2025 Travel Trend: Quiet Destinations ??

I am just back from 3 weeks in Africa and reintegrating myself with the busy and more hectic lifestyle of America. The differences in our societies got me thinking about quiet destinations and low and behold others have been thinking about it too. Expedia and?Booking.com?surveyed travelers?to discover what's trending in travel for 2025—people are looking for quieter, less-crowded destinations around the world instead of the bucket-list locales that are usually so popular for getaways. These off the beaten path destinations are exactly what I seek out when I pack my bags for a new adventure!?I'll have lots to share about my African trip soon.?

Less-visited destinations offer a more serene experience, tend to be more affordable to visit, and let you explore new parts of the world without the hassle of huge crowds. Plan on visiting places that aren’t typically on travelers’ radar, like Reims, France and Fukuoka, Japan (I really loved this part of Japan on my last trip—see photos and check out my itinerary here).?

Here are more of my favorite places to visit for smaller crowds and a quiet getaway!

Enchanting Ecuador

One of my favorite countries to explore, Ecuador sees just 1.2 million visitors annually and has so much to offer in natural beauty, wildlife, vibrant cities and villages, and high-altitude adventures. You can come to Ecuador with my group in February and experience the mystical Andes Mountains and the Amazon!?

I’ve created a 9-day itinerary to experience thrilling hikes, volcanoes, traditional villages and meals, wildlife encounters, adventurous rafting trips, and scenic horseback rides in beautiful Ecuador. Join us for the trip of a lifetime from February 7-15, 2025!?

Clear your calendar and sign up now to secure your spot:?Mystic Andes and Amazon with Alice Ford | Wild Ecuador

Scenic Eastern Europe

This part of the continent sees a fraction of the visitors of its Western European neighbors, but it’s equally beautiful and interesting to explore. The?Liechtenstein Trail?is a great trans-country hiking trail in Liechtenstein that reaches into Switzerland and Austria. The views are unparalleled and you’ll get to hike through the snow-capped Alps, the Rhine River valley, and beautiful alpine villages on the way, all without big crowds.?

Another long-distance hiking option in a less-visited region is the?Transcaucasian Trail. Pass through Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan on this 957-mile trail through the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, moving from dense forests and swamps to crags and high-altitude grasslands teeming with wildlife and rare plants.?

Charming Fredericksburg, TX

I just visited the small town of Fredericksburg in Texas HIll country—the second-largest wine region in the US. The town is really charming with vineyards, shopping and lots of great food. It’s only about 90 minutes from Houston, so if you want to be near the action, you’re close by!?

Latest Video: Fall Hiking in Colorado ??

Colorado in fall will forever be one of my favorite experiences. I just put out a new video where I hike the brand-new 10.3-mile Crag Crest Trail in Western CO’s Grand Mesa National Recreational Area. If you can swing it, do the full loop, but even hiking the first 2 miles to the ridge gives you a spectacular display of color and mountain views.?

I share all the details in my video and you’ve got to see this trail! Watch my new video here:?Top Places To Visit In Colorado During Autumn?

Travel & Conservation News ??? ???

I’ve become a Forest Guardian with Green Earth, and together, we are trying to restore forests and give cookstoves to families in Kenya. Most households in East Africa still burn charcoal, so helping provide alternatives is a must in the fight against air pollution. You can?become a Forest Guardian and plant a tree of your own here!?

Sober ‘dry tripping’ is?spiking in popularity. Trips involving mocktails, more outdoor experiences, and earlier wake-ups are increasingly popular with travelers who want an enhanced experience that isn’t dulled by drinks. Fans of dry tripping say the heightened awareness and the chance to travel more intentionally make sober sojourns fun for those who don’t drink at all or just want to enjoy a trip without booze.

Gear Deals ??

Get?up to 60% off?at Steep & Cheap with the?Steep & Treat sale. Gear is marked down for spooky season with camping gear, clothing, and more on sale through 10/26.

Score?up to 50% off?at REI on brands like REI Co-op brand, Fjallraven, KEEN and more with the?end-of-season clearance sale.

Save 10% on?Shimoda Backpacks?the best camera bags for hikers and backpackers. Use code FORD10 at checkout?

Dream Cruise Giveaway ??

You could win a cruise for two + 1 million miles with United Cruises! The grand prize winner will get 250,000 United MileagePlus? miles and a dream cruise for two to the destination of your choice. First and second place winners get 100-250K miles to apply to cruises!

No cruise is better than a free cruise!?Just sign up for weekly emails here?with United to enter for your chance to win by December 31.?

Need help planning your next adventure??I can book hotels, tours, and plan road trip routes for you. Just drop me a line here on Linkedin.