Why “Townsizing” is the Travel Trend of 2025
In 2025, seasoned travelers are skipping the mega cities and choosing to “townsize”—trading traffic jams and overpriced lattes for small-town charm, boutique stays, and genuinely immersive experiences.
There’s a distinct shift happening: travelers in their 30s and 40s are craving connection over chaos. They're choosing to slow travel through storybook villages, coastal hamlets, and artistic mountain enclaves that offer deep culture and style—without the overwhelm.
Here’s where to go, what to eat, and how to travel smarter by going smaller:
1. Cefalù, Sicily 🇮🇹
Why go: Beachy meets medieval. Think of it as the chicer, quieter cousin to Taormina.
Where to stay: Boutique hotel Le Calette Garden & Bay with sea views and Sicilian ceramics.
Eat at: Il Normanno for refined seafood, or La Brace for cozy pasta dinners tucked into an old stone house.
Must-do: Wander the historic alleys, take a dip off the dramatic coastline, and hike La Rocca for panoramic views.
Local tip: Catch a summer film screening under the stars at the open-air Cinema Arena Dafni.
2. Colmar, France 🇫🇷
Why go: A real-life fairytale town in Alsace, full of half-timbered houses, canals, and wine bars. Often dubbed “Little Venice.”
Where to stay: Maison Martin Jund, a charming B&B in a winemaking family’s home.
Eat at: La Soi for authentic Alsatian tarte flambée. Trendy locals love L’Atelier du Peintre.
Must-do: Wine tasting along the Alsace Wine Route and a day trip to nearby Eguisheim.
Local tip: Visit in early spring or fall to avoid tour groups and catch the seasonal food markets.
3. Valldemossa, Mallorca 🇪🇸
Why go: Tucked in the Tramuntana mountains, this village oozes rustic luxury and art history.
Where to stay: Mirabó de Valldemossa, a romantic finca with infinity views.
Eat at: QuitaPenas Valldemossa for tapas and wine, or Es Taller for modern Mediterranean.
Must-do: Explore the monastery where Chopin lived, then drive 20 minutes to Cala Deià for a swim and beachside lunch.
Local tip: Pack a wrap or shawl — evenings cool down fast, even in summer.
4. Bled, Slovenia 🇸🇮
Why go: It’s like a postcard that actually exists. Lakes, castles, and alpine air.
Where to stay: Vila Bled, once Tito’s summer residence.
Eat at: Restavracija 1906 for farm-to-table elegance.
Must-do: Row out to the island church, then hike to Ojstrica for the ultimate sunrise view.
Local tip: Skip July; June and September are just as warm and far less crowded.
5. Kotor, Montenegro 🇲🇪
Why go: A fjord-like bay, cobblestone Old Town, and Adriatic charm without Dubrovnik crowds.
Where to stay: Hotel Forza Terra — sleek, waterfront, and full of Montenegrin elegance.
Eat at: Galion for romantic seafood dinners over the bay.
Must-do: Climb the fortress for sunset, then grab cocktails at Old Winery Wine Bar.
Local tip: Take a day trip to Perast and rent a kayak to explore the islands.
6. Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽
Why go: A kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and artisan traditions with a slower, more grounded pace than CDMX.
Where to stay: Casa Antonieta — minimalist boho perfection.
Eat at: Criollo (by Enrique Olvera) for elevated local fare, or Boulenc for brunch.
Must-do: Textile workshops, mezcal tastings, and day trips to Hierve el Agua.
Local tip: Visit during Guelaguetza Festival (late July) for traditional dancing, music, and parades.
7. Hoi An, Vietnam 🇻🇳
Why go: Lantern-lit streets, riverfront cafés, tailors, and beaches. The perfect Southeast Asian pace.
Where to stay: Little Riverside Hoi An for luxe river views and a dreamy pool.
Eat at: Bánh Mì Phượng (Anthony Bourdain approved), and Morning Glory for upscale local dishes.
Must-do: Get a custom outfit tailored, then ride a bike to An Bang Beach.
Local tip: Visit during the full moon festival when the lights dim and lanterns glow.
8. Luang Prabang, Laos 🇱🇦
Why go: Buddhist calm meets French colonial charm. Quiet luxury defined.
Where to stay: Satri House — vintage Indochina elegance.
Eat at: Manda de Laos for dining beside lotus ponds.
Must-do: Wake at dawn for the alms-giving ceremony, and visit Kuang Si Falls.
Local tip: Pack modest clothing for temples, and always remove shoes before entering.
9. Curaçao, Caribbean 🇨🇼
Why go: Colorful Dutch-Caribbean vibes with no U.S. tourist overload.
Where to stay: Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites in Willemstad.
Eat at: BijBlauw for oceanfront elegance and Plasa Bieu for authentic bites.
Must-do: Explore the Handelskade waterfront, snorkel at Playa Lagun, and road trip to Shete Boka National Park.
Local tip: English, Dutch, Papiamentu, and Spanish are widely spoken—language won’t be a barrier.
10. Takayama, Japan 🇯🇵
Why go: Historic charm, ryokans, sake breweries, and no neon chaos.
Where to stay: Oyado Koto No Yume — a luxury ryokan with traditional Japanese hospitality.
Eat at: Heianraku for homemade Japanese-Chinese comfort food.
Must-do: Visit the morning market, explore Hida Folk Village, and soak in an onsen nearby.
Local tip: Dress modestly in shrines, and don’t eat while walking.
Final Thoughts
Townsizing isn’t about doing less — it’s about experiencing more deeply. You’ll connect with locals, eat better, sleep better, and return home more inspired (and far less frazzled).
2025 is the year to choose fewer crowds, fewer lines, and way more magic.
