Slow travel. Conscious travel. Regenerative travel. These are all terms that went from the fringes to the mainstream in recent years, as thoughtful tourists—and the travel agent, destination management specialists and tour operators who make their dreams come true—have started to consider the consequences for the places they visit.
While greenwashing is still all too common, others in the travel world are taking their impact seriously. Last month, Fodor’s released a new “no list” for 2024, and the UN’s World Tourism Organization is still hammering away at its Sustainable Development Goals.
And so, while now is the season for wish lists compiled by traditional luxury travel agents, aggregated data and even AI, I turned to small business owners—who often live in the destinations they’re selling—who care about principles as well as profits. Here’s what they suggest.
“Uruguay is a uniquely stable country (politically, socially and environmentally) and a very low risk destination in such troubled times,” states Elin Granberg pragmatically. But the half-Uruguayan travel designer, the founder of Neverseen, didn’t just nominate her country of origin for its safety factor. “I’m very proud of crafting bespoke journeys to my small but mighty country, where regenerative practices have been a way of life for many generations. A culture rooted in simplicity and respect for nature, the country welcomes visitors to experience the genuine connection between land and life.” Neverseen organizes bespoke stays in places like the family-run Posada Ayana in the artsy village of José Ignacio where “farm-to-table dining and biodynamic winemaking are a given, green architecture seamlessly blends with the landscape and handpicked restored vintage pieces from Montevideo.” Its James Turell Skyspace “feels right at home in a town where nature and conscious living sits at the center of everything.” Another Neverseen adventure includes horseback riding across the dunes to Cabo Polonio, a remote seaside village powered by wind and solar energy.
More than 100 miles from Manaus, the Jaú National Park is the largest freshwater forest park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and yet it is still relatively unexplored by tourism, says Patty Monahan, whose company, Our Whole Village, introduces some of those few tourists to the region. The family-focused travel agency’s five-day expedition takes in sailing on the Negro, Jaú and Carabinani Rivers, where “you’ll have the opportunity to explore the abundant wildlife and stunning scenery of this beautiful region while visiting riverside communities where you can learn about their way of life and make a positive impact,” she says. For parents and children, “this is a
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy recently relaunched its Curated Collections – hand-picked selections of incredible homes and destinations from around the world – to inspire travelers as they begin planning their 2024 journeys. For the nearly four out of 10 prospective travelers for leisure in the next 12 months who are still deciding where they want to travel 1 in 2024, according to a recent YouGov study (conducted on behalf of Marriott), Curated Collections will spark and satisfy wanderlust for travelers with their new collections.
Anyone who has waited this long to do holiday shopping would be wise to take some instant inspiration from the 2023 Forbes Holiday Gift Guide—an A-to-Z list of letter-perfect presents for all the alphas in your life.
The Transportation Security Administration has announced an expansion of its TSA PreCheck program with the addition of Norse Atlantic Airways, Lynx Air, Starlux Airlines, and Fiji Airways.
United States citizens will soon get a taste of what it feels like for international travelers arriving in our country. Nations making up the European Union have been revamping how travelers outside of Europe pass through its borders.
If traveling lights you up and makes you happy, make space for more adventures in 2024—even if you have to go alone. Solo travel opens our eyes to the world around, allowing us to travel deeper with more introspection and self-awareness. When it’s up to you to get from point A to point B, you’ll not only be challenged outside of your comfort zone, but also, you’ll get to decide where to go and when. Whether you want to sleep in past noon, rise early to fill your day with loads of sights and attractions, or ease into a spa day with little else planned—go for it, you’re the boss.
As millions of passengers begin to fill airports for the 2023 holiday season, Southwest Airlines is still facing consequences for last year's holiday travel meltdown. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a record $140 million fine against Southwest on Monday, while also introducing new consumer protections and enforcements to help avoid another meltdown, which left thousands of flights canceled and passengers across the United States stranded, from happening again. “We’re pleased to have reached this consumer-friendly settlement, which includes a new, industry-leading policy to compensate Customers during significant delays and cancellations,” Southwest Airlines shared in a statement about the settlement. After the holiday travel meltdown of 2022, the Department of Transportation conducted an extensive investigation which found the airline failed to provide prompt refunds and general service to «hundreds of thousands of Southwest customers». As a result of the investigation, the Department of Transportation says that Southwest will be financially responsible for at least $750 million which includes refunds, future compensation for tickets, and more. In addition to the fine and payments, the DOT enforcement also requires that Southwest establish a $90 million reserve fund for future flight delays and cancellation. “This industry-leading benefit will ensure that Southwest passengers impacted by any future significant disruptions will receive not only flight rebooking, hotels, and food during the delay, but also timely compensation from Southwest due to the inconvenience,” the DOT release shares. Looking ahead to the holiday travel season that is currently underway, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said the airline is “absolutely ready” in a recent interview, and that the airline has taken many steps to ensure reliable air service, Airline passengers this holiday can also utilize new tools from the Department of Transportation, including an interactive dashboard which shows their rights when flying. “For those who are planning to fly.
The holidays are almost upon us, but there's still time to snap up some great gifts for the travelers in your life (or maybe just for yourself) at great prices.
New York City is practically synonymous with New Year’s Eve. The entire world watches and waits for the ball to drop in Times Square, while revelers at the crossroads of the world and across the boroughs celebrate the upcoming New Year. Plenty of restaurants far away from the chaos are also hosting celebrations for festive meals, toasts and a fun ambiance to ring in the 2024. Here’s where to celebrate:
Air India, privatized in 2022 and now part of the Tata Group, made big strides in 2023 to make up for years of neglect. The airline ordered a large number of aircraft for its ambitious growth plans, unveiled its new brand imagery, and showcased the planned retrofit of its existing widebodies. The airline is also preparing to induct its first A350 aircraft into service.
In a move aimed at boosting tourism and the economy, Indonesia is exploring the possibility of offering visa-free entry to Indians along with 19 other countries, including the U.S., China, Australia, South Korea, Germany, Britain, and France.