European Outdoor Escape

Slovenia blends alpine adventures with Old World charm.  Explore Ljubljana, a vibrant capital with castle views and a car-free city centre.  Stay riverside at The Hotel.  Venture to Velika Planina for a scenic cable car ride, chairlift, and hike to Shepherds Village in the Slovenian Alps.  Try basket weaving in Ribnica followed by a salami tasting at BioSing.  Bike through virgin forest in Kosčevska.  Soak in geothermal waters at Hotel Balnea in Dolenjske Toplice.  Mountain bike at Gače then canoe the Kolpa River.  Stay in a cabin at Camping Bela Krajina-Podzemelj or book a luxury tent at Glamping Kolpa Resort.   Slovenia is small, but outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

National Parks Road Trip

From America’s oldest trees to its deepest lake and hydrothermal areas, Circle of Discovery loops seven National Park Service units in northern California and southern Oregon.  From Redding head west to see the towering giants of Redwood National and State Parks, then up to Oregon Cave National Monument.  Marvel at the vivid blue water of Crater Lake National Park, then head south to Lava Beds and Tule Lake National Monuments for eerie volcanic beauty and WWII history.  Soak in nature’s power and serenity of volcanic landscapes and alpine lakes at Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Stay at Sheraton Redding at the Sundial Bridge and kayak in Whiskeytown National Recreational Area for a perfect 3-4 day trip.

Summer Festivals in the Rockies

Summer is festival season for mountain towns in the Rockies.  GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, are the ultimate convergence of adventure sports, music, and mountain town charm.  Watch dog competitions, kayak races, and climbing challenges.  Slow it down with a stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America, or Sunday mornings at Vail Farmers’ Market running from mid-June through early October.

Costa Rican Zen Retreat

Surf Synergy in Costa Rica offers a boutique wellness escape blending surf, yoga, and jungle vibes.  Mornings start with waves and warrior poses.  Afternoons are for jungle hikes, beach walks, or hammock naps.  Evenings bring coastal sunsets and delectably nourishing dinners.  You’ll return refreshed, and not just from a tan.

Rooftop of Africa and Safari Wonderment

Mount Kilimanjaro has been calling, and I’m answering with Dr. Jon’s Adventures. This is my second major trek with my close friend Jon – we did Everest Base Camp in 2022.  After summiting Africa’s tallest peak, I’m heading on safari with Adam Clements Safari Trackers to explore the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Natron, the largest crater in the world at wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Serengeti.  To unwind with barefoot luxury, Doug MacDonald can craft the perfect safari beach escape to Zanzibar or Anvil Bay in Mozambique.

Whether you’re cruising scenic byways, swimming in saltwater, or chasing summit dreams, let this summer be your season to explore boldly and breathe deeply.

Written By: Jennifer Broome

The post Summer of Adventure, Wellness, and Wonder appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

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.