What's happened
As travel rebounds post-COVID-19, experts highlight emerging destinations and changing preferences for 2025. Lonely Planet's latest list emphasizes lesser-known cities and regions, while luxury travelers increasingly favor fall trips to avoid crowds. This shift reflects a broader trend towards mindful and sustainable travel experiences.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2025' highlights lesser-known gems, with destinations like Puducherry and Bansko celebrated for their unique experiences. The report emphasizes sustainability and community engagement as key factors in destination selection. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK notes a significant rise in fall travel bookings, with luxury travelers increasingly opting for off-peak trips to avoid crowds and high costs. This shift reflects a broader trend towards mindful travel, as noted by travel experts like Misty Belles from Virtuoso, who reported a 23% increase in fall bookings compared to the previous year. The changing preferences of travelers indicate a potential long-term impact on the tourism industry, as destinations adapt to meet the demand for unique and sustainable experiences.
How we got here
The travel industry is recovering from the pandemic, with a notable shift in traveler preferences. As destinations reopen, experts are identifying trends that prioritize lesser-known locations and off-peak travel times, reflecting a desire for unique experiences and reduced crowds.
More on these topics
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Toulouse is the capital of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the region of Occitanie. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, 150 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, 230 km from the Atlantic Ocean and 680 km from Paris.
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Lonely Planet is a large travel guide book publisher. As of 2011, the company had sold 120 million books since inception.
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Bansko is a town in southwestern Bulgaria, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains at an elevation of 1200m above sea level. It is a ski resort.