One of the advantages to living in Florida is the easy access to wildlife. Near my home there are bobcats, alligators, coyotes, smaller critters such as armadillos, turtles and tortoises, and I don’t have to travel far to see dolphins. While visiting one of my favorite local towns, I watched a fisherman pull in a hammerhead shark. Of course there is an incredible amount of bird life, including bald eagles. One of the gentlest creatures around these parts is the manatee (aka “sea cow”) and Florida has a lot of them. They attract a lot of tourists and November 15...

AMSTERDAM—Travel has always been personal, but in 2026 it will move far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. In 2026, travelers will reject conventions and lean into passions that feel distinctive and truly their own. From adrenaline-fueled compatibility tests to mystical detours and stays in futuristic homes, every trip becomes a bold expression of individuality and identity: this is who I am, this is what I want, and this is what I love. Now in its tenth year, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions spotlight how people want to experience the world. Over the years, these insights have revealed shifts in travel, from Cool-cationers chasing cooler climates given extreme...

CRYSTAL RIVER, FLA.—Just in time for peak manatee season (through March 31), Paddletail Waterfront Lodge, A Trademark Collection by Wyndham, is rolling out an all-new Manatee & Water Sports Package and unveiling its newly opened Paddletail Waterfront Adventures Dive Shop. Offering the largest selection of in-house tour amenities in Crystal River, the lodge now gives travelers a streamlined way to explore the “Manatee Capital of the World” with a single, activity-packed stay. The new package puts guests in the water for a guided manatee snorkel with expert local captains, then keeps the adventure going with a scenic boat tour and...

MIAMI—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is unveiling Mission Membership, a purpose-driven concept designed to reward both guests and the planet. More than a loyalty program, 1 Hotels Mission Membership is a call to action: to do all the good we can. It represents a bold departure from traditional points-based programs, focusing instead on personalization, environmental impact, and deepening the guest experience in meaningful ways. Rooted in 1 Hotels’ ethos of sustainability and mindful luxury, Mission Membership is designed for guests who seek a deeper connection to their travels and the planet....

In last week’s column, I featured some examples of charitable efforts in our industry around the holiday season. This week I highlight the efforts of Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels and its Epic Holiday Experiences across its properties nationwide. “Each of our hotels celebrates the holidays in a way that reflects its destination’s distinct spirit, natural beauty, and local community,” said Pam Cruse, Co-Founder of SCP Hotels. “Our holiday experiences are an invitation to slow down, to breathe in the wonder, and to remember that presence—not perfection—is the greatest gift of all.” Designed for travelers seeking meaningful connection and celebration, these holiday...

NEW YORK, N.Y.—VisitBritain/VisitEngland and Tourism Cares have launched the Meaningful Travel Map of England, a new digital tool highlighting tourism experiences that deliver tangible social, cultural, and environmental benefits across the country. The launch expands Tourism Cares’ U.K. portfolio and builds on the existing Meaningful Travel Map of Scotland, which was launched in 2024. The Map gives travelers a clear and accessible way to find experiences that support local communities, protect natural and cultural assets, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable visitor economy. Each featured partner has been selected for its verified positive impact and commitment to responsible tourism. Created in collaboration with Local...

In hospitality, differentiation is everything. A guest’s first impression is shaped by every unique amenity and offering. From curated mini bars to spas, each element crafts the guest experience from check in to check out. At Full Leaf Tea Company, we believe a thoughtfully designed tea program is one of the most elegant, low-risk, high-return strategies a hotel or resort can adopt. It enhances wellness, elevates branding, delights guests, and yes, it can even boost profits. I might be biased, but when I stay at hotels, I love looking at the tea menu. The tea offerings have the potential to...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), released the second-year findings from its Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, a global benchmark assessing the state of corporate action to decarbonize business travel programs. Input from 285 companies across the globe—representing an annual business travel spend of $22 billion—reveals that companies are still committed to tracking and managing carbon emissions from their employee travel programs, with measurable gains in maturity and more organizations joining the effort. Progress, however, remains limited in certain high impact areas, underscoring the need for faster, collective action to invest in low-carbon travel solutions. “Year two...

AMSTERDAM—Travel has always been personal, but in 2026 it will move far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. In 2026, travelers will reject conventions and lean into passions that feel distinctive and truly their own. From adrenaline-fueled compatibility tests to mystical detours and stays in futuristic homes, every trip becomes a bold expression of individuality and identity: this is who I am, this is what I want, and this is what I love. Now in its tenth year, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions spotlight how people want to experience the world. Over the years, these insights have revealed shifts in travel, from Cool-cationers chasing cooler climates given extreme...

SEATTLE—Expedia Group has released its annual global travel insights report, “Unpack ‘26,” which forecasts significant travel trends for the year 2026. The report, based on data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, as well as a survey of 24,000 travelers across 18 countries, provides a comprehensive look at the future of travel. 2026 Travel Trends Overview The “Unpack ‘26” report identifies several emerging trends that are shaping the travel landscape. These include the rise of sustainable tourism, the popularity of unique lodging experiences, and the increasing desire for immersive local and cultural experiences. Sustainable Tourism & Smart Travel Health Check A key focus of...