News and Insights
A Route of One’s Own
October 29, 2024
Plan-free travel is on the rise, says Condé Nast Traveler. Tired of fearing they’re missing out on destinations of the moment, many vacationers are now tapping services that specialize in arranging getaways with no details provided until they’re just about to get underway. Neat!
While surprise adventures are a modern twist on travel, Global Wellness Summit’s The Future of Wellness 2024 Trends spotlights the popularity of age-old pilgrimages – i.e., journeys that follow established routes and treks involving observation or participation in spiritual ceremonies. These guided journeys are designed for experiential and wellness-minded travelers focused on physical activity, fitness, and deeper cultural connectedness. Also neat!
But there’s a third option that’s gaining popularity, one that offers flexibility without the surprise: travel on an established route at a rhythm of one’s own.
With more than 5,000 highly vetted guides operating in 170 countries, ToursByLocals is a source for customizable and immersive guided tours geared to travelers’ preferences – whatever they may be. Night owls and vampires desiring to beat the heat, for instance, can head out after the sun goes down to stargaze in Arizona, see the Eiffel Tower light up Paris, or navigate a night market in Istanbul led by ToursByLocals guides who really know their way around… even in the dark.
On the island of Santorini, travelers seeking a more personalized experience are increasingly choosing to stay off the typical tourist routes. In Oia, the island’s most renowned tourism hub, Santo Pure, part of the Santo Collection, offers an ideal retreat. Positioned just far enough from the bustling village, it provides a serene environment with unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea, local cuisine without the crowds, and luxurious suites that ensure complete privacy. Whether guests prefer to start their day with a morning yoga session followed by relaxation at one of Santo Pure’s six pools or enjoy a spa treatment after a private guided hike, they are encouraged to move at their own pace.
This spring 2024, Santo Collection expanded its offerings with two new properties: Santo Mine and The Villas by Santo Collection. These embody the brand’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional privacy, breathtaking views, and a unique, unhurried experience in one of Santorini’s most picturesque settings.
Vacationing isn’t the only way to travel, of course. Tradewind Aviation, the market leader in regional air mobility, makes the case for corporate types to leverage its fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops for time-saving, hassle-free business travel over relatively short distances.
Consider travel within Florida, where Tradewind has a new base near Palm Beach that serves clients throughout the southeast. While a group of executives may save money traveling via commercial airline to less-prominent locations, the time and hassles involved – getting to and from major airports, waiting at TSA security checkpoints, walking to gates, waiting again to board and then waiting yet again to claim baggage – really add up. Meanwhile, Tradewind’s PC-12s carry up to eight passengers in air-conditioned comfort and can access smaller airports not typically available to commercial planes or larger private operators. That saves time on transportation from residence to airport and airport to client, as well as with boarding, as travelers are able to access their flight with no TSA check until 10 minutes before takeoff.
That’s a rhythm any corporate travel manager can groove to.
Looking for more travel trends? Get access to the full 2024 TrendHawk report here:
