Mérida is number 3 in Forbes Top-10 travel trends and destinations for 2017

FORBES Magazine contributor, award-winning writer and avid photographer, Lea Lane, who has written for The New York Times, The Miami Herald and Gannett Newspapers, who was managing editor of Travel Smart and appeared regularly on The Travel Channel, reveals FORBES’ Top-10 Trends and Destinations for 2017:

In his 2017 predictions, Co-founder and CEO Swapnil Shinde of the personal travel concierge app, Mezi, shares his thoughts on top destinations and travel trends for 2017. And I add my opinions, too!

Top 2017 travel trends:

“Bleisure” Boom: Mixing business with pleasure is a definite travel trend, with a number of companies baking incentive trips into employee benefit packages. More employees than ever have the freedom to extend stays for personal trips or bring family members along for business trips to immerse themselves in the local culture with a loved one when not on the job. The popularity of Airbnb has helped this trend along.
Local Travel: Millennials seem to value experiences over things, but often don’t have the means to book extravagant vacations at world-class locations. Young people will enthusiastically travel to destinations within their own budget in 2017. Some will take advantage of a strong dollar and travel abroad, but whether it’s within their country, state or even their own backyards, enriching experiences in local culture is highly valued.

Getting a treatment (Photo: Lea Lane)
Becoming your own travel agent: With new technology advancements in travel, traditional travel agents are fading fast, except for highly trained niche experts. Many free tools use advanced technology like AI and machine learning to search across thousands of travel booking sites, serving up curated, personalized options based on the preferences shared, all within a simple text message-style interface.
Solo travel: With a surge in women-only retreats and women-only travel companies, we’re seeing an uptick in solo travel, especially with women. This emerging trend falls in step with independent travel booking as travelers continue to look for more personal, enriching experiences.

This solo traveler takes risks — and nobody stops her (Photo: Lea Lane)
Ecotourism: Travelers are more sensitive than ever to their carbon footprint, especially when visiting more remote locations. Travelers will practice low-impact, sustainable travel options in an effort to provide a more positive experience for both themselves as visitors and for their hosts.

Top 2017 travel destinations:

Havana, Cuba: The capital city offers vibrant architecture and a peek into one of the world’s most sheltered, authentic cultures. The country will be changing markedly in the next years, so travelers are taking advantage of the new commercial flights from the states. Among Havana’s highlights, the Malecón is a must-see 8km-long sea drive, which captures some of the city’s most iconic monuments. And Hemingway’s house is on the outskirts of the city. Worth a trip.

Classic Havana (Photo: Lea Lane)
Cape Town, South Africa: A destination with a rich art scene, and the much-anticipated opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art at the V&A Waterfront in 2017. Cape Town is becoming a popular destination for newlyweds looking for a foodie scene and stunning mountain and beach views. The wine country and the Cape Peninsula, both a short drive away, are extraordinary.

Cape Town, from Table Mountain (Photo: Lea Lane)
Merida, Yucatán, Mexico: Tourists are looking for more culture-rich destinations this year, opposed to party scenes like popular Mexico destination, Cancún. Merida offers some of the country’s most eclectic local music, art and live performances, and Yucatan history. Another crazy-popular Mexican destination is San Miguel de Allende, enjoying a glowing rep.

Merida Cathedral.(PHOTO: mayan-yucatan-traveler.com)
Denver, Colorado: The Mile High city is perfect for activity-driven and naturalist enthusiasts alike. Visit the sprawling 23-acre oasis at the Denver Botanic Gardens before skiing the state’s treasured trails atop the nearby Rocky Mountains. And nearby Boulder is a fun city.
Vancouver, Canada: Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2107, celebrations will be plentiful. Vancouver is perfectly nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean offering endless options and attractions, such as the nature scene at Stanley Park. Recently, Vancouver has become the front-runner on a wish list for people wishing to relocate from the states.