Ways to Travel

Escaping the algorithm: how travel is rediscovering its roots in adventure

Published

1 month ago

July 1, 2025

Travel today is designed for ease. Algorithms help us decide where to go, when to go, and what to do once we’re there. But as planning becomes more automated, travel itself risks becoming less meaningful. In this piece, Sammy Rifai, chief strategy officer at Initiative, explores how algorithmic travel is reshaping our experiences and why more travelers are pushing back in search of originality, discovery, and deeper connection.

The sign says “FOLLOW THAT DREAM”.

Anyone who’s ever been to Tulum, a beach-bound beauty of a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, will be familiar with this sign. And given the tropical paradise location and rich Mayan history, it seems entirely in line with visitors’ lived experience.

But here’s the thing. A colleague of mine lived in Tulum for a time and she, along with many other locals, grew to dislike the sign. Why? Because it was a magnet for hordes of selfie-tourists, seeking online validation that they had in fact followed that dream.

Picture? Check. Where next? This is classic selfie-tourism, where photogenic locations are algorithmically amplified, driving tourists to replicate other tourists’ experiences rather than create their own. Selfie-tourism is just one aspect of what’s become known as algorithmic travel. This is the growing sense that as social media and marketing algorithms increasingly influence the destinations, experiences, and even poses tourists choose, people are losing agency in their own adventures.

However, there’s growing pushback from certain segments of would-be vacationers who are looking to put the originality, discovery, and even humanity back into travel. Let’s take a quick tour of algorithmic travel, unpack this pushback, and examine what brands can do to tap into this renewed spirit of adventure.

What’s an algorithm-driven travel experience?

See if this sounds familiar. You’re working hard, you really want to book your vacation, but you’re struggling for the bandwidth to consider where to go, when to go, what to do, where to stay, and how to get there?

Enter the algorithm. Or to be more accurate, enter many algorithms.

Trending destinations fill your search results (“hey, that Tulum looks great!”). Your social feeds and your inbox are rapidly peppered with options, including:

Suggestions based on previous vacations
Friendship group destinations or preferences
Offers from holiday operators
Influencer opinions
Instagram recommendations
Resorts made famous by TV shows or movies

Let’s say you’re drawn to one of those and jump at the chance to get in on the action. In the world of algorithmic travel, an AI-driven app helps you complete your itinerary, tying up all loose ends filtering down a seemingly impossible range of options to a personalized trip in no time at all. And that’s your vacation sorted. This is the essence of algorithmic travel.

The pushback: a quest for adventure and connection

What’s wrong with the above scenario? Actually, nothing. There’s no ‘big bad’ in this story. This algorithmic approach to travel and the personalized recommendations save millions of people time, money, and stress every year.

It’s just that, for others, these manufactured, highly curated experiences while seamless also feel a bit soulless. By walking well-trodden, algorithmically promoted paths, there’s little room for wonder or discovery. At the same time there’s a sense of being ‘channelled’ by algorithms or pigeon-holed by personalization, eroding choice, and homogenizing holidays.

Some of this may come from a sense of ‘algorithm anxiety’ or ‘algorithm fatigue’ – what Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker’s technology and internet-culture columnist, neatly described as an: “awareness that we must constantly contend with automated technological processes beyond our understanding and control.”

Whatever the source, some people are pushing back – seeking out original options offering adventure, cultural richness, and human-to-human connection. For instance, around half of gen-Z travelers cite immersing themselves in local cultures as a top travel motivator.

Going further, Pinterest’s 2024 Travel Report showed a massive 530% year‑on‑year increase in searches for ‘quiet life travel,’ with would-be travelers seeking digital‑detox style getaways and off-the-beaten-track destinations. For example, there were dramatic spikes in searches for:

Destinations with a ‘calming nature’ (up 340%)
National parks (up 250%)
Places on earth that do not feel real (up 240%)
Exploring abandoned places (up 230%)
Haunted places (up 155%)

The evidence is stacking up. A growing number of travelers are looking for something different.

Three considerations for engaging adventurers

So, what can travel brands, operators, and destinations do to harness this movement away from overly curated, algorithmic travel? First things first, embrace the opportunity. It’s a gift. Providing travel to fill peoples’ souls (and not just their feeds) gives you the chance to add to your offering – no one is talking about replacing successful existing options.

Here are a few key considerations to help reach those looking for something different:

1. Embrace and promote ‘slow travel’

Celebrate more mindful approaches to travel – to exploring destinations and enabling people to immerse themselves in local cultures and communities. In order to create richer experiences, this means resisting the compulsion to cram itineraries with ‘to-dos’. It means providing longer stays and fewer stops – helping travelers to connect with their vacation environment.

2. Design for emotion over efficiency

Engage would-be customers by highlighting how the travel experiences will leave people feeling, rather than just what they will do. Amp up the human sense of freedom, peace, or discovery that the destinations provoke, maybe as a counterpoint to the tensions of modern life or even to overly curated algorithmic travel options.

Travel Alberta’s recent campaign – ‘Alberta’s least liked’ – developed by C&B Advertising and Initiative is a good example. It highlighted the idea of sustainable travel to awe-inducing, but algorithmically ignored, destinations in the Canadian province. Places that: “don’t always get the likes, but are no less worthy of your love”.

3. Promote the shift from FOMO to JOMO

This is all about designing your travel experiences around a digital detox – providing a relief from the ‘always on, always connected’ infinite scroll of modern life. Help travelers put their devices down, free them from the fear of missing out on ‘must-see’ attractions. Give them the joy of missing out. Or to put it another way, provide the means for people to connect by disconnecting.

Rediscovering the undiscovered

For a long time, travel choices were one of our most authentic forms of self-expression. But then life got hectic. Time got scarce. And technology came to the rescue – sharing popular destinations, fast-tracking itineraries, and smoothing out the overall process. For many, having this digital help with the holiday heavy lifting was, and remains, an absolute godsend. Like I said earlier, there’s no ‘big bad’ in this story. Algorithms are deployed with the intent to enhance experiences, not diminish them. But for a growing number of travelers, something got lost along the way: wonder. We need to show them that real adventure and a world of authentic connection still exist beyond the algorithm. The next great chapter in travel belongs to brands that bring that wonder back. Those who don’t just serve up destinations but awaken curiosity and connection.

Source link

Ways to Travel

Northumberland’s golden gem beach rated one of top school holiday attractions for summer 2025

Published

1 hour ago

August 5, 2025

Barbara Hodgson

Beautiful horseshoe-shape beach near two Northumberland castles could make for the perfect school holiday outing

15:33, 05 Aug 2025Updated 15:40, 05 Aug 2025

Beadnell Bay, Northumberland

A gem of a beach with ‘protected waters and golden sandy beaches’ is a hit with visitors to Northumberland who describe it as a beautiful area to take both children and dogs, with one describing it as their favourite stretch of coastline in the entire UK. Beadnell Bay in Northumberland is a popular spot for building sandcastle, flying kites and kayaking while off the village harbour, which is awash with colourful fishing boats in summer, its waters are fished for wild salmon and trout.

Just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, Beadnell combines a bustling community life with ample opportunity for chill-out relaxation on its wide sands and a trip to the beach features on Trip Advisor’s 2025 list of the 10 best things to do in Northumberland with kids. It makes the high ranking thanks to comments from visitors seduced by its charms.

Several noted its cleanliness and stone-free sands ideal for sandcastles and one recent TripAdvisor reviewer, who thought it lovely for a walk and dog-friendly, said: “This is a hidden gem. It’s a long beach, soft sand and backed by dunes.”

Another also called it “a hidden gem with great access” and one fan wrote: “Having visited Beadnell Bay numerous times in the last 20 or so years, I can hand on heart say it is by far my favourite beach in the UK”. The review added: “With the carpark, toilets and ice cream van conveniently close to the beach, you only have a short walk from the car to the beach” and called the beach “stunning, with golden sand”, saying the sand dunes are “brilliant for the kids to enjoy tiring themselves out”.

Beadnell Bay, Northumberland

As previously reported, Beadnell was named by travel experts earlier this year as one of the UK’s top destinations to enjoy a break as well as one of the best holiday spots to take pets and several TripAdvisor reviewers clearly appreciated the chance to take their dogs on the beach. Others noted handy ice cream and snack spots and one family review included: “The boys were happy digging and paddling all day.

“Toilets are available in the car park and there’s a cafe to get drinks and snacks. All in all a lovely day and would definitely return.”

Visit Northumberland describes Beadnell as ‘the sporty one’, calling it fun for sandcastle building, beach cricket and the likes of kite-surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. It adds: “With its protected waters and golden sandy beaches, Beadnell is a water sports paradise.”

Beadnell is less than a 15-minute drive from Bamburgh Castle to the north – which also makes the Trip Advisor list of things to in Northumberland with kids, taking top spot – and there’s another castle nearby too. Dunstanburgh Castle is about 20 minutes south; a short walk from Craster which itself has been described as a fishing village where time stands still.

Seahouses is also on its doorstep and just up the coast is Holy Island, making Beadnell a popular base for tourists too. Other Beadnell highlights include coastal pub The Craster Arms – which dates back to the 15th Century and incorporates a pele tower – and the adjacent Beadnell Towers Hotel where non-residents can dine too and where dogs are also welcome in its bar and reading room.

Other attractions to make the Trip Advisor list include Cragside, Vindolanda, Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, Northumberland Zoo and Kielder Observatory. With many families watching the purse strings, beach days can be an ideal option and packing a picnic will save money too.

For more ideas for where to enjoy free trips out with the kids over the summer holidays see here and find a round-up here of the Northumberland beaches rated best for a relaxing mindful walk.

We have a dedicated newsletter for What’s On news and reviews. It’s free and you can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East.

ChronicleLive has created a dedicated WhatsApp community for What’s On news and updates. You can join this WhatsApp community here. It will keep you up to date with things to do around the North East and breaking gig announcements, sent directly to your phone.

Source link

Ways to Travel

The Scottish holiday park with ‘private sandy beach’ and pool with jacuzzi

Published

6 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Alexander Smail

“The park was great and had things to do for all ages of children.”

The park is found near a sandy bay(Image: Brighouse Bay Holiday Park)

Scotland is not short of popular holiday parks and camping sites. From the Scottish Borders to the northern Highlands, there are countless staycation destinations perfect for a family trip.

If you are currently stuck on where to head, there is one holiday park that is in a stunning position and features a wide range of facilities. It has also received very positive reviews from visitors who have stayed there.

Brighouse Bay Holiday Park is situated on the Dumfries and Galloway coast. It looks out over the waters of Brighouse Bay, and features a sandy beach beside the site.

The holiday park is home to a wide selection of hardstanding and grass pitches for tents and trailers. It also offers a range of holiday cottages, lodges, and caravans

According to holiday website Pitchup, Brighouse Bay Holiday Park features a “private beach”. The beach is just a short walk from the site and is the ideal spot for a picturesque walk or a spot of sunbathing.

In terms of facilities, the holiday park features a leisure centre with a heated indoor swimming pool. There is also a separate toddler’s pool, as well as a jacuzzi.

The leisure facility includes a heated pool and a separate area for toddlers(Image: Brighouse Bay Holiday Park)

The Brighouse Bay Holiday Park is also home to a bar where visitors can enjoy food and drink. Meanwhile, The Brig restaurant offers a selection of lunch and evening dishes—including an extensive pizza menu.

Meanwhile, there is also an 18-hole golf course that offers stunning sea views that take in Wigtownshire, the Isle of Man, and the Lake District. There is also a putting green and a six-bay driving range where guests can hone their skills.

Also available to guests is an on-site licensed shop that sells essentials such as bread, milk, rolls, and ice-cream. Additionally, buckets and spades, gifts, gas bottles, and much more can be purchased.

The shop stocks a wide range of essentials(Image: Brighouse Bay Holiday Park)

Completing the facilities at Brighouse Bay Holiday Park are two children’s play areas and two toilet blocks. There is also an all-tide slipway where visitors can take part in kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and rowing.

On Pitchup, Brighouse Bay Holiday Park has earned an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

The park has received 376 reviews on the website, with 88 per cent of visitors stating that they would recommend it to a friend.

One holidaymaker posted: “Park was clean and tidy, toilets and showers were clean, washing up facility for dishes was good and the dog bath worked wonders for our dogs to cool them down when it was really hot. Will definitely be back.”

Another shared: “Welcomed by friendly and approachable staff on arrival, as well as lovely pleasant bar staff at the leisure facility.

“Loved the fact the beach was pretty much on the campsite door step. The park was great and had things to do for all ages of children.”

More information can be found on the Brighouse Bay Holiday Park website.

Source link

Ways to Travel

Lindblad Expeditions’ Strategic Momentum and Upward Guidance Signal Strong Growth in Adventure Travel

Published

1 day ago

August 4, 2025

Rhys Northwood

The adventure travel sector is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a confluence of rising disposable incomes, a shift toward experiential spending, and a global appetite for responsible tourism. At the forefront of this transformation is Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (LIND), a pioneer in expedition cruising and sustainable travel. With a strategic trifecta of occupancy gains, product innovation, and a transformative partnership with The Walt Disney Company, Lindblad is not only capitalizing on current trends but also redefining the future of travel. For investors, the company’s 2025 guidance and operational execution signal a compelling case for long-term value creation.

Occupancy Gains: The Catalyst for Revenue Growth

Lindblad’s ability to drive occupancy rates is a cornerstone of its financial performance. In 2024, the company’s Lindblad segment achieved an 78% occupancy rate, up from 77% the prior year, while the fourth quarter saw a jump to 78% from 70%. This improvement, coupled with a 7% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,170, underscores the power of pricing discipline and demand for premium, small-ship expedition travel.

The Land Experiences segment has also shown remarkable momentum, with 2024 tour revenues rising 29% to $221.4 million. The acquisition of Wineland-Thomson Adventures in 2023 has expanded Lindblad’s land-based offerings, providing a diversified revenue stream. Notably, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a 46% surge in land tour revenues, driven by higher guest numbers and strategic pricing.

These occupancy gains are translating directly into profitability. Adjusted EBITDA for the Lindblad segment increased by $10.9 million to $59.4 million in 2024, while the Land Experiences segment added $9.1 million to reach $31.8 million. The company’s Q2 2025 results were even more striking: a 23% year-over-year revenue increase, with Adjusted EBITDA surging 139%, reflecting the compounding effects of occupancy and pricing.

Product Innovation: Expanding the Adventure Travel Ecosystem

Lindblad’s product portfolio has evolved beyond its core expedition cruises to include innovative offerings that cater to emerging consumer trends. The European river cruise program, launched in 2025, is already achieving strong booking performance, tapping into the growing demand for culturally immersive, low-impact travel.

The company has also pioneered multigenerational and family-friendly travel through initiatives like “Explorers in Training,” a youth-focused program that combines education with adventure. This not only broadens Lindblad’s demographic appeal but also fosters brand loyalty across generations. Meanwhile, the “Women’s Journeys” program and “Chef on Wheels” (a culinary cycling tour) demonstrate Lindblad’s agility in addressing niche markets, such as female travelers and food enthusiasts.

These innovations are not just revenue drivers—they are strategic tools for building a recurring customer base. By creating unique, high-value experiences, Lindblad is positioning itself as a destination for travelers seeking more than a vacation; they are seeking purpose.

Disney Partnership: A Game Changer for Market Expansion

The most transformative development in Lindblad’s 2025 strategy is its partnership with Disney, now part of the expanded National Geographic affiliation under The Walt Disney Company. This collaboration leverages Disney’s global brand equity and distribution network to introduce Lindblad’s offerings to a new audience.

Key to this partnership is the Disney Vacation Club’s points redemption program, which allows members to book Lindblad expeditions using their loyalty points. This has already led to a 45% increase in bookings from Disney’s travel advisors. The partnership also provides Lindblad access to Disney’s sales channels, including its 100,000+ travel advisors, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs.

Financially, the Disney partnership has been a catalyst. In Q2 2025, Lindblad reported a 23% revenue increase, with the Lindblad Expeditions segment up 19% and the land-based segment surging 41%. The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to $725–$750 million, with Adjusted EBITDA projected at $100–$112 million—a 10% increase from prior forecasts.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

Lindblad’s commitment to sustainability is not merely a marketing tactic—it is a core operational strategy. The company has electrified its vehicle fleet in Peru, a symbolic step toward reducing carbon emissions in key markets. It has also acquired four safari camps in East Africa, enabling vertical integration and enhancing its ability to control environmental impacts.

The upcoming release of Lindblad’s first ESG report will further solidify its reputation as a leader in responsible tourism. For investors, this aligns with the growing emphasis on ESG criteria in portfolio construction. Moreover, Lindblad’s sustainability efforts are resonating with travelers: 78% of its 2025 guests cited environmental responsibility as a key factor in their booking decision.

The Investment Case: A Strong Foundation for Long-Term Growth

Lindblad’s strategic momentum is underpinned by three pillars:
1. Operational Excellence: Occupancy gains and pricing power are driving revenue growth.
2. Strategic Partnerships: The Disney alliance is unlocking new markets and customer segments.
3. Sustainability Leadership: A robust ESG framework is future-proofing the business against regulatory and consumer risks.

With 2025 guidance reflecting a 9–11% net yield increase and a revenue range of $725–$750 million, Lindblad is positioned to outperform in a sector projected to grow at a 12% CAGR through 2030. The company’s focus on high-margin, small-group travel also insulates it from the volatility of mass-market tourism.

For investors, Lindblad represents a rare combination of thematic growth (sustainable travel) and operational execution. While the stock trades at a premium to traditional travel peers, its EBITDA margins (23% in Q2 2025) and recurring revenue model justify the valuation.

Conclusion: A Compelling Play in the Adventure Travel Revolution

As the world increasingly seeks meaningful, low-impact travel experiences, Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Its occupancy gains, product innovation, and Disney partnership are not just driving near-term growth—they are building a durable competitive advantage. For long-term investors, Lindblad offers exposure to a high-growth sector with a clear path to sustainable profitability.

In a market where “travel” is no longer just about destinations but about purpose, Lindblad is the expedition vessel steering toward a golden era of adventure.

Source link