatments, and has two picturesque pools, sunlit accommodations with generous bathtubs, and commissioned artwork that plays on motifs from ancient Sumbanese culture. Nearby, traditional Marapu villages, crystalline lagoons, and surf breaks are also ripe for exploration. Fiery sunsets mesmerized me from the beach, where at low tide locals fished for their dinners, but nothing captivated me quite like my interactions with the predominantly Sumbanese staff, who are overwhelmingly warm. From $300/night. — Kathryn Romeyn

Capella Sydney

Samantha Falawée/Travel + Leisure

When Capella Sydney opened in March 2023, the news created a buzz. That might have been because it was Sydney ’s first luxury hotel to open in almost a decade — and is housed in a handsome, early 1900s building in the heart of the city that once held Australia’s Lands and Education offices. Or it may have been because it was the first property outside of Asia from the Singapore-based Capella Hotels & Resorts, which was voted the No. 1 hotel brand by readers in last year’s World’s Best Awards. Walking into the lobby entrance, I passed four multimedia pieces by aboriginal artist Judy Watson that depict motifs of the Indigenous Eora, the original inhabitants of the land on which Sydney now stands. Hanging from the ceiling of Aperture, the indoor courtyard-garden area serving finger sandwiches and afternoon tea, is a mesmerizing, flower-like light installation by Dutch duo Drift — the only other one like it is housed in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam . In the hotel’s 192 rooms, dramatic black steel window frames and soothing dove-gray marble blend unobtrusively with a warm, neutral palette. Brasserie 1930 has a modern but cozy atmosphere. My eggs Benedict, served on a fluffy crumpet with truffle hollandaise, sautéed kale, and smoked Berkshire ham, was so delicate and delicious, I ordered it every morning of my stay. In the evening, I headed to the McRae Bar to try craft cocktails inspired by popular drinks of the late 1800s to early 1900s – and was  surprised to come across a local “Culturist,” a rotating cast of local experts from mixologists to magician Harry Milas , who delighted me, along with a handful of guests, with a sleight-of-hand show. The hotel is located within walking distance to the city’s Royal Botanic Garden, the ferry and train stations at Circular Quay Wharf, and the Sydney Opera House. After a day spent sightseeing, I headed to Auriga Spa on the sixth floor. Swimming in the 66-foot heated pool, under a glass ceiling flooded with sunlight, was the perfect relaxing moment. From $650/night. Accessible hotel. — Samantha Falewée

Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, France

Courtesy of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel

As I opened the door to my beachfront room at the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , I was greeted by a perfectly framed view of a lone yacht perched on a lightly rippled Mediterranean Sea. The scene was so quintessentially Côte d’Azur that it felt scripted just for my arrival. Considering this property’s silver-screen credentials, maybe it’s not so far-fetched a thought. The address of choice for Hollywood’s A-list since the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the Carlton, like the most-loved cinema hits, was due for a modern remake. After a two-year closure, La Grande Dame, as the hotel is known along La Croisette, has emerged with a new swagger, whether that’s from the false ceilings pulled away to reveal hidden frescoes in the lobby; a refreshed dining scene that includes Rüya, the French Riviera’s first Anatolian restaurant; or the rooms, smartly restyled in soft grays, light pinks, and off-whites. The color palette was deliberately chosen by designer Tristan Auer to showcase the region’s famous light as it streams through the bay windows. With its heritage-listed belle époque facade relatively untouched, the hotel’s biggest change is felt on the side facing away from the sea. Gone is an unsightly car park, replaced by two expansive wings split into a clutch of exclusive branded residences and an immense 10,770-square-foot penthouse. Tucked inside this new horseshoe form is a tranquil garden, Cannes’ largest infinity pool, and enough space to fit an ice rink come winter. From $550/night. Accessible hotel. — Chrissie McClatchie

Casa Pestagua, Cartagena, Colombia

Kiko Kairuz/Courtesy of Casa Pestagua

Thanks to a $15 million renovation, one of Cartagena’s most beautiful colonial mansions now shines as a 16-room boutique hotel, Casa Pestagua . The 18th-century facade blends seamlessly into the charming squares, cobblestoned streets, and colorful buildings of the historic Old City, and inside, guests enjoy amenities that include a bar and a gym. AniMare, the restaurant, serves both traditional dishes like ceviches and seafood cazuela — a stew made with coconut milk and vegetables — and more contemporary offerings like açaí bowls. For guests in need of a break from the city, the hotel offers day trips to Barú Island; you can even stay overnight in one of six beachfront bungalows (exclusive to guests of Casa Pestagua and its sibling property Casa San Agustín) for an additional cost. From $500/night. ​ — Susmita Baral

Cayo Levantado Resort, Dominican Republic 

Courtesy of Cayo Levantado

As the only resort occupying the palm-fringed Cayo Levantado island off the coast of Samana Bay, this luxury all-inclusive wellness property, which opened its doors in the summer of 2023, whisks guests away to a serene world that blends ancient traditions with modern practices. Travelers get a sense of what’s to come as soon as the resort’s private boat approaches the island’s Victorian-inspired dock, where turquoise waters backed by lush tropical greenery conceal 218 spacious guest rooms, suites, and villas with private plunge pools and patios. Dominican architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez has done a spectacular job of introducing a sense of place by incorporating local materials and handmade decor like palm leaf-shaped sconces and Guayacán wood trays. However, the highlight of Cayo Levantado is the wellness experiences, which are organized around four “paths”: refresh, restore, relax, and renew. For each, guests can choose from a long list of activities such as breathwork classes, yoga, sound baths, Tibetan singing bowl meditation sessions, cold plunges, and even a Shamanic cleansing ceremony — many of which take place in the resort’s open-air wellness center. 

Nutrition is also an important part of any stay. Some of my favorite meals were at the resort’s Santa Yuca restaurant. This idyllic open-air space serves healthy dishes, like a fantastic grilled watermelon salad with avocado cream sauce, prepared with ingredients that literally grow right next to the tables. From $450 per person per night, all-inclusive. — Dobrina Zhekova

Château des Fleurs, Paris

Mr. Tripper/Courtesy of Château des Fleurs

The family-run Vivre-Les Maisons Bertrand group has been having quite the opening season in the Triangle d’Or section of Paris’s eighth arrondissement with the debut of Château des Fleurs , a boutique escape just off the Champs-Élysées. Designed by Barcelona firm Quintana Partners, the 37-room hotel is a highly designed flurry of custom flourishes, from the Gaudí-inspired doors to the elegantly sculpted wooden gym equipment to the ebullient motif of carved wooden balls that pops up throughout the lobby, evocative of the bubbles in the glass of Champagne that greets guests staying in a suite. With hammam-style showers and a railway-style dressing area, tufted velvet sofas and a claw-foot tub within feet of the bed, the Belle Époque sanctuaries can be hard to leave. What feels most 21st-century about this 1910 hotel is that the lobby bar and snug micro-restaurant, Oma, which means “mother” in Korean, is as much a meeting space for guests and city residents as it is for pulling out a laptop to work. From $490/night. Accessible hotel. — Christine Muhlke

Club Med Kiroro Grand, Hokkaido, Japan 

Lydia Price/Travel + Leisure

With its new property in Japan, Club Med has achieved an enormous feat: making it easy for families to take a far-flung international ski trip. The brand’s latest all-inclusive resort, Club Med Kiroro Grand , is on the northern island of Hokkaido, where heaps of fluffy snow are blown in on Siberian winds. The towering 266-room property immerses guests in an enchanted forest. You’ll find giant sculptures of woodland creatures, mushroom-shaped light fixtures, and foliage-covered ceilings in the sprawling complex, which includes an indoor pool, a kids’ campus, and a spa. My favorite amenity was the outdoor onsen, where I soaked in mineral-rich spring water every afternoon. The main dining hall serves a diverse spread of comfort food designed to please the broad range of nationalities staying at the resort. Dishes included bulgogi, pad see ew, and roasted chicken with mashed potatoes — all freshly made by Kiroro’s chefs and bursting with layers of flavor. Apart from the multicultural buffets, the resort houses three specialty restaurants. My eight-course sushi feast at Ebisu was a masterpiece made almost exclusively from local ingredients. Not to be outdone, barbecue restaurant Kaen served the most succulent Wagyu beef I’ve ever tasted, with other Hokkaido-sourced produce like scallops, pork, and salmon on the guest-manned grills. And at the lively Ogon, I took a crash course in making my own Japanese hot pot. All three restaurants are mere steps away from the lobby doors; in fact, everything at Kiroro Grand is less than a 10-minute walk away from the guest rooms, making long treks schlepping skis and disgruntled children a thing of the past. From $2,250 per person for seven nights. Accessible hotel. — Lydia Price

Como Le Montrachet, Burgundy, France 

Courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts

Though new to the scene, Como Le Montrachet — the luxury hospitality group’s first venture in France — is quickly becoming a go-to for local and visiting Burgundophiles alike. At the head of Puligny-Montrachet’s sleepy town square, this breezy inn combines contemporary design with its sturdy, rustic, 19th-century bones, and even in its infancy drew a consistent crowd for dinner at adjoining restaurant Le Montrachet. The wine selection is, of course, world-class — it’s never difficult to find great wines when in France (especially in Burgundy), but the Le Montrachet team truly takes the selection and service to the next level in its quest to highlight the region’s best at a variety of price points. Apart from a few local winery visits (a must), my time spent here revolved around the seasonally driven menu and its accompanying pours, each with a sommelier’s anecdote or two. And I’d be remiss to not call out the cheese cart, which could easily be considered life-changing, although certainly not for the faint of heart. Accessible from Paris, Dijon, Lyon, and nearby Beaune, Como Le Montrachet is an epicure’s sanctuary, and an unpretentious one at that (you certainly don’t need to be a wine expert to feel welcomed here). And in true Como fashion, each of the hotel’s common areas and guest rooms are directly inspired by the surrounding environment — a theme that defines Le Montrachet’s culinary program in a holistic harnessing of terroir. From $377/night. Accessible hotel. — Céline Bossart

Como Metropolitan Singapore

Last September, the Singapore-based Como group unveiled Como Metropolitan Singapore , the brand’s first hotel in its home country. Located on Orchard Road — the city-state’s famed shopping and lifestyle hub — the hotel is part of Como Orchard, an immersive experience spread over 19 floors, which showcases the group’s strengths in hospitality, wellness, fashion and cuisine. Designed by Atelier Ikebuchi and Milan-based Otto Studio, the interiors feature clean lines, contemporary aesthetics, and furniture from noted Italian brand Giorgetti. A bonsai tree marks its discreet entrance, while the lobby features a huge LED display of flowers by artist Thomas Hilland and locally sourced coffees served by Bruno, the robot barista. The 156 rooms are full of thoughtful touches, such as amenities from wellness brand Como Shambhala, butler hatches, and refillable water bottles. A newly launched Sleep Dreams package encourages deep relaxation in your room using a device that plays low-frequency sound waves. Como Shambhala offers yoga, pilates, a 1,500-square-foot gym, and innovative treatments like hot and cold immersion therapies. (I tried the Oxygen Therapy, which involved destressing in a lightly pressurized hyperbaric device.) International dining concepts like Cedric Grolet Singapore and Cote Singapore draw both travelers and locals to the property; the former serves Grolet’s exquisite fruit and flower-shaped pastries, sandwiches, and teas. Cote Singapore — the Michelin-starred U.S. restaurant’s first international outpost–blends American steak preparations with Korean BBQ, offering top-quality beef cuts and a lively, clubby atmosphere best described as “sexy Yakuza den.” From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — Shamilee Vellu

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Courtesy of Curtain Bluff

Tucked away on Antigua’s southwest end, this 72-room property recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation that combines old-school elegance with modern flair. It’s evident in the details: the rattan chairs from the ‘80s that have been re-lacquered; the classic turquoise and green bedding now juxtaposed with contemporary tiling. This delicate dance between welcoming the new and continuing the legacy of late founders Howard and Chelle Hulford is what makes Curtain Bluff one of the most coveted resorts in Antigua. The resort’s new two-story, state-of-the-art wellness center is a hideaway, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, an expanded fitness center, and a yoga pavilion. After your massage, retreat to the upper balcony to take a dip in the cliffside Jacuzzi. The resort’s most popular suites have been outfitted with marble soaking tubs and large walk-in showers that leave you feeling energized and ready for the day. Guests will still find all the familiar amenities that make Curtain Bluff so special: four full-size tennis courts, delicious Caribbean-French dishes at restaurants Sea Grape and Tamarind, and a host of sports and water activities for families. Be sure to carve out time to sample the resort’s international wine cellar during a tasting with head sommelier Glouster St. Ville. From $1,850/night. Accessible hotel. — Jasmine Grant

Dawn Ranch, Sonoma County, California

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

The spicy, amber-rich scent of cedar greeted me before I saw the wooden cabins at Dawn Ranch , which form a horseshoe around a grassy lawn dotted with cornhole boards and a giant Connect 4 set. The whimsy of this redwood-shaded hideaway from the hospitality group behind Marram Montauk reflects the carefree energy of Guerneville, a town on the Russian River. The 87 accommodations include seasonal glamping tents, but I opted for a cottage, which had a double-sided fireplace lined with green tile. The property has its own dock on the river and is just 14 miles from both Healdsburg’s posh wineries and the Pacific coast. Guests can also borrow bikes for a quick jaunt to the famed 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong redwood. Don’t let the allure of Sonoma fine dining pull you away from the Ranch’s restaurant: helmed by two Argentine chefs, it has South American undertones, with dishes like yellowfin tiradito at dinner and Paraguayan chiapas , a gluten-free cheesy bread, for breakfast. From $450/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia, Greece

Courtesy of Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa

Covertly nestled on a cypress-clad hillside on Kefalonia island, this unpretentious, all-villa hotel in a profoundly soothing setting is a rare find on Greece’s Ionian Sea. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa was born out of a love for the sprawling, fertile isle shared by London-based interior architect and designer Maike Gruna and her Greek-Australian husband with Kefalonian roots. Gruna crafted 12 minimalist, honey-hued stone villas that meld inconspicuously with surrounding olive groves. The three-bedroom sea-view villa, framed by beamed timber ceilings and dressed in neutral tones, stands out as Eliamos’ premium offering — expansive terrace included. En suite bathrooms feature walk-in showers, matte earthenware sinks, and soul-grounding pale gray concrete floors. Beside Villa 103’s private saltwater infinity pool, I sunk into a plush sunbed and tuned into soporific island time as distant sailboats floated on electric, indigo waters. At the exceptional alfresco restaurant, chef Sokratis Maligkanis turns out creative, seasonal Mediterranean comfort fare amid a riot of pink and violet wildflowers and aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary. He sources hyperlocal raw materials like forest mushrooms foraged from looming Mount Ainos for luscious risotto. Ripe summer peaches are marinated and laced with extra-virgin olive oil, making for a sweet alternative to classic tomato salad. Foodies, take note — only guests can dine here. For the fitness-minded, there’s a communal lap pool and an all-wood outdoor gym where yoga classes are also held. Hop on a complimentary e-bike to explore nearby beaches or rent a motorboat and reach isolated coves. To completely unwind, book an in-villa massage or reflexology treatment. From $700/night. — Helen Iatrou

Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, England

Courtesy of Estelle Manor

Don’t let the stately Jacobean facade fool you: There’s nothing stuffy about Estelle Manor , a 60-acre estate in the green pastures of Oxfordshire, about an hour northwest of central London. A country offshoot of the U.K. capital’s private club Maison Estelle, the resort is all Roaring Twenties, devil-may-care razzle-dazzle. It all feels cinematic and delightfully British, including the way the house car — a Land Rover, naturally — clatters over the pebbles of the tree-lined drive and the cheery apricot glow of the fire that seems to flicker in sync with the DJ. The 108 guest rooms are outfitted in a flamboyantly aristocratic style: tasseled pillows, faded kilim fabrics, four-poster beds, and lacquered mini-bars crammed with everything from elderflower kombucha to collagen eye patches. Amenities include a gym, a co-working space, a chic boutique, and three good restaurants: the Billiards Room, a buzzy Chinese venue; the Glasshouse, which serves heritage vegetables and Cotswolds chicken; and the Brasserie, with seasonal favorites like Oxford-cheddar soufflé and Alaskan king crab. From $500/night. Accessible hotel. ​— Nicole Trilivas

Explora Journeys’ Explora I

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

It’s not every day a new cruise line arrives. The debut of the remarkable Explora I was a moment years in the making for Explora Journeys , the upstart luxury operator that aims to bring a European sensibility to the world of vacations at sea. So far, the project is a smashing success, thanks to the ship’s low-key vibe, standout food and beverage, and intriguing itineraries that visit in-demand ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. My own August 2023 trip on Explora I , from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, included fulfilling visits to places such as Oslo and the town of Stavanger, Norway, a gateway to adventurous hiking with a postcard-perfect Old Town. The ship itself was also a destination, with its abundance of outdoor space — including an alfresco fitness center — and pools at seemingly every turn. The 461 suites, all of them with balconies, are filled with luxurious touches such as Frette linens and robes, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. But Explora I truly shines when it comes to food: During the week I was aboard, it was impossible to find a bad meal — and I was often astonished at the quality of, in particular, the pasta served in the Emporium Marketplace and the sushi on offer at Sakura, two of the nine restaurants aboard. The most ambitious of them all is Anthology, a rotating-chef concept that has seen a residency from seafood whiz Mario Ulaissi, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on Italy's Adriatic coast, and that recently welcomed Emma Bengtsson, from Aquavit , in New York City. Much has been made of Explora I ’s Rolex boutique — the first on any cruise ship — but for my money, the other shops on board were more interesting: the company has tapped family-owned businesses around the world to create capsule collections of resort wear, handbags, fragrances, sunglasses, and beautiful gifts that can’t be found elsewhere. From $2,050 per person for a six-day sailing. Accessible ship. — Paul Brady

Faraway Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts 

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Martha’s Vineyard — with its golden beaches, illuminated lighthouses, seafood shacks, and periwinkle hydrangea bushes — is the prototype for a classic New England summer escape. And while structured navy stripes and fish paintings have their place, Faraway Martha’s Vineyard trades the old-school nautical aesthetic found throughout the Vineyard for something breezy, refined, and whimsical. Owner Blue Flag Partners and design firm Workshop/APD transformed the Vineyard’s beloved old Kelley House and its surrounding buildings into the second Faraway location (the first opened on Nantucket in 2021). Bohemian influences from the 1960s and ‘70s are felt throughout the 58 guest rooms and suites — which range from standard rooms in Kelley House to two-bedroom suites in the adjacent houses — and in the lobby, with ceiling-high bookshelves adorned with bursts of jewel-toned florals and black-and-white tapestries. I was one of the first to check into the totally reimagined Edgartown hotel in July, prime time for a seaside stroll and a lobster roll — both of which I found just a short walk from the hotel’s central location. The hotel’s restaurants honor the location’s historic roots with a fresh take: The Newes From America, an Edgartown institution that actually predates the hotel by a few centuries, serves classic pub fare, while the lush outdoor Pelican Club offers tropical cocktails and delicious sushi (I ordered The Pelican maki roll and the spicy tuna crispy rice). At the center of the property sits a new pool lined with loungers and cabanas, a large hot tub, and a fitness center. From $695/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Fontainebleau Las Vegas 

Connie Zhou/Courtesy of Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Since Fontainebleau Las Vegas was first announced in 2005, there has been an infusion of more than $3.7 billion into this 67-story resort. And after walking through its cantilevered porte-cochere, I can say, as a Vegas local, that it’s been worth the wait. Beyond the lobby is an impressive art collection including a 46-foot sculpture by Urs Fischer and paintings by Richard Prince. The design, curated by the resort’s creative director Peter Arnell and executive vice president of design John Rawlins, feels cohesive, especially with a six-acre pool deck that boasts every aquatic feature imaginable, from serenity pools to full on bacchanals. The nearby spa features a performance sauna where professional dancers use choreographed towel flicks to warm the guests, and the massive co-ed thermal area is the city’s largest, with hydrotherapy pools, cold plunges, a snow shower, a salt-mist cave, and an herbal inhalation room. Rooms start at a generous 488 square feet and feature striking views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley; I particularly loved the massive sunken tub in my Royal Suite. There are 36 restaurants and bars: my favorites included Kyu (an Asian-inspired, wood-fired BBQ) where the nam prik –sauced kale chips and wagyu tartare mixed with brûléed bone marrow was a revelation; Papi Steak, serving some of the city’s best prime selects; and Ito, where booking one of the 12 seats at the swank omakase counter affords access to the resort’s super-exclusive members’ club, the Poodle Room, before and after dinner. For more convivial pursuits, visit the on-site outpost of white-hot Miami nightclub Liv and Liv Beach. From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — David Morris

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo , originally opened in 2004, got a major update that finished at the end of 2023, including an expanded kids’ club, a reimagined, adults-only, infinity-edge pool with cabanas and chairs for rental, and a spectacular beach club. I was particularly fond of the new Virador Beach Club , which invites you in with its neutral palette and amazing Mediterranean eats. (The labneh and moussaka were two of my favorite noshes, but the whole menu, orchestrated by chef Khaled Natour, offers something truly different on the Gold Coast.) The property also has a new wellness shala, basically a serene tree house hovering over the resort and gazing out toward the water. The architectural marvel perfectly blends with its environment, and I found it immediately relaxed me before my sound-healing session, in which the vibration of gongs and sound bowls lulled me into a trance. Next, I visited the separate spa building for a Tsuru Cacao Ancestral Ritual before retiring to the hydrotherapy pools. The property is sprawling, at 120 acres, which you can explore on foot or e-bike, and the activity roster is impressive — golf on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer–designed green, local rum tastings, and surfing lessons are all on offer. Whether you venture out to the waves on a standard board or get a lesson on the new eFoil surfboard that’ll have you floating above the water, it’s all about pura vida . From $1,200/night. Accessible hotel. — Samantha Leal

Gardiner House, Newport, Rhode Island 

Michael P.H. Clifford/Courtesy of Gardiner House

Entering the newly opened Gardiner House in Newport, Rhode Island, felt like stepping back into the Gilded Age. Inspired by the Gardiner family’s 1860s mansion, the luxury 21-key boutique hotel is located on Lee's Wharf — a piece of prime real estate facing Newport’s idyllic marina. Though it opened in fall 2023, just as Newport hit the off-season, Gardiner House turned the city’s hospitality scene on its head by quickly becoming a social hub for stylish locals and in-the-know winter visitors. The heartbeat of the hotel is the Studio Bar and lounge right off the foyer, where art-littered, dark-green walls; a real-wood fireplace; and an eclectic assortment of velvet sofas, comfy accent chairs, and oversized ottomans strike the perfect balance between cozy and chic. There’s a variety of delicious craft cocktails to choose from, and a small menu of light bites: yellowfin with avocado, kobe beef sliders, and truffle fries were my favorites. The property’s culinary portfolio will expand this spring with the debut of a second-floor Mediterranean restaurant with an outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows offering an unobstructed view of Newport Harbor. Most of the rooms and suites have harbor views, too, plus simple, beachy decor and thoughtful amenities — Matouk linens and Ortigia toiletries, for example — throughout the space. Guests can walk to Thames Street, Newport’s buzzy downtown area, in less than a minute where a myriad of mom-and-pop shops, vintage boutiques, and restaurants await. From $725/night. Accessible hotel. — Annie Archer

Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno, Priorat, Spain

Located in Tarragona, a province roughly an hour-and-a-half outside of Barcelona, Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno is set between hilltop villages, undulating country roads, and the Siurana River. On arrival guests pass through rows of Grenache grapes before being welcomed into a 500-year-old building, complete with arched windows and terra-cotta rooftops. Consider the 24 rooms to be siblings; some have soaking-tubs, others fireplaces. All the marble, from the coffee tables to the Catalonia-sourced alabaster lamps, hails from Spain. Organic shapes echo throughout the hotel, which comprises the main house (or masia ) and the separate atelier annex, which holds a few of the guest rooms and sits along miles of vines owned by winery Clos de L’Obac. The rounded edges of the bed headboards and wood accents seamlessly merge with exterior features such as terraces or balconies. Once the former site of an olive press, the spa offers a single treatment room, as well as a hot tub and a stone-walled soaking pool. The restaurant, which has views of the property’s swimming pool and proprietary vineyards, transforms from morning to night. During the day, enjoy lunch at Tarraco, which combines Mediterranean and Italian fare, and after sunset try the tasting menu with local wine pairings at Vinum (à la carte offerings are also available). Arrange for a rock-climbing or hiking excursion in Serra de Montsant Natural Park or opt for a bike ride through the region (four electric bikes are complimentary). From $450/night. Accessible hotel. – Alexandra Cheney  

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland 

Courtesy of Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll

Iceland is famous for Ring Road, the 820-mile route circling the island, but tucked in the center of the country is a remote region known as the Highlands. It’s hard to access, with only a few unpaved roads, and in the winter, you must be driven there by a guide. Now, at the edge of the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, a new hotel — Highland Base — is letting travelers post up in comfort. “We're basically putting a destination here in the middle of the island,” Magnús Orri Marínarson Schram, Highland Base’s general manager, told T+L. The journey here typically takes four hours from Reykjavík, but mine took six due to unpredictable weather — and the destination was worth every minute of the journey. Highland Base has 46 hotel rooms, six one-bedroom private lodges, seven huts, and a campsite. My room had all the luxe amenities I could ask for, but didn’t feel too out of place in the middle of nature thanks to the earthy tones that match the exterior landscape. The underground passageway connecting the hotel rooms to the main building was a nice touch for guests (read: me) who didn’t want to face the outdoor elements before every meal. The menu featured hearty, seasonal dishes like mushroom soup made with coconut cream; Icelandic lamb soup with rutabaga and potatoes; and pan-fried Arctic char. But the real gem is the daily waffle bar, which is a touching tribute to the site’s past: It used to be a ski school that served waffles to kids after their lessons. Opening this year is a sauna and three geothermal pools with water sourced from the nearby hot springs; Kerlingarfjöll has the third-largest geothermal area in all of Iceland. From $430/night. Accessible hotel. — Susmita Baral

Hotel 1928, Waco, Texas

Courtesy of Hotel 1928

Over the past decade, Joanna and Chip Gaines have won fame for making old homes in and around their hometown of Waco, Texas, new again. On their TV show Fixer Upper, they uncovered countless shiplap walls and helped popularize the modern farmhouse trend. Their shoppable Magnolia empire now offers everything from wallpaper to kitchenware to baked goods — and, with the recent opening of Hotel 1928 , luxurious lodgings in downtown Waco.

Hotel 1928 — in a Moorish Revival building constructed in, yes, 1928 — might be the couple’s most remarkable fixer-upper yet. The former Shriners temple had sat largely empty since the 1990s. With AJ Capital, owner of the soon to be Hilton -operated Graduate Hotels , Joanna and Chip restored the elaborate plasterwork inside and out, buffed and polished the original terrazzo floors, and created 33 sumptuously furnished rooms and suites. The hotel is now a sparkling showcase for Joanna’s evolving but always elegant aesthetic, with moody, black walls and red, vintage area rugs in the public spaces; plush, pink sofas and floral-upholstered banquettes in Bertie’s, the rooftop bar; and stunning deep-green tile paired with white marble in the expansive bathrooms. What truly sets the Hotel 1928 apart is its devotion to local history as well as Texas’s rich culture. Up and down the halls, you’ll find framed vintage images by local photographer James Jasek, who has been shooting Waco since the 1950s. One of famed author Larry McMurtry’s typewriters sits in the corner of the library. A signature scent blending the state’s legendary cedar with sandalwood and jasmine infuses the building (candles are available in the gift shop). And at your preferred wakeup time, a gentle knock on your door will announce the arrival of your coffee — a custom blend by Texas’s own Merit Coffee Co . From $375/night. Accessible hotel. — Jeff Chu

Hotel Bardo Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known for its antebellum architecture, its Southern hospitality — and its fabled ghosts. And now there’s a luxury resort that channels all three. Opened in February, Hotel Bardo Savannah occupies a Southern Gothic terra-cotta mansion on Forsyth Park, 30 acres of green space surrounded by historic homes and Spanish-moss-draped oak trees. During a pre-dinner stroll, I wandered the streets of restored Victorian homes without seeing a single bachelorette party or a horse-drawn carriage (common sights in the city’s more touristy areas to the north). On my return, the hotel beckoned like an urban oasis, with friendly valets in olive green uniforms welcoming me back by name. Entering the lobby, I found a warm, festive space furnished with circular club chairs, marble-topped tables, and potted palms. The welcoming décor continues in the 149 guest rooms and suites — think pole-wrap headboards, green velvet chairs, and brass lamps. My “Bardo” suite was particularly huge, with a full kitchen, six-person dining table, and plush daybed under a 12-foot-high turret. Saint Bibiana, the hotel’s hot-ticket Italian restaurant, is housed in a separate three-story mansion. There I had a delightful dinner that included fresh oysters, silky burrata and perfectly cooked pasta before heading to Club Bardo, a members-only lounge on the second floor, for cocktails. Hotels often try to make their guests feel like locals, and Bardo has succeeded in this goal by inviting its neighbors to join in the fun. By 10 p.m. the club was buzzing with well-dressed couples, flirty singles, and young professionals sipping wine and Negronis. From $450/night. Accessible hotel. — Denny Lee

Hotel Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires

Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia

If Casa Lucia 's walls could talk, they’d tell you it was the tallest building in Latin America when erected in 1929. Set in the upper-crust neighborhood of Recoleta on a sycamore tree– and neoclassical building–lined street, the 20-story art deco skyscraper debuted after a year-long renovation under the flag of Spanish lifestyle brand Único Hotels . Breaking from tradition, the new iteration swings open the hotel’s wrought-iron gates to directly connect the slick lobby bar and signature Cantina restaurant to Calle Arroyo’s vibrant tableau of sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and cocktail haunts. The atrium entrance, gleaming in polished checkerboard marble, is home to a new showpiece brass-and-wood bar that serves cocktails and more than 400 wines by the bottle. Evening hangout Le Club Bacan is a handsome candlelit cocktail and tapas bar with a private members’ club, while Cantina pays homage to Argentina’s polo heritage and culinary roots with helmets and mallets mounted on walls and a menu appealing to the local palate (read: delicious beef and wine). Of the 142 rooms and suites, choose one on an upper floor with a balcony to take in panoramic cityscapes and a bird’s-eye views of Rio de la Plata, as well as contemporary Argentinian artwork, hand-woven lampshades, and photographs of the beautiful doors of Buenos Aires, which hang over every bed. Soon, a serene spa will open with a 52-foot pool, sauna, steam room, and massage and reflexology offerings. From $600/night. Accessible hotel. — Nora Walsh

Hotel Honeyrose Montréal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 

Courtesy of Hotel Honeyrose Montreal

At Honeyrose , a new downtown Montreal hotel, bold design gestures mean Insta-ready surprises everywhere: a swirling lobby staircase, pressed-flower bar tables, and black-and-white murals in the common areas. While Honeyrose is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand, its owners amped up the local flavor by tapping stellar Montreal talent. Architects from Provencher Roy designed the sleek guest rooms — among the city’s biggest — with bathroom amenities from local organic brand Idoine and art from Montreal painter Roxy Peroxyde, who adds floral face tattoos to traditional portraits. Homegrown design guru Zébulon Perron dreamed up the naval-inspired, ground-floor Commodore restaurant, where a wooden crown hovers over a glossy circular bar. French bistro fare here includes an epic Niçoise salad, Gruyère-slathered onion soup, and an ethereal crème brûlée. I was thrilled to see coffee sourced from my local roastery, Atwater Market’s beloved Brûlerie aux Quatre Vents. Montreal-based set designer Juliette Sarrazin outfitted the buzzy, fifth-floor Muze lounge with pink flamingos, birdcages, and 1970s swing seats on the massive terrace. The 15th floor houses a T-shaped pool and Precor machinery–equipped gym with city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. You won’t find a better location if you’re here for one of the city’s big cultural events, like the Montreal International Jazz Festival . Honeyrose borders the Quartier des Spectacles ― literally, the “neighborhood of shows” ― with its concert halls, outdoor performance venues, and museums. Access to the city’s speedy, efficient Metro is across the street, and Old Montreal is a 15-minute stroll south. From $269/night . Accessible hotel. — Michael Kaminer

Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

Expectations were high when the prestigious Oetker Collection — the brand behind legendary properties like the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera and The Lanesborough in London — took over Capri’s most historic hotel just steps from the famed Piazzetta. Originally opened in 1822 as the Locanda Pagano, the new design draws on this rich heritage, with ceiling frescoes in the lobby and neoclassical furniture. The color palette consists of varying shades of aquamarine, from the striped lounge chairs by the pool to the upholstery in the 50 rooms and suites, as if the hues of the Mediterranean on a bright summer day were used to decorate the space. Acclaimed chef Gennaro Esposito opened a namesake restaurant at La Palma serving simple coastal cuisine like zucchini tartare and sole meunière. The ground-floor bar and the rooftop restaurant, Bianca, are a bit more casual — by Capri standards, anyway — and provide the perfect spot for a pre-dinner spritz. But the hotel’s secret weapon is the beach club, Da Gioia, occupying a prime position in Marina Piccola. Anyone can book a table for a lazy lunch of caprese salad and lobster linguini on the deck overlooking the sea, but only hotel guests can use the lounge chairs on the pebble beach. After a day in the sun, visit the spa for a facial, using skincare products by Tata Harper and Augustinus Bader, before freshening up for dinner. From $1,028/night. Accessible hotel. — Laura Itzkowitz

Hotel San Fernando, Mexico City

Hugo Campoy/Courtesy of Hotel San Fernando

Did you know San Fernando is the patron saint of the Spanish Army Corps of Engineers? The designers from Bunkhouse, the creative Austin, Texas–based hospitality group, reveled in such off-beat details of Hispanic culture when they reimagined the Edificio San Fernando, an elegant art deco apartment building from 1947, as a boutique hotel in La Condesa, one of CDMX's leafiest and most charming neighborhoods. The Hotel San Fernando is a loving celebration of mexicanidad that recalls the genteel beauty of the city in the post-war era, when it was a sleepy mountain capital where a few cars trundled down broad, leafy avenues and artistic celebrities like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were bringing the country's Indigenous culture into the mainstream. The hotel’s 19 rooms spread over five floors feel like spacious apartments, with original casement windows, contemporary furnishings from local design studio La Metropolitana, and (in many cases) their own kitchens and lounge rooms. Bunkhouse's designers say they were inspired by the Mexican idea of sobremesa , the dreamy after-meal time when diners relax into conversation and take a respite from their hectic lives. The sense of entering a serene refuge from the 21st century begins as you pass through the original curved doors to the lobby, which is adorned with striking green tiles, stained-glass windows, hanging textiles, and decorative lamps from the Oaxacan-based studio Oaxifornia. The polished-stone and wood stairway leading upstairs is overflowing with potted plants, giving a calming, tropical greenhouse effect (there is no elevator), while the attached Lounge Fernando extending onto the sidewalk serves tasty small bites (try the fried shrimp tacos), an array of creative margaritas, and Mexican natural wines. Drinks can also be taken to the sun-dappled rooftop, which doubles as a breakfast patio for guests in the mornings. And because San Fernando opens into the heart of La Condesa, an array of fine restaurants, bars, cafes, parks, clothing boutiques, and art galleries are only a stroll away. From $225/night. — Tony Perrottet

Hôtel Swexan, Dallas 

Marco Galloway/Courtesy of Hotel Swexan

There’s a reason Hôtel Swexan is putting Dallas on the radar for luxury city stays since its opening last summer. The paradoxical name takes Swiss and Texan to form a singular word and a thoroughly considered approach to hospitality and design. The 134-room, 20-floor hotel building was designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma — making it his third in Dallas’s growing bounty of world-famous architecture. From the moment of entry, I felt the warmth of Texas hospitality and the remarkable influence of sophisticated and traditional European design. The intimate foyer eases your senses into a relaxing and indulgent atmosphere and the guest rooms are lavishly comfortable with just the right amount of residential feel. The floor-to-ceiling windows reveal city views while the spacious marble bathrooms give a spa-like experience with Le Labo products and a dramatic bathtub that fills from the ceiling. Staying at Hôtel Swexan transports you away from Dallas while also very much anchoring you to the best the city has to offer. A standout feature of the property is its ability to act either as a full retreat you’ll never want to leave or as a home base for exploring the city’s museums, entertainment venues, sporting events, and walking trails. There are five unique food-and-beverage concepts within the building from rooftop to basement. The most notable is the seventh-floor steakhouse, Stillwell’s. Its midcentury ranch atmosphere and the zero-waste beef program of locally raised Akaushi cattle make this a contender for top tier steakhouses in a city known for them. In between meals and lounging poolside under the Texas sun, a visit to the gym is a must — the sprawling, cutting-edge fitness center would impress even a professional athlete with its choice of equipment, outdoor terrace, cold plunge, and saunas offering a plethora of ways to work out or relax. Beyond the expansive list of on-property features, what steals the show here is the level of service. Our stay was made memorable by the personalized touches for us and the over-the-top-attentive staff. With its intentional design details, top-quality service, and offerings in wellness and dining, Hôtel Swexan sets a new standard for city hotels. From $432/night. — Mariah Tyler

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, South Korea 

Ben Richards/Courtesy of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, South Korea’s Jeju Island puts on a show: Idyllic fishing villages are flanked by glistening black basalt, cascading waterfalls gurgle against dormant volcano backdrops, and rugged shorelines dotted with azaleas abound in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the southern city of Seogwipo, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa sits on a quiet cliffside overlooking a rugged coastline, forested hillsides, and the crouching tiger–shaped Beomseom Island in the distance. Led by designer Bill Bensley, the property pays homage to Korean culture, with walls made of quilting fabric called jogakbo , and ceiling lights shaped like traditional Korean scholars’ hats, called gat . The property features 197 guest rooms, including 28 suites, with hanok-inspired wooden walls and balconies that reveal panoramic views of the cobalt East China Sea. Five on-site restaurants highlight local Jeju delicacies like the Udo peanut, apple mangos, and a crispy black pork belly – which executive chef Joon Ko salts for three days and slow cooks for three hours. Other amenities include four pools, a spa, a gym, and a sundrenched lounge where I enjoyed afternoon tea and desserts like citrus sponge cake topped with green mandarin cream. Ask the hotel how you can swim with Jeju’s famous haenyeo female divers, whose sustainable practices and daily catches like abalone and urchin have been feeding their communities and hotels for decades. From $827/night . Accessible hotel. — Kristin Braswell

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Rosewood

Kona Village , once a celebrity haven on Hawaii’s Big Island, shuttered in 2011 after an earthquake off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan, generated a devastating tsunami, and reopened this past summer as part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio. When my husband and I arrived eight days into Kona’s new chapter, we met return guests — the old resort amassed a hefty cult following, counting Steve Jobs among its biggest fans — eager to revisit their old rooms. Sure enough, you can still book the six legacy hales that survived the tsunami, though along with the 144 new stand-alone villas, these have been upgraded by designer Nicole Hollis with improvements that include palapa-shaded decks, outdoor showers, and Hawaiian accents such as fans, hats, paddles, and kapa -printed pillows. We spent one afternoon on a sailing canoe, gliding three miles out into the Pacific, and followed that with a soak in the 82-foot Shipwreck Pool. At around 3 p.m. a cart brimming with bright-green coconuts came around, which we drank from in a sumptuous black-stone hot tub. We feasted at the four restaurants and bars — each of which has its own mai tai recipe, by the way — starting our day with Hawaiian malasada donuts at Moana and ending it with wood-fired local ahi tuna at Kahuwai Cookhouse, our toes in the sand as we watched the sunset. From $1,800/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

KuKaya Lodge by The Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Courtesy of The Bushcamp Company

At KuKaya , the latest lodge from safari outfitter The Bushcamp Company , just a few miles from the main entrance to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, guests choose their own adventure. I had my pick of private game drives day or night, or thrilling walking safaris. Each of the lodge’s six thatched-roof tents comes with luxurious interiors, plush bedding, separate living areas, full kitchens, and glass walls that open completely for indoor-outdoor living and wildlife viewing opportunities. There’s ample outdoor space, too, and every tent has a fire pit and private plunge pool, so you can enjoy the scenery in total solitude. I found my solitude was only interrupted by vervet monkeys giving me a mile-long stare from the trees above, a tower of giraffes walking to the water’s edge, a pride of lions stalking their prey, and endangered African wild dogs playing along the riverbed just a few feet away. Each night, guests are invited to dine at KuKaya’s outdoor restaurant, where they’re served an astonishing meal of fruits and vegetables grown at Bushcamp’s private garden, fish caught in the river just down the street, and even local mango dried on-site, ensuring the lowest carbon footprint possible. Just be sure to close the door to your outdoor shower before you leave; the monkeys really are just waiting to ransack your room. From $590 per person per night. — Stacey Leasca

La Fantaisie, Paris 

Jérôme Galland/Courtesy of La Fantaisie

Faubourg-Montmartre, a stretch of the ninth arrondissement that’s often passed over by non-Parisians, is now attracting a crowd of creatives at La Fantaisie . Camouflaging with the boulangeries and bistros of villagey Rue Cadet, the only sign of the hotel entrance is the rattan tables lining the sidewalk cafe out front. The rest of the hotel, by Swedish design darling Martin Brudnizki, isn’t nearly as discreet. The 73 rooms and suites are themed around the oasis-like courtyard garden, originally designed by celebrated 16th-century master gardeners Jacques and Jean Cadet (the market street is named after the brothers). Pistachio, coral, and pale lemon are the dominant shades splashed everywhere, from the ceilings and Sicily-inspired ceramics to the velvet bar stools of Dominique Crenn’s restaurant, Golden Poppy. An homage to California’s state flower — and a link to the chef’s Michelin three-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco — the winter garden eatery unfolds around a centerpiece olive tree with mirrors dangling like Christmas ornaments and faux fleur poppies sprouting behind floral fabric–swathed banquettes. With culinary royalty like Crenn at the helm, pescetarian dishes take risks that pay off — scone-like banana pancakes with a dollop of smoked osciètre caviar, corn waffles checkered with smoked trout roe, and carrot and mussel sabayon were standouts. Even if you’re visiting in winter like I was, the rooftop Bar Sur Le Toit’s Mediterranean garden is still in bloom (herbs are plucked for Crenn’s signature cocktails). If you’re feeling jet lagged, the holistic philosophy from the subterranean Holidermie wellness sanctuary extends to minibar offerings like a botanical-based sleep elixir and melatonin-infused gummies placed on the nightstand at turndown. From $378/night. Accessible hotel. — Lane Nieset

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, Greece

Margarita Nikitaki/Travel + Leisure

They say breakfast is the best part of the day (and many a hotel stay). At the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, they are right: smiling waiters in relaxed linens bring you a ginger kombucha shot and warm pastries while you ponder whether to order the Peloponnesian porridge made with trahanas (fermented wheat with goat’s milk) or the Greek-style eggs Florentine with spanakopita stuffing and feta dill hollandaise. Before you’ve made up your mind, you’re presented with the paramana , a tray of dainty sweet and savory dishes that changes daily. Almost everything is sourced within a 50-mile radius of the resort, from the sheep’s milk yogurt and honeycomb to the organic tomatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. With some fifteen million olive trees, the region of Messenia (a 3.5-hour drive from Athens) is the agricultural heartland of the Peloponnese and home to a rare trove of ancient ruins. Greece’s first Mandarin Oriental pays homage to the abundance of local products and artisans, as well as the country’s myths and legends: There are olive oil tastings, textiles inspired by folk costumes, electric bikes for exploring the Gialova lagoon — a rich habitat for migrating birds — and boat trips to pay homage to the heroes of the battle of Navarino, which took place on the placid bay that is visible from every sun-drenched suite and villa of the 99-key resort. The curvy, glass-fronted buildings are embedded in the hillside and enveloped by greenery, creating a sense of space and openness. It requires serious willpower to venture out when there’s Ormos Beach Club, a sexy swim-up pool bar for slushie cocktails; Pizza Sapienza, an okamase pizza bar that will change your relationship with carbs forever; an indoor-outdoor lap pool that seems to float between sea and sky, and a serene spa that blends Eastern and Mediterranean botanical remedies. From $1,095/night. Accessible hotel. — Rachel Howard

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Belmond

Mexican architect Jose Luis Moreno was scouting for a home by plane when he first saw the 200-acre piece of land that would eventually become Maroma , the Riviera Maya’s first luxury resort, which opened in 1995. By 2021, the white stucco property, by then part of the Belmond group, was ready for a glow-up. After a two-year closure and $45 million design overhaul by London-based Tara Bernerd & Partners, Maroma now fully channels the joy of Mexico. Some 700,000 clay tiles were sourced from Jalisco for the 72 rooms and suites, but strategic pops of yellow — on an umbrella by the saltwater pool or woven into loaner guest caftans by female artisans in Chiapas — are what caught my eye. Chef Curtis Stone crafts a menu of fire-roasted meats and seafood at Woodend, while at Casa Mayor, executive chef Daniel Camacho sources 90 percent of his ingredients from within Mexico, including surprises such as a regional coffee of the day. (I loved the beans from Veracruz.) The electric-white beach is still the main draw, but when you need a break from the sunshine, a small-batch tequila and raicilla tasting in the private cantina awaits. From $1,095/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

Mollie Aspen, Colorado 

Courtesy of Mollie Aspen

By the time I made it to Mollie Aspen in January, only a month into the hotel’s life, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky had reportedly already been through. That’s Aspen for you. Rihanna’s pick, unsurprisingly, hits; the hybrid lobby-restaurant-cafe is cozy without the in-your-face, capital-m Mountain Vibes. (Read: no taxidermy.) At the restaurant, furnished with soft brown banquettes and deep chestnut leather couches, I had a winter salad with roasted squash and a perfectly smashed burger on a toasty sesame bun. Mollie’s food and drinks are by Death & Co. , and as a longtime fan of the cocktail empire that brought us now-classic cocktails like the mezcal-aperol Naked & Famous, I mostly came to the new hotel to eat and drink. I ended my Saturday night at the hotel with fried, powdered sugar–dusted zeppole and a Pineapple Express, a non-alcoholic cold brew and Seedlip concoction that could give even the best espresso martini a run for its money. It was a perfect drink to nurse while warming my hands by the slate and marble–lavished fireplace, but I’m eager to return in the summer when the third-floor rooftop terrace bar will open with exceptional views of Aspen Mountain and an al fresco plunge pool. The design of the 68 rooms match the muted common space aesthetics — all by Brooklyn, New York–based Post Company , whose work shows up twice more on It List this year: natural wood and butter-soft black leather, Maison Balsac tinted glass water pitchers, Parachute sheets, grid-patterned rugs, and of course, mountain views. From $500/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao Island, Philippines

Courtesy of Nay Palad

This resort on the soft sands of Siargao Island, a 90-minute flight from Manila, has been reborn. It used to be Dedon Island, an upscale tropical hotel from the owners of outdoor furniture company Dedon, until 2021’s Typhoon Odette all but leveled the property. In June 2023 it rose again, as Nay Palad Hideaway . You can expect warm, thoughtful service, and the resort staff can arrange activities, like island-hopping yacht excursions and picnic lunches under coconut trees, that are just right for jealousy-inducing selfies. But you should take time to enjoy the comfort and charm of your villa, too. Whether you’re staying in a tucked-away garden unit surrounded by sweet-smelling spider lilies or hiding out with your crew in the three-bedroom Perlah Villa, these spacious dwellings are sanctuaries in themselves. Most of the furniture was made by artisans from Siargao and evokes the easy-breezy vibe of island life: oversize wooden headboards carved with jungle motifs, woven loveseats that swing from the ceiling, and baskets in the shape of crabs. In addition to these quirky details, however, what elevates the 10 pointy-roofed villas is their size — each has indoor and outdoor showers, a private patio large enough for yoga sessions, and a secret loft space that can act as a separate lounge or extra bedroom. From $1,780/night.​ — Chadner Navarro

Nolinski Venezia

Guillaume de Laubier/Courtesy of Nolinski Venezia

Venice may be slowly sinking, but the enchanting canal-filled city proved irresistible to Evok Collection , the group behind a handful of boutique hotel brands in France. Its first property in Italy recently opened in the 1929 Stock Exchange building near Piazza San Marco and brought some French je ne sais quoi (and superlative croissant-making skills) to La Serenissima. Entering the red-carpeted foyer, head to the ground-floor restaurant, Il Caffè, which serves an excellent fritto misto in an intimate dining room with exposed brick walls or the adjacent courtyard. Upstairs, the design becomes even more show-stopping. Off the colonnaded second-floor lobby is the cozy Library Bar, replete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked with more than 4,000 books, a piano, velvet banquettes, and a Marc Chagall–inspired ceiling mural by French artist Simon Buret. Housed in the former council chamber’s auditorium, the Palais Royal Restaurant sports a glamorous midcentury air and serves an à-la-carte breakfast menu worth waking up for, especially those buttery French croissants and pain au chocolat. Though the hotel owners are French, there are nods to Venice, including around 600 Murano glass objects, some in the shape of an octopus, a recurring motif. The 43 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with stucco headboards, mango wood paneling, and bathrooms featuring mosaic tiles and Japanese Toto toilets. Suites come with a separate sitting area, a bar stocked with complimentary full-size bottles of premium liquors, and elegant cocktail glasses in which to drink them. Fancy a midnight soak? A small indoor pool on the top floor festooned with gold mosaic tiles is open 24/7. From $851/night. Accessible hotel. — Laura Itzkowitz

Norumbega Inn, Camden, Maine

Courtesy of Norumbega Inn

Just north of Camden, Maine, on Route 1, the towering, turreted “ Castle by the Sea ” has been winning the hearts of road-trippers and romantics for the better part of 130 years. After an overhaul by owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie, who purchased the property in 2022, the interiors of this Gilded Age treasure now live up to the grand facade. New York City–based design firm Studiocake was tapped to collaborate on the refreshed look, which is inspired by the home’s original owner: an inventor and globetrotter named Joseph Baker Stearns. The finishes and furnishings layer old and new, and give guests the impression that they’ve been spirited away to a storied country estate. You might encounter a pressed-flower collage by artist Tricia Paoluccio across from an antique chest of drawers, or one of Greta Grossman’s midcentury modern Grasshopper lamps perched next to a Baroque-inspired carved wooden chair with tapestry cushions. Norumbega’s 11 rooms each have their own selling point, such as the curving leaded-glass panes of the turret room, the second-floor gallery in the library room, or the sweeping views of Penobscot Bay from the top-floor balcony. If you can bear to leave your room, there’s a lounge with a grand piano and a well-stocked library waiting downstairs, along with a basement game room, a bar overlooking the grassy back lawn, and a covered porch where you can hang out in warm weather with a cocktail and a pulpo snack plate whipped up by the property’s Peruvian chef. From $229/night. — Lila Harron Battis

North Island Okavango, Botswana

Martin Harvey/Courtesy of Natural Selection

North Island Okavango ’s greatest luxury is its exclusivity. Set amid tall ebony trees on the edge of a lagoon frequented by elephants and hippos, the idyllic camp has just three tents — and it’s really a stretch to call them “tents,” though their roofs are indeed made of canvas. Each luxurious suite has 850 square feet of indoor space — living room, bar area, one-and-a-half bathrooms — and 650 square feet outside. They all have indoor and outdoor showers as well as a soaking tub with lagoon views. While the furnishings are carefully chosen, the decor — contemporary African baskets, fine woodwork, flat-weave rugs — never steals attention from the stunning surroundings. That all-too-rare feeling of immersion in nature continues when you’re out on safari. North Island, part of the Natural Selection portfolio of camps and lodges, sits in a section of the Okavango with few other safari camps, so you’ll rarely see other tourists. Wildlife is plentiful — on my trip, I spotted not just lions and leopards, but also sitatungas, an unusual amphibious antelope. And because of North Island’s prime location in the Okavango Delta’s neck, there are year-round opportunities to travel both on land and by water, either by the local dugout canoes called mokoro or by motorboat, which are ideal for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The solar-powered camp’s design honors its environment in other ways, too: North Island Okavango’s tents and the network of decks on which they sit can be totally deconstructed, with no permanent trace on the fragile ecosystem. And because the surrounding concession belongs to a community trust, a portion of the revenues directly supports five nearby villages. From $1,395 per person per night. — Jeff Chu

Oceania Cruises’ Vista

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The new Oceania Vista is in a class of its own; no really, it’s the first in Oceania Cruises ’ new Allura class. Of its 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings–owned brand — including a high-end cocktail spot called Founders’ Bar, serving 26 intricate drinks that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. As Oceania levels up, the cruise line has produced a ship that feels more like a floating resort than the vessels that came before. There’s pickleball; a health-conscious restaurant, Aquamar, serving made-to-order salads and pressed juices; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: There are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor and two massive terraces (2,400 square feet). But the most hotel-like touch? A celebrity chef–driven restaurant, Toscana, where Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I was particularly excited to try her signature, Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti, and lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers didn’t disappoint. From $2,499 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

One&Only Aesthesis, Greece 

On the Athens Riviera, 10 miles from the city center, Greece’s first One&Only seems to float along the tranquil Saronic Gulf. Spacious “residences,” designed for families and groups of friends, unfold onto private stretches of beach, and waterfront bungalows have wooden docks and ladders that descend to the water. The stay is more akin to a Mykonos vacation than a city break, yet I could get to the Acropolis in less than an hour. Though the tavernas and wine bars of Athens beckoned, I was reluctant to miss any meals at the resort, where chef Paco Morales — known for the Michelin three-starred Noor, in Córdoba, Spain — has a pop-up that serves chicken croquettes topped with ras al hanout mayo and delicate, flash-fried calamari stuffed into a brioche. The food wasn’t the only luxury: the country’s first Guerlain Spa, where I indulged in an ultra-hydrating facial, made it even harder to leave the resort. From $1,620/night.​ — Maya Kachroo-Levine

One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai 

Courtesy of One&Only Resorts

In Dubai, change is intentional — and the opening of One&Only One Za’abeel , the One&Only Resorts brand’s first hotel in the heart of a major city, is no exception. In the affluent Za’abeel district, the hotel is connected to an adjoining tower by the world’s longest cantilever , the 750-foot-long Link, a concept by Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei that hovers more than 300 feet above the ground. Inside, the resort vibe is brought to life by noted Aman designer Jean-Michel Gathy, with a soothing color palette and rich textures that pay homage to the country’s desert landscapes. The 229 rooms and suites continue the elegance with sand, taupe, and gold tones, marble floors, and carpets so soft you’d sleep on them if there wasn’t already a plush, king-size bed calling your name. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw your eyes to the horizon over Old Dubai or the futuristic skyline of Downtown Dubai, depending on your room. Relaxation is built into the resort’s ethos, with a three-floor spa, the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. I enjoyed a 90-minute Longevity Path to Detox treatment, a three-step process that involves phytotherapy and hydrotherapy. But where the intentionality behind One&Only One Za’abeel shines is in its cuisine. In step with Dubai’s plans to become a major culinary destination , the resort offers 11 exceptional restaurants and six chefs known for their Michelin-starred restaurants (chef Anne-Sophie Pic of London’s La Dame De Pic , for example). From the inventive street food at StreetXO by chef Dabiz Muñoz (try the paella pollo and caviar) to the interactive Andaliman, where dishes like the Jimbaran-style grilled red snapper are prepared tableside, each restaurant feels like a destination in its own right. Even indecisive eaters will find a home at the upscale food hall, Arrazuna, where sampling everything is expected. To wind down, grab a sunbed at Tapasake Pool Club, take a dip in the 393-foot-long infinity pool, the longest in the UAE, and watch the sunset. From $835/night. Accessible hotel. — Danielle Pointdujour

Otro Oaxaca, Mexico

Courtesy of Otro Oaxaca/Design Hotels

Directly across the street from Oaxaca’s Baroque cathedral Santo Domingo, Otro Oaxaca boasts perhaps the best views and most coveted location of any hotel in the cobblestoned city. The newest opening from Mexican boutique hotel firm Grupo Habita , Otro is its fourth installment in the state of Oaxaca. Otro is just a short walk from some of the city’s most tempting restaurants, museums, and attractions, yet it offers guests a tranquil respite from the clamor. The neo-vanguardist hotel, with its natural palette of reclaimed wood, adobe, brick, and iron, is a dream for design aficionados, and each of its 16 utilitarian rooms includes surprising pops of color, like green–coated aluminum bed frames with built-in bedside tables and burgundy suede blackout curtains. On the rooftop, guests can take in the panoramic views of Oaxaca’s central valleys while lounging on French terry cloth daybeds lining the lap pool. For those who prefer more private swimming quarters, book an hour-long slot at Otro’s subterranean plunge pool, meant to mimic a cenote. I happily spent 60 minutes luxuriating in the underground space before heading to dinner at Otro’s restaurant. I started my meal by choosing from a wide selection of mezcals, the menu offering everything from espadín to rare agave spirits like tepeztate and tobasiche . Otro’s dinner menu highlights the bounty of Oaxacan seafood, with fish delivered daily from the coast. The stone crab pâté toast with fermented black garlic — at once sweet, savory, and with generous hunks of meaty crab — is a must-order. From $300/night. — Catherine Tansey

Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Tampa, Florida

Courtesy of Palisociety

Accessed from a street-level scene of upscale boutiques and restaurants in one of Tampa’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods, Palihouse Hyde Park Village made me feel like I was arriving at a friend’s house. Inside I found a two-story lobby with checkerboard terrazzo floors and a coffered white oak paneling; elsewhere in the property I spotted other surprising touches, like a three-tier, hand-blown glass chandelier, a framed collection of vintage Hermès scarves, and handmade Mexican ceramic tiles. The hotel’s living-room-style lounge, the Lobby Bar, is perfect for cocktails and conversation, and serves breakfast plus an all-day bar menu featuring classic burgers, lobster tacos, and tuna tartare. Tucked away down art-filled corridors are 36 rooms outfitted with Smeg mini fridges, custom wallpaper and drapery, and a cocktail bar stocked with artisan spirits, tools, and tumblers for in-room cocktail hour. Outside in the leafy Hyde Park Village neighborhood, you can browse boutiques, bike along the nearby bayfront, or just picnic on pizza under the shade of a live oak. From $305/night. Accessible hotel. — Terry Ward

Pelorus Private Island, Australia

Jason Ierace/Courtesy of Pelorus Private Island

The Indigenous Manbarra people, custodians of Australia’s Palm Islands for millennia, believe this small, northeastern archipelago was formed when the Rainbow Serpent emerged from the Queensland tablelands and lay down in the ocean. The islands, strewn across the Coral Sea, are the vertebrae of its spine. On the northernmost island, known as Pelorus, North Palm, or Yanooa, an $8 million property with five lavish residences has opened, promising the most exclusive – and inclusive – accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef. Access to this isolated idyll is by helicopter (30 minutes) or motor yacht (five hours) from the Queensland city of Townsville. At the southwestern tip of a 1,000-acre tropical island, guests are greeted with chilled towels and Champagne before hosts Grant Logan and Kate Hawkins settle them into their reclusive hideaway. The modernist pavilion-style building features an infinity pool and generous interior spaces of neutral tones and native timbers to ensure the eye is always drawn to the saturated blues and greens of your playground: the Coral Sea. Days are as active or sedentary as you desire, with every imaginable water toy – Jet Skis, Seabobs, water bicycles, and a motorboat – at your disposal for island or outer reef explorations. Craving company, a spa treatment, or a quick lesson in marine science? Sibling resort Orpheus Island Lodge, a short speedboat ride across the strait, has a restaurant, day spa, and marine research center. From $13,067 per night for two people. Accessible hotel. — Kendall Hill

Pendry Newport Beach, California

Courtesy of Pendry Newport Beach

Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, the latest addition to the Pendry portfolio promises to establish itself as an Orange County icon — following in the footsteps of its long-loved sibling property, Montage Laguna Beach , 11 miles down the road. In true younger sibling form, Pendry Newport Beach is Montage’s cool, trendy foil that comes alive at night. After the sun sets on the cabana-lined pool and fireside Jacuzzi out back, a vibrant atmosphere unfolds at Bar Pendry, where locals mingle with hotel guests over craft cocktails. After joining in the revelry with a smoky bourbon for him and a tropical, toasted coconut–topped concoction for me, my fiancé and I ducked into the hotel’s private wing for a more subdued nightlife scene at the members-only Elwood Club . The club hosts a coastal Italian restaurant, Viamara , and a cozy sports pub where we swung our way through a few rounds in the Topgolf Swing Suite. But the late-night highlight is its cabaret, where we sat in a velvet booth listening to live jazz over two glasses of red. At Set Steak & Sushi , dinner is an event in its own right as bluefin tuna pizza, Peking duck, and prime steaks are served beneath glowing lanterns on a romantic terrace, or inside a stylish nautical-themed dining room. The 40-ounce tomahawk still regularly makes its way into our dinner conversations. Spread throughout a 20-story tower, the hotel’s 295 guest rooms, 114 of which are suites, are sleek and contemporary, offering a spacious home base from which to explore the area. You won’t wake up on a beachfront, but you will find yourself close to must-visit spots such as Balboa Island, Crystal Cove, and Corona del Mar. Take advantage of Pendry’s Ride & Drive program and grab keys to a Cadillac at no charge, or strap on a helmet and take out a Scott e-bike. If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t worry, Paintbox, the on-site kids’ club, will entertain them while you’re out. Or, you may decide to use your kid-free time to pamper yourself at the spa; it’s the only Spa Pendry with a MediSpa machine and cryotherapy. From $396/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Raffles Boston

Courtesy of Raffles Boston

The 137-year-old Raffles hotel brand is finally making a splash in North America — and in Boston, of all places. Opened in September and set in a 35-story tower in the well-heeled Back Bay neighborhood, it is as smashing as you’d expect. On arrival, I was whisked to the 17th-floor Sky Lobby, which has wraparound views of the skyline. My room was sumptuous, with sophisticated gold and black touches that gesture to the brand’s Asian roots. Butler service was discreet and attentive — after check-in, I found a chilled cranberry cocktail called the “Boston Sling” (a nod to the Singapore Sling, which was created at the flagship property in 1915) waiting in the room’s glass-fronted wooden bar. From $700/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Cantrell

Raffles London at The OWO 

Flora Stubbs/Travel + Leisure

In a city where splashy new hotels seem to pop up on a weekly basis, how do you make sure your property makes the biggest splash of them all? In the case of Raffles London at The OWO , it went something like this: Purchase the landmarked Old War Offices from Britain’s Ministry of Defense (rumored listing price: $450 million). Lavish more than $1.25 billion on restoring its hallowed corridors, along which Sir Winston Churchill famously strode, making decisions that altered the face of history as he went. (The wood-paneled office in which he decided to enter World War II is now part of the Churchill Suite, bookable for $29,000 a night.) To keep things contemporary, install a gleaming, 27,000-square-foot Guerlain spa over four subterranean floors and invite Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on the French Riviera, to oversee three of the hotel’s nine restaurants, including an eponymous dining room focused on the finest ingredients from the British Isles. The effect of all this? Every bit as dazzling as you might expect. Stepping through The OWO’s Portland Stone portico on Whitehall Street, I was wowed by the Grand Staircase, above which a 26-foot Murano glass chandelier hangs like a benevolent planet. Up on the third floor, my boots sunk into the deep, cream and ruby-red carpets now lining the building’s 2.5 miles of corridor, along which boy scouts once delivered messages by bicycle. I stayed in a suite named after Vera Atkins, a British-Romanian spy — one of eight female politicians, spies, and public figures around whom the hotel’s expansive corner suites are themed. Thierry Despont, the late Parisian interiors star, sprinkled his fairy dust over all of The OWO’s 120 accommodations; the Atkins suite had an updated art deco look, with curvaceous velvet banquettes and heavy-cream accents to brighten up all the wood paneling and parquet. Speaking of spies, “James Bond” author Ian Flemming regularly visited the OWO’s library (now the restaurant Mauro Colagreco), and the building itself has appeared in no fewer than five Bond movies, as the MI6 offices. There may be stiff competition among high-end London hotels, but there can be few that deliver a more quintessentially British experience than this one. From $1,385/night. Accessible hotel. — Flora Stubbs  

Regent Hong Kong

Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Regent Hong Kong has been a fixture in the city’s Kowloon area since 1980, but it just reopened after a massive two-year renovation. Walking onto the newly renovated property felt like entering a secret oasis in a city of 7.4 million people. The hotel presents like a sanctuary, starting with the Feng Shui fountain outside and the terrace with lush landscaping and three infinity pools. My room had a window-front daybed and a deep soaking tub from which I could enjoy the views across the city’s iconic Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. And should you, like me, not want to leave unless absolutely necessary, know there are excellent on-site dining options. The hotel is home to seven restaurants and bars, including Michelin two-starred Lai Ching Heen ; an outpost of Nobu; and Harbourside, where guests can indulge in an elevated daily buffet for breakfast and lunch. I found myself crippled with decision fatigue on what to eat for breakfast — the local specialties, the continental breakfast, the fresh-baked pastries, or all of the above? The answer was obviously D, all of the above. From $767/night. Accessible hotel. — Susmita Baral

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , sailed its inaugural season in December, joining sibling ships Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as the newest member of the luxury fleet. The cruise line is a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers for its gorgeous ships and all-inclusive pricing that covers unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants, and even round-trip airfare. Grandeur lives up to its name thanks to stunning, art-filled spaces designed by cruise ship interior experts Studio Dado: signature restaurant Compass Rose is enchanting with interiors inspired by a fairy-tale forest; the Observation Lounge sparkles with an undulating chandelier and swanky bar; and the $11,000-per-night Regent Suite has a private en suite spa and custom Treesse mini pool. As I boarded Grandeur for the ship’s inaugural sailing, I was mesmerized by the grand staircase and glittering chandelier. And with a maximum capacity of 744 guests, I found it easy to take time to myself in the myriad of quiet spots tucked throughout the ship, whether in the Serene Spa and Wellness area, in the Library, or on the Sports Deck overlooking the ocean. Seven restaurants include specialty steakhouse Prime 7, pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, and breakfast and lunch buffet La Veranda, which refines the cruise buffet experience with daily specials like paella and sushi. Several bars and lounges, a pool and hot tubs, a casino, Broadway-style productions, and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen make the ship a destination in itself, though guests will want to take advantage of those included excursions on Caribbean, Central American, North American, and European itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, during the ship’s 2024 season. From $4,669 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Roost Detroit

Matthew Williams/Courtesy of ROOST Detroit

Tucked inside Detroit’s iconic Book Tower, this Roost location merges the comforts of a contemporary home with the elegance of a bygone era. The building’s past and future blend seamlessly, thanks to a transformative renovation by the real estate firm Bedrock Detroit. The painstaking restoration, conducted over a seven-year period, invokes the structure’s Italian Renaissance–revival style, originally conceived by architect Louis Kamper in the 1920s, which includes awe-inspiring arches and a romantic rotunda that now floats above an all-day café and wine bar. The property has been updated with a contemporary art collection curated by the Library Street Collective gallery and features pieces by local creatives Senghor Reid and Sydney James. Travelers staying in one of the property’s 117 apartment suites will love the spacious floor plans, some of which feature Detroit river views.

But the details are what define the guest experience: stellar service, Le Labo Santal 33 amenities, elevated electronics from Sonos and Samsung, and colorful Fortessa glassware are just a few ways this property defies the expectations of a standard extended stay. Roost is also an ideal hideaway for remote work: a 3,000-square-foot study also serves as a co-working space and lounge that features private booths and retreat-ready conference rooms. There are several restaurants, including a chic rooftop bar named Kampers, but Le Supreme is the one that stands out. This Parisian-inspired brasserie has vintage-inspired decor. I parked myself in a booth and ordered a rhubarb and rosé-filled Mon Cheri cocktail, which paired well with the peppercorn-crusted filet mignon and a shrimp, avocado, and mâche salad. From $289/night. Accessible hotel. — Keyaira Boone

Rosemary, Marrakesh

Marina Denisova/Courtesy of Rosemary

Hidden behind a hand-carved cedar door, Rosemary is the latest example of the creative energy sizzling through this ancient city. The five-bedroom guesthouse was designed by Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert, who founded the ceramics and textile brand Lrnce, known for its cool, artsy aesthetic. Working with more than 30 local artisans, she used materials sourced in Morocco — including stained glass from Meknes, pots from Safi, and marble from Rabat. Every inch of the riad is an expression of her imagination, from the abstract drawings hand-carved into sandstone tables to the colorful murals made from zellige tiles. Squint and you’ll notice that each of the tiles in the bathroom is a miniature painting; find out more in the ceramic and plaster workshops that turn Rosemary into a creative hub. From $236/night.​ — Chloe Sachdev

Rosewood Munich 

Davide Lovatti/Courtesy of Rosewood

Entering the Rosewood Munich , a hotel 10 years in the making, feels like walking into your friend’s living room (granted, your most stylish friend’s living room), with a grand lobby where you can sink into plush seating while sampling the local sweets the hotel puts out to satisfy your sugar cravings. Cuvilliés, the brasserie open to both guests and locals, is one of the poshest new restaurants in Munich, with ingredients sourced from the region, including Helmut Schlader Alpine caviar, wagyu beef from Tegernsee, and lamb from a breeder in Jochberg. Guests can retire to their apartment-style rooms, decked out in bespoke furnishings and all-marble baths. The most luxurious accommodations, though, are Rosewood’s five houses, with unparalleled amenities like full kitchens, massive soaking tubs, private courtyard terraces, and more than 2,600 square feet of living space. My favorite spot at the hotel is much smaller: the ultra-exclusive speakeasy, 100B, hidden on the property. During my visit to the hotel, I caught a rare glimpse inside the space to find soft, red velvet furnishings accent rich, dark-wood walls, made all the better by its top-shelf drink offerings, including hard-to-find bottles of Pappy Van Winkle and other rarified liquors. The only way in is to butter up a bartender, who may or may not acknowledge its very existence. From $865/night. Accessible hotel. — Stacey Leasca

Sha Wellness Clinic Mexico

Courtesy of SHA Mexico

Wellness culture reaches its apex at Sha Wellness Clinic , open since January 2024 in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, just north of Cancun. The 100-room property, with 35 privately owned residences, offers an all-inclusive, immersive wellness experience in four- to 21-day programs. Guests engage in wellness therapies, ranging in scope from the medical – intravenous oxygenation, for instance – to the therapeutic, like Shiatsu massage. Upon arrival, each traveler receives a state-of-the-art evaluation, assessing everything from body composition to vascular age to muscular strength, to determine specific wellness needs. My own four-day Rebalance & Energize program included sessions with a Chinese medicine specialist for acupuncture and energy healing; a consultation with a head nutritionist for a meal plan; various overall health assessments with the clinic’s physicians; a Tibetan sound bowl session; and a water-based treatment called the hydroenergetic detox, in which I was wrapped in seaweed and massaged by machine. Shamadi, the nutrition-focused fine-dining venue, serves sophisticated, multicourse menus both inside and outside, on a terrace overlooking the sea. (A second restaurant, Earthy, focused on live-fire cooking, is set to open soon.) When they aren’t meeting with the clinic’s trained professionals, guests are also welcome to use the property’s hydrotherapy circuit, infinity pools, and fitness facility, or snorkel at the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. During my stay, a swim with a school of stunning barracuda, shimmering in Caribbean sunlight, proved particularly restorative. Four-night program from $5,600, all-inclusive. – Hannah Selinger

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Elise Hassey/Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

There are still wildly beautiful and enchanted pockets of the world to discover, and this new property — imagined by celebrated interior designer Bill Bensley — is right in the heart of one: the ancient Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, close to the border of Tibet. From the outside, this U-shaped structure, built using local Baglung stone, resembles a monastery. But inside, thanks to Bensley’s historical research and taste for rich color and pattern, it feels like an elegant, colorful palace. Large public spaces are appointed with a mix of antique Mustang treasures, lampshades decorated with cascading yak hair, and pops of orange and yellow. When not on daily excursions to nearby temples and villages, guests can visit the resort’s spa, which is overseen by a doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine. Each of the 29 rooms has a spacious bathroom — many with deep tubs — as well as woven tiger rugs on the polished black wood floors, and felt blankets from a Nepal-based workshop that supplies Hermes. But none of it can begin to compete with the view of Mount Nilgiri through the floor-to-ceiling windows. From $1,800/night, with a five-night minimum. Accessible hotel. — Gisela Williams  

Silversands Beach House, Grenada 

Courtesy of Silversands

Just three minutes from the airport — and steps from Portici Beach — the latest from luxury hospitality brand Silversands is a 28-room resort with hillside rooms offering panoramic views and canopied beachfront suites that almost touch the surf. All are designed with relaxing neutral tones, artwork handpicked by the property’s Egyptian developer, Naguib Sawiris, and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that lead to expansive terraces or decks. The restaurant, Azzurro, blends Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines in dishes like pasta topped with coconut-​and-panko-crusted shrimp and island-inspired sorbets. There are three more restaurants for guests to enjoy, as well as the longest pool in the Caribbean, at the bigger Silversands Grand Anse, 15 minutes away via Mercedes-Benz shuttle. From $700/night. Accessible hotel. ​ — Danielle Pointdujour

Silversea’s Silver Nova

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Carrying 728 passengers, Silver Nova is big for the luxury sector, but boasts a hugely important metric: a capacious passenger space ratio — that is, the number of guests relative to the size of the ship. Simply put, this ship offers more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel. Silver Nova is wrapped in glass, with an asymmetrical layout; the funnel is positioned off-center, so is the pool, offering an expansive, uncluttered pool deck. Many features of the brand-new ship recall previous Silversea successes, my favorite of which is the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, expanded for Silver Nova . S.A.L.T. perks include a gorgeous, sea-facing lab for hands-on culinary lessons (at no additional cost), plus a new concept, the Chef’s Table, where an 11-course menu is prepared for just 24 diners. All facets of the S.A.L.T. ecosystem, including ingredients, a bar, lectures, and shore excursions, are keyed to the region Nova is sailing. While food is a drawing card for Silver Nova , accommodations also received a revamp. Tied to the theme of bringing the outside in, there are brilliant new suites found in the aft starboard corner of the ship, with wraparound balconies revealing a 270-degree view.  This is where you can tuck me in when I win the lottery and head off on a world cruise. But until then, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top-deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding. From $3,250 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — David Swanson

Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, Costa Rica

Juan Tribaldos/Courtesy of Silvestre Nosara

If there is a formula for building a hotel that immediately makes you feel at home, Chris Ingham Brooke and Ilya Korolev, the owners of Costa Rica's newest boutique stay, Silvestre Nosara , have nailed it. Maybe it's because the nine-key property is also where Brooke and his family live, or perhaps it's because every single detail of the spacious residences was executed with the utmost consideration for the comfort and privacy of families. Each apartment-like residence has two bedrooms and two en suite bathrooms, plus floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to patios or balconies. The ground-level residences feature lush private gardens with saunas and cold-plunge bathtubs. The kitchens come with fully stocked refrigerators, and if you run out of something, the concierge team is happy to run out and get it from a nearby organic food store. Guests can head to the two-level rooftop for breakfast; the roof is also where you'll find the hotel's infinity pool and cabanas, surrounded by a canopy of trees providing shade from the ground. Naturally, if you've come all the way to Nosara with your family , you're probably here to soak up the sun and catch a few waves. So grab a complimentary board from the hotel's surf school and head straight down the hotel’s jungle path to the famous Playa Guiones, just five minutes away. From $960/night, with a three-night minimum. — Dobrina Zhekova

Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania

Courtesy of Singita

The most low-key property in Singita’s illustrious East African lineup is also the most exclusive. Singita Mara River Tented Camp is one of only a few permanent camps in the sought-after Lamai wedge, a spit of savanna sequestered from the vast Serengeti National Park by the Mara River. Reopened after a complete rebuild that saw infrastructure from the old camp cleverly repurposed, the camp is sexy and sustainable, and channels the adventurous spirit of a mobile operation — while still providing every imaginable creature comfort. Over 20 African designers and makers were commissioned to add their creative stamp to the new camp. The six well-spaced tents have king-size beds, outdoor tubs, and beaded Maasai artworks by Sidai Designs , an Arusha-based female collective. The chic but utilitarian interiors are done in bold blues and reds, inspired by traditional Maasai blankets. Compact design solutions like mobile wardrobes add to the clutter-free vibe; there’s even a canvas-clad mini-bar stocked with local beers, homemade fruit cordials, Champagne, and vegan chocolate. Like all Singita lodges, the hub of the camp is a bar where smoothies, cappuccinos, and craft cocktails are served by the 100-percent Tanzanian staff. The camp’s prime riverfront site guarantees front-row seats to all the predator-prey action during migration season, but sightings remain impressive year-round, thanks to plentiful resident plains game, including herds of buffalo and elephants, and all the big cats. Suites from $2,045 per person per night. — Jane Broughton

Six Senses Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Imagine you took a quiet, sleek spa with darkened windows and hushed hallways and deposited it onto a Swiss mountainside in an old ski town in the most skiable part of the Valais region, and you get the idea behind Six Senses Crans-Montana . In a town that still feels ripped from a 1987 calendar (in a good way!), the property is like a portal to the future that you can ski right into — or out of. And when you enter that portal from the cold slopes, a “ski concierge” will be waiting to rush your gear into a warm room to dry before it’s delivered to you again on your way out in the morning. My favorite parts of the 45 room-resort were the views of the Alps and the huge soaking tub in my room. Byakko, a lacquered jewel box of a Japanese restaurant on the second floor, serves sushi and other dishes not quite local to the Rhône Valley. The more woodsy Wild Cabin, on the first floor, is where you can have your smoothies for breakfast, pizzas at lunchtime, or game-heavy dinners. A local charcuterie and cheese course is served every evening in the lobby bar. But the pièce de résistance is the spa, a steamy subterranean waterworks with hot tubs and cold plunges, two full-size pools, and toasty massage rooms. From $1,090/night. Accessible hotel. — Devin Friedman

Six Senses Rome

Courtesy of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

The Eternal City has plenty of exclusive hotels where the brass is polished to a shine and the Negronis flow easily (see: the famed Hotel de Russie terrace). The new Six Senses , a 96-room temple to wellness, smack on Via del Corso and a five-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, is a welcome departure from all that tradition. Fresh off a red-eye from New York City, I tested “biohacking” remedies at the subterranean spa, slipping on a blue-light facial mask, a back massager, and Normatec compression socks to shake off the jet lag, before making my way to a sprawling series of Roman baths — utterly palatial, by any city hotel standards. And though the property is housed in a 15th-century palazzo, with a central marble staircase that transported me back to the Renaissance, the overall vibe feels fresh and relaxed thanks to Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola. In a nod to well-being, the rooms are designed to soothe, from the spare, cocciopesto-covered walls to the divine Naturalmat organic mattresses. They also give you a sense of place — contemporary photos of ancient Roman busts crown the beds — and if you're willing to splurge, the license to live like a local. Book a deluxe junior suite with a terrace, and you can enjoy a bottle of wine outdoors with the rooftops of the city seemingly at your fingertips. The travertine-clad lobby embraces warm earth tones, with plants and a skylight bringing the outdoors in; for true alfresco living, don’t miss the Notos Rooftop, a combination yoga studio, restaurant, and farmers market. How very 21st century is that? From $1,083/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland 

From a distance, you could easily mistake Slieve Donard for a castle. The sprawling Victorian resort first opened 125 years ago as a railway hotel, becoming the grande dame of Newcastle, a small seaside resort town in Northern Ireland’s County Down. Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts — a brand with a collection of five historic properties located near some of Scotland and Northern Ireland’s best golf courses — completed Slieve Donard’s renovation in September. The transformed lobby and guest rooms highlight Northern Ireland’s natural beauty and the property’s heritage, and reimagined restaurants update the grandeur of the hotel’s heyday. J.J. Farrall’s, named after the hotel’s architect, serves afternoon tea and refined Irish cuisine at dinner; the Percy French, Lighthouse Lounge, and the Wolf offer more casual snacks and drinks. I was immediately struck by the hotel’s plush interiors, striking facade, and stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains. Many of the 180 rooms look out over the Mournes, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — and home to Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland and the hotel’s namesake. Beautiful hikes, Game of Thrones tours, and whisky distilleries are among the most popular things to do in the area, but many visitors come here for one thing: golf. The property is located right next to the Royal County Down Golf Club, which dates back to 1889 and is home to the Championship Course, widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. From $286/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, Mallorca, Spain

Courtesy of Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas

A stay at this sprawling property on Mallorca’s sunbaked western coast feels like a visit to a billionaire’s home, and in a sense, it is. Son Bunyola is the newest in Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition hotel collection. The centerpiece of the 1,300-acre plot is a 16th-century manor, which houses 26 rooms and suites. There are also three multi-bedroom villas, one of which is built into a defense tower that dates back to the 13th century. The design team managed to make these storied structures feel like a home away from home. The result is an exclusive Mediterranean hideaway where guests spend their days sunning on yachts, sipping Mallorcan wines, and indulging in ancient Moroccan rituals at the spa. Nights are filled with seven-course tasting menus and starry views. It’s an adult playground, and that’s by design. Thankfully, when you check out, you can take the handmade espadrilles in your room with you, to continue the relaxation at home. From $703/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia 

GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS/Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge

When Southern Ocean Lodge first opened on an island off the coast of southern Australia in 2008, it set the bar for all-inclusive eco-lodges in Australia with its spectacular setting, striking design, and precise yet easygoing hospitality. But the resort burned to the ground in one of the devastating bushfires of 2020. Sheltering underground with smoke seeping into their bunker, longtime managers John Hird and Alison Heath vowed to rebuild. Their employer, Baillie Lodges, agreed, and the lodge reopened this past December. The 25 terraced suites have been updated to include soaking tubs, double vanities, and master controls for zoned lighting. Furnishings are smartly positioned — I could count the night stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows from bed — and the suites have also been angled to provide maximum privacy and views of the surf on the beach below. Chef Tom Saliba makes ample use of island ingredients, like hand-fed partridges, which he barbecues, and mushrooms for whipped tofu with panisse at breakfast. The lounge features a 1970s-style central fireplace and plenty of comfortable seating, but perhaps its greatest charm is a wide-open bar generously stocked with ingredients, a cocktail book that guests are encouraged to use to mix their own drinks, and bar accoutrements. The wine cellar is filled with southern Australian bottles to wander in and grab. The expanded spa now includes warm pools and cold plunges, plus a sauna, and those looking for adventure can book guided tours to spot fur seals and endangered sea lions. From $2,213/night. Accessible hotel.­ — Betsy Andrews

Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Courtesy of Tanda Tula

At this reimagined camp in the Timbavati , one of South Africa’s lesser-known private nature reserves, there are 180-degree views of the Nhlaralumi River, which is dry for much of the year, allowing for feet-in-the-sand sundowners and barbecues after immersive game drives. Part of the Greater Kruger region, the reserve is known for guaranteed, year-round sightings of leopards lurking in riverine thickets, large herds of buffalo, packs of wild dogs running free, and numerous prides of lions — including rare white lions. But perhaps the real luxury of choosing this intimate camp is that you’ll rarely bump into other safari cars while exploring the ecosystem, unlike reserves located inside Kruger that can be overrun with tourists. The interiors of the nine off-grid suites channel a strong sense of place through homegrown design that feels refreshingly modern, while still honoring the intricate patterns of traditional Tsonga motifs. Everything is steeped in the colors of the surrounding bush — including the deep aubergine of the purple pod cluster leaf, an indigenous tree. Sleek, statement bathrooms lead to open-air showers, private plunge pools, and incredible views. The service feels easy and intuitive, whether you’re arranging a massage in your suite or ordering lunch on your deck. Menus are in sync with the seasons and champion fresh produce grown by small-scale local farmers. Uplifting people is part of Tanda Tula’s DNA: through the work of the property’s foundation, your stay helps fund educational opportunities and scholarships for bright young minds, as well as an adult literacy program for staff. Suites from $1,338 per person per night. Accessible hotel. — Jane Broughton

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City

William Abranowicz/Courtesy of The Fifth Avenue Hotel

The buzz on social media surrounding the debut of The Fifth Avenue Hotel was hard to ignore — especially with Sarah Jessica Parker as host of the grand opening. The Fifth, as those in the know call it, brought new life into Manhattan’s hospitality scene with 153 rooms and suites decorated in a maximalist style by the firm of designer du jour Martin Brudnizki. The interiors are defined by rich colors; luxurious tapestries; artwork like Queen Mary, a portrait by Alanna Airitam; and Murano-glass chandeliers that provide an air of fantasy. Café Carmellini, from chef Andrew Carmellini, is reminiscent of the HBO series The Gilded Age, with lush fabrics and balcony seating overlooking the dining room. But instead of icy glares between the Astors and the Russells, you’ll find delicious dishes like lobster cannelloni and rabbit cacciatore. Before you head back to your room, have a nightcap at the Portrait Bar. The Cebu Island, an inspired cocktail blending rum, scotch, and Midori with a variety of tropical ingredients, deserves a buzz of its own. From $895/night. Accessible hotel. ​— Danielle Pointdujour

The Georgian, Santa Monica, California 

Douglas Friedman/Courtesy of The Georgian

The First Lady, as The Georgian is often referred, first opened its doors in 1933 and quickly became a hangout for the Hollywood A-list crowd. In a sea of white buildings lining Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California, The Georgian’s not-quite-Tiffany & Co. blue facade with gold trim pops. The eight-story hotel reopened in 2023 after an extensive renovation, and for Blvd Hospitality co-owners Jon Blanchard and Nico Rusconi, deciding what stayed and what went was a grand undertaking. Stayed: the original bathrooms in the 56 guest rooms, including the antique tile work, and that unquestionably Georgian blue facade, which is echoed in the bellhops’ baby-blue uniforms. Another vintage nod: The Georgian Room restaurant hosts Spaghetti Sundays, where I feasted on house-made garlic bread, spaghetti in a hearty marinara sauce, and Grandpa Tony's Meatballs, all a nod to the Red Griffin, the restaurant The Georgian housed in the ‘50s. Currently, the hotel offers a total of 84 guest rooms (including 28 suites), two open-to-the-public restaurants, an art gallery (with new exhibitions opening every two weeks), a library curated by Lee Kaplan of Arcana Books , a Peloton-outfitted gym, and a sultry, U-shaped lobby bar. A feast for the eyes, textures and colors fill every space. Pink chairs and yellow booths populate the outdoor terrace, coral-colored feathered lamps and mustard floor-to-ceiling curtains are seen throughout the lobby, and black-and-white images of Santa Monica line the walls. In the guest suites (one of which is named after Blanchard’s son, Hudson), there are record players and art deco–inspired bars, complete with a quartet of buttons that read like a directory: “Champagne,” “dessert,” “book club,” and “the usual,” the last of which is meant for repeat guests and their beverage/room service order of choice. From $700/night. Accessible hotel. — Alexandra Cheney

The Hotel Maria, Helsinki, Finland

Courtesy of The Hotel Maria

Founded by an Olympic champion and named for Empress Maria Feodorovna, the cosmopolitan mother of Russia’s last tsar, Helsinki’s The Hotel Maria has ambitions as rarefied as its pedigree. In 2020, Finnish developer (and three-time Olympic gold medalist) Samppa Lajunen acquired a parcel of mostly 19th-century buildings in the elegant Kruununhaka neighborhood and set out to convert them into the five-star hotel he believed Finland’s capital needed. The result is a 117-key property that blends glossy international luxury with Nordic sensibilities in a way that feels classic, even pleasantly old-school, as well as purposefully Finnish. The spa, for example, provides guests with an opportunity to try out the national obsession by alternating between sauna and cold plunge. And, throughout the hotel, 200 dreamlike, silvery paintings of iconic flora and fauna by homegrown artist Pia Feinik are on display. Thanks to quirks of the historic structures, every room is unique. Entry-level guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and those seeking something more distinctive can choose from 38 suites, including the sprawling, kitchen-equipped Imperial Suite, which feels like the pied-à-terre of a minor royal. Perhaps as an antidote to the winter darkness, around 180 chandeliers blaze in Maria’s rooms and public spaces, most strikingly in the sleek Bar Maria, where clusters of stylized glass icicles glow softly overhead. At the hotel’s hushed and refined flagship restaurant, Lilja, local ingredients like reindeer and cloudberry are foregrounded, and elbow room abounds (Finns like their personal space). Although Helsinki is often visited only as a day trip off a Baltic cruise, it’s a city with a welcoming, walkable center that rewards a longer stay, especially with The Hotel Maria as an unabashedly fancy — though not stuffy — home base. From $487/night . Accessible hotel. — Maggie Shipstead

The Hoxton, Brussels

Courtesy of The Hoxton

In the rapidly developing Northern Quarter of Brussels, close to the Bruxelles-Nord railway station, is a 198-room outpost of The Hoxton , the U.K. hotel brand’s first in Belgium. Concrete architraves adorning the windows, which local architecture practice 51N4E left intact, are a stark yet nostalgic reminder of the building’s industrial and corporate past as the former IBM Tower. But the interiors, courtesy of in-house creative team Aime Studios, exude warmth and softness. For instance, the striking double-height lobby is filled with plants, in homage to the 19th-century botanical garden that once stood nearby. This greenery is juxtaposed with artwork (the lower level doubles as the Hox Gallery) and a smattering of glamorous vintage furniture snagged at flea markets and secondhand shops across the region. Public spaces are buzzy: Cantina Valentina, the Peruvian-style restaurant, is packed with locals devouring ceviche and tequeños against a backdrop of artist Madeleine Schilling’s dreamy botanical mural. There’s also Tope, a rooftop taqueria, where artist Claire de Quénetain’s painted pink ripple wallpaper is enjoyed alongside jalapeño margaritas, cacti, and heady views of the city. After a frothy, orange flower-scented Pisco sour nightcap in one of the lobby’s cocooning chairs, guests head up to their color-blocked rooms, a mélange of deep red, cream, and sky blue punctuated by striped headboards, long oval-shaped glass room dividers, and velvet sofas. Bathrooms, outfitted with confetti-pink pedestal sinks, exude an equally delightful retro feel. From $217/night. Accessible hotel. — Alia Akkam

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, Los Olivos, California

Courtesy of Inn at Mattei's Tavern/Auberge Resorts Collection

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern finally brings a luxurious place to stay to Los Olivos, a gem in the Santa Ynez Valley with a population of 1,132 that was crowned America’s best small food and culture town by T+L in 2023. The delightful 1880s property is pristine and enchantingly symmetrical, with guest houses coated in a gleaming layer of white paint and a red-shingled water tower sitting in the middle of an idyllic, greenhouse-flanked lawn. During my first evening, I crossed this perfect patch of grass to the Tavern restaurant for a round of martinis and just-out-of-the-oven focaccia, followed by clams served with a slab of pork belly in a garlicky broth. I then slipped down the hall to the Bar, housed in the tavern that original owner Felix Mattei opened in 1886, to finish my evening with a spicy red blend from the Santa Rita hills and a chocolate soufflé doused in caramel sauce. I loved strolling into town to taste wine at Dragonette Cellars , Story of Soil , and the beloved Stolpman Vineyards Fresh Garage — just a small sampling of the 27 wineries within walking distance of the hotel. There’s also the cute Los Olivos General Store and a new restaurant from the chef behind the Michelin-starred gem in nearby Los Alamos , Bell’s . But spending time at the hotel was equally tempting. On my last day, I gave in and just lazed by the pool, where I lunched on duck wontons and grilled shiitakes at the alfresco Gin’s Bar — named for Gin Lung Gin, the head chef at Mattei’s in the 1910s. From $950/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

The Lafayette Hotel & Club, San Diego

Courtesy of The LaFayette

After opening in 1946, The Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego quickly became a celebrity hot spot. Bob Hope, its first guest, owned a penthouse apartment there. Johnny Weissmuller, of “Tarzan” fame, designed the pool. Confirmed visitors included Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and Katharine Hepburn; local lore says Marilyn Monroe might have checked in with a politically powerful friend of hers. Over the subsequent decades, The Lafayette’s star flickered. Three years ago, local restaurateur Arsalun Tafazoli bought the hotel, and after a stunning, $31-million renovation, The Lafayette reopened this past summer. While the landmarked exterior is largely unchanged, the interior shouts loudly with new life. The Brooklyn, New York–based firm Post Company orchestrated the unabashedly maximalist design: sofas and chairs with leopard print, zebra stripes, and bold florals; multicolored Mexican Talavera toilets; hand-painted murals; one custom wallpaper featuring kimono-clad women, another with jungle-dwelling bush babies. Look closely at the bedside reading lamps and the posts of the canopy beds, and you might spot snakes; Tafazoli sees the creatures as avatars of revitalization because of how they shed their old skins. And this isn’t style over substance: There are Sferra linens on the beds, Diptyque toiletries in every bathroom, and even stationery custom-printed with the guest’s name on the desk in every room. Listen up; famed music producer Swizz Beatz curated the soundtrack. The Lafayette’s exuberant eclecticism continues in its bars — there are three, including The Gutter, where you can play skee-ball and shuffleboard while you drink — and its restaurants, most notably Quixote, where Mexican-born chef José Cepeda serves modern takes on venerable family recipes. From $248/night. Accessible hotel. — Jeff Chu

The Lana, Dubai

Courtesy of The Lana

The Middle East debut for the Dorchester Collection is just another sign that when it comes to hospitality, Dubai is on the level of London, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles. And The Lana still manages to stand out in a crowded field. That’s partly because of its location in Marasi Bay Marina, an upscale new development. The striking Foster & Partners building is avant-garde, while the interiors, from designers Gilles & Boissier, are more subtle, with soft pinks and sandy beiges that nod to the surrounding desert and elegant touches such as textured wallpaper and rich wood paneling in the 225 rooms and suites. There’s also a Dior spa and a trio of notable restaurants helmed by celebrated chefs — Martin Berasategui, Jean Imbert, and Angelo Musa. Locals are already clamoring to get into the rooftop bar, High Society, where I took in the skyline, martini in hand. From $925/night. Accessible hotel.­ — Chrissie McClatchie

The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, Kerala, India

Courtesy of The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts

On the banks of Kerala’s second largest lake, Ashtamudi, The Leela offers visitors the chance to experience the unhurried beauty of Kerala’s backwaters. Tourist traffic on Ashtamudi is substantially lower than at Kerala’s other waterways, like the sought-after Kumarakom Backwaters and Alleppey Backwaters. While the new hotel is still a work in progress — a bar and restaurant, among other things, are not yet open — it is arguably the best in this underappreciated region. On a recent trip, I saw no tourists as I took the hotel boat around the lake in search of brackish water dolphins, only fisherfolk tending to their nets. After a morning on the lake, I had lunch at the hotel overlooking the lakeside garden. Here, guests can have a chef prepare the fish they catch on their trip, or visit a local market with one to buy produce and cook it together. Later that day, I enjoyed an Abhyanga treatment at The Leela’s spa, where the masseurs kneaded my travel-weary back. The hotel’s 93 rooms and suites are tastefully done up; where some rooms feature traditional Kerala mural work drawn from Hindu myths, others carry modern art. The furniture, too, is a mix of colonial and contemporary. The room to book: the Royal Heritage suite that offers an expansive view of the lake, sunset included. From $97/night. Accessible hotel. — Prasad Ramamurthy  

The Peninsula London

Will Pryce/Courtesy of The Peninsula London

The Peninsula brand, which operates a 96-year-old flagship in Hong Kong as well as properties as far-flung as Beverly Hills and Istanbul, spent 35 years looking for the right address in London. They found it on a prime corner overlooking Wellington Arch, in the heart of Belgravia. The eight-story building, its Portland-stone facade a nod to British craftsmanship, opened to the public in 2023. The timing couldn’t have been better — or worse — depending upon how you look at it, as the British capital is experiencing a luxury hotel boom. So what sets The Peninsula London apart? That location, for one. I was able to walk to Harrods and Buckingham Palace in 15 minutes, and yet still feel tucked away from the fray, thanks to the quiet courtyard, anchored by two 120-year-old Japanese maple trees, and the subterranean, forest-themed spa. The 190 rooms, designed by Peter Marino to soothe with their neutral, calming tones, start at a very generous 549 square feet. But the biggest perk might be the in-room technology, a Peninsula signature, so seamless I could charge all of my devices on a bedside table (some cord-free) without unpacking an adapter. If some parts of the hotel lean classic, others skew more whimsical, including the rooftop Brooklands Bar & Restaurant by Claude Bosi, themed around race cars and aviation (even if you don’t eat there, have a peek at the replica Concorde suspended from the dining-room ceiling). And Canton Blue, the formal Chinese restaurant, is a true feast for the eyes with its displays of suspended porcelain cups, plates, and antique musical instruments. Full from the excellent soup dumplings and Peking duck, I left my table at 11:30 p.m. — and the room was still abuzz. From $1,600/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

The Pinch, Charleston, South Carolina

Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Pinch, Charleston

Just off of King Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the flicker of gaslight beckons those in the know down a cobblestone alley to The Pinch . Housed in a collection of 19th-century buildings, the property was brought to life by design and management company Method Co . Its 22 rooms and suites, plus three extended-stay residences, are furnished tip to toe in sumptuous materials — walnut herringbone floors, zellige tiles, burnt-orange velvet sofas, marble farmhouse sinks with unlacquered brass fixtures — but the overall feel is playful and easygoing, never fussy or formal. The hotel is also home to The Quinte, a moody, wood-paneled oyster bar that retains traces of its billiards parlor past, and Lowland, a fine-dining spot in a historic townhouse across the alleyway. Presiding over the culinary show is James Beard Award–winning executive chef Jason Stanhope, who gestures to Southern classics without veering into cliché. At Lowland, unexpectedly inspired dishes such as a celery salad with dates and cheddar stuck with me well after I pushed back from the table. The Pinch is just right for a long, leisurely stay, with washer-dryers in every room and kitchens that bear the design fingerprints of a true cook: hooded gas ranges, a full lineup of kitchen tools, and enough place settings to invite friends for dinner. It’s the details that make this place sing: there’s a white-noise machine by the bed, a burr grinder for the freshest coffee, a minibar lineup that nails the high-low mix (An adaptogenic zero-proof spritz? Yep. Moon pies? Also yep.). Pair all that with extended-stay discounts and a price tag that feels refreshingly reasonable, and a multiweek Charleston residency starts to look less like a pipe dream and more like an ideal plan for shaking off the midwinter blues. From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — Lila Harron Battis

The Restoration Asheville, North Carolina 

Blake Shorter/Courtesy of The Restoration Asheville

Front-door access to the best trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, abundant breweries, and a thriving art scene have made Asheville, North Carolina, one of T+L readers’ favorite American cities . But what’s long been missing is an elevated hotel in the heart of downtown. Enter The Restoration Asheville , a 60-key property from The Restoration Hotel Collection (which has a flagship property in Charleston ) that opened in April 2023. My room had a green suede chaise lounge and a dramatic, oversized church-window mirror. I appreciated the Appalachian touches throughout the property, like floor-to-ceiling murals by local painter Scott Allred depicting the nearby mountains. The library-themed lobby and the adjacent streetside patio are excellent places for coffee and people-watching. I also appreciated the variety of dining options, including The Exchange restaurant, which has upgraded Southern favorites, like a jalapeño- and buttermilk-battered fried chicken sandwich and a trout and chicory caesar salad, and The Draftsman, a basement-level bar with a bowling alley and skee-ball. But if you’ve come to Asheville, you’ve come to eat and drink your way through the city . I recommend brunch at Chai Pani or Cúrate , dinner at Neng Jr.’s , and cocktails at Anoche , a snug mezcal bar in the River Arts District. Plus, the new S&W Market , a food hall and taproom in a soaring art deco building, is next door to the Restoration. From $225/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Cantrell

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples , to me, has always embraced its status as a social hub with gusto. I’ve seen many an anniversary dinner, Champagne toast, and lavish, eggs Benedict–stuffed brunch celebrated on these grounds. Kids splash away in the wave-shaped family pool; adults indulge in stiff cocktails with their shoes off at Gumbo Limbo, the seaside restaurant; and everyone relaxes under the spell of that old-school, Ritz-Carlton service. Now, this 38-year-old resort – reopened after Hurricane Ian and a $100-million-plus glow up — leans more new school in its design. I was still greeted by a fleet of staffers outside the grand porte-cochere, but the lobby interior is less claustrophobic. Gone are the dark-wood beams, chandeliers, and thick carpet; in their place are brass accents and floating crystal pendants suspended above a marble-topped bar, the hot reservation on a Saturday night. The airy, nautical feel also extends into all 474 guest rooms, where I was impressed by the grasscloth headboards, the built-in bedside reading lamps, and the full-size bottles of Diptyque amenities. Seventy new suites and the largest Ritz-Carlton Club lounge in North America lie in the 14-floor Vanderbilt Tower, an addition that flows so well with the original building, you can’t really tell what’s old and new. Other fun tweaks include a new adults-only pool, 10 poolside bungalows (all named for Florida islands) with en suite bathrooms, and Sofra, which, unlike Gumbo, favors lighter dishes like heirloom tomato salad accompanied by barrel-aged feta and grilled whole sea bream. With dining trends moving the way they are these days, this Mediterranean spot, like the resort itself, will soon be the talk of the town. From $1,100/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

The Rome Edition

Nikolas Koenig/Courtesy of The Rome EDITION

The first thing you notice about The Rome Edition is its ideal location, a 10-minute walk from both the Borghese Gardens and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you’re struck by the floor-to-ceiling green velvet curtains designer Patricia Urquiola chose to contrast with the travertine walls of the lobby, while boxy white sofas echo the straight-lined architecture. The 91 guest rooms feel minimalist, even with beds swathed in Italian linens and marble bathrooms stocked with Le Labo amenities. Cobalt-blue and lime-green upholstery pop against the white-oak paneling in the restaurant Anima, helmed by Paola Colucci, the chef behind Trastevere cult favorite Pianostrada. Diners rave about the pillowy focaccia topped with mortadella, smoked ricotta, pistachios, honey, and orange zest. For drinks, choose from the Jade Bar, the Punch Room, and the Roof, which offers memorable city views. From $747/night.​ — Laura Itzkowitz

The Rounds at Scribner’s, Hunter, New York 

From left: Chris Mottalini/Courtesy of The Rounds; Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

Does the perfect cabin in the woods exist? It does now. A new hotel within a hotel in New York’s Catskill Mountains promises forest bathing without the grit, a dose of nature while keeping it hygge. A set of just 11 cabins, inspired by the shape of yurts, they’re up the hill from Scribner’s Catskill Lodge , the destination lodge that’s popular with city families seeking an escape and groups of friends intent on a ski weekend without the hassles of flying. Picture the Muji Hotel Ginza , crossed with the chicest Airbnb A-frame you’ve ever seen in Joshua Tree, California, and you’ll have a feel for the cabins at the Rounds. Designed by Post Company (known for their work on Mollie Aspen , nearby upstate gem Inness , and The Lake House on Canandaigua ), the stand-alone cottages here are a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese motifs, along with several contemporary features: oiled white-pine floors and trim, linens and cottons, an outdoor cedar soaking tub, angular accent lights, and a freestanding gas-fueled fireplace. In the five suites, a large sunken sitting area is the focal point, below a small skylight that affords plenty of natural light. (Another showstopper: the Calacatta Viola marble pedestal sink in the bathroom.) Guests have the full run of the main Scribner’s lodge, which has an array of games and activities (bocce in the summer, ice skating in colder months), plus a full-service restaurant, Prospect, where I sat at the bar and ordered the winter harvest salad and a pork chop with Morita chile sauce. The wine list features plenty of natural finds, including several from New York State. Those staying in the Rounds have their own communal spot, the Apex Lodge, a low-key place to grab a morning coffee or evening brew and check with the staff about hiking trails or local restaurants. While it’s certainly possible to simply veg out here, bouncing from one’s private deck to the soaking tub, there’s a nightly ritual that’s worth emerging for: once the sun sets, and the fire in the Lodge’s midcentury modern chiminea gets going, there’s no better place to be, s’mores in hand. From $450/night. Accessible hotel. — Paul Brady

The Singapore Edition

Courtesy of The Singapore Edition

With a slew of ambitious newcomers opening their doors and long-standing stalwarts emerging from floor-to-ceiling refurbishments, 2023 was a banner year for Singapore's hotel scene . Among the most-anticipated new arrivals was The Singapore Edition , the first Southeast Asian outpost of the buzzy, design-minded hotel group launched by nightlife guru Ian Schrager (of NYC's Studio 54 fame) and Marriott International. Those familiar with the brand will clock its hallmarks from the get-go: A sculptural staircase takes center stage in the marble-floored lobby; oversized artworks dot the common areas; and the 204 guest rooms channel the brand's signature minimalism through straight-lined furnishings in soothing palettes of ivory and oak. Even the Punch Room, the punch-focused cocktail bar now found at almost a dozen Edition hotels across the globe, made its Singapore debut swathed in eye-popping Yves Klein blue. But the hotel is far from a copy-and-paste affair. Uniquely Singaporean touches include lush indoor gardens that nod to the city's tropical greenery, and louvered window panels inspired by the homes that once dominated this neighborhood, called the Orchard Road district. Similarly fresh is The Edition Singapore’s signature restaurant, the aptly named Fysh, where Australian chef and self-proclaimed “fish butcher” Josh Niland serves up wildly innovative fin-to-tail creations such as noodles from fish bone, tuna merguez sausage, and sweet ice cream — really! — from fish eyeballs. From $400/night. Accessible hotel. — Chris Schalkx

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Courtesy of The St. Regis Kanai Resort

While all of the five-star service and amenities associated with The St. Regis brand are here (including the acclaimed 24-hour butler service and the nightly Champagne sabering), this Riviera Maya, Mexico, resort presents a significant break from tradition. About 40 minutes from Cancun, in the gated Kanai community, is an airy, architectural marvel that makes the most of its stunning natural setting — while still protecting it. The curved, overlapping circular design by Mexican architectural firm Edmonds International was inspired by the stellar constellation Pleiades. It reminded me of a bright-white UFO, gently hovering over lush green vegetation. Yes, it hovers: To achieve a minimal footprint, the entire resort is set on stilts above the surrounding mangroves, which bleed into the adjacent 620-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view from my sleek, spacious room looked out on the mangroves, with the smooth, white-sand beach and cerulean water beyond. The 143 rooms and suites (all with patios and many with private infinity pools) feature locally inspired details like green marble sinks nodding to Mexico’s cenotes, ceramic light pendants that evoke the stars above, and wood-carved headboards reminiscent of ancient Maya textiles. When I tired of the beach, I moved between the two pools, the spa with its hydrotherapy circuit, the well-curated boutique filled with Mexican-crafted creations, and the hotel’s eight bars and restaurants. I especially loved escaping to the library when I needed a break from the hot sun, sampling the Maya cacao and teas on offer. From $1,099/night. Accessible hotel. — Devorah Lev-Tov

Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, Mexico

Fernando Marroquin/Courtesy of Todos Santos Boutique Hotel

During the pandemic, a media-shy Mexican family of shoe tycoons visited Todos Santos, the enchanting oasis an hour up the coast from Los Cabos, and bought a cobweb-collecting lodge housed in the historic villa of a 19th-century sugarcane baron (as one does). With zero hospitality experience but a keen eye for design, the optimistic hoteliers renovated extensively and opened the Todos Santos Boutique Hotel in January, giving the building the thoughtful, exquisite inn its handsome Spanish Colonial–style bones deserve. Potted palms nearly skim the black coffered ceilings in the open-air lobby, where twin stone staircases cascade down to the pool, sunken like some chic little lagoon where tasseled khaki umbrellas have sprouted along the edges like mushrooms. The lush landscaping and surrounding brickwork — including a new-build casita housing four suites and upping the existing room total to 10 — give the space the cloistered vibe of a Mexican riad . With checkerboard marble floors in the lobby, a gold-framed art collection, impeccable woodwork covering La Copa bar, and emerald-tiled bathrooms, every new material feels considered and luxurious. Every preserved element feels historically purposeful, even the bullet holes peppering the foyer walls from a long-ago gunfight. Honestly, who wouldn’t kill for this property? From $796/night. Accessible hotel. — Adam Erace

Trunk(Hotel)Yoyogi Park, Tokyo 

Courtesy of Trunk

Since opening its first location in Harajuku in 2017, the Trunk brand has distinguished itself as Tokyo’s go-to cool-kid hangout. Its latest iteration, Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , opened in September just steps from one of the city’s largest green spaces. The rooftop infinity pool provides views of the cityscape and the park’s tree canopy, best enjoyed over a cocktail from the oyster bar. The minimalist design, from Japanese architect Keiji Ashizawa and the Danish firm Norm Architects, mixes rough materials with high polish, adding washi-paper pendant lights by Kojima Shoten of Kyoto and Ariake paper-cord chairs. Some of the 25 rooms have terraces facing the park, freestanding bathtubs, and copper-trimmed room dividers. Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico offers all-day dining, and is best known for Tokyo-Neapolitan-style pies — made with an extra punch of salt. From $405/night.​ — Kristin Braswell

Ulum Moab, Utah

Courtesy of ULUM Moab

Ulum Moab is the first outpost of Ulum, a new brand from glamping hospitality giant Under Canvas. The concept was born from Under Canvas Moab guests' requests for "more comfort in nature," said Matt Gaghen, CEO of Under Canvas. And it certainly delivers: Despite technically staying in a tent, not once did I feel like I was roughing it. My 360-square-foot tent had a king-size bed, a queen-size sofa bed, temperature control, a rain shower, a 70-square-foot deck, and a bathroom stocked with Aesop amenities. The glamping resort, which sits on 200 acres of desert with views of 100-foot cliffs and the Looking Glass Arch, has 50 tents, hot and cold dipping pools, and a lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the stunning views. The concierge can point guests to nearby hiking and biking trails at various state parks, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and rock climbing at Looking Glass Arch — and you’re just an hour away from both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park . What took my breath away was the stargazing on clear nights; Moab is known for its low light pollution and uses International Dark Sky standards to keep it that way. The on-site cafe and restaurant serve breakfast and dinner, with a heavy emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients and Southwest-inspired flavors. Even the cocktail and mocktail offerings are inspired by local flora. From $629/night. — Susmita Baral

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Indonesia

Elspeth Velten/Travel + Leisure

Skirting the edge of a cliff above Bali’s southernmost point sits Hilton brand LXR’s newest resort: the 72-villa Umana Bali . On an island where resorts are clustered in major tourist centers like Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran, LXR’s first resort in Southeast Asia is refreshingly off the beaten path in the village of Ungasan. The resort’s Balinese pride is on full display, starting from the traditional welcome ceremony that greeted me on arrival and continuing with the property’s terraced layout (a nod to Bali’s iconic tiered rice fields) and the jewel-box of local desserts in all colors of the rainbow at breakfast. Each of Umana’s one-, two- and three-room villas encircle their own massive infinity pools, with access directly from the primary bedroom (and a secret path to a tropical outdoor shower). Inside, villas are studded with touches from Bali designers like Kevala Ceramics and locally made sandals, beach bags, and sun hats for use during a stay. These local accents are complemented by top-of-the-line amenities like Sonos speakers and Toto Washlet toilets. I grabbed a sun hat while taking advantage of the hotel’s easy access to Melasti Beach, which has, in my opinion, some of the clearest water in Bali. During my stay, the Umana staff made everything on my Bali wish list happen: I enjoyed a morning village walk through the local market and past the temples at Ungasan, participated in a private sound healing session in the resort’s beautiful spa, and felt totally catered to when I brought up my pregnancy-related dietary restrictions. Whether I ate on-site at Commune or Oliverra, or indulged in an in-villa breakfast, I never had to mention a specific restriction twice. From $750/night. Accessible hotel. — Elspeth Velten

Vermelho, Alentejo, Portugal

Rodrigo Cardoso

While today, few travelers can point to the tiny village of Melides on a map, that could soon change with the opening of Vermelho , the first hotel from legendary shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Portuguese architect Madalena Caiado made the property look like the centuries-old monasteries found throughout the region; Louboutin, the king of red-lacquered soles, selected every eye-catching interior detail. Opulent carpets? Yes. A chandelier shaped like a celestial sea urchin? Absolutely. An installation of 100 ceramic bird heads by the artist Elisabeth Lincot? You bet. Many pieces were pulled from Louboutin’s personal collection, including vintage prints and intricately designed textiles. Vermelho’s centerpiece is a cocktail lounge with an ornate silverwork bar made by Sevillian jeweler Orfebre Villareal. The restaurant, Xtian, serves classic Portuguese dishes with international flavors. Each of the 13 rooms and suites has a different look, but all come with enormous tiled tubs and colorful Frette robes. Outdoors, noted landscape designer Louis Benech has added peaceful gardens and a heated natural swimming pool. From $322/night. Accessible hotel. ​​ — Lindsay Cohn

Villa Mabrouka, Tangier, Morocco

Chris Wallace

Nearly 30 years after first arriving in Morocco in 1966, Algerian-born couturier Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, bought Dar Mabrouka, a whitewashed villa in Tangier overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, and made it their summer home. In 2019, more than 10 years after Saint Laurent’s death, English designer Jasper Conran purchased the property, renamed it Villa Mabrouka , and transformed it into a 12-suite hotel. During my stay, I couldn’t help being reminded of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles—partly because of the laid-back, house-party atmosphere, and partly because of the eclectic design style. The mélange of pieces in the Marrakech Suite (formerly Saint Laurent’s bedroom) included an inlaid pearl table from Syria, a Kermit-green cashmere throw from India, and Moroccan lanterns. The gardens overflow  with 6,500 new plants, shrubs, and trees, as well  an emerald herringbone tiled pool. The newly constructed dining gazebo has a trompe l’oeil wallcovering painted by the English artist Lawrence Mynott, and serves a can’t-miss Berber tagine. From $490/night . Accessible hotel. — Chris Wallace

Volga Hotel, Mexico City

Courtesy of VOLGA

I barely knew where to rest my eyes at the architecturally inventive Volga Hotel , the latest offering from the Mexican hospitality group Hamak that takes the concept of a "design hotel" to new levels. Perhaps guests should think of it as an urban cenote — or at least that’s what Javier Sánchez, one of the three Mexican architects behind this hotel, which opened its doors fall 2023 in the trendy neighborhood of Cuauhtémoc, wants you to think. The aesthetic experience begins when approaching the hotel from the street: its Brutalist, fortress-like exterior gives no clue as to the magic that lies within. Once inside, guests descend a circular stairway made of shining copper, down into near darkness, to the reception desk and lobby located one floor underground, where raw-concrete walls sprout exuberant plants. The 50 spacious rooms have the spare, calming aesthetic of a Japanese ryokan , with natural materials — wood, volcanic rock, brass, and Turkish marble — and are stocked with scented bath amenities from local company Aromaría. All have interior balconies with curved wooden screens that offer privacy when shut, or slide open to offer ringside seats to the courtyard far below, which is occupied during mealtimes by a fine-dining Mexican-Mediterranean restaurant run by the celebrity chef Edo Kobayashi. The reservations-only lounge, the Music Room, is where hip young Mexicans sip mezcal- and tequila-forward cocktails as local DJs play, but the outside world is not entirely ignored. Take the elevator to the rooftop during the day and you step out into an explosion of brilliant sunshine and a bar serving "ethnobotanical" drinks around a heated lap pool with 180-degree views of the city. From $416/night. — Tony Perrottet

Courtesy of W Budapest

In July, the W Hotel brand opened its grandest property yet, in the Hungarian capital’s UNESCO-listed Drechsler Palace. The W Budapest is the revival of an architectural gem that also showcases W’s new creative direction: grounded in elegance and sophistication, without foregoing the brand’s fun side. On entering the hotel, guests walk through archways made from an intricate metallic mesh — a modern "second skin" designed to represent the building’s new life. Other details that blend past and present, and celebrate the city's history, can be found throughout the interior — from the wave-like glass ceiling covering the courtyard to the mirrored walls that create an optical illusion in the underground spa, a nod to Hungarian escape artist Harry Houdini. In fact the serene spa, with its aromatherapy steam room, Finnish sauna, and heated relaxation pool, is one of the hotel’s highlights, and offers a welcome moment of tranquility in the heart of this busy city. I had a phenomenal de-stress massage that cured all signs of jet-lag and fatigue. Another way to unwind? Head to the hotel's underground speakeasy, Society25, where head bartender Stefano Ripiccini has dreamt up a cocktail list inspired by the Belle Époque. From $326/night. Accessible hotel. — Dobrina Zhekova

Warren Street Hotel, New York City 

Simon Brown/Courtesy of Warren Street Hotel

When Joni Mitchell wrote, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” she certainly wasn’t singing about Warren Street. In quite the opposite turn of events, British designer Kit Kemp and her Firmdale Hotels group took a soulless parking lot in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood and erected its very own turquoise steel-and-glass paradise from the ground up. Bursting with contemporary art and Kemp’s signature prints, the Warren Street Hotel quickly secured its spot as my happy place in New York; even on the cold, gray first week of February, I found it was impossible to hold onto a sour mood upon entering. In its 69 unique rooms, colors and patterns mix in unexpected ways, creating the feeling that anything could happen. In addition to her beloved London lineup , this is Kemp’s third NYC hotel. She’s the creative mind behind the Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo and The Whitby Hotel in Midtown, but the opening of Warren Street may be her most whimsical creation yet. She worked on the project with her daughters, Willow and Minnie Kemp, and the mother-daughter connection is undoubtedly what injected such warmth into the stylish property, particularly in its suites and residences. Mine came with a bookshelf-lined lounge, fireplace, and marble soaking tub with a TV hung beside it, beckoning me to stay in for the night. Some are even outfitted with the ultimate city luxury: private terraces with manicured gardens. Regardless of room type, expect floor-to-ceiling windows and a space that will entice you to linger a little bit longer and order breakfast in bed. (Yes, even with downtown Manhattan waiting outside.) Still, don’t keep all your meals behind closed doors. Downstairs, the Warren Street Bar & Restaurant , an all-day brasserie with a big personality, was already drawing locals when I visited in the hotel’s first month. From $925/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti, Tanzania

Courtesy of Wilderness

The main attraction of virtually any Serengeti safari is invariably the great migration, the 1,200-mile mass journey of more than 2 million wildebeest and zebra each year. Chasing that magnificent natural spectacle is especially thrilling at Usawa , a new roving camp from luxury safari company Wilderness , which migrates along with the animals, following the herds across nine sites in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The camp starts the year in the southern part of Serengeti National Park, in Kusini (where the calving season runs from January to March), and makes it all the way to Bologonja in the north (where wildlife famously crosses the Mara River). Each of the camps is identical, with six canvas-wrapped guest tents featuring king-size beds, all-natural skin care products, and colorful decor like woven blankets and upcycled glassware — all handmade by Tanzanian artisans. Usawa, which means “balance” in Swahili, is also fully off-grid, operating via a combination of solar panels, portable sewage tanks, and mobile batteries. The light footprint means wildlife is never disturbed as camps are manually erected and deconstructed, making game drive–worthy sightings possible even from your tent — and leaving no trace behind once Wilderness packs up and moves to the next location. Sustainability plays a part in the culinary offerings as well, with elevated traditional recipes like creamy  mtori  plantain soup and spicy curry showcasing fresh veggies and meat from Tanzania’s robust farming communities. Most satisfying of all at Usawa, however, is the chance to see one of nature’s greatest phenomena up-close, year-round: dramatic Mara River crossings by the thousands, big cats and other predators in action, and the birth of hundreds of calves in a single day. From $950 per person per night, with a minimum two-night stay. — Jackie Caradonio

Yowie Hotel, Philadelphia

Bre Furlong/Courtesy of Yowie

Shannon Maldonado opened Yowie , a tiny shop in Philadelphia’s Queen Village neighborhood, in 2017, garnering a devoted following with her ever-evolving collection of cool, highly curated wares. In what feels like a natural evolution, last July, the designer opened a boutique hotel where nearly every item in the rooms is available to purchase. If walking through her shop is like getting a glimpse into Maldonado’s dynamic world, checking into the Yowie Hotel is getting to live inside it, even just for a night. The 11-room hotel is situated on the city’s historic South Street, anchored on the ground floor by the new Yowie shop and Wim, a bright, minimalist cafe. Accommodations range from a cozy room with a king-size bed to a two-bedroom suite, and while each space is outfitted with a kitchen and splashed in her calculated mashup of contemporary furniture, color, and custom art, no two are the same. Yowie is an invisible service hotel, which means in lieu of a check-in desk, you’ll get a welcome text with a code to unlock the doors. It’s all the more impressive, then, that even without the traditional hotel trappings, the designer and her team manage to impart so much warmth into the guest experience. Find a poster by the elevator with this month’s neighborhood happenings, a drawer full of goodies you may have forgotten to pack in the hallway, and a handwritten welcome note alongside a few paper guides recommending the staff’s favorite Philly spots in your room. And since there’s no lobby, I didn’t have to walk through the shop or cafe, but I wanted to for a salted caramel latte and a spiced carrot toast at Wim, and to pick up a few ceramic cereal bowls I admired in the room, as a way to bring a little piece of Yowie home. From $215/night . Accessible hotel. — Regan Stephens

It List 2024

New York City   Travel Guide

34 Best Things to Do in NYC

There are countless reasons to be mesmerized by New York, from its skyscrapers and monuments to its vibrant art, food, fashion and nightlife. Across the city, fresh perspectives are yours to be found; go for a stroll in Central Park or along the High

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Central Park Central Park free

This part-park, part-museum, part-concert hall swallows central Manhattan, and many of the city's most notable attractions are situated next to it or within its limits ( the Guggenheim , the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History , to name a few). But travelers insist that you shouldn't just pass through Central Park on your way to another place. This 843-acre green space is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists; you can come here to exercise, dine, go to the zoo and more.

Almost everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same experience or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost impossible amount of sights to see here (hidden treasures, indeed), including more than 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments or sculptures, and 30 bridges. Here's a shortlist:

National September 11 Memorial & Museum National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as the primary tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the six lost in the 1993 bombing. The memorial's twin reflecting pools and human-made waterfalls rest as eerie footprints where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood. The 1-acre pools are enclosed in bronze panels on which the names of every victim are inscribed. The museum spans across 110,000 square feet and relays the narrative of the attacks through a series of multimedia displays, real-time recordings, authentic artifacts and an interactive table.

Recent visitors cited the overall atmosphere of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as sobering and moving. Many travelers say they were impressed with the site as a whole, noting its respectful and informational displays. Reviewers say you won't want to rush your time here, with some recommending that you budget three to four hours to see all of the exhibits.

Empire State Building Empire State Building

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for "sunset peak" pricing, which adds an extra $10 per ticket for two hours around sunset each evening. But on a clear day, it just might be worth it. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

New York City Tourist 101 dictates that you must swing by this landmark structure in midtown Manhattan. And despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds and the long lines, recent visitors insist that you won't be sorry. In fact, taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building is either the perfect way to begin or end your Big Apple excursion – on a clear day you'll be able to the see the city's major highlights some 1,250 feet beneath you. 

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which is especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spilling over with masterpieces from all over the world, including notable collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" is an art experience unlike any other, and like much in New York, it's impossible to see all the museum has to offer in one day (or even two days, for that matter). 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty is at the top of many travelers’ must-see lists. A feat of 19th-century technical engineering and a beacon for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the statue can be admired from several different vantage points around Manhattan, including Battery Park and the High Line . But to truly appreciate its size and significance, you’ll want to visit the statue and Ellis Island while on your NYC vacation.

The only way to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by using the official National Park Service ferry operator, Statue City Cruises. If you’re departing from the New York side, you’ll hop on a ferry at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. If you’re departing from the New Jersey side, you’ll depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge free

One of many signature landmarks of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its six lanes (and one pedestrian and bicycle walkway) span the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge remains a tourist pastime.

Some visitors decide to skip the bridge in favor of other attractions, but if you're short on money, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the city and to get a unique view of either borough at no cost. Several reviewers warn that since there is no shade along the bridge, it can get quite hot in the summertime (though there are vendors selling bottles of water). Many also warned that it can get quite crowded, and advised visiting in the morning before 9 a.m. if you don't want to maneuver around crowds.

The High Line The High Line free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you walk from north to south, add on a visit to The Standard Biergarten or the vibrant Chelsea Market for great people-watching, food and drink. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Set on an abandoned rail track on Manhattan's West Side, this sprawling, nearly 1½-mile-long landscaped park stretches over three of the city's most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Standing 30 feet above street level, the High Line offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's cityscape. But the vista isn't the only reason visitors and Manhattanites flock to this manicured green space. Here, you'll find continually changing public art installations, a handful of food vendors and a sprawling picnic and sunbathing area (known as the 23rd Street Lawn).

NYC Food Tours NYC Food Tours

Known for everything from cheap eats to authentic international fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a culinary hot spot and undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in America . However, chances are you won't have time to experience everything the city has to offer in just one trip. One way to get a taste of New York's excellent cuisine across a variety of neighborhoods is to take a food tour.

Whether you want to explore a particular borough or neighborhood, or even a specific cuisine or dish, you'll find a tour to appease your taste buds. Relying on traveler reviews and expert analysis, U.S. News rounded up the best food tours in New York City . Though tours vary in length and price, they all receive rave reviews from past travelers, who applauded the variety of food and the expert knowledge of the guides.

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Washington Square Park Washington Square Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Finding an empty bench in Washington Square Park after visiting one of the neighborhood's independent bookstores – from The Strand to Three Lives & Company to Left Bank Books – is a true lower Manhattan pleasure. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The central gathering place of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, an almost 10-acre green space known for its downtown buzz. Here, kids splash in the fountain, musicians perform to a crowd, artists sell sketches or photographs, and chess enthusiasts gather to challenge each other to a game. What was historically a cemetery and later a bohemian hot spot is now a neighborhood institution that draws locals and visitors alike with its kids' playground, sizable dog run and ample shady space for picnics. An arch dedicated to George Washington is the dominant architectural feature of the park. 

Broadway Broadway

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your day with a stop at the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the Lincoln Center location to snag discounted same-day tickets for an array of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Some out-of-towners spend their entire New York trip at one show or another on the Broadway circuit. And if you like plays and musicals, this is where you should be: "The Great White Way" represents the heart and soul of American theater. Considering that nearby Times Square is a dizzying maze of sights and sounds with no real starting point, some visitors suggest you can see all you need to of that neighborhood just by trundling back and forth between shows. 

One World Observatory One World Observatory

Formerly known as Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan. This observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the highest point in the city. You'll find it adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial . At more than 125,000 square feet, the three-level observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of this office skyscraper. Travelers enjoy the panoramic, 360-degree views, up to 45 miles in every direction on clear days. 

Visitors reach the observatory by direct express elevators known as SkyPods. The trip upward includes a visual presentation showing how New York has changed over the decades, from open land to smaller buildings to skyscrapers. The trip takes less than a minute. Expect a multimedia presentation at the top before stunning views are revealed. A restaurant and bar on the 101st floor are open to guests who have purchased tickets to the observatory. 

Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal free

At this beautiful train station, you can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but recent travelers most enjoyed just taking in the scenery. Before you enter, be sure to snap a few shots of the exterior's ornate beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. Inside the celebrated main concourse, you're treated to glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed ceiling. Other must-sees include the Information Booth clock, the Whispering Gallery and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients and treats. Food options range from the upscale (Cipriani Dolci and The Campbell Bar) to the legendary (the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant) to the fast and easy (Shake Shack). As mentioned, there are also plenty of shopping options, though most travelers suggest you leave most of Grand Central's pricey merchandise in the store. If you want a train-themed souvenir, visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle passage.

Travelers call the train station "iconic" and say it's a beautiful space to walk through or to grab a meal and people-watch.

Bryant Park Bryant Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This Midtown park draws crowds for two seasonal events: summer movie nights under the stars and a holiday market complete with ice skating. For summer picnics or winter shopping sprees, Bryant Park delivers year-round. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Sprawling across nearly 10 acres, Bryant Park sits just south of Times Square – though it feels a world away. Though its lush green space has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a revitalization project of the 1990s that made it a sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. This is the preferred place for midtown Manhattan professionals to eat lunch, for fashionistas to strut during fashion week and for performers to showcase their talents during annual events like Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in Bryant Park. If you're interested in learning more about the park's history, consider joining one of its free tours. Tours, which last 45 minutes, are free and offered every other Wednesday, year-round. 

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Staten Island Ferry Staten Island Ferry free

Perhaps the most famous ferry service in the United States, the Staten Island Ferry runs daily between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The city has been operating the ferry service since 1905 and transports some 70,000 passengers across New York Harbor every day. It’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system that served New York City residents before the construction of any bridges.  

But the Staten Island Ferry is more than a transportation service; it’s an attraction, drawing tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors a year for a free ride across the harbor (that’s right, no charge; the service is provided by the City of New York). The 5-mile ride lasts about 25 minutes. Passengers must disembark and then reboard to make the return trip to Manhattan. Travelers remark about the views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Manhattan skyscrapers and the bridges of lower Manhattan. 

Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art

You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this airy midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," Van Gogh's "Starry Night," Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," Monet's "Water Lilies," and the list goes on and on. In October 2019, the museum reopened after completing an expansion project that added more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, as well as a performance studio that features live programming.

Recent travelers were impressed by the extensive art collection and loved being able to see the museum's famous paintings. The $30 entry fee for adults ($17 for students; $22 for seniors; free for kids 16 and younger) can be hard to stomach for some, but reviewers insist you won't regret the money spent. A few travelers express disappointment with the crowds (which are most common on rainy days), but suggest getting some fresh air at the museum's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

New York Public Library New York Public Library free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you love all things book-related, consider visiting The Morgan Library & Museum nearby, which features J.P. Morgan's stunning 1906 library. The museum offers free admisson (and live jazz music) on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

This main branch, officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. Most people swing by the Bryant Park landmark to say hello to Patience and Fortitude (the famous marble lions guarding the entrance) and to admire the lovely beaux-arts design.

American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History

Visitors love the American Museum of Natural History off Central Park West. Whether you're exploring the interactive exhibits on the land, the sea or outer space; user reviews take on a common theme. This museum is incredible. Even the cafeteria and gift shop are worth your notice.

There are more than 34 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 26 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don't plan on seeing everything in one day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe and the Butterfly Conservatory (accessible November through May), which houses nearly 500 butterflies. Local experts say the institution is one of the city's can't-miss museums , especially for families.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander along Brooklyn's Washington Avenue, and you can't avoid stumbling upon this verdant 52-acre park. A main highlight here is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, punctuated by wooden bridges and Japanese maples. And if you arrive at the end of April, you can't miss the Cherry Esplanade ( Sakura Matsuri ) when rosy cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Another standout: the Shakespeare Garden, which contains more than 80 plants described in the playwright's works.

Thanks to the garden's extensive collection, which includes 13 gardens and five conservatories, there's plenty of scenery to soak up here. Plus, you can take advantage of year-round exhibits and events, such as children's gardening workshops and Lightscape, the annual wintertime lights display. After you've taken respite in Brooklyn's cherished green space, recent visitors suggest moseying over to two staples located down the street: Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Brooklyn Bridge Park free

Located on the Brooklyn side of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre oasis at the foot of the famous bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The park stretches 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s waterfront, connecting Columbia Heights and Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, an eclectic neighborhood of boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. Travelers rave about the views of the lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the bridge.

Among the city’s newest parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park was once an industrial district and home to a transportation terminal that served as an entry point for immigrants. Today, the park features rolling hills, promenades, playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields, a roller skating rink, gardens, and more among six piers and the riverfront. What’s more, the park is home to more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife. It also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as sunset yoga and stargazing.

The Guggenheim The Guggenheim

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or simply, "The Guggenheim," is one of the most well-known art museums in the country, and it's just as renowned for its cutting-edge design as it is for its pieces. The coiled building (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) stands out on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Inside, the halls are chock full of works from the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Manet and Van Gogh, among others.

Visitors loved the building's design and architecture, but offered more mixed reviews for the art on display. Some raved about the permanent collection and the special exhibitions, while others felt the cost of entrance tickets was overpriced for the amount of art displayed. Reviewers recommended the Museum of Modern Art over the Guggenheim if you're short on time. 

Off-Broadway Shows Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway may not have the glitter of the Great White Way , but these smaller theaters and their productions are often innovative and are no less engaging. Unlike Broadway, these theaters are not centered around Times Square , but scattered all over Manhattan and generally seat fewer people (between 100 to 499 audience members). Smaller venues provide a more intimate experience for plays, musicals and revues. Many of New York’s most famous productions found their start off-Broadway, such as “Hair,” “Rent” and “In the Heights.”

Tickets also are more affordable, generally between $20 and $75 per person. Look for innovative productions at places like the Public Theater, Cherry Lane Theatre or Playwrights Horizons. The Signature Theatre showcases revivals and new plays.

Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

This iconic plaza has it all – beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, a fishbowl view of NBC Studios, plus a plethora of stores and restaurants. Though undoubtedly there will be intense crowds, this is an experience that's worth having at least once. During the wintertime holidays, the plaza sparkles with an illuminated Christmas tree and skaters gliding across the ice rink. But don't fret if your New York adventure doesn't take place during the cold months. There's plenty to do year-round. If you plan ahead, you can spend a morning watching a taping of the "Today" show, an afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and an evening catching a performance at Radio City Music Hall .

Travelers say the Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Manhattan and say the experience is worth every penny. Visitors recommend booking the Rock Pass ticket that includes a tour of the building and observation deck access.

Little Island Little Island free

New Yorkers have long needed to get creative to maximize space on the island of Manhattan, where space is limited. But with the opening of Little Island in 2021, that creativity stretched beyond the island's borders and into the water. Little Island is an artificial island located on the west side of Manhattan in the Hudson River. This public park, which is free to visit, offers a new space for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in nature, art, free events like concerts and one of the most memorable locations in New York City to catch the sunset.

Most recent visitors praised Little Island for its peaceful atmosphere, splash of greenery and views of the Hudson River and beyond. Some recent visitors recommend planning a visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, when this attraction can be crowded with people picnicking, especially during the golden sunset hours. Regardless of what time of day visitors stop by, almost everyone is left with a positive impression of the park and note its sculptures, family-friendly vibe, impressive variety of plants and free concerts.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral free

This sprawling cathedral sits amid the hustle and distinctively secular bustle of Rockefeller Center . But that doesn't take away from its otherworldly vibe. Whether you're religious or just making an architectural pilgrimage, you can't help but be impressed by St. Patrick's. Opened in 1879, the neo-Gothic cathedral spans the length of an entire city block and features 330-foot spires. Its interior is just as impressive thanks to its numerous altars, stained-glass windows, organs and imposing 9,000-pound bronze doors. The church welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.  

Travelers love the historical church's beauty and stained-glass windows, but say you don't have to carve out too much time to see it. Previous vacationers also suggest visiting at Christmastime to really see the church in all its glory. 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Taste the best of Little Italy at C. Di Palo Wine Bar. With connections to the fine foods store serving this neighborhood for more than a century, this wine bar serves Italian cheeses, meats and wines in a comfortable, modern environment. – Jessica Colley Clarke

Once a thriving enclave of Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now a popular tourist destination (though remnants of the past remain). Restaurants serving classic Italian dishes on red-and-white checkered tablecloths can still be found in the neighborhood. Among the neighborhood staples is Lombardi’s, a restaurant that has been tossing pizzas since 1905 and claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, another famous Little Italy eatery best known for its cannolis and espresso, has been around since 1892. 

Times Square Times Square free

Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it's exciting, colorful and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps this commercial stretch from West 42nd to West 47th streets is a little of both, and though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights. Most travelers recommend visiting the area after dark to see the marquee displays. Many add checking out Times Square before or after a Broadway show is the perfect time to fit it into your schedule. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, reviewers suggest you avoid this area altogether.

Times Square's biggest tourist draw is the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. Revelers crowd the area to see New York's famous Waterford crystal ball descend 77 feet from a pole on the One Times Square building. If you're feeling brave, take a trip to New York and Times Square at this time of year and watch the ball drop for free! Just plan on coming in the early morning and staying all day, and note that the area is super crowded, even by New York standards.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue free

It's fitting that St. Patrick's Cathedral would be on the same street as stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. That's because for many people, shopping is a religious experience, and here between 34th and 59th streets you'll find the holy grail. 

Even if you're not planning to put your credit card to work at high-end stores, travelers say a stroll along Fifth Avenue is a must. It's one of the top places to shop in the city, according to local experts. Plus, during the winter holidays, the street is decked out in festive decor.

Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo

According to travelers, these 265 acres sheltering more than 10,000 animals should be near the top of every young family's itinerary in New York. And if you're an older visitor, the Bronx Zoo could be a great way to escape the nonstop activity in Manhattan. This zoo's claim to fame is that it's one of the largest metropolitan animal parks in the country. It's also one of the best zoos in the U.S . Originally opened at 1899, the zoo also houses several famous landmarks, including the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Rockefeller Fountain and the historic Zoo Center, which was constructed to look like a palace.

Among the zoo's popular exhibits is JungleWorld, which aims to recreate the jungles of Asia with animals like white-cheeked gibbons, gharials, tapirs, fruit bats and more. There's also the Wild Asia Monorail, a seasonal outdoor monorail that allows visitors to observe animals like rhinos, tigers and red pandas roaming freely in the outdoor habitat. Other star attractions include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the seasonal butterfly garden, Tiger Mountain and the Children's Zoo. Along with the animals, there are also several rides and experiences, such as a carousel and sea lion feedings.

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Apollo Theater Apollo Theater

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go to BLVD Bistro on 116th St. before or after your visit to the Apollo. They serve breakfast all day and literally have the best grits and pancakes I have ever had in my life. It is also Black-owned! – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

One of the most famous music halls in the United States, "the Apollo" started as a burlesque theater in 1914. By the 1930s, it transformed into a concert hall that helped launch the career of several black musicians. A then-unknown Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson (with the Jackson 5) and Stevie Wonder all performed on the Apollo stage during an Amateur Night competition. If you're in Harlem on a Wednesday you can still go to Amateur Night, an experience some previous travelers highly recommend.

Metropolitan Opera House Metropolitan Opera House

Stroll through the courtyard of the Metropolitan Opera House even if you're not going inside for a performance. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture, to the lobby's glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous. Travelers call this opera house a feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets are notoriously expensive (as much as several hundred dollars for the best seats), but the sticker shock evaporates quickly if you're into performing arts. You can try to score a same-day ticket at a discounted rate, plus there are discounts for senior citizens.

The Metropolitan Opera House features spring performances by the American Ballet Theatre and fall and winter performances by the Met Opera Company. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by performance and seating, so check the Met Opera's website for additional details. You'll find the opera house at Lincoln Center Plaza on Manhattan's Upper West Side – take the 1 train to 66th Street.

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall

It's where Ella Fitzgerald pined for the man she loved, the Rolling Stones couldn't get no satisfaction and Lady Gaga had a "Bad Romance." Among performers, there's no New York concert venue that's quite like Radio City Music Hall. Not only is it the largest indoor theater in the world, its marquee spans a full city block. Opened in 1932, the theater is a New York City Landmark. Today, the theater welcomes musical performers like Ben Platt and Lil Nas X, as well as comedians like Chris Rock.

If you're in town any dates between November and January, consider attending the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which stars the Rockettes. According to recent visitors who attended a show, there's not a bad seat in the house. If you're not able to attend a performance, consider signing up for the hourlong Radio City Stage Door Tour. The guided tour includes stops at areas of the historic venue not typically seen by the public, such as Radio City’s secret apartment, The Roxy Suite. You'll also an enjoy an in-depth history lesson about the stage and its iconic art deco design. The tour concludes with a meet-and-greet with a Radio City Rockette. Tours are offered daily starting at 9:30 a.m.; tickets cost $42 per adult and $38 per kid 12 and younger.  

The Battery The Battery free

Also known as The Battery, this 25-ace park sits at the very southern tip of Manhattan Island, and offers a green respite from the steel and concrete of lower Manhattan. The park, named after artillery batteries that protected the settlement in the 17th century, is popular with visitors because of its views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty . 

The park is home to perennial gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, an urban farm and a unique carousel, known as the SeaGlass Carousel. On the carousel, riders sit within iridescent fish and glide through a 360-degree aquatic adventure. The carousel’s bioluminescent design honors the waterfront site as well as another landmark, the Castle Clinton, one of the country’s earliest aquariums. 

Coney Island Coney Island

Known as the "the People's Playground," this famous amusement area in Brooklyn has witnessed an illustrious past. In the early 1900s, Coney Island enticed New Yorkers to visit with its bathing pavilions, seaside resorts and amusement park. The Great Depression took its toll on the fun-loving spot, causing many attractions to close. But after years of economic instability, Coney Island has reclaimed its place on the Brooklyn map, with a fresh roster of eateries and entertainment (including a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest and an annual Mermaid Parade ) found along the boardwalk. Coney Island now features several separate amusement parks, as well as a museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and shows.

According to recent visitors, Coney Island is a worthwhile trip in the summer if you have the time and are traveling with young kids who would enjoy the rides. If you're not up for indulging your inner thrill-seeker, you can also walk along the beach, which spans nearly 3 miles and features several sports courts, as well as playgrounds. A walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is just as memorable, according to recent visitors.

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Chrysler Building Chrysler Building free

Technically, the Chrysler Building is an office building open Monday through Friday, but you don't need to go inside to appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Recent visitors praised the building's unique architectural style (though a few wished you could still go inside to admire its intricate lobby and elevators).

Built in 1930, the Chrysler had a short-lived run as the tallest building in the city, before it was usurped of its title by the Empire State Building . Nevertheless, this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper remains a favorite among New Yorkers for its classic art deco style. And unlike the Empire State, at this site you won't need an expensive entry ticket, a strong stomach to stand soaring heights or patience for long lines to see what all the fuss is about. You can behold the building's menacing gargoyles and triangular openings from many spots in Manhattan. Though the lobby is currently closed to visitors, there have been talks of building an observation deck, though none is available at this time.

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Blaze News original: 7 most underrated summer travel ideas in the US

Summer is right around the corner, and that means planning for a wondrous summer vacation that will provide cherished memories for a lifetime. Maybe you want to avoid travel destinations with overwhelming crowds, or perhaps you want to discover a new summer vacation spot that could be your annual retreat with your family. This travel guide will provide you with some of the most underrated summer travel ideas in the U.S.

Travel experts suggest that you should book your summer vacation around mid-April to ensure that you snag the best accommodations before prices rise due to higher demand.

So without further ado, check out these underrated summer travel ideas so that you can start planning the best vacation for 2024.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled amid the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the intriguing and inviting city of Asheville, North Carolina . This Appalachian gem offers a bevy of experiences to satisfy your palate, quench your desire for the arts, and indulge your sense of exploration.

This vibrant city offers a community of culinary collaborators crafting a delectable array of cuisines that will have you drooling — including James Beard Award-winning chefs. Asheville is rich in gastronomy — treat your taste buds to barbecue, Spanish tapas, Southern eats, and French dishes.

Asheville is also a beer drinker's paradise, and it is the city with the second-most breweries per capita. Last year, Asheville was ranked as the No. 4 place on Craft Beer and Brewing magazine's Readers’ Choice Favorite Beer Cities survey after notching the top spot in 2022.

After you've stuffed yourself with all the gourmet fare, you can burn off those delicious calories by walking and hiking the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway — America’s longest linear park. The breathtaking park features cascading waterfalls, a tapestry of natural sights, and hidden Appalachian Mountain treasures.

For the hard-core explorer, visit the picturesque Pisgah National Forest and enjoy panoramic vistas from atop the summit of Mount Mitchell — the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

No trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the historic Biltmore Estate. Constructed in 1895, this Châteauesque-style mansion was the majestic home of George Washington Vanderbilt II.

The Biltmore House boasts 250 rooms, encompasses 178,926 square feet, and is the largest privately owned home in the United States. The Biltmore House houses treasured artwork by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and John Singer Sargent and features a centuries-old Italian Renaissance wellhead from Venice, Italy.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Travel to Colonial Williamsburg, where you can step into a living, breathing museum that gives you a time-traveling glimpse into American history.

This 301-acre historical area features cobblestone streets and hundreds of meticulously restored and recreated buildings from the 18th century when Williamsburg was the capital of the colony of Virginia and named in honor of King William III.

Williamsburg was a revolutionary hotbed, where anti-British sentiment festered and the protests against Britain's Stamp Act spawned the "no taxation without representation" movement.

In 1776, Virginia's Declaration of Rights was introduced by George Mason in Williamsburg and called for American independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson drew inspiration from the declaration and used it as inspiration when drafting the United States Bill of Rights.

There is no shortage of attractions that are a quick drive or a day trip away from Williamsburg:

• Another town preserved from the colonial era is Smithfield, Virginia.
• You can visit historic Jamestown — the first permanent British settlement.
• You can travel to St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his infamous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in Richmond, Virginia .
• Relive the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War at the Yorktown Battlefield.
• Spend the day thrill-seeking on daring roller coasters at the Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park.
• Take a trip to Norfolk to visit the Nauticus maritime-themed museum and the U.S.S. Wisconsin — one of the largest battleships ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
• Soak up the sun with a relaxing day at Virginia Beach.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Situated about 40 miles southeast of Knoxville, Gatlinburg presents a diverse variety of activities for travelers of all ages.

Get in touch with nature when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Of the 63 national parks across the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the most visitors, and it isn't even close. The idyllic Tennessee park attracted nearly 13.3 million visitors in 2023. The next most-visited park was Grand Canyon National Park with 4.7 million visitors. Prepare for an exhilarating hike because the park boasts more than 800 miles of hiking trails. While you're hiking, keep your eyes open for the incredible diversity of plants and animals at the park. There are more than 17,000 species documented at the park, and researchers estimate there are an additional 30,000 — 80,000 species that live there.

Ogle sweeping landscape vistas of the stunning Great Smoky Mountains while riding on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway — one of the largest tramway systems in the United States.

Challenge yourself to walk across the imposing SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.

For the thrill-seeker, there are roller coasters, zip lines, whitewater rafting, haunted house attractions, and ghost tours.

For those who want to relax, there is also world-class golf, fishing, and bird-watching.

A handful of moonshine distilleries let you travel back to the days of bootleg spirits.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is most notably known as a winter wonderland destination for skiing, but the valley in Wyoming also makes for an underrated summer travel idea.

Jackson Hole offers a remarkable retreat for nature lovers with nearby Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

The Aerial Tram gently glides 4,139 vertical feet in just 12 minutes to give you picturesque 360-degree views of the Tetons.

Bicycle enthusiasts can explore the immaculate Jackson Hole valley with more than 56 miles of paved pathways and 115 miles of mountain bike trails.

Cosplay as a cowboy by traversing the Wild West in a chuckwagon, by stagecoach, or horseback.

A trip to the Cowboy State would not be complete without a good old-fashioned shoot-out. Every night from Memorial Day, there is a re-enactment of a Wild West shootout in the town square.

For those who are firearm aficionados or who want to learn how to handle a gun, there is a gun range where you can be taught how to safely handle firearms.

Jackson Hole is widely regarded as a world-class destination for fly fishing with several pristine rivers.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a charming vacation destination located between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas with the stunning backdrop of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron.

Mackinac Island enchants summer visitors with its magnificent beaches, quaint shops, Victorian-era architecture, cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage tours, and delectable fudge.

You can visit Fort Mackinac, the fortification built by the British during the American Revolution. Americans captured the fort in 1796, but the English recaptured it during the first land engagement of the War of 1812 in the United States. Fort Mackinac was returned to the U.S. after the war. You can also see Fort Holmes, which was a small British outpost that was constructed after the Americans captured Fort Mackinac.

Get your camera ready to snap a photo of Arch Rock — a stunning natural limestone formation located 146 feet above the shores of Lake Huron.

Mackinac Island State Park boasts beautiful limestone bluffs, verdant woodlands, fragrant meadows of vibrant wildflowers, and unblemished blue water.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the San Juan Islands, where you'll discover one-of-a-kind natural beauty and wonder.

The San Juan Islands consist of 172 islands in the Salish Sea between the state of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

This Pacific Northwest paradise is known for its untouched grandeur and diverse wildlife. Live this unique island life with captivating coastal scenery and lush forests.

The San Juan archipelago offers countless water-based activities such as boat charters, whale-watching, island-hopping, fishing, and kayaking.

The extraordinary wildlife available for your viewing pleasure includes orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, river otters, harbor seals, herons, and bald eagles.

Explore the many historic lighthouses that stand high above the rugged coastline.

Several restaurants on the San Juan Islands pride themselves on offering sustainable farm-to-table dining. The restaurant chefs focus on seasonal ingredients that are sourced directly from farms, orchards, and fisheries on the islands.

St. Augustine, Florida

Near the northeast coast of Florida sits St. Augustine — the oldest city in the country. St. Augustine — also known as the "Ancient City" and the "Old City" — was founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 and is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

One of the most iconic tourist attractions in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos fort. This star-shaped fortification was constructed by the Spanish Empire in 1695, making it the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. The defensive fort is situated on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and is constructed from coquina — a form of limestone composed of shell fragments and coral. Over the years, the fort has been occupied by the Spanish, British, and Americans. The Castillo de San Marcos fort is now a national monument for visitors to harken back to the days of cannons and the Spanish colonial rule of Florida.

Another famous St. Augustine attraction is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. According to legend, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León touched ground in the area of St. Augustine in search of a mythical spring that was said to provide eternal youth to those who drank from it.

One of the eye-catching buildings in the Floridian city is Flagler College — named after Henry Morrison Flagler, a prominent industrialist, railroad magnate, co-founder of Standard Oil, and early developer of Florida's Atlantic coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

St. Augustine welcomes visitors with inviting cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Sugar sand beaches and sapphire waters await beachgoers at nearby St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park.

Travelers can drive 40 miles north to visit Jacksonville.

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City councilmember floats idea of using tourism tax revenue for other things

A Charlotte city council member talked about using the tourism tax on other things, such as roads and infrastructure.

However, there is no ambiguity regarding the allocation of the tax revenue.

Charlotte tourism CEO reflects on growth, changes to city ahead of retirement

In Charlotte, tourism taxes must be used for tourism purposes.

Those are the taxes paid at hotels or on prepared food and beverages.

Last week, Councilmember Renee Johnson, D-District 4, floated the idea of putting those taxes toward infrastructure.

The tourism industry did not like that idea and now the mayor is taking a firm stance against it.

“I would like to take a look at that if that is a possibility,” Johnson said during a meeting earlier this month .

Johnson told the Economic Development Committee she wants to explore flexibility for spending the city’s hospitality funds.

She cited Asheville’s use of the funds for greenways and infrastructure.

“It is worth talking about, a different way of looking at things,” Johnson.

“I just think that is a terrible idea,” said Councilmember Malcolm Graham, D-District 2.

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association agrees with Councilman Malcolm Graham.

The association sent a letter to the city this week saying that “taxes should not be used for general fund expenses or things used primarily by the community at large or other businesses ... If tourism promotion is no longer needed and the tax has met its goals, the tax should be lowered or eliminated.”

Mayor Vi Lyles was quick to respond to the organization and try to put out the fire writing “The conversation you referenced in your April 8 letter was just that -- a conversation. It does not question or indicate any change in city policy … The City of Charlotte does not intend to change how we utilize funds generated by hospitality taxes or work with our hospitality industry.”

During last week’s meeting, Graham warned other council members about going down this road.

“I am not even sure if it is a conversation,” he said. “We can certainly talk about anything. It is just, I am not on board with even talking about that.”

All of this comes on the heels of a lawsuit involving Currituck County on the coast. The county is tied up in litigation for using occupancy taxes for emergency services.

VIDEO: Charlotte leaders discuss tourism recovery

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .