Travel Guides & Articles

Pack your bags: A guide to travel trends in 2025 | FIU News

Published

7 months ago

February 3, 2025

FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management lodging professor Mychal Milian is the general manager and complex director of perations at the Marriott & AC Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale Airport. He has 14 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Travel in 2025 is about rediscovery—whether you’re cruising through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, exploring hidden Florida beaches or hopping aboard a train for a cross-country adventure. Forget the chaos of TSA lines and overpriced hotspots; this year is all about smarter travel, hidden gems and the rise of game-changing transportation options.

What’s In

Destination Dupes

Skip the crowds in Miami and head to serene spots like Marco Island or Siesta Key. These Gulf Coast gems deliver pristine beaches, local charm and endless relaxation without the tourist overload. With their powdery white sands and clear waters, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the big-city beaches.

Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean cruises remain an unbeatable choice for 2025. Departing from all over Florida, these ships offer a stress-free way to explore tropical destinations like Grand Cayman or St. Maarten. Whether you’re snorkeling with stingrays or enjoying onboard amenities like spa treatments and rooftop pools, cruising blends adventure and relaxation perfectly.

Cruise into 2025 by booking a shipboard adventure.

Multi-generational Trips

Family travel is evolving into multi-generational experiences, with grandparents, parents and kids joining forces for unforgettable vacations. Whether it’s a family reunion aboard a cruise ship or a road trip to the Smoky Mountains, these trips create memories for everyone—and, let’s face it, having grandparents around means some time to get away for a nightcap at the lobby bar.

Subscription-based Travel Services

Travel subscriptions are redefining how we plan vacations. Apps like Dorsia offer exclusive reservations to the hardest-to-book restaurants, while some cruise lines and hotels are rolling out membership perks for frequent travelers. Imagine locking in monthly deals for your favorite destinations or skipping waitlists for a hot dining spot—it’s travel’s answer to VIP access.

Rail Revival: Brightline & Amtrak

Travel by train is making a comeback, especially in Florida. Brightline has expanded its high-speed rail service, connecting Miami, Orlando and beyond with quick, luxurious rides. It’s an eco-friendly and hassle-free alternative to driving.

For those with a sense of adventure, Amtrak’s new long-distance line offers a seamless journey from Miami to Chicago. Picture this: reclining in a cozy seat, enjoying panoramic views of the U.S. countryside, all without the stress of airports or driving. Whether it’s for convenience or the experience, train travel is officially cool again.

Phenomena-based Travel

Travelers are timing their vacations around unique natural events. Whether it’s chasing fall foliage in New England or witnessing a total solar eclipse in Texas, these phenomena-based trips are unforgettable adventures worth planning ahead for.

Travelers are over the rainbow in 2025 about natural phenomena.

What’s Out

Overpaying for “It” Destinations

Why pay a premium for South Beach when you can enjoy a better experience for less in Amelia Island or Sanibel Island? Overpriced hotspots are on the decline as travelers opt for destinations that offer value without the crowds.

Superficial Travel

Quick, shallow trips are being replaced by immersive experiences. From cooking classes in New Orleans to wildlife tours in the Everglades, meaningful travel is the new norm.

Peak-Season Airline Nightmares

With endless delays and crowded airports, travelers are choosing alternative options like Brightline train travel or planning off-peak trips. A relaxed road trip or cruise eliminates the chaos and gets you there in style.

Nature rather than overcrowded tourist destinations are trending in 2025.

How to Embrace 2025’s Travel Trends

Think Local: Whether it’s Siesta Key, Orlando or place in between, Florida offers incredible destinations.
Cruise Smart: Look for themed cruises or deals that cater to your preferences.
Hop on the Train: Skip airport headaches with Brightline or take Amtrak’s Miami-to-Chicago journey.
Use AI: Save time and plan better by letting AI handle your itinerary. AI will map out scenic routes, quirky roadside attractions and even dog-friendly hotels. In 2025, AI is more than a tool—it’s your personal travel assistant.
Seek Experiences: Explore natural phenomena or dive into cultural activities like food tours.

Looking Ahead

Traveling in 2025 is about balance—rediscovering U.S. treasures and enjoying the laid-back luxury of Caribbean escapes. With smarter transportation options like Brightline and Amtrak, and tools like AI to guide the way, every trip can feel effortless and extraordinary.

So pack your bags, grab your family (and maybe Grandma), and get ready to explore. The future of travel is here.

Where will 2025 take you?

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Travel Guides & Articles

Flood and Rain Alert in India: Places you should avoid travelling right now!

Published

20 minutes ago

September 2, 2025

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Mumbai

Mumbai, every year faces challenges during the monsoons. And this year too, the state is experiencing heavy rainfalls, causing waterlogging, traffic, and travel delays. The IMD forecasts continued heavy spells over the next few days so it is suggested to avoid travel through flooded regions.

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Agoda Reports 68% Growth in Travel Interest from India to Japan

Published

40 minutes ago

September 2, 2025

New Delhi – Indian travelers are showing increasing interest in Japan, with Agoda data revealing a 68% year-on-year increase in searches between 15 May and 15 August 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Among the most searched destinations, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto lead the list, recording growth of 59%, 158%, and 53% year-on-year respectively. Osaka stood out with the highest uptick in travel interest, underlining its rising popularity for city experiences and proximity to attractions such as Universal Studios Japan and Nara deer park.

Beyond the top three, Agoda’s data revealed rising interest from Indian travelers in Japanese destinations including Fujikawaguchiko (+36%) and Sapporo (+18%) in the top five, followed by Hakone (+46%), Okinawa (+47%), Fukuoka (+14%), Yokohama (+20) and Nagoya (+41%) rounding out the top ten. Notably, Nagoya entered the top ten for the first time this year, replacing Narita.

Agoda’s latest data reveals that Indian travelers are showing growing interest in a wider variety of Japanese destinations. In addition to traditional urban favorites, many of the top choices, such as Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone, and Sapporo, are celebrated for their scenic landscapes and leisure experiences, indicating a growing preference for nature and relaxation. Others, like Okinawa and Fukuoka, offer unique cultural and coastal experiences. This trend highlights a shift toward discovering a broader variety of Japan’s diverse regions, from mountain retreats to vibrant cities and coastal escapes.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, said, “Japan’s mix of modern cities, cultural heritage, and natural beauty is striking a chord with Indian travelers like never before. What we are seeing is that travelers are not only choosing traditional hotspots like Tokyo but are also exploring beyond, with Osaka and other cities quickly gaining popularity. Families can enjoy theme parks and kid-friendly attractions, couples can chase romantic escapes in Kyoto and Hakone, while groups of friends can opt for leisure getaways in places like Okinawa. At Agoda, we’re making it easier to plan these journeys end-to-end, with convenient choices for flights, stays, and curated experiences across Japan.”

The demand also reflects broader travel trends, with greater flight connectivity, simplified visa processes, and rising interest in experiential travel driving demand. From city discovery in Tokyo to cultural immersion in Kyoto, relaxing hot springs in Hakone, and scenic escapes around Mount Fuji, Japan is firmly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for Indian travelers planning both short breaks and longer holidays.

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Ganesh Chaturthi Special: Meet Parbati Barua, The Assam Royal Who Broke Barriers As India’s First Lady Mahout And Is Called ‘Daughter Of Elephants’ | Travel

Published

1 hour ago

September 2, 2025

Mallika Bhagat

Ganesh Chaturthi Special: Meet Parbati Barua, The Assam Royal Who Broke Barriers As India’s First Lady Mahout And Is Called ‘Daughter Of Elephants’. Credit: Facebook

As India prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, welcoming Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the symbol of wisdom, there is perhaps no better time to reflect on the extraordinary life of a woman whose work embodies the spirit of the festival. She is Parbati Barua, India’s first female mahout, widely known as the Hasti Kanya or “Daughter of Elephants.”

For more than five decades, Parbati Barua has devoted her life to taming, caring for, and conserving elephants—breaking through the gender stereotypes of a field historically reserved for men. Her journey is not only a story of courage, but also an example of India’s deep cultural and spiritual reverence for elephants as well as indigenous knowledge.

For more than five decades, Parbati Barua has devoted her life to taming, caring for, and conserving elephants

A Wild Calling

Born on March 14, 1953, into the royal family of Gauripur in Assam, Parbati was the daughter of Late Prakritish Chandra Barua, the last ruler of Gauripur, who was both a hunter and an elephant expert with nearly 40 elephants in his royal stables. While her lineage and education—she graduated in Political Science from Gauhati University—might have suggested a path in academia or public life, her destiny lay elsewhere.

At just 14 years old, Parbati domesticated her first elephant in the Kochugaon forest of Assam. From 1975 to 1978, she successfully tamed 14 wild elephants using the traditional Assamese technique of Mela Shikar, where elephants are captured with a lasso rather than tranquilizers. Over the course of her career, she has trained more than 500 elephants.

At just 14 years old, Parbati domesticated her first elephant in the Kochugaon forest of Assam

Of Conservation & Care

Parbati Barua’s contributions extend far beyond taming. She has worked alongside forest departments in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, offering her expertise in training mahouts, resolving human-elephant conflicts, and treating injured or ailing elephants with herbal remedies. In an interview with the New Indian Express, when asked whether elephants are better than human beings, she promptly said, “Hundred per cent. Human beings can be cruel. Also, like humans, each elephant has a unique personality. There are introverted and extroverted elephants. There are leaders and followers. Some are very social. Most are benevolent and kind-hearted, and have enormous patience. Only when they reach the limit of their patience do they get angry. They love children, and will never harm them.”

Parbati Barua has tamed elephants using traditional methods like Mela Shikar, which involves capturing wild elephants without tranquilisers

Her skills have been sought not just in India but internationally. She has represented India at global conferences on elephants, from Bangkok in 2001 to workshops in Tamil Nadu, Jaldapara, and North Bengal, and contributed research on the status of Asiatic elephants. She also served as a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

A Lifetime Of Recognition

For her tireless work, Parbati Barua has been honoured with numerous awards:

In 2024, Parbati was also honoured with a Padma Shri for her contributions to the welfare of elephants

Global 500 Roll of Honour (1989) from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Honorary Chief Elephant Warden of Assam (2003), conferred by the Assam government.
Asom Gaurav Award (2023), Assam’s highest civilian honour.
Lifetime Achievement recognitions from wildlife and conservation groups, including Nature’s Warrior Jury Award (2023).

In 2024, Parbati was also honoured with a Padma Shri for her contributions to the welfare of elephants and the indelible mark she left on India’s conservation story.

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