Podcast Summary: All Of It - "Where to Go in 2025"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Stephen Hiltner, Writer, Editor, and Photographer for The New York Times Travel Section
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Duration: 28 minutes

Introduction

Alison Stewart opens the episode by addressing the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County, emphasizing the personal impact and providing listeners with resources to help through the WNYC Instagram account. She also teases upcoming programming featuring Fernanda Torres and director Walter Salas.

Celebrating 20 Years of The New York Times' "52 Places to Go"

Stephen Hiltner discusses the milestone 20th anniversary of The New York Times' travel series, "52 Places to Go." Reflecting on the evolution of travel over two decades, Stephen highlights significant changes influenced by technological advancements and shifting traveler priorities.

• Technological Impact: "When the first list came out in 2005, there was no Google Maps, there was no Twitter... Smartphones by and large didn't exist in 2005." (02:24)

• Travel Trends: Emphasis on sustainability and the rise of social media groups for travel inspiration. Notably, international travelers have nearly doubled from 800 million in 2005 to approximately 1.4 billion in 2025, leading to challenges like over-tourism. (03:25)

Alison Stewart encourages listeners to share their travel plans for 2025 via calls and texts, fostering community engagement.

Destination Highlights for 2025

1. Jane Austen's England (Ranked #1)
   Stephen Hiltner expresses excitement over this top destination, marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Key attractions include Austen House, Winchester College's new statue, and the Jane Austen Center in Bath. The picturesque estate Stowerhead, featured in the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," is a highlight.

   "It's such a beautiful part of the country. It is obviously historically very significant..." (07:15)

2. White Lotus, Thailand
   Inspired by the HBO series, Stephen recommends Koh Samui island, anticipating a surge in tourism fueled by the show's popularity. Thailand aims to attract 40 million international visitors this year, with White Lotus serving as a significant draw.

   "Thailand has very high ambitions this year for their tourism numbers... this show is probably going to help them get closer to that number." (09:02)

3. New York Museums
   2025 is a landmark year with four major museum reopenings:

   • The Frick Collection: Reopens in April after five years of refurbishment.
   • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Unveils the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing in May.
   • The Studio Museum in Harlem: Opens a new expansive building in the fall.

   Stephen underscores the importance of local travel, noting that readers worldwide are seeking destinations both near and far.

   "It is really a big year for New York museums..." (12:20)

4. Asheville, North Carolina
   Despite recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, Asheville is poised for recovery with a $200 million federal aid package. The city's resilient community is eager to welcome responsible visitors to experience its vibrant food scene and cultural landmarks.

   "They want responsible visitors to come and visit their town and enjoy what they're rebuilding and what has survived." (13:57)

5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
   A prime spot for viewing the aurora borealis, the Lofoten Islands offer remote beauty with five main islands above the Arctic Circle. For cultural enthusiasts, Kristiansen Norway serves as a burgeoning cultural hub with new museums and performing arts centers.

   "It really is the ideal place to see the northern lights... Kristiansen Norway has really evolved into a cultural hub." (25:21)

6. Toyama, Japan
   Often overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto, Toyama is highlighted for its stunning museum-library hybrid, lantern festivals, and burgeoning culinary scene. It serves as a gateway to the less-traveled Noto Peninsula, offering a serene alternative to crowded tourist spots.

   "It's just a place to go in Japan to avoid the crowds and see a part of Japan that most tourists are not going to visit." (26:44)

Listener Contributions and Recommendations

Marilyn from Chelsea (10:12) recommends two eco-friendly resorts:

• Luna Lodge, Costa Rica: Adjacent to Corcovado National Park, offering organic cuisine and nature-driven excursions.
• Kamalaya, Thailand: Located on Koh Samui, renowned for wellness treatments and exquisite Thai cuisine.

Deborah from Highland Park (15:02) shares her plans to visit Milan and the Dolomites in Italy, seeking tips for northern Italy adventures.

Heidi from Manhattan (19:22) praises touring with Bruce Springsteen, highlighting it as a purposeful way to explore new places and connect with others.

Albert from Maplewood, NJ (20:26) discusses his multiple trips to Italy, including Rome during its jubilee year and the island of Ischia for a more authentic experience.

Adele from New Jersey (22:17) inquires about cross-country train travel in the U.S., seeking recommendations for sleeper accommodations and safety.

Philomena from Westchester (24:18) and her husband aim to complete their bucket list by visiting all 50 U.S. states, targeting Kentucky, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

John from Jackson Heights (24:56) seeks suggestions for visiting Norway to connect with his wife's Norwegian cousins and celebrate her 50th birthday.

Additional Destination Insights

• Amidst Calls, Stephen Hiltner highlights Amsterdam's 750th birthday celebrations, including a major expo and a nine-mile street party, making it an exciting destination this year.

  "They're celebrating their 750th birthday... they're having a nine mile long street party." (21:51)

• Japan's Toyama is emphasized for its unique attractions, including a museum-library and local festivals, offering travelers a tranquil escape from typical tourist trails.

Conclusion

Stephen Hiltner shares his personal travel priority for 2025: finding places to disconnect and reconnect with nature, particularly through long-distance hiking trails.

"I'd like to find a place where I can disconnect for a while... get out in nature for a little while and really reconnect with the world." (27:43)

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by promoting upcoming content and encouraging listeners to engage with WNYC's local news offerings.

Notable Quotes:

• “When the first list came out in 2005, there was no Google Maps, there was no Twitter...” (02:24)
• “It's such a beautiful part of the country. It is obviously historically very significant...” (07:15)
• “Thailand has very high ambitions this year for their tourism numbers...” (09:02)
• “They want responsible visitors to come and visit their town and enjoy what they're rebuilding and what has survived.” (13:57)
• “I'd like to find a place where I can disconnect for a while...” (27:43)

This episode of All Of It provides an insightful exploration of emerging travel destinations for 2025, reflecting on two decades of travel evolution and offering listeners a wealth of ideas and inspiration for their future journeys.