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  • 🌄 Remote Valleys & Soulful Escapes: Where to Wander Before Summer Hits🚀

🌄 Remote Valleys & Soulful Escapes: Where to Wander Before Summer Hits🚀

TravelReport Weekly Issue 030

Author

Rabia Karimi
May 16, 2025

In partnership with

Hey besties! 🤠✈️
You know that feeling when you stumble across a place so magical you almost want to keep it your little secret? 🌍 This week, we’re leaning all the way into that spirit of real exploration—where the landscapes feel like brushstrokes, the air smells of wild herbs and woodsmoke, and the adventures sink into your memory like your favorite song. 🎶✨

We’re blending the best of slow travel magic with wild, untamed nature — think hidden valleys where the rivers still run clear, trails where you might not see another soul for miles, and villages where life drifts by to the rhythm of the seasons. 🌿🏔️

These picks are tailor-made for May wanderlust—before the summer crowds roll in and the secret spots get snapped up. Ready to lose track of time, breathe in the wild air, and maybe even find your new happy place? 🚀💛 Let's go!

Travel Trivia 🧐
Question: 🌴 Travel Trivia Time!
Valle de Cocora in Colombia is famous for its stunning wax palms—but do you know just how tall these trees can grow?

Q: What is the maximum height of the Quindío wax palm, Colombia’s national tree, found in Valle de Cocora?

A) 40 feet
B) 80 feet
C) 120 feet
D) 200 feet

👉 Hit reply with your guess—no Googling! 😉
Find the answer below 🤭

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🦺 Health & Safety Tips for Spring Travel:

  • Trail Smarts ⛺️ – Research trail difficulty and weather patterns ahead of time—especially for rugged areas like Karijini and Skye. Bring proper boots, a rain layer, and a power bank.

  • Altitude Awareness ⛰️ – Cocora Valley sits above 7,000 feet. Go slow, hydrate constantly, and give your body time to adjust—especially if you're hiking.

  • Weather Prep ☔ – Expect all four seasons in one day in Skye. A good packable raincoat and warm layers will make all the difference.

  • In Case of Emergency 🧭 – Make sure someone knows your itinerary for backcountry hikes and carry basic first-aid essentials.

  • Insurance Reminder 📝 – Don’t skip it—especially for remote and high-altitude areas. Look for policies that cover adventure activities and evacuation.🧷 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…

📰 This week in Travel:
📊 Travel Trend of the Month: Wild Escapes Go Mainstream

📈 Adventure Travel Boom: Small group and solo travelers are booking remote nature escapes at a record pace. In 2025, adventure bookings are up 30% year-over-year as more people swap city breaks for soul-filling wilderness.

🤖 Smart Tech for the Wild: Expect to see more gear-smart apps this year—from offline hiking maps that adjust in real time to AI-guided packing tools and wilderness language translators.

🌱 Eco-Conscious Stays: Eco-lodges are out, regenerative stays are in. These accommodations don’t just protect the land—they help rebuild it. Watch for B Corp certified lodges and local-led tourism efforts gaining global traction.

💬 Insider Tip: Travelers are favoring fewer, slower trips in 2025—spending more time in fewer places and making meaningful local connections.

🌍 Spotlight Destinations: 🌍

  1. Valle de Cocora, Colombia 🇨🇴 – The Land of Sky-High Palms

    • Wander through misty green valleys filled with the world's tallest wax palms, some soaring over 200 feet high. 🌴⛰️

    • Hike through cloud forests buzzing with hummingbirds and the sweet scent of damp earth. 🌧️🌿

    • Cozy up in colorful Salento village with a cup of fresh Colombian coffee after your trek. ☕🏡

  2. The Isle of Skye, Scotland 🏴 – Misty Legends and Rugged Beauty

    • Follow winding trails past dramatic cliffs, secret waterfalls, and otherworldly landscapes like the Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr. 🌫️🏞️

    • Feel the ancient stories in the air as you explore lonely castles and peat-scented villages. 🏰🔥

    • In late May, the moors come alive with bursts of wildflowers and endless golden sunsets. 🌸🌄

  3. Karijini National Park, Australia 🇦🇺 – Red Rocks, Secret Pools, and Starry Skies

    • Dive into ancient gorges carved into crimson earth and swim in emerald waterholes hidden in the desert. 🏜️💦

    • Listen to the haunting soundscape of wind sweeping through rocky canyons. 🌬️🪨

    • Camp under a billion stars—May offers dry, clear skies perfect for stargazing. 🌌⛺

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💳 Points & Rewards Corner:

  • Alaska Mileage Plan for Australia 🇦🇺✈️ – One of the best sweet spots for flying to Western Australia. Use those miles to get you close to Karijini via Perth.

  • Avios for Scotland 🏴✈️ – Use British Airways or Iberia Avios to snag low-cost short-haul flights to the Highlands or even Inverness.

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards for Eco-Lodges 🌿🏨 – Redeem points for eco-luxury stays or local boutique hotels near Salento and Karijini through the Chase travel portal.

  • Capital One & Amex Travel Insurance Perks 🛡️ – Both Platinum and Venture X offer protection for delays, baggage loss, and medical mishaps. Perfect for peace of mind on adventure-heavy trips.

  • Priority Pass Lounges 🍷 – Relax and recharge during those long-haul connections to remote nature spots (especially helpful if you’re flying through London, Bogotá, or Sydney).

💡Points Tip of the Week: Try stacking your booking: book a flight with miles, pay taxes with your travel card, and book a boutique stay with points + perks. Win-win-win. Amex Platinum: Incredible perks, like lounge access and travel insurance.🚀 

🌞Trending Summer Travel Destinations for 2025✈️

Looking to plan your perfect summer getaway? LVK Travel's latest blog post highlights the top destinations that are capturing travelers' hearts in 2025. From the timeless allure of Paris and London to the historic charm of Rome, Athens, and Florence, these cities offer a rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine. The blog also provides insider tips on boutique accommodations and unique experiences to make your trip unforgettable.

Adventure doesn’t always shout—it whispers. Maybe it’s in the hush of a misty trail, the glow of stars above a desert gorge, or the first sip of coffee after a long hike. 🌍✨

So, which one of these soulful wild escapes is calling your name this week? Hit reply and let me know—bonus points if you tell me:
Team Waterfall Plunge 💦 or Team Mountain Solitude 🏞️?

Wherever you're headed next, I hope you find something that feels like home in motion.

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

Travel Trivia 🤩
Answer: 😮The correct answer is: D) 200 feet 🌴

The Quindío wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) is the tallest palm tree in the world, reaching up to 200 feet (60 meters) in height. It’s also Colombia’s national tree and a major reason why Valle de Cocora feels like walking through a fantasy landscape.

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

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