There are few things out there that beat relaxing on a tranquil beach in the middle of nowhere, without a care in the world, and we’re here to give you destination ideas for the coming year.
While not all of them are focused on lazing around under a sunshade, they’re bound to pique your interest, and if you’ve already been, it may just be time for a redo.
In recent times, tour buses and group tours have seen a drastic drop in popularity as people yearn for more authentic experiences, and nothing screams „authentic” so much as exploring a new corner of the world all by yourself.
Between actually interacting with the locals and visiting the places that a tour guide agency won’t show you, making your own travel plan comes with a variety of advantages, so long as you know what you’re doing.
Staying eco-friendly
It’s no secret that the areas frequented by tourists see a boom in carbon emissions during peak season, and oftentimes the local infrastructure as well as the ecosystem has a hard time keeping up.
A couple of years back, the Punta Cana region in the Dominican Republic saw a tremendous increase in brown algae, caused by insufficient waste management.
This led to irreparable damage to the coral reefs and put hundreds of marine life species at risk.
Instead of heading to the popular tourist-trap cities, pick a quieter place that’s packed with locals and a minimal amount of visitors.
Not only will this contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, but it’ll also give you a more authentic experience, as you’ll be eating locally sourced foods and living life as the rest of those surrounding you.
Travelers are more eco-friendly than ever before, and it’s definitely a bandwagon to jump on if you’re looking to go green.
Immersive experiences
With guided tours not cutting it in 2025, memorable experiences and local culture have taken center stage, allowing you a glimpse into the life of the average resident.
One of the best ways to feel this is by skipping the expensive, all-inclusive hotel room, and instead opt for a homestay arrangement or a local service project.
In recent years, the Thai Elephant Conservation Project has been all the rage with travelers, mainly for the fact that it’s probably the best way to see what the life of an elephant caretaker looks like.
Sure, looking out a bus window and listening to a tour guide repeat the same lines they’ve done hundreds of times can be okay, but it’s not something that’ll stick with you for the rest of your life.
If you’re vacationing for a longer period, you could even consider getting a part-time job at one of the local businesses, allowing you to maintain a balanced work/fun relationship.
It’s not all about the beaches.
For some, the tropic destinations are simply too hot, and this trend has spread like wildfire lately, as travelers choosing moderate weather are growing in number year after year.
This is particularly true for those hailing from regions with a tropical climate, as they’re looking for something new, and sandy beaches are practically the norm for them.
However, you can plan your own journeys around this trend, as destinations in the southern hemisphere are significantly less popular in the summer months, allowing you to roam around freely without seeing tourists on every corner.
Places like Sydney and Cape Town are only some of the examples where this phenomenon occurs, and you could even save a lot of money by traveling when there are fewer tourists around.
Stargazing
The industrial revolution has had its fair share of benefits, but one of the most commonly overlooked downsides is the incredible amount of light pollution in densely populated areas.
Because of this, it’s practically impossible to enjoy looking at the stars in any metropolitan area, and if you’ve got the slightest bit of wonder left in you, you’ll know just how incredible the final frontier is.
And it’s not just space either, as earthly phenomena such as the Northern Lights can only be seen in certain places on the globe, and witnessing it with your own eyes is unforgettable.
With this in mind, many travelers have put places like the Sahara Desert and Peru on their itineraries, setting themselves up for many nights of enjoying the star-spangled horizon.
If you’re really looking for something unforgettable, invest in an amateur telescope as well, and space will never look the same again.
Do your wallet a favor
Even though certain places will remain on top of the list in terms of popularity, some of us simply can’t afford a vacation in cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Others, however, know that even if it’s within their budget, they can make long-lasting memories elsewhere at a fraction of the price.
Naturally, if you’re going somewhere halfway across the globe, expect to cash out on the travel costs, but you’re likely going to get a lot more mileage out of your spending money than you would elsewhere.
Places like Colombia, Costa Rica, and Argentina have seen a major influx in tourists caused by these economically conservative travel plans that are growing in popularity.
Keep in mind that money will pay for all the experiences on your trip though, so don’t expect to have the time of your life if you’re just looking to save money.
Wrapping things up
At the end of the day, it’s your choice where you’re going to go and how you’re going to do it, but know that you’re missing out on a lot by taking the standard tourist route.
Plan your own trips and look for places that suit your vibe, rather than just mindlessly following a scripted tour.
And remember, as long as you’re having fun, you’re doing something right.