Travel Experiences Trending

Why Travel Experiences in Natural Beauty Are So IN, and How Hotels can Benefit

There’s a growing yearning for something more authentic, something tangible. Enter travel experiences, particularly those immersed in the serene embrace of natural beauty.

In a world bustling with technology, where screens dominate our daily lives and virtual experiences are just a click away, there’s a growing yearning for something more authentic, something tangible. Enter travel experiences, particularly those immersed in the serene embrace of natural beauty.

From rugged mountain ranges to tranquil beaches, verdant forests to vast deserts, the allure of natural landscapes has captivated adventurers for generations. But what’s particularly noteworthy is the resurgence of interest in these destinations in recent times, especially since Covid-19. The modern traveler is seeking solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection with the world around them.

So, what’s fueling this trend?

The desire to escape the digital deluge.

The average person experiences their attention constantly pulled in a million different directions, the call of the wild offers a much-needed respite. Stepping away from the screens and immersing oneself in the unspoiled beauty of nature can be incredibly rejuvenating. The simplicity of a sunrise over a misty valley or the sound of waves crashing against the shore has a way of grounding us in the present moment like nothing else can.

The need for authentic experiences.

Another repercussion of the digital deluge, is the increase in unrealistically enhanced and curated imagery on social media. In response there’s a growing appreciation for authenticity. Travelers are no longer content with superficial experiences or generic tourist traps. Instead, they crave genuine encounters and meaningful connections – with the environment, with local communities, and with themselves. And what better place to find such authenticity than in the raw, untamed beauty of nature?

Boy playing on the beach at Cape Discovery State Park, Washington State

Family story time at Lake Creek Lodge — Branding for Lake Creek Lodge

The importance of nurturing the soul.

There’s also growing awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being, and many are turning to nature as a form of therapy. The concept of ‘forest bathing’ – immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest – has gained popularity as a way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. And it’s not just forests; studies have shown that spending time in any natural environment can have profound effects on our mental and emotional well-being.

The value of conservation and sustainability.

As awareness of environmental issues grows, so too does the desire to protect and preserve the natural world. Travelers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and are seeking out eco-friendly and sustainable travel options. By supporting responsible tourism practices and choosing destinations that prioritize conservation efforts, travelers can play a role in preserving the very beauty they’ve come to admire.

The shifting focus on experience travel is a welcome trend for hotels in areas of natural beauty.

As travelers move away from seeking glamour and luxury in their travel and vacation experiences, the opportunity for small hotels and unique, more naturally oriented lodging options like cabins and yurts is wide open. The need to beautifully showcase a property as it will feel to the wide eyed traveller seeking serenity, adventure and inspiration is more important than ever.

Show & tell beautifully and people will come.

Exceptional photography that showcases both your location and amenities, with and without people is essential. The images you show on your website and in print should be cohesive in style, so people can see and feel the experience you offer as a singular world. These images should be contemporary showing people and families of today, and reflecting the most current state of your property. It’s important that when people come to your property, the experience is congruent with how it is pictured.

squarespace website for salt hotel bunkroom

Choose your words carefully, for people and SEO.

In addition to showing the beauty your location, and property has to offer, it’s essential to choose words that are selected strategically for search engine optimization (SEO). In order for people to love what they see and book your hotel, people need to find you through Google searches.

Copy should be composed, so Google can understand exactly where you are located, and what you are offering, and so it maps directly onto what people are searching for. Often these adjustments benefit people as well as search engines. The difference between, walk our beautiful trails and walk our beautiful Columbia River Gorge trails to waterfalls and scenic views of Mt. Adams is huge, both for people and for Google.

Creating itineraries for days out, on property and nearby can also help people envision what it will be like to stay at your place. These can be regular blog posts, and also form the basis of emails to guests. The more you can paint a picture of the experiences people can have, the more likely people are to book.

Let us help you showcase your hotel.

If you’re a hotel, Inn or Lodge, offering travelers the chance to scale a mountain peak, stroll through a sun-dappled forest, or simply the chance to gaze up at the stars on a clear night, we can help you connect with the many wide eyed travelers there are these days. We’ll make sure people find you, and love what they see.