The 2022 Travel Trends Report by Cloudbeds, revealed that travellers prefer to stay longer at a destination than prior to the pandemic. 44% of holiday goers stated they prefer trips of at least seven nights, whilst 26% would prefer a ten-night trip. What’s driving this desire? Travel experts point to pent-up demand and the yearning to escape the stresses of the pandemic. Add to that the massive shift to remote working which is giving people the flexibility to take “workcations” or “flexcations,” where travellers are able to mix working from home, virtual school, and holiday time. Here, we look at 10 of the best places in the world for longer stays.
Endless Variety
- Japan
Japan is a country that refuses to be put in a box. Cultured and cool, ancient and traditional, mountains and tropical islands…there is perhaps no better place for a longer stay. For awe-inspiring mountains, head to the Japan Alps, where smaller cities such as Kanazawa and Matsumoto offer cultural immersion and an authentic Japanese experience. For a tropical paradise, venture south to the Okinawa archipelago where white-sand beaches await. The volcanic island of Kyushu offers some of the world’s most incredible hot spring experiences, whilst northern Hokkaido is best for powderhounds. www.japan.travel/en/uk
- Colorado, USA
From mountain towns and ranch stays to cultural pursuits and sustainable restaurants, Colorado has plenty to offer for an extended getaway. Its four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde,Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison – allow visitors to enjoy the outdoors like never before, with options to hike, ski, snowboard, camp, horse ride or sky gaze whilst taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Travellers looking to take a break from outdoor adventure can stop off in state capital Denver, home to cultural activities such as Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Botanical Gardens. www.colorado.com
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
Beautiful scenery, delicious locally-sourced cuisine and a wealth of arts and cultural pursuits; Slovenia has so much to explore. Travellers can stay in Ljubljana, a city boasting stunning architecture by Jože Plečnik, historical landmarks, boutique accommodation and an impressive gastronomy scene. Otherwise, they can make their way to one of the most visited regions in the country, Lake Bled, for serene blue waters and total solitude. Adventure-seekers should head to Triglav National Park, a world-renowned hiking and biking destination with breathtaking views at every turn. www.slovenia.info/en
Escape to Nature
- Yosemite’s Tuolumne County, USA
For travellers looking to disappear off grid, there’s no better place than Yosemite’s Tuolumne County. Located two and a half hours east of San Francisco Bay, the region is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide natural vistas which are perfect for hiking, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, snow skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Year-round, there are ample reasons to visit for a long stay holiday. Away from the great outdoors, Tuolumne also offers historic hotels, golf courses, saloons, wineries and a hard cider distillery. www.visittuolumne.com
- Seattle, USA
With serene beaches, overflowing forests and plentiful parks, Seattle has numerous natural attractions for everyone to indulge in. Located in the Pacific Northwest, travellers can grab an oceanfront spot at Alki Beach or book a whale watching cruise to spot the gentle giants in the Ocean. With three natural parks surrounding the state including Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Park, there’s a reason Seattle is nicknamed Emerald City. There’s plenty of majestic peaks, ancient forests and secluded lakes that the adventurous can sink their teeth into. visitseattle.org
Cultural Kick
- Valencia, Spain
Beaches and gardens, international festivals, the Mediterranean lifestyle and incredible cultural finds, Spain’s third city is bursting with life. Valencia is consistently recognised as one of the healthiest and happiest cities in the world, and for good reason. Its golden beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year make the city a perfect place from which to soak up local culture. The many Mediterranean restaurants also make for a delicious addition to any trip; sample internationally-renowned paella, traditional fish, seafood stews, excellent wines, horchata and spectacular citrus fruits. www.visitvalencia.com/en
- Pittsburgh, USA
Pittsburgh isn’t short of hands-on cultural pursuits; whether it’s in celebration of art, history, science or even icons such as Andy Warhol, there’s many ways to stay both entertained and educated. The city boasts affordable accommodation, fantastic restaurants, and attractions to suit all types of travellers. A walkable destination, attractions are all located within close proximity and include The Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz History Museum, Carnegie Science, Art and History Museums, Children’s Museum, PPG Zoo and Aquarium, National Aviary, Kennywood Theme Park, and 24 miles of riverfront trails, not to mention the 165 parks which are waiting to be explored. visitpittsburgh.com
Combine City with Beach
- San Diego, California
California’s most southern city, San Diego, offers the best of both worlds – numerous neighbourhoods to explore on land and 31 beautiful beaches, each with something special to offer. The Gaslamp Quarter neighbourhood is where travellers will find some of the city’s best bars, whilst Little Italy is home to incredible restaurants and a weekly farmer’s market. Discover wide sandy beaches and secluded coves at La Jolla Shores or head to Ocean Beach to surf world-class Pacific Ocean waves. www.sandiego.org
- Los Angeles, California
LA, California’s largest city, has plenty to explore. Visitors can turn off onto side streets to discover inviting neighbourhoods, incredible museums, and shopping hot spots. But when the sun sets, LA comes to life in a whole new way, with clubs thumping to the beat of the latest indie bands. Also, LA may possibly be the American city with the best overall variety of local beaches. There are many within the large confines of Los Angeles County, and the county also neighbours and surrounds miles and miles of other beach cities, spreading both north and south of LA. The city’s airport, LAX, is even right next to a beach (Playa del Rey). Families may enjoy large beaches like Santa Monica or Redondo Beach, with a wide range of facilities, retail areas, and amenities, while adventurers may like more secluded beaches like those found in Malibu or Palos Verdes. www.visitcalifornia.com
Sail away
- Spend time sailing using Click&Boat
Whether indulging in a sailing holiday that celebrates Europe’s most delicious food and wine or diving into a fun-filled family break, travelling by sea opens up a world of endless opportunities. Island hop between the idyllic gems and experiencing unspoiled white-sand beaches and colourful fishing villages. Click&Boat is the perfect solution for longer sailing holidays this summer, thanks to its accessibility and affordability. Consumers can choose between sailboats, motorboats, yachts, catamarans, gulets, RIBs, and houseboats, selecting the level of crew support needed. Sailing also works as a great option for families who can undertake full rental accommodation onboard, and offers a solution to the sometimes-tedious logistics of moving a family around multiple destinations on one holiday. www.clickandboat.com/uk
