James Clendenin, Author at Crazy Nomad

Tourist Hotspots to Avoid in 2025—And Where to Go Instead

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

Sometimes the best travel decision is choosing where not to go.

The era of unchecked mass tourism has left many of the world’s most iconic destinations feeling more like crowded theme parks than authentic cultural experiences. In 2025, smart travelers are making a conscious choice to skip the most overrun hotspots, not only to save their own sanity but to reduce their impact on these fragile places. They are discovering that a far more rewarding experience often lies just around the corner.

This is a guide to swapping the most popular places for their equally beautiful but less-crowded alternatives.

Cruise Bookings Just Surged 250%—Here’s What That Says Your Travel Plans

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

The cruise industry is riding a massive new wave of popularity.

After a few turbulent years, the cruise industry has come roaring back with unprecedented force. A staggering 250% surge in bookings for the 2025 travel season has sent a clear signal that the public’s appetite for sea travel is stronger than ever. This isn’t just a simple rebound; it’s a reflection of a fundamental shift in what modern travelers are looking for in a vacation.

This massive wave of interest reveals a clear set of priorities that are defining the new era of travel.

10 Hidden-Gem Towns With Great Hiking and Housing You Can Actually Afford

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

You don’t have to be a millionaire to live near the mountains.

For many outdoor lovers, the dream of living in a town with instant access to incredible hiking trails is often crushed by the reality of an astronomical cost of living. Popular mountain towns have become playgrounds for the wealthy, but the dream is not dead. There are still a number of fantastic, under-the-radar towns across the country that offer world-class hiking and a quality of life you can actually afford.

These are the places where the trails are epic and a one-bedroom apartment doesn’t cost a fortune.

Foreign Visitors Have Vanished—U.S. Tourism Crash Wipes Out $29 Billion

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

The welcome mat is out, but international visitors are not showing up.

The post-pandemic travel boom that was expected to bring a flood of international visitors back to the United States has fizzled into a serious tourism drought. New data for 2025 reveals a shocking decline in inbound international travel, creating a $29 billion hole in the nation’s economy and leaving tourist-dependent businesses scrambling. This isn’t a single-cause problem, but a perfect storm of economic and social factors.

The result is a country that is suddenly a much less attractive destination for the global traveler.

14 Charming Small Towns You’ll Be Amazed No One’s Talking About

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

These places have all the character without all the crowds.

America is full of small towns that are just as beautiful, historic, and charming as the famous ones that grace the covers of travel magazines, but without the tour buses and the crowds. These are the places that have managed to fly under the radar, preserving their unique character and offering a more authentic and relaxed travel experience. They are the true hidden gems of the American landscape.

A visit to one of these towns feels like discovering a well-kept secret, a place that reminds you of the quiet beauty that exists off the main highway.