Destinations by Dunbar
TRAVEL STORIES + PHOTOGRAPHED BY RANDY DUNBAR
Stories lead the way into the heart of travel, where every destination is a story waiting to be told and every journey is an opportunity
to see the world through new eyes.
Destinations
Costa Rica
Thailand
Rome
Mexico
About
Renowned creative director and travel writer
Randy Dunbar is a renowned creative director and travel writer who blends storytelling with strategy. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep curiosity about the world, he turns places into narratives and ideas into campaigns. From leading creative teams to documenting off-the-grid destinations, Randy brings clarity, style, and purpose to everything he creates. His work lives at the intersection of design, content, and culture—always with a passport ready.
Travel Inspiration and Tips
Travel Tips
10 Travel Safety Tips
✈️ 1. Embrace Smart Travel Technology
- Digital IDs & Biometric Boarding: Many airports now support digital passports and facial recognition. Check if your departure and arrival airports offer this to speed up security and boarding.
- AI Itinerary Planners: Tools like Google’s AI-powered travel planner and AI-enhanced apps help personalize routes, suggest lesser-known spots, and optimize trip planning.
- eSIM Usage: eSIMs are now widely supported, making it easier and cheaper to stay connected abroad without changing physical SIM cards.
🌍 2. Focus on Sustainable Travel
- Carbon Tracking: Airlines and OTAs now show estimated carbon emissions for flights. Choose lower-emission options or carriers investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Eco-Stays: Look for hotels certified by credible sustainability standards like EarthCheck, Green Key, or GSTC.
- Slow Travel: Spend more time in fewer destinations to reduce environmental impact and enrich your experience.
📱 3. Use Advanced Travel Apps
- AI Travel Assistants: Tools like Hopper, Kayak, and Expedia now use AI to predict price changes, recommend destinations, and handle bookings.
- Language AI: Real-time translation (via apps or smart glasses) is more reliable than ever—perfect for navigating non-English-speaking regions.
🛂 4. Be Aware of Evolving Entry Requirements
- ETIAS for Europe: Starting in 2025, non-EU citizens (including U.S., UK, Australia) need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before traveling to the Schengen Zone.
- Vaccine & Health Pass Updates: Some regions may still request proof of vaccinations (COVID-19 or others), so always verify entry requirements before your trip.
🏨 5. Book Early – Especially for Popular Spots
- 2025 is seeing a massive rebound in travel, especially to Europe and Asia. Flights and accommodations are filling up months in advance, particularly in peak seasons.
- Dynamic pricing is more aggressive—booking 3–6 months ahead secures better rates.
🧠 6. Stay Informed on AI-Enhanced Customer Service
- Airlines and hotels are automating support using AI chatbots. Learn how to effectively communicate with these systems to solve issues quickly (e.g., lost luggage, flight changes).
🎒 7. Travel Insurance is a Must
- Opt for policies that include:
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Medical coverage abroad
- Flight delays and lost baggage
- Some providers now offer “cancel for any reason” options, ideal for uncertain times.
Destinations
Top Destinations to Explore
🌍 Top Global Destinations
1. Portugal
Portugal is unveiling new attractions in 2025. Sintra celebrates its 30th year as a UNESCO World Heritage site with a year-long festival. Lisbon is opening a new modern art gallery, and the Costa Verde region is ideal for hiking and surfing. New boutique hotels are also popping up in Porto and the Algarve.
2. Norfolk, England
A charming coastal area known for its retro piers, grey-seal pups, and ancient footprints. Perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a quieter, nostalgic English seaside experience.
3. Gower Peninsula, Wales
Breathtaking beaches like Rhossili Bay and Langland, sustainable communities, and award-winning cuisine make this an underrated gem for 2025.
4. Charleston, South Carolina, USA
This historic U.S. city is getting its first five-star hotel in 2025 and a new urban park. It’s known for its architecture, Southern charm, and culinary scene.
5. Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland
The gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is close to ancient castles and the newly recognized UNESCO site, the Flow Country, a massive and scenic peatland.
🎶 Notable Events
Glastonbury Festival 2025
Running from June 25 to 29, expect big names like The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and a legendary performance by Rod Stewart.
🧭 Adventure & Nature Picks
Seoul, South Korea
A vibrant city mixing ancient palaces and futuristic design. Ideal for solo travelers who enjoy food, fashion, and culture.
Kathmandu, Nepal
A cultural hub and spiritual destination, Kathmandu is also the perfect base for Himalayan adventures.
Cusco, Peru
The historic Inca capital near Machu Picchu, great for history buffs, hikers, and solo explorers.
The Guide to Pick Pockets
Key Insights:
- Rome tops the list with 478 pickpocketing mentions per million visitors, particularly around major attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum .
- Paris follows closely, with 251 mentions per million visitors, notably around the Eiffel Tower and Louvre
- Barcelona is renowned for pickpocketing, especially on Las Ramblas, with 111 mentions per million visitors .
- London has seen a surge in phone thefts, with over 52,000 incidents reported in 2023, particularly in tourist areas like the City of Westminster.
Safety Tips for Travelers:
- Use cross-body bags with secure zippers.
- Avoid displaying valuables like jewelry or large amounts of cash.
- Stay vigilant in crowded areas and be cautious of distractions.
- Consider using money belts or hidden pouches for important documents and money.
If you’re planning to visit any of these cities and need more detailed safety advice or information on specific areas, feel free to ask!