Gamechangers: Destinations - Full-Time Travel

Gamechangers: Destinations

Gamechangers: Destinations

This year, we're taking a deeper look at some tried and true vacation favorites to see what's new and enticing. From a giant art installation to indigenous-led experiences, these destinations have so much to offer those who venture off the beaten path.

Nevada, USA

City 1970 - 2022 Michael Heizer. Courtesy Triple Aught Foundation. Photo: Eric Piasecki

For many people, the first place they think of when they picture Nevada is Las Vegas, but the Silver State has so much to offer beyond the bright lights of the Strip. More than 80% of Nevada is public land, and it's full of awe-inducing landscapes to explore, including City, the world's largest art installation located within Basin and Range National Monument. Artist Michael Heizer began work on City in 1970 and officially unveiled it in September 2022, inviting just six visitors per day to roam its pathways and marvel at its architectural forms. City is unlike any other artwork on Earth – a one-and-a-half mile long by a-half-mile-wide sculpture in a remote area of Nevada's high desert – and a unique experience for art appreciators and travel lovers alike. Tickets are already sold out for 2023, but set a reminder for January 2, 2024, at 12:01 pm ET to snag a spot next year.

 

United Kingdom

Durdle Door, West Lulworth, England | By Robert Bye

If the only place you've visited in the UK is London, it's time to explore further afield. From the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands and idyllic Lake District to the white cliffs and wildflower-blanketed headlands of the English coastline and lush valleys of Wales, the UK boasts more than its fair share of pretty hiking trails – just remember to pack an umbrella! For a taste of UK culture, tour the nation’s historic cities, stopping in Edinburgh for the Fringe performing arts festival, Liverpool for musical heritage, Bristol (hometown of Banksy) for street art, Belfast for Game of Thrones shoot locations, and Brighton for afternoon tea and unique architecture, including the Royal Pavilion.

 

Australia

The Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes, Australia | By Tobias Keller

During the peak of COVID, Australia closed its borders for two long years. When it finally reopened in early 2022, changes were afoot, including a long-overdue deal to return more than 395,000 acres of land, including national parks, to indigenous communities. Across the country, a wealth of Aboriginal-owned and operated experiences offer travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the traditions and knowledge of one of the world’s oldest living cultures, from camping trips and visits to sacred sights to river safaris and bush tucker tours. Exploring Australia’s vast and sparsely populated wild places is an appealing adventure for travelers seeking vibrant landscapes and starry skies. Take The Ghan overnight train through the “fiery red center” of the country or hop on a boat to Kangaroo Island for wildlife encounters and remote beaches. 

 

Mexican Caribbean 

Bacalar in the Mexican Caribbean

From archeological sites to emerald rainforest, The Mexican Caribbean truly has something for everyone, but it’s the state’s postcard-perfect beaches that really set it apart. While Tulum and Cancun are perennially popular for good reason, smaller beach towns and islands offer comparable beauty with a more laid-back vibe and smaller crowds. In-the-know travelers are heading to Bacalar, a town on the Belize border, known as “the Maldives of Mexico” – an ode to its water bungalow hotels situated on a turquoise lake known as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors. For an equally tranquil atmosphere take a boat to Isla Holbox, a nature reserve free of cars or high-rise resorts, where you’ll share the beach with flocks of flamingos and swaying palm trees.  

 

Kyushu, Japan

Beppu, Oita, Japan | By Christian Chen

If you liked Tokyo and Kyoto, you’re going to love Kyushu, Japan’s up-and-coming tourism hotspot. The country’s third-largest island is famous for its food scene (tonkotsu ramen was invented here) and its hot springs, which bubble up from the Kirishima volcanic mountain range. Delve into onsen culture in the towns of Yufuin and Beppu, the former of which just got its first big-name resort, InterContinental ANA Beppu Resort and Spa, then visit Kirishima National Park and try the unique Ibusuki sand bath – an experience where your body will be submerged in mineral-rich volcanic sand for the reputed health and beauty benefits. 

The Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, transforms Römer square into a festive haven with twinkling lights and charming stalls. Aromas of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fill the air as visitors explore handcrafted gifts and traditional treats. The iconic Christmas tree and live performances create a magical atmosphere, making this market a cherished holiday tradition.

Reel: @pillter_
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It`s cabin season where crackling fireplaces and peaceful solitude creates a magical and cozy atmosphere in the winter time.

Reel: @dirtandglass 📍 @evergreen_cabins
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We love a pre-winter adventure just before the water freezes into ice. @jaspernationalpark

Reel: @ninadefilla
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Throughout November, the mountains surrounding the well-known abodes of Shirakawa-gō begin to adopt the colors of autumn. 🍂 ...

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"The wait is over... it`s that time of year again! Every year from November to early March, millions of butterflies blanket the high altitude forest in central Mexico in a mesmerizing display. It`s truly spectacular to witness." - 🎥 @jess.wandering @everchanginghorizon ...

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In the latest episode of our podcast, an award winning editor, writer and producer and the host of the podcast, Travel That Matters, @brucewallintravel travels through Central America with his then fiancee to enjoy what they imagined to be their last big adventure before settling down. It was a trip that gave Bruce a new travel ethos, that travel gets better the more effort you put into it. 🎧 Link in bio to listen! ...

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When fall meets winter in Utah.

Reel: @ashleylporter
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Ethereal moments from a sunset in Scoresby Sound, Greenland.

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Autumn in Lago di Saoseo, a stunning alpine lake in the Poschiavo Valley of Switzerland, is a magical experience. The season transforms the surrounding landscape into a picturesque tapestry of vibrant colors. The dense forests that encircle the lake burst into a riot of reds, yellows, and oranges as the leaves change, creating a breathtaking contrast against the crystal-clear, emerald waters of the lake. The cool, crisp air of autumn adds to the tranquility of the scene, making it an ideal time for peaceful hikes and nature appreciation. It`s a time when the natural beauty of Lago di Saoseo truly shines, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Reel: @jakeguzman
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6 Spooky Fall Adventures (An Hour from NYC)

Follow this guide from @steffy where everything is Halloween themed
including the street signs!

- @pumpkinblaze
- @harvestmoonorchard
- @lyndhurst_mansion
- @ Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
- @sleepyhollowbookshop
- @horsefeathers for a spooky drink
- @castlehotelandspa to stay!
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Zhangjiajie, located in China`s Hunan province, is a stunning national park known for its towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and lush forests. It gained international fame as the inspiration for James Cameron`s "Avatar." The park`s surreal and otherworldly landscape, particularly the "Southern Sky Column" (renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain"), served as the muse for the film`s floating mountains and lush forests. Zhangjiajie remains a popular destination for travelers seeking to witness the real-world beauty that inspired the cinematic masterpiece.

Reel: @cyn_cynti
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The scent of crisp, autumn air fills the atmosphere of this picturesque region in southern Germany. Allgäu turns into a patchwork of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rustic browns as the leaves change color.

Reel: @_marcelsiebert
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Host of our very own podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, and this week’s Travel That Matters guest, Esme Benjamin (@esmebenjamin), tells us about her year-in-the-making five-month-long road trip across the United States.

On the podcast, Esme starts by telling us the things that happened in her life that led her to take this life-altering adventure. Then, we hear about her path through the following incredible places: Black Hills & Badlands (South Dakota), Glacier National Park and Bozeman (Montana), Cody (Wyoming), Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa (Colorado), Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana), San Francisco and Los Angeles (California), and more!

🎧 Link in bio to listen and to explore the transformative power of travel.
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