Travel Trends: Micro Traveling

With the recent release of the COVID-19 vaccine, hope looms on the horizon. But for now, many are choosing to stay close to home. However, for intrepid wanderers road trips, nature tourism, glamping and RV-ing continue to attract. Another 2020 travel trend we’ve noticed is micro traveling which we expect to continue into 2021.

In lieu of lengthy trips like an Antarctica expedition or African safari, many travelers are opting for micro traveling says Michael Johnson, Executive Vice President of Travel Edge. “Micro Traveling is a great way to experience the highlights of a destination closer to home. Look to properties and experiences that are just a drive away. Where a road trip sees you visiting a new destination daily – micro travel finds you at a local luxury property and staying for 5 – 10 days.”

Choosing to spend time on a luxury splurge closer to home allows ample time for a “deep dive” into your destination. Smaller cities rank among the most sought after considering the uptick in COVID cases in urban areas. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

Low Country, Charleston, South Carolina

Compact Charleston is ideal for this type of travel, effortlessly blending history, culture and art with outstanding cuisine. Horses clip clop along cobblestone streets. Antebellum homes line shady avenues. Churches of every faith imaginable peacefully co-exist in this genteel community. Don’t miss the City Market. Established in the 1790s, the historic market complex stretches four city blocks from the architecturally significant Market Hall. One-story market sheds showcase the works of local artisans including the exquisitely woven sweetgrass baskets crafted by the Gullah women.

Where to Stay:

Book a room at the city’s most luxurious hotel, Market Pavilion, where divine guest rooms and amenities await. Sip cocktails at the rooftop bar, explore Charleston’s historic landmarks and dine each night at some of the South’s finest eateries.

For the ultimate indulgence, stay in the Presidential Suite where opulent, full-sized accommodations combine with stellar views of the harbor. The suite comes complete with a baby grand piano and full bar. It also includes a deluxe breakfast, afternoon tea and, upon request, a private butler.

San Antonio & Fredericksburg, Texas

Best known for its famed River Walk and the historic Alamo, San Antonio offers plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained for days. From missions to auto-repair shops turned taco joints, to the newest art museum, Ruby City—explorations can venture in multiple directions.

Center your visit along the River Walk which is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, public artwork, five historic missions and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Time your visit for the springtime Fiesta San Antonio and you’ll be treated to a river parade featuring flowery floats. If you’re bringing the kids along, San Antonio Sea World or Six Flags Fiesta are a must.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country less than two hours away, Fredericksburg makes an ideal day trip.  As the epicenter of the Texas Wine Country, it boasts more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms. Attractions like the National Museum of the Pacific War provide a different experience for guests as exhibits change. And the Japanese Garden of Peace onsite is a hidden gem that is great for simply spending time in nature. Embrace the wide-open skies of Texas at Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, one of the state’s International Dark Sky Parks, where elevated views of the rolling hills contrast with the best stargazing in the state.

Where to Stay:

Repose in luxury at the La Cantera Resort & Spa. Overlooking all of the Texas Hill Country, this spectacular property offers a day of relaxation at its state-of-the-art Loma de Vida Spa and Wellness Center along with cuisine by James Beard Celebrated Chef Andrew Weissman at Signature.

Enjoy Micro Traveling on the Slopes of Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Known to many as Ski Town, U.S.A., Steamboat Springs boasts more winter Olympians than any other town in North America. Although a cowboy ranching classic at heart and located just three hours outside of Denver, it’s renowned for its trademarked Champagne Powder ® that can be enjoyed over six peaks.

For more thrills, ski after dark as the Christie Peak Express high-speed chairlift whisks you to the top of Christie Peak at 8,000 feet. Your night adventure crosses five trails including Sitz, See Me, Vogue, Stampede and Lil’ Rodeo.

Before or after tackling the slopes, spend some time unwinding in the natural hot springs or shop for authentic cowboy boots at the historic F.M Light & Sons store. Satisfy your appetite at Yampa Valley Kitchen which recently opened in a quaint, refurbished house off Main Street.

Where to Stay:

Exquisite views, large comfortable common areas and open kitchens with updated appliances await in the eight private residences on the 7^th floor of The Steamboat Grand. Ranging from 2,200 to 4,000 square feet, everything you need is at your disposal.

Cuban Culture in Ybor City, Florida

Yes, we realize a trip to Cuba sounds exciting right now. But since that’s off the table, consider taking a deep dive into Ybor City, Florida. Founded in 1886 when Don Vicente Martinez Ybor built a cigar factory east of downtown Tampa, Martinez began to organize a Cuban community whose flavor still permeates this neighborhood.

A vibrant community, Ybor City features authentic Cuban culture, world-class food and a beautiful waterfront. The Ybor Museum State Park, a one-acre urban state park housed in the former Ferlita Bakery, offers a glimpse into the history of the neighborhood and its people. Museum displays include original cigar box labels, cigar-rolling demonstrations and restored casitas, which were once the homes of the workers.

Learn more about this fascinating history at J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, the oldest family-owned cigar factory at 125 years which is slated to open a new museum as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation.

If you really want to step into Cuba, meander into Jose Marti Park. A tribute to the Cuban national hero, this little park has been owned by Cuba since 1956.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Haya, a luxury, boutique property, opened its doors in September. Preserving the area’s heritage with a contemporary eye, the 178-room property evokes nostalgia around the 1950s “Golden Age of Havana ” featuring joyous colors that complement classic art, including four massive Goya reproductions. The culinary program is led by Douglas Rodriguez, known as “The Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine.”

Micro Traveling & Small-Town Charm in Cooperstown, New York

Located on the southern shore of Otsego Lake in New York, Cooperstown exudes authentic, small-town charm. With only one stoplight and a mere three blocks of downtown, walking the streets of this picturesque village evokes memories of Norman Rockwell paintings. Widely known as the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame—a must for baseball fans—Cooperstown offers much more than bats and balls.

A true gem, the Fennimore Art Museum exhibits some of the nation’s finest examples of American landscape, history and genre paintings. Permanent exhibits include the Eugene and Claire Thaw Collection of almost 850 pieces of American Indian art and artifacts.

In non-COVID years, the stunning Glimmerglass Opera House houses the Glimmerglass Festival. This spectacular summer-long celebration of the arts features a full schedule of live performances.

Open in warmer months, the open-air living history Farmer’s Museum depicts America’s rural life in the mid-1800s. More than 40 authentic buildings await exploration as interpreters in period costumes demonstrate life from days gone by. Learn how to bake bread over an open hearth or watch a blacksmith demonstrate the 19th-century craft. Also on display, the gorgeous Empire State Carousel showcases 25 hand-carved animals representing the agricultural and natural resources found in New York State.

Hikers should venture 10 minutes outside the village to Glimmerglass State Park to check out the Sleeping Lion trail. Climbing Mount Wellington, the 2.5-mile loop trail rewards your efforts with a gorgeous view of Otsego Lake.

Where to Stay:

Built in 1909, the stately Otesaga Resort exudes an aura of comfortable luxury. Ideally situated on the shores of Lake Otsego, this landmark hotel is just steps from the picturesque village center.