Are you trying to figure out where tothis year? We also do this continuously: our editors are always speaking with industry insiders, keeping an eye on new hotel openings, exploring the minds of key players, and traveling to new and exciting places.
FOR CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia has always been a popular travel destination, but these days, with so much going on throughout and around Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, it’s rising into its very own as an exclusive getaway. In the city’s historic center, Casa Pestagua, a 16-room boutique hotel housed in a renovated 17th-century building, opened its doors in 2023.
Similar owners are currently trying to open bungalows in the well-liked day-trip destination of Isla Barú. Green-minded tourists will feel right at home at Blue Apple Beach, an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, a short distance down the coast. This B Corp-certified establishment gets half of its electricity from solar energy. Disney’s “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will make its appearance soon, providing an extra perspective on Cartagena, one of the several locations on the route.
More expansion is planned in the form of a Four Seasons hotel, additional nonstop flights from Atlanta to Cartagena by Delta Air Lines, and government investments in the expansion of the airport to accommodate the country’s growing tourist population.
FOR CUISINES
The Austrian Countryside
Two of the areas that contribute to Austria’s fairytale-like scenery are located south of Vienna. Styria is a region of gently sloped hills and hiking paths, centered around the historic city of Graz. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Neusiedl is located in the peaceful, rural Burgenland.
Both areas have a long and diverse tradition of producing wine, and in the past few years, they have seen a rise in the organic wine movement. Any visitor’s itinerary should start with cult favorites like Winery Maria, Sepp Muster 403, and Alice & Roland Tauss, as well as well-liked Burgenland vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang.
After that, stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a skillfully renovated 15th-century castle that opens on the banks of a tiny lake close to Salzburg, to finish off a trip to the nation.
FOR BIG-CITY JOYS
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, is thriving, pulling in $3 billion in revenue from tourism this past year alone. It offers traditional Western attractions like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock exhibitions. Due to a revival of interest in the area, Cowtown’s Cultural District is seeing a boom in luxury hotels.
The first-ever Canyon Ranch fitness club and a Mediterranean restaurant can be found at the Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth, which opened its doors in November. With an elegant spa, a tree-lined pool terrace, and an expensive chophouse called Bricks and Horses, Bowie House, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, has recently opened.
The National Cowgirl Museum, which will host an exhibition in highlighting the Mexican heritage of female horseback riding known as escaramuza charra, is just a short stroll from both hotels. In the future, the city’s Historic Southside district will host the opening of the National Juneteenth Museum in 2025.
FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAVELERS
Northern Pakistan
Due to its remarkable geography, high-altitude lakes, and towering peaks, the northern regions of this South Asian country are becoming increasingly popular in the adventure tourism industry. Recall that in 2023, Intrepid Travel—which also offers tours to Jordan, India, and Morocco—started a 12-day women-only adventure to the area, a first for the travel company.
Returning in September and October, Intrepid will take women to ancient forts, alpine lakes, and historical towns. The company claims that there will be plenty of opportunities for passengers to interact with locals in places that would be prohibited to men. Other operators are also going to the north of Pakistan.
With many full-day treks, several above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), Wild Frontiers will launch a brand-new, 14-day walking trip that will undoubtedly test both the bodies and brains of those who are ready for it. The reward is breathtakingly gorgeous scenery, in addition to the opportunity to meet new people and view historical treasures in Islamabad, the starting point of the journey.
Skiworld
Being an ABTA and ATOL-certified trip supervisor, Skiworld combines its events with travel to provide its customers with the genuine peace of mind they deserve when on vacation.
Clipper Vacations
FRS Clipper is the premier source for travel information in the region of the Pacific Northwest and the western part of Canada. Since 1986, they have provided accommodation, transportation, and tours for almost 8 million guests.
Holiday Autos
An internet-based company called Holiday Autos offers vehicle rental services in numerous nations. They provide a large selection of auto services that are accessible anywhere, anytime.
Conclusion
Travelers want experiences that are transforming, significant, and have a lasting effect—they don’t just want a vacation. Whatever their interests or preferred method of travel, there is enough for everybody since the growth of digital roaming, ethical tourism, and new travel locations.
