🚀 Far-Flung Dreams: Where to Travel This May 2025!

TravelReport Weekly Issue 029

Author

Rabia Karimi
May 09, 2025

In partnership with

Hey besties!🤠
You know that feeling when you find a destination so incredible, you can't believe it isn't on everyone's radar? 🌍 This week, we’re tapping into the spirit of real exploration. Think landscapes that look like paintings, towns where time slows down, and adventures that you’ll remember forever. These picks are perfect for May wanderlust before the summer rush hits. Ready to see the world differently? 🚀✨

Travel Trivia 🧐
Question: What famous Tokyo intersection, located near a station famous for the statue of a loyal dog named Hachikō, is often cited as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with potentially thousands of people crossing simultaneously when the lights change?

Find the answer below 🤭

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🦺 Health & Safety Tips for Spring Travel:

  • Altitude Awareness ⛰️ – Salta sits at around 3,800 feet above sea level, with nearby areas like the Quebrada de Humahuaca reaching even higher elevations. Altitude sickness can sneak up on you with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Plan to ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol during your first 24–48 hours, and consider carrying altitude sickness medication if you’re planning longer hikes or drives into higher elevations. Pacing yourself is key to enjoying Salta's stunning landscapes safely!

  • Mosquito Safety 🦟 – Ishigaki's tropical climate makes it a paradise for adventurers—and unfortunately, mosquitoes too. Protect yourself by wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, using a strong DEET-based or natural repellent, and opting for accommodations with screened windows or mosquito nets. Bonus: pack hydrocortisone cream to soothe any inevitable bites so you stay comfortable while exploring beaches and jungles.

  • Local Etiquette 🙏 – In Japan, politeness is paramount. Bow when greeting people, remove shoes before entering homes or traditional accommodations, and keep your voice low in public spaces. In Argentina, greetings often involve a friendly kiss on the cheek, and casual conversations are common even among strangers—embrace the warmth! Learning a few phrases like "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you) or "gracias" will earn you big smiles everywhere you go.

  • Travel Insurance Reminder 📝 – Remote destinations like Ishigaki and Salta often mean fewer immediate medical facilities or complicated logistics if a disruption occurs. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover emergency evacuations, hospital stays, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. Look for plans that cater to adventure travelers if you’re planning activities like hiking, kayaking, or diving. Trust us: it’s a small investment for peace of mind!

🧷 Want more safety tips? We’ve got you covered: Navigating Offbeat Destinations Safely. Travel insurance is your BFF. Missed flights, lost bags, or weather hiccups? You’re covered. ✅ Understand the true benefits of travel insurance here…

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📰 This week in Travel:

📈 Expanding Air Networks: As May heats up, airlines are accelerating the rollout of new nonstop routes to secondary cities in Eastern Europe (like Tbilisi, Georgia), emerging adventure hubs in South America (including Salta and Mendoza, Argentina), and tropical paradises across Southeast Asia (such as the Philippines and Vietnam's coastal cities). This strategic expansion aims to capture a growing traveler preference for unique, less saturated destinations. Travelers can expect improved connectivity but should also be aware that demand is pushing fares higher on these "off-path" routes—booking early is key.

🤖 Hospitality Tech Revolution: Hotels are undergoing a quiet revolution in service, with leading chains and boutique properties rolling out AI-driven concierge apps capable of everything from personalized restaurant bookings to in-room service requests via mobile devices. Smart rooms are evolving too: guests can now adjust lighting, room temperature, entertainment, and even order room service via voice command or mobile apps. Loyalty programs are getting smarter, using AI to customize offers based on past stay preferences and travel behavior, creating a more seamless, VIP-like experience for travelers.

🌱 Sustainability & SAF Progress: Major airlines, including United, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines, have stepped up commitments to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). New partnerships between airlines, biofuel startups, and governments are driving investment into scaling SAF production. Lufthansa’s latest report targets using 10% SAF across all European operations by 2030, while United aims to integrate SAF into 20% of its fleet by the same year. Despite current cost barriers (SAF is 3–5x more expensive than traditional jet fuel), there is growing optimism that with scaling production and regulatory support, cleaner skies could be within reach—especially as travelers show increasing willingness to pay a premium for eco-conscious options.

💡 Hot Tip: Expect sustainable travel surcharges ("eco-fees") to become more common on airfares and hotel bookings over the next 12–18 months as companies offset their green initiatives—something to watch when budgeting your next big trip!

🌍 Spotlight Destinations: 🌍

  1.  Kotor, Montenegro 🇲🇪 – Fjords, Fortresses & Hidden Charm

    • Often dubbed "the Southern European secret," Kotor boasts UNESCO-protected medieval towns and dramatic fjord-like landscapes. 🏰⛰️

    • Wander the walled old town, hike the ancient fortress steps for panoramic bay views, and savor fresh seafood by the Adriatic Sea. 🐟🌊

    • May offers pleasant weather without the summer cruise crowds.

  2. Ishigaki Island, Japan 🇯🇵 – Tropical Vibes Without the Crowds

    • Part of the Okinawa archipelago, Ishigaki offers pristine beaches, coral reefs, and jungle adventures. 🏝️🐠

    • Snorkel in Kabira Bay, hike to hidden waterfalls, and taste unique Ryukyu cuisine. 🍱🌴

    • May is the sweet spot before the summer humidity kicks in.

  3. Salta, Argentina 🇦🇷 – Culture, Mountains & Desert Colors

    • Explore colonial-era plazas, colorful canyons, and the high-altitude wine region of Cafayate. 🍷🏜️

    • Drive the scenic Quebrada de Humahuaca for jaw-dropping rainbow-colored rock formations. 🌈🚗

    • In May, Salta enjoys dry, sunny weather, perfect for road trips and vineyard tours.

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💳 Points & Rewards Corner:

  • Use Aeroplan Miles for Montenegro 🇲🇪✈️ – Great value redemptions through Air Canada’s Aeroplan partners for Europe-bound flights, especially into secondary airports near Kotor.

  • Book Ishigaki with ANA Mileage Club 🇯🇵🏝️ – ANA's mileage redemptions offer huge savings for domestic Japan island hops. Combine with a Japan Rail Pass for seamless adventures.

  • Stay in Argentina Using World of Hyatt Points 🇦🇷🏨 – Salta and Cafayate have boutique hotels bookable via Hyatt's Small Luxury Hotels program, offering excellent value for points redemptions.

  • Lounge Life with Amex Platinum 🍷 – Maximize those long layovers with Centurion Lounge access at major hubs like Miami, Tokyo Haneda, and Buenos Aires Ezeiza.

  • Chase Pays Yourself Back 🧾 – Cover travel expenses like boutique accommodations and local tours by redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points at enhanced value. ✨

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Adventure is out there—you just have to know where to point your compass. 🌍✨ Maybe it's getting lost in Montenegro’s misty fjords, chasing waterfalls in Ishigaki’s jungle trails, or road-tripping through Salta’s rainbow canyons with the windows down and music blasting. Wherever your heart is pulling you, there’s a wild, beautiful corner of the world waiting for you to find it.

I’m always curious—which one of these adventures is calling your name this week? Or maybe you’ve got your eye on somewhere even wilder? Hit reply and let’s swap travel dreams. I'd love to hear all about the next stamp you're chasing for your passport! 🌍🚀

Stay wild, stay curious, and keep exploring, 💗
Rabia ✨
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter

Travel Trivia 🤩
Answer: Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble Crossing). 😮

Links and Guides:
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Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!

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