So, what exactly makes a destination “hot” this year?

1. The Rise of Micro-Trends: Niche is the New Norm

Instead of following the crowd, travelers are now following themselves — and destinations that cater to hyper-specific interests are thriving. Think:

• Astrotourism: Stargazing destinations like Chile’s Atacama Desert or West Texas are trending.
• Regenerative Travel: Not just eco-friendly, but experiences that leave the place better — from coral restoration in Belize to reforestation in Costa Rica.
• Quiet Luxury: Travelers want understated elegance — think boutique mountain lodges, private island retreats, and service-first hospitality that whispers rather than shouts.

These micro-trends are helping shape the travel landscape with more depth and nuance than ever before.

2. Overlooked Regions Are Having a Moment

Travelers are looking for the next “it” place before it gets flooded with influencers and tourists. This shift has turned attention to second-tier cities, hidden coastlines, and culturally rich interiors.

• Northern Portugal instead of Lisbon.
• Yucatán’s inland towns instead of the overbuilt Riviera Maya.
• Montenegro instead of Croatia.
• Oaxaca’s coast instead of Tulum.

These destinations offer what today’s traveler craves: authenticity, affordability, and fewer crowds — without compromising experience.

3. Digital Detox & Cultural Reconnection

While Wi-Fi is still essential for many, more travelers are seeking places that encourage disconnection and deeper connection — to nature, to culture, to self.

Hot destinations are leaning into:

• Local storytelling and guided immersion.
• Heritage crafts, food, and rituals.
• Off-grid lodges and unplugged itineraries.
• Smaller, curated group travel with purpose-driven themes.

4. Authenticity Over Algorithms

In a world ruled by viral trends and curated feeds, travelers are craving realness. What makes a destination desirable in 2025 isn’t how “Instagrammable” it is — it’s how real it feels.

That means:

• Fewer filters. More folklore.
• Less fabrication. More flavor.
• Not trying to be the next Bali or Paris — just being proudly you.

Destinations that hold true to their roots while embracing thoughtful evolution will win hearts — and return visits.

How to Ride the Wave Without Losing Your Soul

Whether you’re a tourism board, resort, or small business, staying relevant in 2025 means walking the line between trendy and timeless.

Here’s how:

• Tell your story, not someone else’s.
• Elevate what’s unique — not just what sells.
• Invite travelers into your world — not just into your hotel.
• Build with your locals, not just for your visitors.

Bottom Line: Hot destinations in 2025 aren’t just “new” — they’re meaningful. Travelers want to go where they feel something. Where they return home not just with selfies, but with stories.

And that kind of desirability? It doesn’t fade with a season — it defines a legacy.

To share your story with the world, let The Hotel Guide be your vehicle. Message Edward R. Leos, publisher, at erleos@thehotelguide.com.

The post What Makes Destinations “Hot” in 2025? appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Wild crafts and workshops remain at the beating heart of the festival experience, and 2025 promises one of the most exciting and expansive offerings to date. With over 200 workshops included in the ticket price, attendees can explore everything from traditional crafts and foraging to fire, den, and chocolate making to flint knapping with Will Lord, medicinal plant walks, yoga sessions, wild spas, and ceramic sessions. All experiences are designed to inspire deep reconnection with nature and self.

Alongside its vibrant cabaret offerings, Into The Wild has confirmed a diverse lineup of global artists, like Daraa Tribe with nomad tunes from North Africa, Ant Bahar Di, Ustad Noor Bakhsh from Rajasthan, UK rapper Viktus, Mongolian Odyssey’s throat singing, the Magic Tree collective, and Welsh folk artist Bethan Lloyd, plus many more.

Festival Founder Huw Williams comments: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Into The Wild back this August. Over the past 11 years, the festival has grown into something truly special. It’s a space where people of all ages can celebrate nature, creativity, and community. The response has been amazing year after year, and we can’t wait to share what we have planned for 2025.”

Environmental and social responsibility remain at the heart of Into The Wild. This year, the festival will welcome leading organizations and charities such as the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, WWF, Greenpeace, The Twelve Step Fellowship, and the Sussex Wildlife Trust, further strengthening its long-standing commitment to conservation, activism, and ecological awareness.

Originally founded in 2014, the festival has grown to create its own CIC Wilderlands, helping to Rewild, support wildlife, and create habitat for nature. The festival continues to champion a family-friendly, inclusive, and nature-focused ethos, making it a standout experience in the UK festival landscape year after year.

Tickets Here

Find Out More & Follow 

Into The Wild Instagram | Website

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In my new role as Vice President of Sales at The Hotel Guide, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to travelers, business owners, and hospitality professionals around the world. And one thing is clear: people are still hungry for travel. 

But they’re not looking to check boxes anymore. They’re looking for something deeper.

Then vs. Now: The Shift We Can’t Ignore

Not long ago, the typical vacation was centered on seeing the sights, snapping a few photos, and heading home feeling slightly more exhausted than when you left. Travel was often about escape, status, or simply ticking off a list of “must-see” places.

But today’s traveler is different.

They want experiences that feel meaningful. They crave authenticity, beauty, and connection — to the culture, to themselves, and even to the businesses they choose to support. 

A modern traveler today can be a digital nomad, a solo explorer, a multi-generational family, or someone navigating a life transition. The one thing they all have in common, is they’re looking for more than a place to stay — they’re looking for places that stay with them.

We’re seeing a rise in slow travel, wellness retreats, heritage-based journeys, and destination stays that prioritize presence over pace. In a world that constantly demands speed, travel has become one of the few places people give themselves permission to slow down and fully experience life.

Why Travel Still Changes Everything

So, why is travel so important to so many people?

Travel reminds us who we are, and that’s always going to be a constant.  It opens our eyes to the world, and to ourselves. It’s one of the most life-altering experiences you can have because it shifts your perspective without demanding you change everything about your life. 

It’s subtle, profound, and unforgettable.

For me, some of my most powerful moments have happened not because they are far from home but because I was fully immersed in the place, regardless of the geography. 

It was the conversations with locals, the feeling of accomplishment when successfully driving on winding roads in unfamiliar towns, and rising to the challenge of being in places where I didn’t speak the language but still managed to connect with others because I understood everything that mattered. 

Those moments stay with you. And they shape you.

That’s why I believe travel, now more than ever, is not just important. It’s essential.

What This Means for Travel and Hospitality Businesses

Today’s traveler is intentional. They want to know what your brand stands for. They want to feel good about where they spend their money. And they’re more likely to return, and refer others, if they feel they’ve had an experience, not just a transaction.

That’s where The Hotel Guide comes in. We don’t just list businesses — we tell stories, and create community. 

We connect travelers with properties, destinations, and experiences that align with what they’re truly seeking. And we help hospitality businesses stand out to an audience that’s already in the mindset to explore, book, and experience more.

Let’s Explore Together

If you’re a travel or hospitality business that wants to meet this new era of travelers, with messaging, visibility, and positioning that speaks their language, and invites them to experience what you provide better than anyone else, I’d love to connect.

As VP of Sales at The Hotel Guide, my role is to help businesses like yours get in front of the right audience, with the right message, at the right time.

Book a complimentary strategy call with me to explore how we can work together: SCHEDULE HERE.

Here’s to a new era of travel — deeper, richer, and more powerful than ever.

– By Jane Garee, Vice President of Sales, The Hotel Guide

The post Why Travel Is Different Today — And More Transformative Than Ever appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

The experiences are categorized to appeal to a variety of travelers, whether they’re seeking spiritual, adventure, or culinary escapades. What distinguishes these experiences is COMO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, immersive, and exclusive encounters with the local environment, people, and traditions.

Highlights include a private blessing at Bali’s sacred Kedara water garden, surfing excursions led by luxury surf guides at COMO Uma Canggu in Bali, horseback riding along the beaches of Fiji’s COMO Laucala Island, and truffle hunting in Tuscany at COMO Castello del Nero. Each experience is designed with COMO’s signature attention to detail, offering personalized access that goes beyond typical luxury travel experiences.

The new campaign reflects COMO’s commitment to blending luxury with authentic cultural engagement, as described by its founder-owner Christina Ong and CEO Olivier Jolivet, emphasizing the brand’s distinctive portfolio and dedication to offering unique experiences globally.

For more details on the Iconic Experiences, visit https://www.comohotels.com/experiences

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A personal Ritz Kids Counselor is available to assist with planning activities for young travelers, including a Ritz Kids Night Safari – a unique in-villa camping experience. Additional amenities include an impressive floating breakfast, a reserved beach cabana, and a VIP departure gift reflecting the local community as a fond memory of their time at the resort.

To enliven the senses further, villa guests will receive a resort credit of IDR 2,000,000 (or approximately USD 125) per day that can be redeemed as a dining experience, relaxing spa treatments, or signature cultural experience to add to their journey. The experiences include a private session for Soul Purification Ritual on the beach at sunrise, and a cooking class on making local delicacies, guests will be able to experience the culture like the locals.

“At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, we are committed to creating everlasting memories for our guests. Whether you want to unwind in the magnificent villas, indulge in gourmet dining, or explore the vibrant local culture, our newly launched offer ensures every unforgettable moment.” Says Go Kondo, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.

Featuring a variety of sixteen remarkable villas, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali utilizes every aspect of the resort to offer an unparalleled experience at any vantage point. Guests wishing to be perched on the cliff with uninhibited views of the Indian Ocean or secluded amongst the gardens can choose from different cliff-top villas including The Garden Villa, The Cliff Villa, and The Ritz-Carlton Cliff Villa.

Guests longing to be on the gorgeously manicured beach level can choose from The Sky Villa and The Ritz-Carlton Oceanfront Villa, which is the most expansive villa at the resort at nearly 7,300 square feet. Combining thoughtful design and décor with the beauty of its natural surroundings, all one- to three-bedroom villas exude a contemporary and residential aesthetic – giving discerning travelers a sanctuary to escape everyday life and feel at home. For more information, visit www.ritzcarltonbali.com and join the conversation on social media with #RCMemories.

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