In or Out: Your Guide to 2025 Travel

I’ve been getting so many questions about travel plans lately (which, same - aren't we all dreaming up our next trip?), so I thought I'd share what I'm seeing out there and some creative ideas for trips this year.

Let's break down everything that's in, what's out, and why 2025 is going to be such an interesting year for travel.

IN: Thailand & Southeast Asia

Thailand is having its moment!

Travel + Leisure named it the destination of the year and the new season of White Lotus is about to drop (Feb 16) - they filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui this time.

Oh, and past seasons of White Lotus sent Hawaii and Sicily tourism up 20%, and Thailand’s already feeling it (so, maybe book that trip sooner rather than later?)

Why I’m obsessed with Thailand:

• It’s perfect for a first trip to Asia—welcoming, tourist-friendly, and easy to navigate (English is widely spoken in popular spots)

• There's SO much to see - Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Bangkok... I could go on forever

• The food. Just... the food

• Stunning beaches + epic scenery

• Love that you can go super luxe or keep it chill - there's something for every budget

One thing to note: flights from the U.S. are loooong (we're talking 20+ hours with connections). Make it worth it and stay at least 10 days, ideally two weeks. (Fingers crossed all this popularity brings some direct flights soon!)

Thailand's one of those places where having someone handle the logistics makes a BIG difference. Getting from city to city can be tricky, and there are so many hidden gems you might miss otherwise. (Cough cough, we’d love to plan your trip, just saying).

IN: Japan

No shock here - Japan's been THE destination of the past few years. (And hey, it makes a perfect stopover if you're heading to Thailand, but honestly, give Japan its own moment. It deserves it.) Oh, and not to influence you or anything, the exchange rate is really good right now….

Why Japan is just…everything:

• The FOOD scene is insane - conveyor belt sushi, ramen, the cutest onigiri, mochi everything, all things matcha

• Speedy bullet trains make it very easy to get around and visit multiple cities

• Unreal nature - cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, Mt. Fuji, onsens (hot springs), Okinawa beaches; like come on!

• The whole vibe - art, fashion, culture, history

• Safest place ever (like, leave-your-phone-at-a-cafe-and-definitely-get-it-back safe). And SO clean

First time in Japan? Here's where to hit:

• Tokyo is non-negotiable. It's massive and there's always more to explore, no matter how long you stay

• Kyoto is more relaxed - think gardens, shrines, and the dreamiest tea houses

• Hakone if you want those Mt. Fuji views (plus hot springs!)

• Kanazawa for samurai vibes and gorgeous gardens

• Okinawa if you want beaches + Japanese culture meets Hawaii (you'll need to fly, but worth it)

When to visit? Everyone talks about cherry blossom season (March/April) and fall foliage (October/November). But really, May and September are the sweet spots. Fewer crowds, perfect weather.

OUT: Rome

Okay, here's the deal with Rome this year... it's going to be A LOT.

It's the Catholic Jubilee (happens every 25 years) which means millions of pilgrims heading to Rome and Vatican City for the opening of the Holy Doors. We’re talking 32 million people expected across Italy.

Rome, Venice, and Florence will see huge crowds and high prices. If you can skip them this year, maybe do that? (Or start planning now if you're determined and definitely aim for shoulder or off season)

But here's the good news! Italy has so many incredible spots that aren't Rome:

• The Dolomites are just... chef's kiss (obsessed)

• Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore (or Lake Como, if you’ve got it like that…)

• Beaches? Sardinia (or Corsica, if you’re feeling French)

• Sicily is still underrated - Palermo, Taormina, Cefalù, Agrigento, Siracusa... plus those dreamy Aeolian Islands

• Calabria = Italy's best-kept secret (Google Tropea, you'll see what I mean)

• Ischia (alternative to Capri) - stay at Mezzatore and thank me later

Quick note about Amalfi/Positano: It's been getting a bit wild lately? As in $1K+ per night for three star hotels. And the five star properties are $2-3K a night!! If you're set on going, definitely get some advice on which spots have the best value.

IN: Luxury cruising (the cool kind)

Okay, I know what you're thinking - "cruising? ew" I get it. We've all seen those massive ships that look like floating shopping malls. But, luxury cruising has quietly gotten really good lately.

We're not talking about those giant ships with 5,000 people fighting over buffet shrimp. These are more like floating five-star hotels, and they're kind of... amazing.

Yacht life

Luxury hotel brands have ventured to cruising and we are OBSESSED with it. If you thought you’d never set foot on a cruise, this may change your mind

• Four Seasons Yachts is basically a floating Four Seasons hotel. Need I say more

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - gorgeous and somehow even fancier than their hotels. Plus, only 450 people max!

• Seadream is like having a rich friend with a really, really nice yacht (and lots of other friends). Only 112 guests, and they'll take you to those dreamy little ports the big ships can't reach

Premium and luxury cruises

• Explora Journeys is the new kid on the block and they're crushing it. Gorgeous suites that look like they're straight out of Architectural Digest, and restaurants that'll make you forget you're even on a ship

• Picture this: you're on a Silversea ship with maybe 300 other guests (not 3,000!), sipping champagne on your private balcony. The food? Michelin-star good

• Crystal Cruises is giving luxury-but-make-it-fun vibes. Still super elegant, but with enough activities that you won't feel like you have to whisper at dinner

Expedition cruises

Have you also noticed that all of a sudden everyone is visiting Antarctica? Well, they’re taking an expedition cruise! These are for when you want to explore somewhere wild but still want a hot shower and good wine:

• Lindblad Expeditions: off-the-beaten-path adventures with small ships, expert-led expeditions, and carbon-neutral ships in partnership with National Geographic. Think scientists and photographers onboard to help you understand what you're seeing

• HX: Eco-conscious cruises to remote places like Antarctica and Greenland

P.S. it’s Wave Season rn - the cruising industry’s version of Black Friday - and the deals are kind of insane, just saying 👀

OUT: Airbnb

Don’t come for me Brian Chesky!

Let's have an honest chat about Airbnb...

Look, for a quick weekend trip or if you're with a big group? Sure, it can work. But for that dream international vacation you've been saving for? I'm gonna need you to hear me out.

Booking an Airbnb abroad is kind of like a box of chocolates... except sometimes the chocolates are actually terrible and cost thousands of dollars. Why I'm not feeling it:

• When something goes wrong (and stuff always goes wrong), you're basically on your own. Fun fact: Google Translate doesn't help if you’re locked out at 2am

• The fees are WILD. And then they still want you to take out the trash before you leave? I’m sorry, is this my house or am I on vacation?

• That "charming" apartment that looked amazing in photos? Yeah... about that...

Plus (putting on my serious face for a sec), it's actually messing with local housing in a lot of cities. Like, neighborhoods are turning into ghost towns except during tourist season, which is... not great.

Instead... let's get you into a gorgeous boutique hotel (the kind with actual humans who can help when you need them) or hook you up with one of our vetted rental partners like Plum Guide or OneFineStay. Think Airbnb, but make it reliable and actually luxe.

IN: Yeehaw travel (aka cowboy core)

Y'all... we need to talk about how everyone's gone full cowboy lately.

Have you noticed? I’m gonna say it started with Yellowstone (and all its spin-offs; Rip & Beth forever <3), then Beyoncé drops Grammy-winning (!!) Cowboy Carter and we’re all buying boots and hats. Even Bella Hadid’s living her best life with her horses and pro cowboy boyfriend, Adan Bánuelos.

Maybe we're all just desperate to escape our screens and get back to something more... real? (please free me from the shackles of Zoom meetings and Slack notifications).

Where to live your cowboy dreams:

Montana's basically the main character here:

• Triple Creek Ranch: luxe, all-inclusive ranch, horses everywhere, fishing, and views that'll make your Instagram followers weep

• Sage Lodge: luxe, but a bit more rustic - cozy cabins + lots of outdoor activities

• Paws Up: 37,000 acre ranch with glamping tents

But also, Wyoming:

• Bush Creek Ranch: a true dude ranch experience (a working ranch) with horseback rising, cowboy activities (roping and herding cattle), hiking/fishing/campfires

• Amangani: okay, you caught me, not exactly cowboy core, but I’ll take any excuse to talk about an Aman hotel!

And for glamping options, we’re obsessed with Under Canvas and Autocamp

OUT: Booking through those big travel sites // IN: Having a travel advisor

Okay, real talk about those big booking sites (you know the ones - Expedia, Booking.com, etc.)...

Sure, they're fine if you just need a quick hotel room (and yes, sometimes they have great deals). But, they're kind of like sending your hotel reservation into the void and hoping for the best?

When things go sideways (because travel, am I right?), you're stuck in customer service purgatory with someone who has zero context about your trip (assuming you can even get in touch with someone).

The hotel has no idea who you are or what you're about (which means no special treatment, womp womp). You might end up with the room right next to the elevator 😩.

But when you book with us? It's a whole different game.

Say you're booking Nobu Los Cabos for $500/night. You'll pay the same price whether you book through a big website or through us (yes, really!). BUT with us you’ll also get:

• Free breakfast (the good kind, not just continental)

• Money to spend at the spa (self-care, hello!)

• Flexible check-in/out (because who wants to sit in the lobby for 3 hours?)

• Little welcome surprises

• Room upgrades when they're available (ocean view, anyone?)

"Okay, but what's the catch?"

Let's break it down: Hotels pay commission to whoever books the room. When you book through Expedia? They get it. Book through us? We get it - but the price stays exactly the same for you. Plus, we're in these fancy hotel programs that basically tell the hotels "hey, these guests are VIPs" (because you are 💅). So like... why wouldn't you want a travel bestie who can hook you up with all this? Just saying!

---

So there you have it - all the spots that are heating up (and a few to maybe skip) in 2025.

Listen, I know planning travel can feel overwhelming. But that's literally why I'm here! Drop me a message if you want to chat about any of these destinations or have something totally different in mind.

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to your travel-obsessed friends! You know, the ones who are always planning their next trip before they've even unpacked from the last one (we see you, and we love you for it).

See you next time! XO