Hoisted by a crane, this house features over 8,000 colorful balloons and is an extremely detailed replica of Ellie’s adventure book to the furniture to Carl’s glasses. Requests to book for this property close at 11:59 PM PT on May 13, 2024.

This house is just one of the many unveiled in a new listing category from Airbnb, Icons — a new batch of epic stays and experiences. Bringing visitors’ imaginations to life, Airbnb recently unveiled the first group of 11 offerings. 

On July 26, 2024, guests can book a one-night stay in a room behind the Musée d’Orsay’s famed clock face for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. From the private balcony, guests will have an amazing view of the event and eventually sleep behind the resting place of the Olympic torch. 

Marvel fans can stay in a Westchester, New York, estate at the X-Men’97’s Xavier Institute complete with a Danger Room Training Session. Another offering is staying at Prince’s Purple Rain Minneapolis home and listening to rare tracks. 

Racing car fans can spend a night at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, in a bed crafted from the same leather as Ferrari car seats. Your car bed will be surrounded by eight Formula 1 cars.

Other offerings include celebrity experiences such as a gaming experience with Khaby Lame in Milan and a private and tequila tasting with Kevin Hart. 

Designed by Airbnb’s custom team, each stay and experience were curated to bring the extraordinary to life and offer Airbnb’s exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The post This Balloon House Headlines ‘Icons’ The New Epic Airbnb Category appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

With more than 1 billion travel-related searches and 10 billion travel-oriented saves, the platform is highly accurate at spotting new tendencies.

In 2024, tourists want to unplug from the always-connected world and focus on wellness travel. “Digital detox,” they call it. In the same vein, people seem to be particularly interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as mysterious places and hidden gems in unexplored and secluded lands.

Let’s explore the most exciting trends for this upcoming summer.

Adventure Trips

With an increase of 45 percent in searches, adrenaline-seekers worldwide actively look to engage in adventure trips that fulfill their desires to both boost their physical and mental wellness and explore world-class destinations.

Most of these travelers have chosen the Philippines for its lush forest and unspoiled nature and Tanzania for its unique safari offerings.

Pinterest data shows that trending searches include scuba diving photography (up 60% year-over-year), water park rides (up 170%), and hiking (up 94%). 

These travelers also plan to spend their vacation days at luxury safari lodges (up 110%).

Quiet Life Tourism – Digital Detox

Travelers searching for “quiet life travel” are fed up with stressful city life. Searchers for this type of tourism have increased by a staggering 530 percent over the last year! 

According to Pinterest, these users massively look for “quiet places” and “calm places” in forests, secluded beaches and countryside towns where they can stay away from the toxic interconnected digital world.

These travelers’ searches include glamping (up to 260% year-over-year), cabins in the mountains (up 180%), national parks (up 250%), and wellness retreats (up 90%).

They believe they can mostly find these venues in Okinawa, Japan and the English countryside.

Enigmatic

There is a rising fascination for traveling to places considered mysterious or unexplored. Some of these include ancient ruins, caves, hidden gems, and even abandoned locales. 

These destinations cater to travelers’ imagination and sense of mystery rather than getting tanned at the beach.

To fulfill their need for mystery, travelers are booking tickets to “places on earth that do not feel real (up to 240% year-over-year),” haunted places (up 155%), abandoned places (up 230%), calming nature (up 340%), and beautiful locations worldwide (up 150%).

The top mysterious destinations for these types of travelers include Machu Picchu, Peru and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Gen Z – Road Trips with Friends 

This demographic is definitely not into solo travel. They prefer to spend their holidays strengthening relationships with friends with whom they can split expenses and avoid following a too-structured travel schedule.

They are mostly interested in places they can go by car and enjoy with friends (up to 50% year-over-year).

Their number one destination is Jasper, Canada (up 155%).

Other Summer 2024 Travel Trends

Other travel trends for summer 2024 revealed by travel experts include:

International Destinations 

Despite the rising cost of travel, Squaremouth states that three-quarters of summer travelers are choosing international destinations.

The top three include the United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada.

Set-jetting 

As per a survey conducted by American Express Travel, 70 percent of Gen Z and Millennials are drawn to destinations featured in movies. A clear example is Emily in Paris, a Netflix series that has sparked viewers’ interest in France.

Culture Connoisseur Travel

According to Four Season Magazine, travelers are actively planning their holidays around sporting events, international festivals or concerts such as those featuring the superstar Taylor Swift.

The post TOP 2024 Summer Travel Trends According To Pinterest Report appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

With the capacity to host up to to 260 million passengers annually, the project will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates. With construction set to begin immediately, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said, “The initial phase of the project will be completed within a decade.”

Dubai’s ruler and Prime Minister of the UAE announced this “as part of Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy” and that he hopes the airport “will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center.”

Sitting on the outskirts of Dubai, surrounded by an empty desert the area will soon also house over a million people with plans set to be drawn up for an ‘airport city’. DWC will also be the new hub of UAE’s flagship carrier, low-cost carrier Flydubai and their partner airlines.

Largest airports in the world in 2024

In terms of pure size, not volume of passengers, here are the other biggest airports in the world that round out the top five.

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia (DMM): measuring at 300 square miles, the massive airport actually only sees roughly 10 million passengers annually. 

Denver International Airport (DEN): at 53 square miles, it is double the size of the next largest U.S. airport and embraces outdoor spaces with views of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado plains in the distance.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): with plans to expand to handle up to 100 million passengers per year, currently at 39 square miles the airport is a key hub for airlines in Malaysia’s capital city. 

Istanbul Airport (IST): the relatively new airport opened in 2019 and is hoping to serve the most passengers per year. At 29.5 square miles, the airport is a feat of modern design and focuses on sustainability. 

The post This City Begins Construction Of The Largest Airport In The World appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Whether it is relaxing by the ocean and getting pampered at a spa or going on an adventure exploring the surrounding region and jungle you are looking for this summer, here are the top five resorts in Puerto Vallarta to visit this Summer.

Suggested: TOP 5 Resorts In Los Cabos To Visit In Summer 2024

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Along the pristine shores of the Riviera Nayarit, the all-inclusive property was designed with contemporary Mexican architecture and tropical landscapes amidst lush gardens. Alongside a tranquil beach and the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features 267 ocean-view suites, including exclusive Wellness Suites with private plunge pools.

As the only all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Pacific awarded Five Diamonds by AAA, they offer a “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” vacation experience, perfect for a summer getaway.

From the resort’s six restaurants to the SE Spa and its relaxing treatments and signature Water Journey, guests can also relax by the pool, try their hand at water sports and tennis as well offering state-of-the-art Teens’ and Kids’ Clubs.

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection

Across 1,850 private ft of oceanfront and the jungled cliffs overlooking the Bahía de Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection brings the playful spirit of a laid-back (yet luxury) surf retreat to Puerto Vallarta.

Tapping into Mexico’s rich craft culture, each accommodation offers indoor-outdoor spaces and contemporary design, while the hotel also offers an abundance of activities and the largest resort spa in Bahía de Banderas. Learn how to surf just steps away from the resort or offsite, Surf Safaris take adventurers to La Lancha’s beach break or reef breaks at Punta Burros and El Faro.

The property is also home to new residential villas measuring up to 6,000 sq. ft. with expansive terraces, heated jacuzzis and unforgettable views. Choose their Summer Savor package and get the 3rd night FREE and a credit of $250 for studio and casita bookings or $500 credit per suite or villa bedroom.

Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta

Set on more than 2,500 acres of tropical beach paradise between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most immersive resort destinations. This sprawling property features five resort hotels to choose from, 35 bars and restaurants, three golf courses, a shopping plaza, luxurious spas, and more than a mile of beachfront. The resort’s hotels, which include the ultra-luxe The Estates and five-star Grand Luxxe, offer a variety of accommodations that range from spacious guest rooms to four-bedroom loft suites.

This summer, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is hosting its annual Vidanta Concert Series featuring some of Latin America’s most popular performers including Carlos Rivera, Yuridia, Natalia Jimenez and Matute. Tickets are available for purchase at concertseries.vidanta.com. 

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort

Hidden amidst 48 acres of jungle right on the Pacific beachfront, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort is the brand’s first adult-only tented resort in the Americas and with only 15 luxury tents, it is one of the smallest Four Seasons resorts in the world. Guests lucky enough to stay at this small resort will be presented with experiences that bring heritage, tradition and local expertise to the forefront.

The perfect getaway for couples looking to escape and reconnect with nature and with each other this summer through the direction of Naviva guides and daily experiences such as shore fishing, nature hikes to the Aztatlán ruins, transcendental journeys, street corn tasting, mezcal bonfires and full moon Metztli mythology. Guests may purify and heal their mind and body in the tamazcal (House of Heat) and bond through unique and romantic Naviva unscripted experiences such as intimate dinners on Naviva’s private beach, paddle boarding with whales, learning how to make handmade tortillas and more.

Casa Velas

The exclusive adults-only boutique hotel, part of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, evokes the charm of a Spanish hacienda and boasts 80 spacious suites. This luxury boutique hotel for adults that is tucked away on the Puerto Vallarta coast highlights Mexico’s rich culinary culture and the natural serenity of the region surrounded by regal palm trees

Whether sitting on their plush cabanas around the oversized swimming pool, eating at Emiliano or Tau Beach Club, or unwinding at ABJA Spa with their rejuvenating treatments, hydrotherapy and a state-of-the-art fitness center, there is plenty to do at this boutique hotel. This summer guests can also enjoy unlimited golf at Vista Vallarta and Marina Vallarta Golf Courses included with their stay.

The post TOP 5 Resorts In Puerto Vallarta To Visit In Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

With its tropical beaches, vibrant atmosphere, aquatic sports, and exciting nightlife, Cancun doesn’t cease to allure travelers to its coasts.

On this occasion, Cancun has defeated Rome, Paris and Tokyo in the race for the preferred vacation getaway for Americans this year. 

Knowing that Cancun is a popular destination for Americans, you may think these results were expected, but they weren’t.

Although Mexico is the most visited country by US citizens, with more than 39.3 million tourists a year, Cancun didn’t used to be a destination Americans were eager to travel to during the unsparing summer. But things are changing.

If you are planning an escape to Cancun this year, make sure to book your tickets 21 to 60 days prior to departure.

Suggested: TOP 5 Luxury Resorts In Cancun To Visit In Summer 2024

According to Expedia, a global travel company, purchasing your flights before May 2 will help you save up to 15 percent. 

Traveling on Mondays is also 15 percent cheaper than taking off on Thursdays or Fridays, and using the window between mid to late August can save you up to $256, said the company.

Another tick to help you save even more money is landing in alternative airports such as Cozumel (CZM), Merida (MID), or Tulum (TQO).

Cancun’s key role as a business hub combined with a diverse tourism portfolio has catapulted the destination to the top most visited hotspots in the world. 

In fact, in 2022, this city was the second most visited getaway on the planet after Dubai, according to Forbes.

One of the reasons explaining this phenomenon is the growing number of flights available from multiple cities across the United States. 

Another aspect that makes Cancun so attractive is its versatility. This destination caters to both luxury and business travelers, as well as backpackers, families, couples, groups of friends, spring breakers, and even speleologists and pre-Columbian history lovers. 

Cancun is also a world-class destination for weddings as well as aquatic sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Others prefer Cancun for its cutting-edge golf courses like Moon Palace, Riviera Cancun Golf Resort or Iberostar Golf Club. 

Another unique feature is its proximity to top-tier attractions such as the stunning Isla Mujeres, the majestic pyramids of Chichen Itza or the out-of-this-world Cenotes, a chain of underground freshwater wells, that can only be found in the Riviera Maya.

Last but not least, this year Cancun is seeing “unusual” low quantities of sargassum arriving at its beaches. As of today, the seaweed alert is at level two, “very low.” 

To maintain this status, the Secretary of Navy is installing 8,600 meters of anti-sargassum barriers to prevent the seaweed from reaching the beaches of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

The post Cancun Dominates The Most Searched Destinations For Summer 2024, According To Expedia appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, over 44% of those travelers were to the Caribbean. This number is more than double the 18.5% who sailed to the next-highest region, the Mediterranean.

The 12.9 million cruise travelers to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda in 2023 grew by one million visitors when comparing 2023 to 2019.  

The Bahamas saw almost 40% higher than 2019 levels, while in Barbados, 2024 visitors are expected to exceed its 2023 numbers by almost 200,000. Curacao is also expected to deliver a 13% uptick in cruise travelers compared to 2023 totals. 

Following a near 30% increase in 2023 compared with 2022, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister reaffirmed visitors at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, that the country is setting a target of over 400,000 annual cruise visitors. 

While there has been significant increases in multiple destinations in the region, there is room for growth in other island countries hoping to attract tourists. 

One such city which has seen an increase of 22 percent over the January and February months compared to 2023 has been Cozumel. Cozumel recorded the arrival of 900,000 cruise passengers in this time frame with 75 ships docking in the initial 14 days of 2024. 

The Port of Cozumel is the fourth most visited port in the world welcoming more than two million cruise passengers each year. The island in the Caribbean Sea welcomes cruise ships and passengers from around the world with all the major cruise lines stopping at the Punta Maya, Punta Langosta and SSA México shipping terminals on the island of Cozumel.

The once-secluded hideaway is one of Mexico’s most-visited locations in the Caribbean region. Home to clear turquoise waters, this relatively small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen is known for its pristine beaches and being a premier diving destination. 

With countless activities on land and in the water, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. The glistening tropical paradise is home to luxury resorts, Mayan history and modern amenities. 

Compared to other regions in Mexico, Cozumel has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe area to travel to.

The post Cruising In The Caribbean Is Hitting Record Highs Ahead Of Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Go down deep in the ocean to visit the 300 captivating sculptures placed along a trail that forms the spirit of Under SXM Sculpture Park, a breathtaking art gallery that highlights Sint Maarten’s history and culture.

Deep Blue Sea, a UK-based company, was in charge of building this underwater exhibition with an investment of over $1.2 million.

Talented local artists also contributed to the creation of this exhibit. Visitors will be taken through four distinct galleries, each paying homage to the country’s memorable past and promising future.

This mesmerizing aquatic gallery not only serves as a tourist hotspot but also as an artificial reef to boost the island’s aquatic ecosystems, offering adventure enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe diverse marine life.

Created with environmentally responsible materials, these sculptures also provide shelter for schools of fish and promote coral growth.

These sculptures “play a crucial role in creating a protected habitat for marine species to thrive,” said a local tour operator. 

Aqua Mania Adventures, the tourist company in charge of shuttling tourists to the attraction, is here to provide you with snorkel gear and instruction so you only have to worry about having a great underwater adventure.

The company offers 2 daily visits to the park at 11:30 am and 2 pm, with boats departing from Divi Little Bay.

The tour takes 90 minutes and costs $65 per adult and $35 for children aged 5–12 years old.

The post This Caribbean Island Just Opened $1.2 Million Underwater Sculpture Park appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The weather is also great in May in the Caribbean, even though it differs slightly from island to island. The temperatures start to pick up, but you won’t have to face the grueling heat. For that reason, the Caribbean is perfect for enjoying relaxed summer vibes in spring.

Now, you’re probably thinking which islands would make for the ultimate getaway. And we’re here to help. On the following list, you will find the 4 best Caribbean islands to visit in May 2024.

Turks and Caicos

With pristine beaches, azure water, delightful cuisine, and top-star accommodation options, Turks and Caicos is a popular choice for a luxury escape. And in May, you can scout the best deals and enjoy the vacation of your dreams at a fraction of the cost.

The weather is usually warm but still, calm with basically no rain – fantastic for a day at the beach and exploring the underwater world. You can also embark on an eco-tour to nature or visit local museums, historic landmarks, and other tourist sites. They will be less busy and therefore offer a better overall experience.

Aruba

Can’t wait for the uplifting summer events and festivals? At Aruba, you can get your groove on already in May. For watersports lovers, there is the Hi-Winds international windsurfing competition, where you can watch the spectacle while having a drink and even meet the athletes. On the other hand, music lovers will appreciate the Soul Beach Music Festival which brings many known performers and celebrities to this beautiful island every year.

Apart from that, you can engage in classical Arubian vacation activities, such as chilling at the beach, snorkeling, diving, boat trips, or ATV excursions.

St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Even though St. Croix is never crowded, in May, it makes it exceptionally serene and laid back. On a weekday, you can even have some of the less-known beaches completely to yourself. Thanks to that, this island is an unparalleled choice for those who want to properly unwind and disconnect.

Less tourism is also a unique opportunity to get to know locals, as they are more likely to be enjoying the islands’ treasures themselves. Don’t hesitate to ask for tips on where to eat authentic Crucian dishes or what to see next. They’re renowned for being friendly and always happy to help.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are on the travel bucket lists of many. No wonder. This premium Caribbean destination has plenty to offer and is perfect for island hopping. Indulge in top-tier resorts and restaurants at ​​Grand Cayman, enjoy scenic views from the cliffs at Cayman Brac, or dive with eels, rays, and green sea turtles just off the shore of Little Cayman. There is simply something for everybody.

Still haven’t got enough? The best attractions for the Cayman Islands tend to get less busy than usual in May. Take in the opportunity and visit the iconic Seven Mile Beach, Rum Point, and Stingray City. We promise you won’t regret it.

The post 4 Best Islands In The Caribbean To Visit In May 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

In addition to the excitement of sleeping somewhere wild, tourists are interested in experiences they might not be able to have at home. Farmstays, where you can enjoy goat yoga or help out in the garden as an alternative to a more traditional vacation, are an excellent example. Whether your goal is to get up close and personal in nature or snooze in an otherworldly ambiance on a visit to your favorite city, nearly 200,000 unique short-term rental properties exist on Airbnb. The trick is finding the perfect place to delight and inspire you. Luckily, popular online marketplaces for short-term rentals have picked up on the trend and have offered some user-friendly search features to help you book the perfect unique lodging during your next vacation. If you’re looking for the best ways to find exceptional rental options, we’ve got you covered with the best tips and tricks to finding weird and wonderful lodging around the world. 

How to score the coolest vacation rentals 

The best way to ensure you’ll find the coolest vacation digs is to be flexible with your dates and destinations. If you’re open to traveling anywhere, you’re guaranteed to find some incredible places to stay, and you might stumble upon your new favorite hidden-gem vacation spot. Amazing short-term rentals can be found worldwide; many fall outside your typical tourist hot spots, so be open to traveling off the beaten path. 

Unique rentals have become so popular that Airbnb added a new “flexible destinations” feature in 2021, allowing users to search for their desired accommodation type all over the world. To access this feature, click “destinations” and select “I’m flexible.” Discovering one-of-a-kind rentals is easier than ever with Airbnb Categories. There are more than 60 categories to choose from, including treehouses, caves, houseboats, and many more. Categories are now listed at the very top of the Airbnb home page, right below the search bar. Protip – Click on the “OMG!” category for some of the most thrilling options!

Vrbo has also realized the importance of showcasing unique rentals. To find a funky and fun place to stay on Vrbo, visit https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-ideas. On the top right of the page, click “Categories,” then select “Vacation Rentals” followed by “Unique” from the drop-down menu.

(Cover Image: Exclusive & Private Island Resort: Floral Island)

The post The Secret To Finding The Coolest Vacation Rentals For Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This figure is for the third time in a row higher than the number of visitors received by the renowned Los Cabos in the same period.

Between domestic and international travelers, Puerto Vallarta has welcomed 556,700 visitors this year, mostly from the United States, Canada, and Colombia.

Regarding hotel occupancy, the destination went from 69,9% in March 2023 to 75.2% in the same month in 2024.

Right after Holy Week, the DataTur Monitoring System of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) ranked Cancun as the most sought-after destination with a 90% hotel occupancy rate, followed by Puerto Vallarta with 87.1%.

Why Is Puerto Vallarta Surging In Popularity?

Although Los Cabos’s always been a popular destination among Americans looking to indulge in luxury travel along the Pacific Ocean for affordable prices, this has notoriously changed in recent times.

In fact, an analysis presented by TripAdvisor, shows that Los Cabos has become the most expensive destination in Mexico in 2024.

Prices haven’t stopped increasing and now visitors need from $425 to $600 to get by per day (out of season and no airfare included), according to Hopper. 

For instance, during spring break 2024, tourists weren’t able to find hotel rooms for less than $564 per night, which is even more expensive than in multiple cities in the States. 

In 2023 alone, flights from the US increased by over 32,33%. Hotel bookings, tour packages, and food also increased by more than 6%.

Authorities haven’t reported such a phenomenon in Puerto Vallarta yet. 

For those who haven’t visited, Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, in the Bay of Banderas, in the Pacific Ocean.

This city is not only known for its beaches but also for its jaw-dropping mountain system that offers adventure-loving travelers opportunities to engage in outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and birdwatching.

After a day in nature, put on your best clothes to visit exclusive clubs and restaurants and enjoy music concerts. 

All of this for less than you may think. According to Budget Your Trip, seven days at this amazing destination will only set you back $797 for one traveler and $1,594 for two. The price includes hotel rooms, food, transportation, and tours.

The post Puerto Vallarta Surpasses Los Cabos In Tourist Numbers In 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.