From Kenya to Canals, Travelers Rethink Where to Go Next

From Kenya's conservation retreats to England's canal journeys, travelers in 2025 are rethinking where to go next. As crowded cities and oversold attractions lose appeal, smaller towns, rural escapes and slower-paced trips are stepping into the spotlight.

This shift is especially clear among younger travelers. Gen Z in their 20s drives the trend by choosing experiences that feel more personal. They're booking conservation-focused stays such as Segera Retreat in Kenya and leisurely trips along England's canals. Destinations are responding with itineraries that encourage visitors to linger, connect with locals and spend more time in one place.

The pressures of overtourism

Overtourism weighs on destinations, with crowded streets, packed buses and trains and attractions overwhelmed by long lines. Even basic services like water, waste and sanitation struggle to keep up, leaving local resources stretched thin.

The toll extends to the environment and daily life. I've watched natural areas suffer from trampling and litter, while residents deal with traffic, noise and overflowing public spaces. These pressures push both travelers and tourism boards to highlight less-visited destinations that ease the load on popular hubs.

Explore beyond crowded hubs

Crowded streets and overrun attractions are steering more travelers toward smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path cities. These places offer breathing room and a closer connection to local life, and they're easier to reach now with new flights and improved transport links. In Germany, for example, time in Cologne often combines with a stop in Düsseldorf, where the pace feels more relaxed.

Many travelers are also using big cities as jumping-off points and adding side trips to nearby towns or rural areas to keep their itineraries distinct. I've seen this in Europe, where visitors might split time between Vienna and Salzburg, and in Africa, where a weekend in Nairobi pairs naturally with a stay at Segera Retreat in Kenya. Blending major cities with smaller stops makes a trip feel more balanced and memorable.

Travelers seek real experiences

More travelers want more than a checklist of landmarks when planning trips. A McKinsey survey shows 52% of Gen Z travelers splurge on experiences, compared with only 29% of baby boomers. Retreats such as Segera in Kenya weave conservation and community programs into the guest experience, making the stay feel part of something bigger. Platforms that highlight these kinds of authentic encounters are capturing growing interest and bookings.

Trends shape modern trip choices

Travelers are gravitating toward more peaceful corners, where small communities benefit without being overwhelmed. New flight routes and rail connections make it easier to include these stops in longer trips, giving travelers more variety without the crush of big-city crowds.

I've experienced the value of slow travel on a narrowboat trip along England's Kennet & Avon Canal, where moving at 4 miles per hour meant stopping in villages, shopping at local markets and joining community events along the way. Staying longer in one place can spread spending over more days and give both travelers and locals a break from the quick turnover of short visits.

Regional examples of growing interest

U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings feature quieter destinations in the United States. On Georgia's coast, St. Simons Island boasts beaches, hiking paths and a small-town pace far removed from the theme parks and city lights. In upstate New York, the Catskills continue to attract visitors with clear lakes and forest trails, appealing to those who prefer mountain air over crowded shorelines.

Social posts spotlight new spots

Rimini is gaining buzz online for its lively nightlife, sunny beaches and walkable streets, with travelers calling it a cheaper and less crowded alternative to Ibiza. Social media users describe it as how Ibiza felt a decade ago, with relaxed days, late-night house music and mostly local visitors.

In the U.S., Tioga Pass in California is gaining attention as a less-crowded gateway to Yosemite, with sweeping Sierra Nevada views and access to less crowded trails like Clouds Rest, Soda Springs and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that are ideal for photos. Reels and tags make it easy for travelers to save these spots and plan their own trips.

The visuals do most of the work. Reels that map out each step make remote places feel simple to reach. Online groups swap itineraries and share under-the-radar finds, giving small businesses a boost in recognition they might not have had otherwise.

Tourism beyond the crowds

Travel in 2025 is moving beyond crowded hubs toward places with more space and a slower way of life. As overtourism pushes both travelers and tourism boards to seek alternatives, smaller towns and rural regions are stepping into the spotlight. With better transport links and social media visibility making them easier to reach, visitors are staying longer and engaging more with local life. I've found that the most meaningful journeys aren't always in the busiest cities but in the moments when I slow down and connect with a place that feels personal.

Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.