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Annual Matador Network Travel Awards Recognize 12 Top Destinations Worldwide

The historic city of Gjirocaster, Albania. Matador Network Readers picked Albania as the Next Big Destination © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –Travel publisher Matador Network announced 12 winners of the 2025 Matador Network Travel Awards.

“The end of the year is a great time to reflect, and for travelers it’s an opportunity to be grateful for all the amazing new experiences we’ve had the opportunity to enjoy,” says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. “It’s up to each and every individual to make the most of every trip no matter where you go, but the award-winning destinations this year certainly set you up for success. Whether you’re a full-time world traveler or just taking one big trip next year, use this list to plan your 2026.”

Half of the dozen honorees were nominated and chosen via ranking criteria developed by the in-house team of Matador world-travel experts, and the other six are readers’ choice honorees voted on by Matador readers. In addition to the five traditional awards, this year marks the inclusion of a new category: Best Wildlife Destination.

Also, the Matador Network staff and readers once again voted on their favorite airline to fly to get to their soon-to-be-favorite vacation destination.

Matador Network Travel Awards

Readers’ Choice

Estonia has long been overlooked, but better flight connections and visible progress on sustainable tourism have helped make it Matador’s Next Big Destination. Tartu, its second-largest city, was named the European Capital of Culture 2024.

In Oaxaca, adventure is everywhere, from mountain biking the Sierra Norte to surfing the coast.

Over the past few years, the Portuguese island of Madeira has turned itself into an example of what a popular, modern, climate-aware destination can look like.

In Türkiye, wellness is baked into daily life, from weekly hammam rituals and thermal baths to long seaside walks and slow breakfasts that stretch into the afternoon.

The inaugural winner of Best Wildlife Destination is Baja California, where desert mountains fall into two very different bodies of water, like a wildlife corridor you can road-trip.

And because you can’t road-trip everywhere, Qatar is the experts’ choice for Best Airline. Emirates took the top spot among the readers.

For the other readers’ choice awards, Albania is the Next Big Destination. Coastal scenery comes without sticker shock, and mountain landscapes feel genuinely wild.

Patagonia is a place where you can string together multi-day treks, ice hikes, whale watching and long-distance road trips and barely skim the surface.

Costa Rica, home to last year’s experts’ pick for Wellness, is this year’s readers’ choice pick for Best Sustainable Destination.

Rotorua, New Zealand, sits over some of the country’s most active geothermal fields. Geysers, mud pools and hot springs shape the streetscape.

Nairobi National Park is less than 30 minutes from downtown Nairobi, meaning you can watch lions, rhinos and giraffes with office towers and high-rises on the horizon.

“When there’s always somewhere new to go, the hardest question travelers face isn’t ‘Where Next?’ It’s ‘Why there?'” says Nickolaus Hines, editorial content director at Matador Network. “Our winners are the places and airlines that have proven, year after year, that they can deliver on the kind of experiences people travel for.”

View the 2025 Matador Network Travel Awards.

Matador Network is a media brand for modern adventurers and the creator of GuideGeek, the award-winning AI travel genius. With more than 15 million followers across social media, Matador became a leading travel brand through its production of feature articles, city guides, creator-first content and original streaming shows. Matador’s videos generate over 140M monthly views and its content distribution deals with major airlines, airports, gas stations and ride sharing companies reach travelers throughout their journey. The GuideGeek AI platform has over 1M consumer users and powers custom conversational AI for dozens of travel brands and destinations. 

Information at matadornetwork.com and guidegeek.com.

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Active Travel, destinations, Uncategorized

Escape the Heat: Discover Nayarit’s Coolest Mountain Towns This Summer

NAYARIT, MEXICO – While Mexico’s coastal hotspots heat up for the summer, savvy travelers are heading uphill — quite literally — to uncover the breezy mountain escapes tucked deep in southern Nayarit. Away from the beach crowds and humid shorelines, the Magical Towns of Jala, Compostela, Amatlán de Cañas, and the tranquil volcanic lagoon of SantaMaría del Oro are offering fresh air, cool climates, and immersive cultural experiences that make for the perfect summer hideout.



Jala: The Original Magic in the Mountains

Perched at the foot of El Ceboruco, an active volcano cloaked in mist and mystery, Jala was the first town in Nayarit to earn the coveted “Pueblo Mágico” title. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and enormous cliffs, Jala comes alive in the rainy season when the surrounding hills burst into lush shades of green. Visitors flock to hike the volcano’s slopes, wander historic neighborhoods, and sample traditional dishes like corn cookies, torrejas, and tostadas with pork leg.

The town’s deep connection to maize iseverywhere. Not only does it produce some of the world’s largest corn cobs(some clocking in at 17 inches), but it also honors this legacy with the Elote Fair in August. Spanish heritage lives on in landmarks like the Basilica Lateranense de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, and the former Convent of Limpiay Purísima Concepción de María, whose pink stone façade features a Virgin with indigenous features and attire, a rare blending of Catholic and native iconography. Beneath the convent, tunnels and crypts hold centuries of stories,from friars to plague victims. The nearby Museum of Sacred Art is the first of its kind in Nayarit.

Accommodations range from cozy hostels to sophisticated stays like Nukari Quinta Boutique, a lovingly restored 18th-century mansion offering gourmet dining, spa rituals, and panoramic rooftop views of the volcano. Nature lovers can also venture out to Salto de Jomulco or bike and camp along the volcanic valley.



Compostela: A Colonial City with Cool Forests and Hot Springs

Founded in 1530, Compostela is one of the oldest colonial towns in the region and an ideal summer retreat thanks to its blend of coastal breeze and mountainous cool. Here, visitors can spend a day exploring centuries-old landmarks like the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, soaking in natural hot springs, or sampling “pollo al Ixtlán” and pescado zarandeado at the local market.
Nature lovers will find bliss in the nearby forested areas, perfect for camping and cycling. Looking to go deeper? The Alta Vista archaeological site showcases mysterious petroglyphs. Whether strolling through shaded leather workshops or sipping on agua fresca after a forest hike, Compostela is a place where culture and climate combine for afresh, summer getaway.



Amatlán de Cañas: A Hidden Jewel of Rivers,Spas, and Chocolate

Just a winding mountain road away lies Amatlánde Cañas, one of Nayarit’s newest Magical Towns and a sanctuary for wellness seekers and adventure travelers. This quiet village near the Jalisco border is known for its rugged beauty, ancient temples, and artisanal chocolate workshops. Its crown jewel is El Manto, a natural spa with crystal-clear waterfalls enclosed by towering rock walls.

The area offers a rare blend of relaxation and excitement. Visitors can tour abandoned mining towns like El Pilón, embark on hiking and biking trails, or dip into one of many local hot springs.Traditional dishes like tomato-braised tongue and birria add a cozy warmth toeven the coolest nights, and lodging options are simple but welcoming, withresorts available right near El Manto for those looking for a longer stay.



Santa María del Oro: Where Stillness Meets the Sky

A short 40-minute drive from Nayarit’s capital, Tepic, Santa María del Oro is Nayarit’s answer to the call for peaceful mountain lake energy. Centered around a mesmerizing lagoon nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, this destination is where heat and hustle disappear, with ever-changing hues of turquoise and cobalt across the water.

Boutique stays like Hotel Chi’l Jaj blend into the volcanic landscape, while waterfront restaurants serve specialties like fish chicharrón and marinated seafood platters. Activities on the lagoon include paddleboarding, kayaking, and slow boat rides to hidden alcoves. For thrill-seekers, Arcadia Park Adventure nearby offers zip-lining and rappelling among pines and waterfalls. But the real magic of Santa María del Oro is in the silence, a rare and restorative gift in a busy world.

Why Head for the Hills This Summer?

With average temperatures hovering around 22–23°C (71–73°F), these highland havens offer a natural alternative to crowded beaches and sticky heat. Each town is rich with local culture, surrounded by impressive landscapes, and filled with welcoming communities eager to share their traditions, from hand-pressed tortillas and heritage crafts to sacred petroglyphs and ancient architecture.

More information at visitnayarit.travel.

For more travel features, visit:
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Going Places @ longislandpress.com
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benefits of travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, destinations, Travel Industry Philanthropy, Uncategorized

Ski for a Cause at Palisades Tahoe, California, January 18–20

From January 18 to 20, 2025, skiers and snowboarders at Palisades Tahoe, California are making a difference while enjoying the slopes. During this special three-day event, $99 lift tickets will be available, with 100% of ticket sales going to support Southern California fire relief efforts in partnership with the California Fire Foundation. © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Olympic Valley, Calif.— From January 18 to 20, 2025, skiers and snowboarders at Palisades Tahoe are making a difference while enjoying the slopes. During this special three-day event, $99 lift tickets will be available, with 100% of ticket sales going to support Southern California fire relief efforts in partnership with the California Fire Foundation.

Palisades Tahoe, together with Alterra Mountain Company, is amplifying the impact by matching donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 each. This means that every $99 ticket sold will triple in value, directly helping families and communities rebuild after devastating wildfires.

Ticket Options:

Ikon Base Pass & Session Pass Holders: Purchase $99 all-day lift tickets on January 18 and 19—a great way to ski during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday blackout dates.

Afternoon Tickets: $99 tickets for all ages, valid from 1 PM to 4 PM, available January 18 through 20. 

Tickets can be purchased in person at Palisades Tahoe ticket counters.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to giving back,” said Patrick Lacey, PR Manager of Palisades Tahoe. “By partnering with the California Fire Foundation and offering this opportunity to our guests, we’re proud to support relief efforts that will help rebuild lives and strengthen communities impacted by wildfires.”

The California Fire Foundation provides critical support to fire victims, firefighters, and their families. Proceeds from this fundraiser will aid in providing emergency assistance, funding community rebuilding projects, and offering long-term support to those in need.

Make Your Ski Day Count: Grab your gear, hit the slopes, and give back to those affected by wildfires in Southern California. Every turn you take on the mountain will help families and communities recover and thrive.

For more information, visit www.palisadestahoe.com/relief. 

Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, marking decades of innovation, history, and legendary mountain experiences, Palisades Tahoe® has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the best ski resort in the United States. As Lake Tahoe’s largest premier resort destination, it spans 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks, connected by the iconic Base to Base Gondola. Renowned for hosting the 1960 Winter Games and being home to Olympic and World Cup athletes, Palisades Tahoe averages 400 inches of annual snowfall, offering Lake Tahoe’s longest ski season. Dubbed the Spring Skiing Capital®, the resort keeps its slopes open through Memorial Day. The Village at Palisades Tahoe is a vibrant year-round hub for events, dining, and shopping. Skiers and riders can explore Palisades Tahoe and beyond with the Ikon Pass, which provides access to over 50+ top ski destinations.

Visit Palisades Tahoe’s  website or call 800.403-0206.