As we do each year around this time, our annual trending destinations video is ready. Every month, we track a range of key indicators including buying habits and destinations at the time they are booked, not just where travelers are going right now. It’s amazing how much purchasing behavior can shift in a 12-month period, and how often top destinations change.
The locations that rise to the top seem to follow a common thread, they represent destinations that offer more experiential, more remoteness, more authenticity, and most importantly, more time beyond comfort zones. This reminds me of a something I read from a study at Cornell University and a second study from Harvard and Yale about the correlation between the types of destinations that are trending and the style of luxury travel Big Five has long pioneered.
I’m pleased to share a brief overview of those findings below, along with an inspiring video for you to enjoy.
The Mechanism: Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Research from Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology (specifically the work of environmental psychologists like Dr. Nancy Wells) supports Attention Restoration Theory.
The Physiology of “Planetary Health”
The “One Health” Framework
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health promotes the concept of Planetary Health—the understanding that human health is dependent on the health of natural systems.
Stress Reduction & Biophilia
Yale School of the Environment has long championed the Biophilia Hypothesis (popularized by Harvard’s E.O. Wilson).
What trend are you following?
We started off the year sharing my father’s work, an alphabet he was working on at the time of his passing. At the end of 2024, we found his complete work and are releasing each letter throughout the year. This week, we share the next letter.
E – Empathy: Connect with others through understanding and compassion.
Empathy is a powerful and essential aspect of human connection. It involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, showing compassion and support in various situations.
Active Listening: Empathy begins with actively listening to others. It involves giving our full attention, avoiding interruptions, and truly understanding what the other person is expressing. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. These can provide valuable insights into someone’s emotions and feelings. Acknowledge the other person’s emotions. Let them know that their feelings are understood and accepted, even if we may not fully agree with their perspective. Try to see things from the other person’s point of view. This helps in understanding their emotions and experiences, fostering a deeper connection. Communicate that we understand the other person’s feelings. Show that we care by offering support. This could be in the form of words of encouragement, practical assistance, or simply being there for someone in times of need.
Avoiding Judgment: Empathy involves suspending judgment and accepting the other person without criticism. It’s about creating a safe space for them to express themselves. In conflicts, empathy can be a powerful tool for resolution. Understanding the underlying emotions and concerns of all parties involved can pave the way for finding common ground.
Empathy involves understanding diverse perspectives and being open to learning from others with different backgrounds and experiences.
In summary: In personal and professional settings, Empathy contributes to a positive and supportive environment. It builds bridges between individuals, fostering cooperation, understanding, and a sense of community. Cultivating empathy is a continuous process that can lead to stronger connections and a more compassionate world.
Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.
– Alfred Adler.
Stay tuned for letter F
If you are looking for a fascinating and unique place to visit, South Africa is for you! It is home to a wide range of climates, landscapes, and a very diverse population. This destination is world famous for its gorgeous national parks, abundance of gold and an emerging wine industry. South Africa is one of those rare destinations that offer something for everyone who has a sense of adventure.
The major problem with visiting South Africa is the abundance of things to do. Among all of the great activities available, one of the first things you will want to do is eat. South African cuisine is every bit as diverse as its people. You will notice various influences from indigenous tribes, as well as German, Dutch, British, Malay, Portuguese, and Indian cultures. If you enjoy meat-based dishes, definitely try the Braaivleis or the spicy Boerewors. No South African meal is complete without a fine glass of South African wine to compliment it.
If you are a fan of wine, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Stellenbosch or Constantia. Constantia is home to gorgeous views, relaxing breezes and of course, delicious wines. The white wine offerings of Constantia include Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and Semillon. If you are more of a red wine lover, you will be delighted by the selection of Bordeaux, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The experience of the South African wine regions is something that your taste buds will never forget.
Once you are done wining and dining in South Africa, what is left to do? Many Things! If you are an animal lover, you will fall in love with the parks, private reserves, and farms of South Africa. They are all home to a huge variety of wildlife. For instance, Kruger National Park is home to 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds, 34 species of amphibians and 147 species of mammals.
When traveling to South Africa, you will definitely want to give yourself enough time to take in everything it has to offer. Food, wine and wildlife all come together to form the romancing essence of South Africa.
The Kalahari Desert is a vast desert that is majorly located in Botswana, but also extends into smaller areas in Namibia and South Africa. While one would think that a desert is devoid of life, the Kalahari is home to antelope, lions and meerkats. These animals have specially adapted to live in the unforgiving Kalahari and are a sight to see! There are various viewing platforms in which you can safely view these incredible animals up close and personal. This is a wonderful experience for anyone who marvels at African wildlife.
In order to stay comfortable in the Kalahari, it is ideal to stay in a camp for travelers. There is a luxury tented camp called Jack’s Camp, which is located on what once was one of the world largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi. This prehistoric lake dried up thousands of years ago due to the continued shifting of the Earth’s crust, so staying at Jack’s Camp provides a unique opportunity to camp out in the Kalahari and still stay comfortable as its accommodations include ten Bedouin-style canvas tents with en suite bathrooms and spacious bedrooms with Persian rugs and cool cotton sheets. It is a mix of old world and new.
For those interested in traveling to Africa, the Kalahari in Botswana is a must see destination. This is one of the few places in the world that will allow you the opportunity to have personal experiences with African wildlife and stay at the edge of a thousand year old super-lake. Make sure you bring your camera, as there will definitely be moments that others will have to see to believe!
Everyone knows that Africa is a premiere destination for travelers who are hoping to see the Big Five and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. A lesser known fact is that South Africa is becoming more popular as a luxury destination. Wine lovers from all over the world travel to South Africa to tour vineyards and sample wine. This is not a new fad as South Africa has been cultivating grapes and making wine for over 350 years!
When you hear about the South African winelands, this refers to the vast vineyards which are located approximately 45 miles from Cape Town. Over 97% of the wine produced in South Africa comes from the area. If you are interested in excellent wine, food and culture, the Cape winelands are definitely worth the trip.
A particularly special region you might want to consider visiting is the Franschhoek region. Here you will find a wide selection of reds, whites and sparkling wines. To go with this vast wine selection, there are also many fine restaurants as well. After visiting Franschhoek, you also might want to consider paying a visit to Paarl and Stellenbosch. Paarl is home to a wide selection of wines but is renowned for their Shiraz. Stellenbosch also has some great wine and boasts excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
It’s possible to visit the Cape winelands all year long, however many tourists elect to visit in the summer months. Visits can be tailored to your needs. A trip to the winelands can be a fun family getaway or a romantic retreat.
One major reason why South Africa continues to grow as a tourism destination is because it constantly defies perceptions. One might expect wildlife in this area to be bout wild game and nocturnal animals, but South Africa has so much more to offer. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer visitors a more modern take on nightlife. Bars, clubs, restaurants and live music are all available for travelers on a nightly basis.
New York might be considered the city that never sleeps, but Johannesburg is a close competitor. Its bars, pubs and clubs are open until the early morning hours. You can find both live music and DJs at these venues. Stop by the trendy Movida, where the Moulin Rouge meets South Africa. This popular place is known for its full-throttle parties and private VIP lounges. If the upscale crowd is not your scene, consider stopping over to St. Tropez where the clientele is younger and the music is louder. From bohemian to R&B to jazz, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are among the elite jet set, then you will want to visit Cape Town as it is home to a number of excellent, upscale options. Here you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy cold drinks while dancing at night.
Port Elizabeth is another great city you will want to check out. It is known as “the Friendly City”, and you will see why once you experience its great nightlife. Hotspots like Aqua, News Cafe’ and 9 Yards are all places you will definitely want to go.
Africa has an abundance of natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, but its man-made attractions can be just as exciting. To see a different side of South Africa, investigate the nightlife. You definitely won’t be disappointed
