Right now travelers are looking backward to move forward. Whether it's the thrill of a waterpark, the charm of road trips, or the quiet magic of storybook summers, today’s travelers are embracing their past — and choosing destinations that bring those childhood memories back to life to relive them once more.
“Nostalgic travel is a hot travel trend that has people going back to the past, not just to reminisce but to create new memories. This trend is about revisiting what seem like simpler times, reconnecting with places and experiences that shaped us and sharing those experiences with new generations.” - The Associated Press
Below are a few standout spots that tap into this growing trend:
For reliving… Waterpark days | Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, an unconventional all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, is the perfect playground for a nostalgic getaway with a sprawling water park that stirs up carefree childhood memories. The grand 29-slide park (one of the biggest in the area) is tucked in the jungle of the Riviera Maya and has twisting slides, splash zones, and waterfalls. The resort also features crystal-clear cenotes perfect for snorkeling, native spider monkeys, coatis, and exotic birds, plus an eco-friendly farm with rescued animals and captivating cultural performances. All of this and more is wrapped into one non-budget busting price tag so both your inner child and practical adult are satisfied.
For reliving the great American road trip… The Meritage Resort and Spa
Pack the car, roll the windows down, and cue the road trip playlist. The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley channels the golden age of family vacations, only this time, it’s luxe. Think of it as a grown-up version of those summer road trips to wine country with Mom and Dad, where instead of fast food stops and motel pools, you're indulging in farm-to-table dining, wine tastings, and cabana-side lounging. With its backyard vineyard, nostalgic lawn games, retro-inspired bowling alley, and scenic hillside views, The Meritage Resort and Spa offers the charm of a classic California escape with all the adult perks you never knew you needed back then.
For reliving… storybook summers | Villa Bokéh - Antigua, Guatemala
Remember the childhood joy of curling up beneath a tree, nose buried in a book, imagining faraway places filled with magic, mystery, and adventure? At Villa Bokéh - a 15-room luxury retreat set on the edge of Antigua, Guatemala - that feeling comes rushing back. With its own private lagoon and complimentary canoe rides aptly named ‘The Notebook Experience’, the hotel invites guests to paddle past willows and wildflowers at their own pace, like a scene pulled straight from a vintage storybook. Surrounding it all is a pristine six-acre garden dotted with reading benches and hidden nooks perfect for quiet reflection, plus a charming picnic basket amenity service that brings lunch straight to the lawn. It’s a grown-up version of the summers you once loved, and the books you imagined yourself living in.
For reliving… your Twin Peaks obsession | Bellevue, Washington
If you ever found yourself captivated by cherry pie, damn fine coffee, and the eerie mystery of Twin Peaks, now’s your chance to step into the show's surreal Pacific Northwest world. While the iconic series was filmed in nearby Snoqualmie and North Bend, savvy travelers base themselves in Bellevue - just outside of Seattle and the perfect ‘basecamp’ to explore the entire area where the iconic show was filmed. Spend the day tracing the show’s most iconic locations, from the real-life Double R Diner (aka Twede’s Café) to Snoqualmie Falls, which famously appeared in the opening credits. For those serious about making the pilgrimage,Visit Bellevue has compiled a full Twin Peaks guide here - including exact filming sites, fun facts, and tips.
