Travel in county Hot Spring

The walled town of San Casciano delivers storybook Tuscany—narrow pedestrian-only streets, covered stone passageways, a looming castle, and a café-lined piazza. Outside the walls, the archetypal landscapes of the Val d’Orcia unfurl in all their glory, with rolling fields of vineyards and olive groves punctuated by cypress trees and the profile of a hill town here and there.

In the world of hotel openings, 2025 will be a year of firsts: Oetker Collection makes its debut in North America, 1 Hotels is heading to Australia, and likewise Aman to Mexico and Auberge Resorts to Italy, to name just a few. Grande dames like the New York City Waldorf Astoria will reopen (after an eight year closure, no less), and boutique concepts like NIHI will find footing in second locations. Here, we’ve scoured the globe for the most exciting hotel openings to have on your radar for 2025. Whether you’re an armchair traveler just looking for inspiration, or you’re ready to book your next flight—happy new year of travels.

Portland-based tour operator Avanti Destinations and the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) have partnered to create a new campaign encouraging travel advisors to sell FIT itineraries to less-visited destinations across Japan to help combat overtourism, called “Beyond the Golden Route.” 

Soaring granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and a myriad of geothermally-heated hot springs are just a handful of reasons that thousands of Americans venture to the Swiss Alps each year.

Jan 10, 2025 • 7 min read

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Jan 9, 2025 • 6 min read

Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but beyond the well-trodden paths lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems. From ancient mosaics to medieval towns and tranquil thermal springs, these hidden UNESCO-listed destinations offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich history, art and culture. 

It’s no secret that Yellowstone National Park can be jampacked in the summer, when up to one million people jockey for space each July. But February typically draws fewer than 50,000 visitors. That makes winter the best time to beat the crowds, as well as to experience a captivating and seldom-seen world revealed only when the park is covered in snow.

Dec 12, 2024 • 10 min read

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Nov 19, 2024 • 8 min read

This year has seen destinations from Venice to Amsterdam bring in rigorous new rules like daytripper taxes and Airbnb bans to tackle growing problems with overtourism.

Coming in at just under 20,000 square miles (that’s 20-percent smaller than West Virginia) Costa Rica packs an incredible array of things to see and do into a small area. Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama it has long Pacific and Atlantic ocean-facing coasts, volcanos, and rainforests galore. People are drawn there to hike and explore, surf, take a yoga retreat, eat fresh food, and reconnect with nature. It really is one of the best places on the planet to do all of those things, and to see rare wildlife. Here are some of our top picks for this Central American gem.

Nov 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Nov 6, 2024 • 7 min read

The traditional Japanese ryokan is a beautifully structured and choreographed experience. Hospitality and ritual are the emphasis. The family-run inns are often set within beautiful nature, ideally with access to restorative hot springs, known as onsens. The emphasis is on relaxation, Kaiseki meals based on local and seasonal ingredients, and hyper-personalized service. 

Oct 24, 2024 • 6 min read

Oct 23, 2024 • 5 min read