#I LOVE IT WHEN WORKPLACES REFLECT THE PERSONS INTERESTS!

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

The Great Sotus Rewatch

Some personal reflections

Since the beginning of the year, the most fabulous @thebroccolination has been leading some of us in a Sotus and Sotus S rewatch, to prepare for the return of Krist & Singto in The Ex-Morning.

Side Note: Watching Key do fandom feels very akin to what I imagine it feels like as a 10-year-old with a new skateboard rolling up to a park to see Tony Hawk doing kick flips. It is impressive, y'all.

And this felt like a very cool thing to do, both because I like hanging out with awesome people and watching things, and also because Sotus was my very first BL.

When I first stumbled across Sotus, I had no idea BL was even a thing, or yaoi, or any of it.

I was already a fan of kdramas, with a particular preference for those of the "women pretending to be men" variety (gee, wonder why). I also had a tendency to hunt out gay indie content, and was always thrilled when I could find a cute little gay romance film.

But these treasured finds were few and far between.

Then, one day, it happened. I was scrolling through Netflix, and stumbled across a little show called Sotus. It caught my eye, I clicked on it. And, according to my Netflix data, I started watching on July 26, 2019, and then proceeded to binge the ever-loving fuck out of it.

Funnily enough, I still didn't discover BL this way. It was a few years later, when I was desperately searching around, presumably typing something like "gay romance media" into google, that I was led to a reddit thread that recommend History 3: Trapped, and the rest is, literally, history.

But as I've watched more, and learned more, and become a part of this community, I've always had this fondness for the very first one. And it was so interesting to go back, and re-experience it, with so much more knowledge of the genre, and the history of BL, and the production companies, and the actors.

So here are a few thoughts after revisiting where it all began:

(Note, this got longer than intended, so the rest is past the cut)

1. Holy shit, Singto and Krist are talented. I have always enjoyed their work, but seeing them again at the very start gave me such a renewed appreciation. I think people often undervalue the early BLs, but when you think about what a risky endeavor this was, and how much Krist and Singto had to play under the surface to keep the hets happy, it was truly an incredible job. They gave layers to their performances. There were scenes that straight people could watch thinking "oh what nice boys", and gay people could watch thinking "oh they're going home to fuck right now". Honestly, there were moments their subtle slyness blew me away. They clearly took it seriously, and are a major factor in why it worked, and why we have so much more BL today.

2. Not every BL ages well, but this one was still incredibly relatable. To be honest, Sotus S was sometimes a little too relatable to me in the workplace drama. I've worked with some of those assholes. There's a maturity there that wasn't present in all the college BLs of the time. Unlike something like My Engineer (with apologies to My Engineer fans, love what you love!) where I really struggled with the bullying dynamic on a rewatch, here the push pull with the feelings of romantic desire and the struggle of queer identity felt surprisingly deft on re-examination.

There is a fair amount of filler, of course, also in Sotus S, but when you drill down to the essence of the ArthitKongpob relationship, there's a deep sweet aching realness to what they are experiencing.

3. This series reminded me of how it is so important to appreciate the history of what you enjoy. Of course we don't all have time to be complete experts, but it does make me sad sometimes when I see people online taking so much of all of this for granted. I came from a time where there was literally none of this. None. Nothing. I grew up with so little good female representation (dear lord save me from men who try to tell me Leia, Sarah Connor, and Ripley were adequate rep), and there sure as shit wasn't any gay romance that was easy to consume.

Even when I first started watching BL, I was easily catching up on all the available series. And yet, just a few years in, we are absolutely swimming in content. I cannot keep up with everything. And there's so much more diversity in genre and representation.

Sure, the quality varies, but that's true of literally all genres. Sure, there are huge problems in the industry - I mean, capitalism fucks everything in some capacity, but again, that's true of all media. Sure, there's more ground to be gained, there always is. But that ground will only be crossed by what we're getting now forging the way.

Realities are not mutually exclusive from gratitude.

All of that is to say that this only reaffirmed my gratefulness for what we have gained. For those people almost 10 years ago who decided to take a chance on something with no guarantee. For these two actors who took on a huge challenge, and have matured into men who are so open and honest about their struggles. And for this community, which I never would have found without that very first step.

I am so damn excited for The Ex-Morning.

[ygamiraito]

can we take a minute to appreciate harlan's office / workplace (ellison wonderland). so much is happening yet its so beautiful at the same time i love it

[lavandulawrites]

Can i get yan! Jouno please? Feel free to go wild :3

A Wingless Angel

Yandere Jouno x reader

This was really fun to write! Jouno has definitely grown on me these past days. I find his creepy personality so intriguing<3

Masterlist

Warnings: Violence

Word count: 1903

Jouno’s senses were as heighten like that of a hunting animal. He’s smile was resembling a wolf baring its teeth to a helpless lamb. Jouno always knew what you were feeling before you could even place it. His angelic voice hypnotising you in a web of lies. His condescending words masked behind a gentle smile. He had sworn to you that he found greater pleasure in helping the weak and innocent than harming people. You believed that to some extent. His word would hold greater value if you haven’t seen the way his face lit up in joy when he punished those who had wronged you.

He saw himself as your saviour, and he was to some degree. He had indeed saved you from some brutish gang members who threatened to cut your tongue when you emptied your pockets to show them that you did indeed have no money on you. Jouno had suddenly appeared in the dark alley like a knight in shining armour. His white hair reflecting the light of the street lamp causing it to glow like a halo. With a swift motion akin to a angel flapping his wings, he cut down the criminals. Crimson blood rained upon you snapping you out of your trance. You screamed as you saw the dismembered bodies littered around you. You tried to get up and call for help, but the white haired man took hold of you shoulders, shaking you to get your attention.

With a voice as smooth as velvet he calmed you down. His white gloved hand gently stroking you cheek. With gentle hands he guided you to your feet. You didn’t know then that you had involved yourself with a man who was no near an angel.

He had taken you away from your normal life. It began with him involving himself little by little in your everyday life. He began hanging around the office where you worked at. His presence immediately brightening your mood. He was so easy to talk to and he was always there when you needed him. You started slowly, but surely to fell in love with him. You were naturally cautious about his job as a Hunting Dog, but he assured you that his work was to keep civilians safe. You understood of course. After a while your days consisted of him (when he wasn’t out on missions). He started to spend his time in your home making it hard to not forget that you weren’t a couple. Yet.

After a few months he urged you to move in with him after various of cases of violence around Japan. You agreed after he insisted that it wasn’t a bother, after all he did get paid handsomely for his work as a Hunting Dog. His flat was spacious and slightly luxurious. Your bedroom suited to your tastes. Weird…. How did he know that you preferred that brand of duvet covers?

You soon learned that Jouno was an excellent cook. His dishes both nutritious and delicious. Often while you ate he complained about his colleague and his rather interesting taste in food. You had asked him if you were ever going to meet his colleague (who despite his complaints, seemed like a really close friend of his), he only muttered “Not yet…” with a strained expression. You decided to not mention it further as it clearly troubled him. He was probably afraid of getting you too involved in his job.

Days pasted and you both quickly fell into a pleasant routine. It was after two weeks, he voiced his concerns about you continuing to work. “[Name] it is dangerous out there you know. Recently the number of crimes have skyrocketed. Of course The Hunting Dogs are on it, but there is only so much we can do. We don’t punish those who are doing minor crimes” he puts down his teacup.

Your brows furrow “My workplace is in a rather safe part of the city”.

Jouno smiles slightly, almost pitiful. “No part of the city is safe now. Did you not listen to what I just said?” his condescending tone cold. He slowly rose from the seat and took your hand in his. “I think you should take the day off. Or if that’s not possible at least work from home” his hand gently caressing yours. After giving it a thought you agreed to work from home, at least for the day. You missed the way his smiles twisted into something sinister.

Soon you only worked from home. The news were filled with crimes getting worser and worser. You were glad you trusted Jouno, he was after all an intelligent man who only wished the best for you. Of course he could be quite unsettling at times, but he never meant you any harm.

“[Name] I can sense that you are stressed. Is everything alright?” Jouno asked you as you were sitting in the living room after dinner.

You looked up from your book in surprise. “I am a little stressed I have to admit… All the crimes happening are stressing me out. I am worried for my family and friends. I rarely leave the house now days, but the same can’t be said for them” you sighed.

Jouno had a thoughtful expression which turned into a smile. “I think your work is stressing you out. Of course I understand that you are worried about your family, but they don’t live in the city” you didn’t notice how he ignored your concerns about your friends. “My salary is more than enough for you to live a comfortable and happy life” he smiled warmly. You fiddled with the pages of your book. Could you really quit your job?

“I think you deserve some well earned rest” he had moved beside you. His fingers running through your hair in a soothing manner. You only nodded as he slowly lulled you into a slumber.

Weeks passed and your days consisted only of Jouno except when he was on his missions. He advised you against going out alone and your outings were always accompanied by him. One particular mission required him to be away from you for almost too weeks. You had come to be sick of being imprisoned inside his flat, so you decided that you were going to escape before Jouno’s mission ended.

You only had to unlock the front door and freedom was yours. Jouno hadn’t been bothered with locking the door with other than the key, which was placed in a bowl on one of the shelves in the entryway. He trusted you to stay put, or maybe that was what he wanted you to think. Either way if it was a trap or not, you couldn’t afford to not try.

You twisted the key and the door creaked open. You held your breath and stepped outside into the hallway. You only needed to go down the flight of stairs and out the main entrance and you were free. You made your way down the stairs with shaky legs.

You decided to exist through the door by the janitor’s closet. The corridor was dark and too quiet. You turn around at every little sound, afraid of being met with an eerie smile, but no one was there.

Luckily the door was unlocked so you slip right through it.

You headed towards a small and antique café where you could ask for help. You had known the owner for years, a older woman who definitely would help you. You knew all to well that the police wouldn’t help you. The Hunting Dogs were above the police after all.

The bell rang when you entered the cozy café. You greeted the owner and took a seat in the both in the far corner away from the windows. You sat there in silence contemplating on what to do next. You needed to leave the city and that fast, but how? The kind lady brought you your favourite tea without your ordering it saying it’s on the house. You sipped on your tea while your mind was elsewhere. Suddenly the leather cushion you were sitting on dipped down.

“Found you”

You snapped you head to your left and your eyes widened. Jouno. His lips were twisted into a sickening grin. “Now tell me dear. What one earth are you doing outside of the flat?” his melodic voice sending shivers down your spine. “I have waited for you for some time. I thought you would be quicker, but of course I expected too much from someone like you” he chuckled. “I got at least to have a lovely chat with the owner of this cozy café” his words having a certain bite to them. “But I do think that everyone involved with a criminal deserves punishment. Don’t you agree dear [Name]?” his smile gentle.

You swallowed. “Please” your voice only a meek whisper.

Jouno hummed as he took your hand in his and gently stroked the back of it. “I think we should get you home before anyone gets hurt”. With a swift motion he pulled you to your feet and guided you outside. He leaned his head down to your ear and whispered “Don’t think that unruly lambs will go unpunished”.

He threw you down on the floor, towering over your trembling form. “It seems that you failed my little test. A shame really…” his tone one of faux empathy. You curled in on yourself afraid of what he might do to you.

“Please… please forgive me Jouno” a sob escaping you between each word.

His smile widened slightly “I don’t think I will”. He kneeled down and placed a cold hand on your cheek. He pulled his hand back and licked away the tears that wetted his hand with a delighted hum. “Your tears are as exquisite as the smell of your fear”. He rose to his feet and turned on his heel “Wait here dearest”.

It didn’t take long before he returned with a crowbar in hand. The tip coated in dried blood. He smiled before he stopped in front of you. “You see my sweet [Name], it hurt me so very much when I smelled your scent in the city centre. Your heart rate was so high that one would think that you very running away from some sort of monster” he chuckled. “I am so glad I found you”. He leaned down slightly “But I can’t have you running of like that again. That would be unfortunate”.

“Please… I will never escape again! I promise!” you cried.

He tched. “Escape? One should think that I kidnapped you!” he laughed. “I believe you agreed upon staying here, am I right?” his canines showing. He kneeled down on his knees and took hold of your leg. He caressed it gently before he raised his crowbar and whacked it down on your ankle.

You screamed so loudly that you thought you would damage your hearing. Jouno winced slightly at your loud scream, but didn’t falter in his actions. The loud creaks of your bones filled the air. You screamed and kicked, but he didn’t budge in the slightest. He soon repeated the process on your other leg. The pain was unbearable and white dots speckled your vision. In the coroner of your eyes you could see Jouno’s gleeful smile. Now you would never dare to try to leave him.

[dcdreamblog]

Thought I'd throw you a question about your workplace for once. Or something tangentially related to it, at least. I've seen claims that the Hall of Justice in Washington DC is built on the site of the original headquarters of both the JSA and the All-Star Squadron. Is there any evidence to suggest either team ever operated primarily out of Washington?

I've heard this before and its a slight truth that has been twisted and simplified and then reinflated until it barely actually resembles itself. And it stinks because obviously the Hall of Justice is by itself a really awe inspiring (and regular inspiring) building.

(A photo, by me, of the Hall from across the reflecting pool after my last visit to DC in August of last year)

Now, obviously the idea that it stands on the footprint of the All Star Squadron's headquarters is kind of ridiculous. The All Star Squadron famously operated out the Trylon and Perisphere in Queens, New York. I ought to know considering it is currently where I work and is very much still standing in as close to its original glory as we can get. The original JSA Brownstone was in what was, at the time, Civic City, PA which has now been incorporated as a neighborhood of Philadelphia between the city center and Fawcett City. They moved out of that original building when relations with the post war government became tense and the JSA no longer felt it could trust the building to not be bugged or otherwise compromised. Subsequent opening of records has shown that they were very right to be paranoid as the building WAS bugged. The original Brownstone was demolished around the time Civic City was incorporated into Philly proper, before the appearance of Superman reignited interest in superheroes and their history. Their second headquarters, constructed after the team's resurgence in the modern day was in Gotham City but was demolished during the OMAC crisis and surrounding events. Their current base of operations is in what was formerly known as the Belmont Building in Manhattan's Battery park. Left to Sandy Hawkins after the death of his aunt Dian Belmont and hist mentor Wesley Dodds it has been renovated into a building fit for housing an active superhero team and has a small museum collection tended to by the ever lovely Ma Hunkel (I have to call her Ma now in these write ups because she reads them and she told me I gotta) So where is this rumor coming from? Is it just a hoax? Marketing spin? Well no, see. The JSA didn't HAVE a base right when it was formed. Obviously. No organization like it had ever been created much less ad hoc on the personal advice of the then sitting president. So for the first few months of the team's tenure their "headquarters" was a rented out floor of a high rise hotel that was lightly altered to the team's needs. THAT hotel was passed around from real estate firm to real estate firm slowly but steadily falling out of modern fashion before the business itself declared bankruptcy and was sold at auction a few years after the League formed. It was purchased by Wayne Enterprises who originally wanted to renovate the hotel but when those plan hit some unspecified snag the land was offered to the League in light of its history as the first meeting place of the first superhero team in history. The land was donated by Wayne Enterprises to the League (one imagines for a FAT tax cut), the hotel was demolished and the Hall of Justice built in its place. So, yes the Hall of Justice IS built on the land of the first base of operations of the Justice Society. Just not the first building built FOR the JSA specifically and it was no longer their base by the time the All Star Squadron was even founded.

[skuntank]

Ok I bitch a lot about people hating Diantha but the arguments I see against Geeta are also really annoying

Firstly: 98% of people who dislike Diantha or Geeta end up comparing them to Cynthia at some point. Stop it. Cynthia is INCREDIBLE, and was my favorite champion for a very long time, but I don't see fans holding the male champions to the standard of Cynthia nearly as much as I see people do with Diantha and Geeta. Please ask yourself why you do that. Figure yourselves out.

Secondly: the argument that Geeta hate is somehow more justified and "encouraged by canon" because a fair amount of gym leaders dislike her to some extent is plainly stupid. I am sure, then, that you have absolutely loved every boss you've ever had and been 100% happy with how they manage things and that most workplaces are not at all inherently miserable to some extent. Because of course, most institutions under which we work all have the best interests of the employees baked into the very fibre of how they operate and that burnout is not at all rampant at any job you go to. You are so right, it is all absolutely a reflection of just Geeta and her personality. Christ. 🙄

Thirdly: I get really tired of "the battle sucked" as the main argument to dislike a character. Sure, if that's all you want to base your opinion on, then fine. Not going to stop you. But I do think you are intentionally robbing yourself of some genuinely interesting characters and how they might potentially influence how you interact with a piece of media when you pointedly choose to only focus on one aspect of them. Hell, you can still see Geeta as just a bad boss who tortures her employees (loser mentality, but you do you), but that's still something to work with and makes for an interesting character when explored further and in relation to other canon characters. You can hate her, but she is far from boring.

Fuck, you don't need to like Geeta, you don't need to like Diantha. I acknowledge it is harder to get into Diantha's character due to her very limited appearance in the games, but I don't see people making the same arguments for Lance, who has the canon personality of a sheet of cardboard, or for Leon, whose entire characterization is "Unbeatable Golden Boy Champion Man." At least Diantha has a canonical acting career, and is extremely busy in her life, which makes a good argument as to why she is so absent in the games. Already that gives so much context to who she is as a person and why she is the way she is. I would argue that perhaps it is more a reflection of your lack of creativity or lack of willingness to be creative with character interpretation.

You don't need to like these characters. But the same arguments I see made against them are for the most part thoughtless, boring, and pretty misogynistic.

[pompadourpink]

Hi ! I hope u are doing well. I saw some advice you gave earlier and they were pretty solid so i came to ask for advice. I’m at college and i spent high school focusing on my studies, with zero boy interaction. However, i would like that to change now, but i realized that i dont know how to flirt. Like when we are at a bar, i can talk with people if we are a group, but i dont know how to give a hint, idk how to flirt seriously lol , im open for suggestions ! thank u :))

Hello!

Where are you trying to go? If it's to bed, it will not take much effort: look for someone patient, playful, enthusiastic, curious, who will take your pleasure seriously and is openly happy to be considered. If you want something more committed, find out what is important to you (ie beliefs, goals, dynamics).

Any man should be clean, emotionally, financially, and domestically autonomous, somehow health-oriented, and a loyal friend.

PS - those things are grey flags, not green. Expected. When you accept less, you're just sentencing future you to cringe when she remembers Mr. Chanel #5 who had yellow sheets and whom she still dated for ten months out of politeness. Someone who is willing to make you through that will never love you.

Remember however that, while it is good to know what man you want, it is important to be his match. If you have trauma or major issues, get help first - making someone the solution to all your problems is both selfish and unrealistic.

Fishing 101:

Make eye contact and smile from across the room; shake his hand and share your name when he comes over.*

Compliment him about something innocent, make it clear that you are looking and liking the view.

Ask questions, listen to his answer, then respond with your own: allow him to show interest.

Find a reason to put your hand on his arm for a second, pick something off of him, brush against a tattoo or a scar.*

Ask for his help for something minor.

Make him laugh (without getting crass).*

Don't feel obligated to uncover or act sexy to attract. Your body is the least interesting thing about you.

If he mentions something you don't know about, ask.

Have a conversation with his friends, take an interest, make yourself known (they might talk about you later).

Be playful: "thanks, I couldn't *just* be hilarious!"

*be cautious, not in the sense that if you act like a slut you will be treated like one, but there are men for whom it is the only thing that you can possibly be, and you don't want to realise that once you're alone with them.

Filtering 101:

Be attentive during the first few minutes: is he actually flirting or just letting you know that you have been selected? Is he talking to a human being or buying a watch?

Explore special interests, be knowledgeable, go on adventures, keep yourself happy, have goals and morals, and be more than a pretty smile. The wrong man will be turned off.

Be wary of a guy who uses cheesy punchlines or fake pretences to break the ice, he may be avoiding vulnerability.

Don't let him do something you would never do to him.

If he tries to act manly or blasé in front of his boys, get out.

If he's too attached to his mother, get out.

When unsure how to feel, ask yourself if you would be okay or horrified if it happened to your best friend.

Be mindful of bums, you're not the Salvation Army.

If a date monologues about himself (ie mirror dates: you're meant to show him his reflection and make cooing noises), he is already dating his ego, get out.

Be wary of modern men who want to be 50/50 at the bank and 1950s everywhere else.

Survival 101:

If he wants nothing to do with other women - especially ones he is not attracted to or cannot have; if he only accepts to be around us when we are beneath him and obedient, flee.

A boundary is followed by the person who created it: it's "if you X, I will Y", not "you have to Z because I said so".

Someone shifty wants to be discreet. Take selfies, introduce your girls, ask about his workplace, chat with the bouncer. If friends introduced you, tell them about the date.

You only need one guy to never go home again; it is not your role to be malleable so that a man can frick or date. Get out.

If a man traps you in a flat/car, get as far as you can and put the police on high speaker. We have lost enough sisters who didn't want to be a bother.

Say no to the shots, the cruel feedback, the unprotected x. Betraying yourself for male attention will only attract hunters.

If he has no interest in your life, trashes women, attempts to humble you or change you, get out quickly.

Have a plan B. If a friend leaves you behind or a date won't drive you back after you say no, you still have to get home.

Relationship 101:

Prince Charming is not coming. Do the work too.

Don't take personally someone's actions or preferences. Accept the breakup, ghosting, or cheating and move on.

A good man knows your well-being outweighs his ego.

Embrace talking stages. A good partner is above all a good friend.

Don't be afraid to show who you are. If he's a 5am guy and you're a bat, let him work out and stay asleep. A good relationship is two people dedicated to teamwork, not robotic twins.

Treat yourself well, he will know what to do.

Don't entertain a man you would be afraid of leaving.

Instead of trying to make the right long-term choice, do the right thing today to make tomorrow easier. Everything is temporary and people change. If there is eventually a breakup, it was not a mistake, just a shorter chapter than expected.

PUA methods to make you fight for validation 101:

Body count (is just looking for an official reason why he cannot respect you; if cared about chastity, would not expect sex as payment for a 9-dollar drink).

Hot and cold method (is all in your business then semi-ghosts to to make you feel dull and miss the attention)

Mystery method (comes over because he wants you, ignores you completely and only talks to your friends)

False time constraint (acts charming then claims he needs to leave so you'll ask for his info or beg him to stay)

What are you looking for? (wants a recipe to fool you)

Internalised misogyny (claims you're not like other girls)

Victim complex (has been deceived before, feels a connection)

John Wayne (calls himself an asshole so he can act like one and say he told you so, forcing you to be a "cool girl")

Much love,

Rose

[libramuva]

Josei Anime Gems: Romance & Life Beyond Shoujo

Hey fellow anime lovers! ✨ Time to venture beyond the high school hallways and first-love butterflies of shoujo into the more complex, messy, and utterly fascinating world of josei anime.

For those who don't know, josei targets adult women, usually 18-40, and explores the kind of relationships and life challenges that hit different when you've got some real-world experience under your belt. Think workplace romances, divorce, career struggles, and the complicated feelings that come with adult relationships.

I've been absolutely LIVING for these series lately, so I'm dropping my ultimate josei recommendations for when you need something that reflects the chaos of actual adulthood.

The God-Tier Josei Anime You Need In Your Life

Nana - Still the undisputed queen of josei anime. Two women named Nana with completely opposite personalities become roommates in Tokyo. One chases her musician boyfriend, the other is in a punk band. The relationships feel REAL - messy, passionate, sometimes toxic, and deeply human. The fashion alone is worth watching for (those early 2000s punk looks? ICONIC).

Paradise Kiss - By the same mangaka as Nana, this fashion-centered story follows Yukari as she gets pulled into the world of design students creating their brand "Paradise Kiss." The romance between Yukari and George is complicated, bittersweet, and refreshingly mature. Also, the animation is GORGEOUS.

Honey and Clover - Art college students navigating love, friendship, and finding their place in the world. The unrequited love storylines will absolutely wreck you, but in the best way. This show understands that sometimes love doesn't work out, and that's part of growing up.

Usagi Drop - A 30-year-old single man suddenly becomes the guardian of his grandfather's illegitimate 6-year-old daughter. This slice-of-life explores parenthood, sacrifice, and unconventional families with such tenderness. (Note: anime only - we don't talk about the manga ending in this house 💀)

Nodame Cantabile - A perfectionist classical music student meets an eccentric pianist who plays by ear. Their relationship develops naturally as they push each other to grow as musicians and people. The classical music performances are chef's kiss.

Why Josei Hits Different

What makes josei special is how it treats romance as just one part of a complex life. Characters have career ambitions, friendships, and personal growth arcs that exist independently of their love interests. The relationships feel lived-in and nuanced rather than idealized.

Also, can we talk about how josei characters are allowed to have gasp sexual desires without it being treated as scandalous? The frank approach to sexuality feels refreshing after shoujo's blushing and hand-holding (which I also love, don't get me wrong).

Lesser-Known Gems Worth Your Time

Chihayafuru - Technically seinen, but with strong josei elements. Competitive karuta (Japanese card game) becomes the backdrop for a story about passion, friendship, and subtle romance that develops over years.

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku - Office workers who are secretly massive geeks navigate dating while being their authentic selves. The main couple starts dating in the FIRST EPISODE and then works through actual relationship challenges!

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu - A historical drama about Japanese storytelling performance art with some of the most complex character writing I've ever seen. The love triangle spans decades and examines how our choices echo through our lives.

Final Thoughts

If you're feeling like you've outgrown the high school romances that dominate seasonal anime, don't give up on animated romance altogether! Josei offers the emotional depth and complexity that comes with adult relationships.

What are your favorite josei series? Drop them in the notes! I'm always looking for more mature anime to add to my never-ending watchlist.

[redroomroaving]

Writer Interview Tag

Ok, it took me 8 days to get here, but I’m finally responding to this lovely tag from @lemonsrosesandlavender I adored reading yours, it was so interesting!

I've tagged a few people in this post later on and would love any of them to join in and have a go at this if they'd like to share their own answers :).

Answers under the cut, because this got long - I touch on some personal stuff a bit here, so CW for chronic pain discussion.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing nonsense since I was a kid, largely - I have old notebooks from when I was very young I still keep full of little characters and story snippets I used to write mostly to entertain myself on long car journeys  - I had one particularly ridiculous sci-fi story written as a series of diary entries across 4 notebooks I started when I was like … I wanna say 10? Boy.

I attempted my first actual novel at about 16. Tried it again at 21. Tried it again at 26. I’m sat, still, on my first draft of something I actually could do something with that I started 10 years ago. Me and writing have had a bit of a journey, largely due to some workplace related trauma - but coming back to it after all this time has been a lot like coming home, really. I think I’ve always been, as my mother would put it; ‘away with the fairies’.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

The honest answer is ‘probably not’. I rather enjoy non-fiction, but in terms of genres of fiction and themes within, I’d say I’m a very broad reader and outside of fic I’ve tried my hand at quite a lot of genres; I’ve dabbled in sci-fi and horror particularly, because that’s my happy zone.

Before joining the BG fandom my answer to this question would have been ‘Romance’, actually, because it was something I liked to read but didn’t necessarily feel brave enough to write; but truly, writing fic has pushed me right through my reticence to write romance of my own, and now it’s sort of all I write, I think!

Outside of that, I’m afraid I’m shamelessly drawn to the sorts of things I’d want to write.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I’ve not really been compared to anyone specifically; I’ve had a very flattering comparison of my themes in one particular story with Neil Gaiman - which is of course the kind of comparison anyone would be very happy to hear, but overall I’m not sure I’m prolific enough for that sort of thing ;).

I’m not sure who I’m trying to write like - if I’m trying to write like anyone - I like to think my prose style is reasonably my own but is almost inevitably really an amalgamation of all the people I’ve grown up reading and loving. 

Mostly, I’m a fan of the sort of magic realism/fantasy zone that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a narrative voice that reflects that, and peppers it in around the characters own thoughts  - my bigger influences are probably in the Mervyn Peake, Warren Ellis, Pratchett, George Elliot, Peter S. Beagle sort of zone. 

To an extent, my interest in cinema and television is also a massive influence on how I write; I’ve spent most of my academic career working on breaking down scenes, the construction of frames - the threading of narratives on screen - and I don’t like to discount my favourite filmmakers and screenwriters as part of what I’m trying to achieve, too. 

Nothing should be in a scene without purpose - even if its superfluous presence is the purpose - and I keep that locked right to my heart. 

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

I don’t have a dedicated space particularly - my phone at 3am, by the coffee machine between meetings, the dining room table at times, my desk at other times - scribbled in the back of a notebook on the bus.

I’m a deeply disorganised person, and my creative process is much like my life; full of piles of laundry done in fits of productivity, half stacked and waiting to be put in their proper places; invariably, waiting forever.

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

I have no good answer for this either - writing, for me, is rather like possession. When it has seized me I’ll readily throw down thousands of words in a flurry, and when it’s gone, it is gone. There’s little in between.

If I can’t find it - it’s usually time to steep myself, and let things sit and soak into the bones for a while. Throw on a bit of music and let it turn around in my head without trying to force it out - a tactic that for me, at least, never works - imagine some scenarios or conversations, until something or other takes root. 

Half the time it’s just about sitting in my character’s heads for a bit until I feel like I really know them, and could respond as them to questions and queries readily - this is something I’ve carried over from being a long time Dungeon Master - whose prep for sessions was about 15% maps and monster stats and 85% ‘stewing in my NPCs until there’s no question the players can ask I can’t answer in character’. 

There’s nothing quite like the mania and rush of when the muse takes control, and it’s always a bit of a sorry experience when you find yourself on the other side of it, wondering once again where it went. 

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

A few big ones - two that don’t surprise me, and one that does.

The first – coming to terms with what you were supposed to be, and what you are - the trajectory of my life hasn’t been particularly straightforward - I made a lot of decisions based on what I felt I owed to other people in my youth, my obligations to others, particularly family, steered my path towards disaster and the breakdown of my health, career, and life. I started over and found a new path. It’s not been easy. 

Over and over again I’m drawn to characters that have trajectories like this; who are coming to terms with what they thought they were supposed to be, the role they were supposed to have, and how they failed to meet those expectations - or in the case of some - how those expectations failed them. 

The second - pain, and finding the purpose within it. I have chronic pain of an unhelpful sort, acquired during the stuff I just mentioned - that can truly only be described as purposeless. In fact, I’ve had a clinician quite literally describe it as such (although the word they used was ‘pointless and unhelpful’).

I won’t pretend that’s been easy to live with, or that when I say ‘it is what it is’ whilst my body screams at me literally all seconds of all days and won't ever stop doing so forever, I’m just saying that because I can’t say anything else.

It’s not particularly surprising I ended up exploring this theme, inevitably. It’s probably why ‘Sufferer, I shall’, my Donnick x Abdirak fic, and that pairing that was so unexpected and clotheslined me out of nowhere, is the one that matters most to me. 

Finally, the theme that surprised me - is finding purpose and growth in love; for me, the heart of all the romances I write, big or small, is based on this foundation. If there’s no trajectory for individual growth, enhanced and augmented by a relationship with another - usually through the ways in which we can connect and more importantly gently contrast to push one another forward - I am not interested in the romance.

I’m painfully, painfully demisexual, so my romances need to be so dripping with Feelings it’s embarrassing. I didn’t know this about myself until I started writing it, but now I see it everywhere, and all of these three come together into a rather depressing sort of whole. I’ll sum up.

I’m constantly trying to build a happier tale than my own.

That one got sad, but it’s also the answer to this next question. 

What is your reason for writing?

See above. Writing gives me joy, but it also helps me to create a kinder, warmer world than the one I live in - even when I’m exploring its darker parts. 

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

I love any comments, I truly do - they all fill me with joy - just to know someone has read something I’ve written.

I’d like to take a moment, though, to shout out to a few people in particular - because I think commenting is an art in and of itself, and instead of talking about what motivates me, I’d like to thank some people for motivating me.

When @benicemurphy found my Rolan x Geraldus fic ‘the Harper in the Tower’ I started getting some of the most insightful, most moving comments I’d ever received. The way in which you so perceptively saw every tiny hint, every theme and thread just absolutely floored me. Anyone who gets a comment from you should be honoured to do so.

This goes too for @cedar-phoenix, who I don’t think I have on tumblr (Cedar! found you!) - but who might be one of the most perceptive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. You have an absolute gift.

@graysparrowao3 left me some of the most punch in the face comments I’ve ever had on ‘Sufferer, I shall’. Watching your trajectory of reading the story and being greeted with ‘WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL’ truly, truly made my year. 

I love it when a commenter pulls out specific lines or moments that they enjoyed - especially because it’s never the ones I expect! @tavyliasin and @n1ghtmeri left me some of the most emotional comments on ‘Sufferer’ I’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving, and @darkurgetrash picking out specific lines of my Klaus x Kar’niss fic always gets me chomping at the bit to write more. It takes time and effort to leave the sorts of comments you do, and I want you all to know how deeply I appreciate it.

And of course, my dear @lizziemajestic - the only commenter who has left me a sobbing voice note. You have no idea how much that meant, and how much it has continued to mean, to me. 

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

Honestly - I’m not really sure how to answer this. I hope it’s a warm cup of coffee; a bit of nourishment. I hope they can see how deeply I feel what I write, and that some of that comes through in the words they read - too.

I really care about all these silly little guys - and if reading it makes them smile, or cry, or really anything at all, that’s what I wanted, I think.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I’m terrible at talking about my own strengths so expect this to be a rubbish answer.

I like to think I’m good at character voices; I spend a lot of time thinking about and puzzling out how a character would speak and think - and as I predominantly, if not exclusively, write canon characters and NPCs, I hope I am able to capture their voices in a way that feels natural and organic. 

I never force a character to do anything - it doesn’t work, for starters - but I really do try to let them guide what’s happening and follow them where they lead. I hope that comes across in what I write and helps create something that feels in character and plausible, no matter what’s happening; I struggle at times with worrying this might mean things seem boring, or fail to meet expectations people might have of how things are going to go - but it’s a principle I stick to. If I’m changing something fundamentally about a character it feels wrong - and that’s a guiding principle I hold.

This extends to romances and relationships; I hope, at least, I build connections between characters that feel organic and earned, even when sometimes they are characters who literally have never interacted at all before. Finding the organic spark of connection is what I most enjoy writing. 

I hope I’m pretty good at environmental storytelling, too. It’s important to show character in the same way we show ourselves - in our environments, our habits and the spaces we occupy. Everything you do, the things you surround yourself with; that’s just as much you as the you in your skull. 

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

“Why write if not to fill the world with the kinds of things I want to read?”

I try to write mostly for myself. I’ve written a few things based on prompts and ideas for others, and do enjoy that - but first and foremost, I’m writing for my own sake.

How do you feel about your own writing?

Mostly good. Mostly. I’m not the best, nor do I want to be - I try not to engage too much with thinking about the wider space and how I’m comparing to others - I know I’m plundering down in some obscure mines at times, and that’s ok - that’s where I chose to be.

I’m not good at complimenting myself, but, I have managed to write some things I’m genuinely proud of as part of finding my way back to writing full stop. 

Overall though, I think I’m just happy to -be- writing. After so long being unable to do so because of the pain and being unable to use my arms, and feeling like writing was the thing that ruined me, finding a way back to some creative joy and reclaiming my pain as purposeful has been, genuinely, a lifeline.

I apologise that this got all deep and sad. I hope if you’ve read this, you know how grateful I am to you all; I’ve been so lucky to find this space, and all of you, and myself again too.

[mitchelldailygames]

2024 Book Round-Up

I’m doing this again! These are things I read this year, not books that came out this year. They’re not in any particular order.

The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross I read this book and the next from this series (the Laundry Files) this year and kind of fell in love. It’s about an agent and IT guy from a secret British agency in charge of stopping demons and other monstrosities summoned by computers from destroying the world. The horror has a very cosmic/eldritch vibe. I also find it quite funny with almost Pratchett-like dry humor, though with a pitch black coat of paint on it. Office politics is also a big part of the stories, but resolved in much more grisly ways than hopefully you’d find in your workplace. There are a lot of books in this series, so I have a lot to look forward to.

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert Just finished this one. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. A lot of the book happens inside Paul’s head or through political conversations, but I felt the story still moved along well and had interesting twists and turns. The weirdness of the Dune universe also takes a big step forward which I appreciated here. You could leave the first book still debating if Paul still fits in the typical white savior narrative, and this book shatters that really effectively.

Erasure by Percival Everett I think I heard about this one from an interview with the author on the On the Media podcast. The basic premise is a Black author is critically well-received but not commercially because he writes experimental fiction that publishers and distributors find to be not reflective enough of the African-American experience (something that he’s not trying to write about). He hits a point when he needs money after tragedy hits his family and is frustrated by the market and writes a book about a young man in the hood full of stereotypes that he intends as a scathing parody of other books that are selling well. Minor spoilers, people love the book and take it as an authentic look at the African-American experience. This was more experimental than I was expecting—the entirety of the terrible book the character writes is in this novel—but I found it really compelling. The tension in the last scene had my heart hammering.

Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller Another book that landed on my list by way of podcast a long time ago, this book is part biography of ichthyologist David Starr Jordan, part memoir, and part critical examination of taxonomy, eugenics, and the western obsession with classification and hierarchy. It’s a pretty beautiful work that I find myself thinking about and referencing quite often.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch Want a fantasy book that’s about all rogues? This is that book. It’s a crime/heist thriller in a really well-built world. There’s a great mix of high highs and low lows in this book (warning, it gets dark), and it uses tension really well. The heisting and scheming is all really fun, the magic and monsters of the world are really cool balancing an overall pretty harrowing story.

Raw Dog by Jamie Loftus OK, like most of these I heard about on a podcast. Jamie Loftus has been one of the most common voices coming through my speakers/headphones this year and she narrates the audiobook for her book. This book is about hot dogs, told through a cross country hotdog tour. It’s also about the meat industry, COVID, a relationship at its end, and America’s relationship with consumption. It’s very well written and a good encapsulation of what I love about Jamie’s brand of journalism and storytelling.

Escape from Incel Island by Margaret Killjoy Margaret Killjoy is another favorite person to listen to/read. This book is a pretty short, pulpy romp about a future where all of the incels get tricked by the government into getting trapped on an island and a woman and a non-binary mercenary who are sent to the island and then have to escape. It’s violent, sometimes scary, but doesn’t take that side of itself too seriously. Woven through are some really compassionate and poignant examinations of gender, masculinity, and the complexity of people.

Reading Now/On the Shelf I’m currently reading Lessons in Birdwatching by Honey Watson and loving it. It’s a really cool far-future sci-fi book about research students stationed on a planet where the residents appear to experience time nonlinearly. It will probably be the first book I finish in 2025 and will show up on this list next year.

Also on the shelf are The Sapling Cage by Margaret Killjoy which is marketed as a young adult fantasy novel and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, the author of A Psalm for the Wild-Built which I read last year. I’m really looking forward to both!

[mysticalflaneur]

The truth is, I thought about writing this just because I yearn to get the E-girl outfit, but as I progressed with the writing, I reflected a lot on the game and what My Candy Love has meant to me over the years.

First of all, my journey in the game began in 2013 when I discovered My Candy Love: High School Life and since then, I have been a loyal player and eternally in love with Castiel (and smitten by Armin). My adventure and graduation came just a few months after theirs. This journey continued in 2018 with My Candy Love: University Life, which coincided with my first year as a university student, so in a way, I felt close to Sucrette/Candy/Lyn again. Then, with MCL: Love Life, came the final installment and my Sucrette's wedding with Castiel and Alternative Life where I reunited with Armin, which was really sweet and emotional.

I am currently 25 years old and just months away from getting my university degree, starting my thesis, and looking for a job. A few months ago (2024), My Candy Love: New Gen appeared in my life!!! Once again, a heroine/protagonist comes to accompany me in my life steps. Ysaline is young and inexperienced, hasn't been in the workforce for long, and must overcome the adversities that come her way by meeting many different characters with different goals, interests, and motivations. I have been very excited about this new installment because, in a way, I can relate to and feel accompanied by the new Candy, and this, although it is a small thing, excites me a lot because, like her, I want to start my adult life fully in a new workplace.

Now, it's not just this, I admit that I have two strong crushes!! At first sight, Jason and Thomas are divinely gorgeous, and I adore them! Jason seems like a careful, dangerous, and mature route, you know, that man represents carnal desire for me (Yes, Daddy🔥🔥). Thomas seems sweet, inexperienced, and it's nice to think about how their relationship develops in an area that doesn't seem to be his strong suit (human relationships) because I notice that he will give his best 🤗 (?). It’s time to talk about other characters haha, DEVON, our boss, is magically attractive. At first, I wasn’t interested in having a route with the boss of our company, but WOW the more I interact with him, the more I like him!! He is attentive, helpful, flirtatious, and attractive, a total heartthrob!!

As for the other routes (Roy and Amanda), I'm not sure yet. Roy is a good friend to me (although I expected more drama with Brune), and Amanda and I are not compatible in any way. She seems annoying and capricious, wanting everyone to do what she wants, and that’s not for me!! Your reign is over, princess!! Hahaha.

Regarding other characters, I must say I really like Elenda. I want Ysaline to have a nice friendship with her; she is an extremely good and noble person!! And Uncle Archibald, I love his theme song when he appears! And he gives us clothes for our Taki (my goose's name is Miss Petunia).

In short, I hope to continue this stage accompanied by the new characters who promise to give a lot more and be important in our lives and that of our new Sucrette. I hope everyone can enjoy this new installment as much as I do.😍

These are just some of my thoughts.

@tetrakys

[princepestilence]

2024 in review.

As always, part of my personal tradition is taking stock of the good and wonderful things that happen during the year, even (or especially) when the year itself is very challenging and fraught. I feel that taking pride in yourself and the time you’ve spent, and reflecting with gratitude on the small, good moments is integral to farewelling a dying year and moving into a new one, and it’s healthy and healing for me to do.

If you are looking for an opportunity to do the same, please take this post as your invitation to join me. Take care. <3

It's been the first full year without mum, and grief continues to be strange and omnipresent.

But so has joy, and fun, and satisfaction, and all these other good things that make the rest worth it. From a certain perspective, this past year has been the biggest triumph yet for me, and 2025 now stands as an enormous open door to a future I'm excited to experience.

submitted my PhD dissertation. It's been part of my life for so long and now I feel the burden lifted off me. It goes without saying the feelings involved in this moment are complex, but the resounding one is relief. This work was probably one of the most, if not the most, difficult project I'll ever undertake, and it's complete. .

wonderful little people in my life. The kids of friends and family are growing up bit by bit and it's a pleasure and a privilege to get to know them. The biggest little one (less every day, though) turned three yesterday. Another little one took his first solo steps on his first birthday, which was such a special moment to be witness to. And more babies are on the horizon for the coming year, some imminently! I've never wanted to be a dad, but I am so pleased and grateful I get to be a friend. .

Clair's new work. Another one of those times when someone else's happiness and well-being is basically better than your own. It is so good to see her content and appreciated in a workplace that treats her right, and the harmony this change has created in our home as a result is also very nice. We're finding a lovely equilibrium in our habits and routine now. .

experienced great art. I saw Alphonse Mucha's work in person, and a live concert of The High Kings, and Frankenstein on stage, and other really excellent theatre productions (and also some that were... fine). I played Beastieball, which I'd been looking forward to for over a year and it lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I also watched all of Haikyuu in a grief-fugue at the beginning of the year, and I'm counting that here as well because it was fun and valuable in that period of despair and I will do it again. .

went on holiday! Our first trip (longer than a weekend away) since before covid, and it was a lot of fun! It was so luxurious to not have to worry about so many things for over a week. .

facilitated a festival panel. Not the first time facilitating, of course, but the first time at a festival as a paid gig. I'm interested in getting a bit better known in the region -- raising my profile, all of that -- so I'll be keeping an eye out for similar opportunities going forward. .

two years in our home! It continues to be so wonderful to have our own home. And we've started planning on what our renovation goals and timeline will look like. On a less permanent scale, I did a little extra decorating around my desk in my room and it's really made it feel like a home. I get such a rush of delight just looking at it now. .

got my first tattoo. I don't think tattoos need to be intensely meaningful and personal to be worth getting, but mine certainly is. Serendipity really does feel divine sometimes. .

did a cool proofreading gig. Similar to the panel from earlier this year, this is something else I'd like to be branching into more in the professional sphere of my life so the opportunity was very timely -- and, I hope, might lead to others in the future. .

lived with grief. I try to take solace in the thought that the first year after bereavement is likely to be the most intense, and that with time, the grief becomes easier to manage, so there is a feeling of pride at how together I still am after all I was surviving this year. But, at the same time, I know for many parts of this year, I cheated, and put some thoughts and feelings on hold because I was scared that if I didn't, it would pull me under altogether and the whole year would be a wash, and I just couldn't afford that with the time I had and all that needed to be done. So all this to say, I won't be surprised if grief 2: the griefening hits quite hard at multiple points throughout the new year, but that's okay. I've put the time aside to sit with it now.

[respectthepetty]

Reading the (Visual) Rainbow 101

Lesson 4 - Barriers & Boundaries

Because I get so many asks about colors, I decided the best way to celebrate Pride is to educate anyone who is interested in how to better Read the (Visual) Rainbow and simultaneously allow myself to appreciate queer media.

Today's (late) lesson will focus on how visuals reinforce emotional barriers and boundaries, so are you ready to cross the line?

Lesson 3 dealt with the way in which visuals (an item that we can see) represent abstract themes (ideas which we cannot see), and Lesson 4 will build on this.

Lesson 1 covered visual rhetoric, so you should be able to recognize this image as a form of visual rhetoric, but what is it trying to say?

The obstruction between the two boys is a visual representation of an emotional barrier between them. It divides the screen and keeps the characters on their distinct sides. The size of the barrier, the color, and the material from which it is made are all important when analyzing the context for its use in the shot. In the above image, the barrier is big, red, and concrete demonstrating that the emotional barrier between these two is noticeable, mixed with love and hate, and not flexible.

The barrier could be big and black because the reason for the disconnect between the two characters could be a secret, but one which greatly hinders the characters' relationship.

Or it could be thin and glass, a transparent material, or a reflection because the reason for the barrier is probably power dynamics due to social class, age, or workplace hierarchy. These are always present even when the barrier isn't being discussed.

But if the barrier is on a background surface or part of a movable fixture, the characters can bypass it.

Perhaps it's an open door that shows both characters must be open and communicate to move forward.

Lighting can mimic barriers because it helps us clearly see which side the characters are on.

Regardless of the barrier, you want to observe what is dividing the screen, so you can reflect on why it is there and mark the character who crosses it because it shows which character might feel more emotions in that moment or does not adhere to acceptable behavior.

If you watched either video mentioned in the previous lesson, you may have noticed in Silvy's "Queen" video that the barrier between the characters (being gender) was easily danced around. We see that through the split screen, the separation of the walls at the angle, and the colors for the binary (blue/boys, pink/girls).

Joel Corry x MNEK's "Head & Heart" showed two sides of a single person using colors (gray-ish blue/sad, yellow/happy) and the split screen. The two emotions within the person finally merged when the person reflected on himself which caused the barrier to disappear.

This is also used with mirrors. Mirrors symbolize truth, so to see a character split between mirrors or his image fragmented means he is having in internal conflict (becoming two different people or dissociating) which hinders him from being honest with himself. He is a split person because of the barrier.

People can serve as barriers to others as well as binders. If a person is in the middle of two others, they are usually the source of conflict or at least they will be, and sometimes that character has to decide between the other characters.

Bridges symbolize unity and communication, so to see one in between characters would mean two characters must communicate to unite. The bridge below is the Tamsui Lover's Bridge in Taiwan, so it added another layer of meaning between the two characters.

Since bridges unite, bars divide. Bars on a character represent oppression and repression of emotion.

Levels, although not a barrier, are an easy way to notice power structures in a relationship. Much like the thin line in the background, levels can show who has the higher social class, who is superior, and who holds the power in the relationship because that person is above the other, physically within the space. If the person can be equal to the other if he can simply raise himself up, this is smybolic of the character doing the same with his emotions - he can become equal if he solves an internal issue,

but if there are stairs or some other way to ascend, that tends to signify differences in social standings which will have obstacles and endeavors the person must encounter along the way to the be equal with the other person.

Anything can serve as an emotional barrier or narrative conflict if it divides the two characters on the screen like pillows on a bed or an umbrella handle.

Sometimes these barriers are easy to spot if they are huge red concrete pillars between the characters, but sometimes, it's harder to notice, but just remember, if something is the middle of the characters or they are not level, question why. It might be nothing, but it also might tell an entirely different story.

Activity

Video #1 - Watch ONE of the following videos and note the room and color of each member (yellow is my favorite color):

The Internet "Come Over" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB3gWkhLkxM

Bob the Drag Queen "Gay Barz" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZzy_nCiBNw

Video #2 - Watch ONE of the following videos and note the color of clothing the main artists wear:

Saucy Santana x Latto "Booty" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hylG-CYTzBI

Scissor Sisters "She's My Man" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwc-DpVFdc

See you for Lesson 5 about group efforts.

[arty-ffxiv]

💖Just a gentle nudge to remind you that you're not just existing—you're thriving, even on days when it doesn't feel that way. You're a one-of-a-kind force in this world, bringing light and love in ways you might not even realize. You've overcome so much, and you should be proud of every step you've taken, no matter how small. The world is better with you in it, and you've already made such a difference just by being you. Keep going, keep growing, and never forget how important you are💖

Thank you, who ever you are. This message warmed my heart and has been a well needed reminder ♥

I've not advertised it much, but I've been on a FFXIV/ Tumblr hiatus for the past ~5ish weeks; this blog has been running on old, queued content since then. I'm feeling quite drained and burned out, and frustrated as I'd just gotten back into my creative outlets again.

It's the longest time I've taken away from the game, and I didn't want to step away so soon from the FFXIV Tumblr community again after returning from another long hiatus.

Putting more under the cut, for those interested in IRL stuff. Otherwise, please know that I'm ok, just taking a break.

I've been in a bit of a strange place mentally, since before Dawntrail dropped.

In the week leading up to the expac's early access release, I was made redundant from a job role that I really loved. I'd been in limbo regarding my role for a number of months, and hadn't anticipated any movement or news for at least another few months- things move slowly in the community services world.

I had a week of annual leave booked for the expansion release- I was keen for the break, and excited to be going into the new adventure with the new friends I'd made within the Tumblr FFXIV community.

2 days before I was due to go on leave, I was told I was having a meeting with HR and my line manager. I was advised to bring a support person.

My anxiety sky rocketed, and the next day I was given the news of my redundancy. I was given some options to mull over for the next few days- redeployment to another site, putting in an application for a more senior role with no guarantee I'd be successful, or to leave the organization.

As you can imagine, this put a big dampener on my excitement for Dawntrail. I'm grateful that the news came when it did, so at least my leave was spent with something to focus on instead of just moping about, but it just fucking sucked.

I was spending most of my time on leave in game, trying to keep my mind off work and the mess of emotions and confusion I knew I'd be coming back to. I enjoyed the expac- at least the first half. I wasn't emotionally prepared, or ready, for the second half.

I won't be going into details for those who have yet to finish the MSQ, nor to upset myself further.

The second half of the story was just too much; I spent my time in the last zone consumed with the thoughts of I'm not having fun anymore, I'm not enjoying this, let's just rip this fucking bandaid off and get through it, we can process all the feelings this is dredging up for us later.

Since finishing the MSQ, I've not really done much else in-game or really logged in again. I've been reflecting on it, and I think the ending of the expac triggered some deep-seated traumas for me. This, coupled with the grief and mixed emotions of moving into a new work environment, has really exhausted me.

I'm 5 weeks into my new workplace, and I'm enjoying it but am just so exhausted. While I'm still in the same organization, my workload is more than it was previously and I've lost the motivation I'd only recently gotten back for FFXIV and creating.

Hopefully now that I've gone through the motions of resettling and learning the ropes in this new space, my creativity will begin to come back. I can only hope.

[cavernsofdarkness]

OMG I WAS THINKING! Ghost sims would make really good holograms …that sound creepy… but anyways especially the blue one. Also what do you think cyberpunk school would look like… sorry I’ve been searching on Pinterest and can’t find anything. Im at a tie with college like sermon with holograms, some where they’re hooked into vr headsets or computers, and just… there is no school. Idk what your thoughts?

(Sending Love … 98% Complete)

I love when people come to my inbox and posit things like this! I have a lot to say, lol.

As a baseline definition, cyberpunk as a genre is a near-future dystopia, defined by the domination of megacorporations, technology and the escalation of class stratification and its ramifications. So, I think there definitely is school and higher education.

Everything below is based heavily on the workings of US school systems.

There is general education through the high school level provided by the district/city but, much like in our own world, the quality of this education is dependent on the wealth of the district. The schools in poorer districts have less funding, and thus less access to technology and different specialties and extracurriculars for study. I imagine that, if you're lucky, there might have been a wealthy benefactor that decided to be generous and fund the operation of the cyberpunk equivalent of a charter school in your district.

The best schools are going to be corporation-owned or private institutions. These are private schools with all of the best amenities and access to the latest technology. Even amongst these schools there's a hierarchy, with the tuition costs reflecting the level of prestige. In Cyberpunk 2077, corporate workers get access to the corporation's healthcare plan; I imagine that getting discounted tuition for your child to the corporation's school is also one of the benefits, thus incentivizing people to join the megacorp machine (like in the US, how a lot of people join the military because they promise to cover the cost of your schooling).

On to higher education. College/university is astronomically expensive (and that's saying a lot considering how expensive it already is *cries in American with student loan debt*). Only the ultra rich, or those with connections can afford it. If you're not in one of the aforementioned categories, the amount of debt you would incur trying to finance education is a life sentence. For reference, there's an ad in Cyberpunk 2077 offering a loan with a 31.1% interest rate (can you imagine!?) and obviously, poorer people with bad or no credit are going to be subjected to the higher rates.

Now, about your ideas on the different manifestations of school, my answer is 'all of the above'! Dictated by funding, a school/business probably employs a mix of all of those methods. Imagine a guest lecturer joining via holo (in-person/physical classes probably cost more), or a netrunning class where they get to experience the net without the risk via a VR simulation. This applies not only to traditional academia, but other skill classes as well (martial arts, pottery, aerial silks, you name it!); just like in our reality, you can take singular classes in whatever you want, for a price.

As a result of everything previously mentioned, I think the majority of people in a cyberpunk reality make it through basic schooling and then engage in nontraditional/nonstandard methods of education. I imagine that some people may find someone who can train them in their desired trade/skill, and a lot of the hackers/netrunners, techies etc. are self-taught. In this vein, just like currently in our world we have access to lots of tutorials via youtube and websites like skillshare etc., the popularity of this has probably only grown and I imagine that training braindances/simulations are commonplace, both in and out of the workplace.

The one time I did a hologram (of a person) I just used a regular sim and edited them in post to get that holo effect. I haven't messed around much with ghost sims; I'm curious about how the ghost sim form would interact with lighting and such. Maybe next time I do a hologram I'll try it and see if I like it. It might save some time if all I have to add are the scanlines, lol.

[tameblog]

Every year, as the darkness of the coldest months sinks in, the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that, sooner or later, I will take a break from my work routine, pack my bags, and travel somewhere I have likely never been before. Of course, I am not the only one to feel this way. The fact that most vacation bookings are made between the end of the holiday season and January is a clear indication of how our wanderlust peaks in winter, prompting us to search for the latest travel trends and the best destinations to tick off our bucket list as we wait impatiently to visit them first-hand.But travel trends, or the forecasting of the places, interests, and modalities that will define people's journeys in the year ahead, don't exclusively concern "travel". Quite the opposite, they are a reflection of society as a whole; a reaction to the myriad of phenomena that — however consciously — shape the way we live right now, from the rise of social media and AI, to the hyper-productivity demanded by contemporary workplaces, the unfolding of climate change, and pop culture. What does that mean? It means that, whether or not we are aware of it, the locations at the center of our travel itineraries, how we choose to reach them, and the reasons and purposes behind our vacations are not casual, but embody the state of our lives today. These travel trends reveal what drives and inspires us, what we fear we lack, and are therefore trying to get more of, and what we would like to become in the future.Merging exclusive insights from multiple industry experts, this Livingetc report doesn't bring mere advice on where to go in 2025: it also captures the nuances of our urge to explore, and outlines how we can continue to do so without harming the nature and the communities around us — all while putting extraordinary design at the forefront.At Amangiri, a 5-star luxury resort in Utah's dramatic Canyon Point, relaxation and adventure collide(Image credit: Amangiri. Design: Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy)What Are the Biggest Travel Trends for 2025?While travel trends may differ from nation to nation, our look forward at the moods, hobbies, and countries that will serve as the real protagonists of 2025 gives a polarized portrait of the world at a glance. If, on the one hand, more and more wanderers seem to be seeking holidays that can grant them the peace of mind they miss in their everyday lives by chasing after wellness retreats, slow living destinations, and quieter getaways than the usual city breaks, for others, travel is all about adrenaline. Electrifying solo — or train-hopping — adventures and wilderness-absorbed accommodations that evoke thrill, awe, or even danger, are as appealing to the world's travel community as their calm-inducing counterparts.Despite their diverging end goals, both are brought together by the same rule: where we travel in 2025 is not that important; what matters is when, how, and why we do it. Shoulder seasons, or the periods between a region's peak season and offseason, are gaining momentum, with travelers opting for less canonical moments of the year to be on the move, or planning their escapes to coincide with the coldest — or hottest — months. This helps mitigate the environmental and social impact of over-tourism, also granting vacationers a more enjoyable stay. As for the how, 2025 travel trends are synonymous with restfulness, connection, and personalization: think curated itineraries that unearth hidden trails, blending art, culture, food, community, and sport into a multifaceted experience to be savored on your own or with your loved ones.Without further ado: these are 2025's biggest travel trends.1. CalmcationsImage 1 of 4The tranquil atmosphere at Hume, a wellness-focused club in Venice Beach, California(Image credit: Yoshihiro Makino and Hume. Design: Wisan Studio and Bricault Design)The sun-lit interiors of Californian winery Caymus-Suisun(Image credit: Caymus-Suisun. Design: The Bureau)An historical building has been turned into a design lover's dream at Casa Salento, a calm retreat in southern Italy's Puglia region(Image credit: Welcome Beyond)Some of the crafty workshop held on site at Caymus-Suisun(Image credit: Caymus-Suisun. Design: The Bureau)If 2025 travel trends could be summed up in a sentence, it would be: we need a break. And no, it is not the winter blues speaking, it is the global community as a whole. Two weeks into the year, "we're seeing a rise in clients booking 'quiet travel', with travelers seeking to escape the noise of everyday life — whether that's noise from content, work, other people, or even your own thoughts," Carolyn Weppler, Senior Vice President at Goway tells me.The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.Directing visitors towards more rural, secluded locations instead of bustling metropolises, these "calmcations" are characterized by a stronger immersion in nature and a focus on restoring our physical, mental, and emotional balance. Prioritizing our primal needs over visits to "must-see attractions", quiet travel invites us to put ourselves first — even, and especially, on vacation.Wellness RetreatsThis isn't a travel trend that is bound to fizzle as people settle into the year, but the opposite. In the coming weeks, "the demand for wellness-focused retreats is only set to rise as wanderers seek restorative experiences that prioritize their physical and mental well-being," says Rebecca Harley, Marketing Manager at Journeyscape. "Coastal destinations, mountain resorts, and lakeside lodges across North America are tailoring their offerings to include mindfulness workshops, yoga retreats, and nature-based therapies." Providing an antidote to the fast-paced digital world, these experiences emphasize "the importance of rejuvenation, making them particularly attractive to both solo adventurers and groups seeking meaningful connection."The bathed-in-sunlight gardens of Nice's Hôtel du Couvent, a leading example of contemporary agrotourism(Image credit: Giulio Ghirardi. Courtesy of Hôtel du Couvent. Design: Tom Stuart-Smith Ltd and Scape Design)Agrotourism and Natural Wonders GetawaysPlaces like Fairfield's Caymus-Suisun, a sun-baked Californian winery spectacularly crafted by local design studio The Bureau, offer an alternative way of embracing the 'calmcation' concept. Open for food and wine tastings, here you can "pick fruit in our orchards, and walk the vineyards and vegetable garden," explain Founders Chuck, Charlie, and Jenny Wagner, whose project falls under the newly surfacing category of 'agrotourism'.In recent years, more hotels and resorts have started integrating visits to kitchen gardens and connected farms in their offering, showcasing the quality of their produce and facilitating enriching exchanges between staff and visitors. At Poggi del Sasso's Castello di Vicarello, for example, "you'll enjoy farm-to-table dining with organic ingredients sourced directly from the estate's gardens and olive groves," East End Taste founder Vanessa Gordon tells me, recalling her sojourn at the property. "With over 50 varieties of vegetables and 30 aromatic herbs, their chefs craft authentic Tuscan dishes that highlight the freshest local flavors, and the castle even has their own wine that they bottle and sell."Another local resort, Rosewood's Castiglion del Bosco, "utilizes a similar approach on a grander scale," she says. "They grow much of their own herbs in a garden that guests can walk around, besides having onsite cooking classes and truffle hunting classes, and a winery near the premises." Particularly popular in American states like Arizona and California, and Italy's evergreen Trentino, Tuscany, and Umbria, 'agrotourism' is just another form of quiet travel. This also counts for "natural wonders getaways," explains Weppler. "Think of excursions to places like Kenya's Maasai Mara and Serengeti, Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, Mount Fuji, the Alaska Glaciers, and the Swiss Alps."2. Slow TravelImage 1 of 6An aerial view of Uzbekistan's mountain ranges, one of the unexpected destinations predicted to be big this year(Image credit: Getty Images)The color-block hotel lobby of Busan's Coolest Hotel lives up to the stay's name(Image credit: Studio SIM. Courtesy of The Coolest Hotel. Design: Jongkim Design Studio and Design Madonna)Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and history is tangible in its colorfully intricate architecture(Image credit: Getty Images)The biggest room at The Bull Charlbury makes the perfect romantic retreat for winter wanderers(Image credit: The Bull Charlbury. Design: Phil Winser and James Gummer)The countryside of Vietnam, another nation believed to be on the traveling community's radar in 2025(Image credit: Getty Images)The Daniel Arsham-designed Kohler cabin in Wisconsin is the go-to destination for an arty staycation(Image credit: Kohler Co. Design: Daniel Arsham)While quite travel values repose and regeneration through activities that can favor a better quality of life, slow travel extends that invigorating effect to the places we visit, too. Contrary to the past, "2025 is seeing a real move towards less rushed vacations; stays that can foster deeper interactions with a place than whistle-stop tours to tick off bucket-list sights," Harley explains. As one of the biggest travel trends of 2025, slow travel wants us to reassess what it actually means to travel, making us aware of the impact of our choices.Since the pandemic, "people seem to be much more thoughtful about how they travel," Brenda Beltrán, Travel Writer and Content Manager at Holafly, tells me. They don't just look for experiences "that feel personal and that matter to them," she adds, "but they are also more inclined to engage with local cultures, make sustainable choices, and spend more time in one place."Staycations'Staycations', or vacations spent in our home country rather than abroad, have first come to the fore amid the post-COVID-19 limbo, when people didn't brave venturing outside of national borders for fear of unexpected negative repercussions. Nearly five years on since the outbreak, and with overseas travel now back in full force, this trend hasn't got any less prominent. Instead, it has just become one of the best, most popular, and most sustainable, ways to travel.According to recent research from Away Resorts, 52% of UK travelers will spend their time off somewhere in the country this year, while in the US, domestic travel is "projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, driven by a renewed interest in local experiences". Staycation options are as varied as ever, and not always requiring you to jump on a plane in order to reach them, rather eco-conscious, too.Still wondering where to go in 2025? You could opt for an under-the-radar lodge, like Livingetc's Style Editor Julia Demer did when she spent a weekend at the surreally beautiful Daniel Arsham's Kohler cabin, or, drawing on insights from Campspot's (Re)Creation Vacation 2025 Trend Outlook, drive to the 'nostalgic hotspots' expected to enjoy a renaissance as some of this year's most popular outdoor destinations, including West Yellowstone, Traverse City, Miami, Bar Harbor, and Grand Canyon. You could check if the minimalist chic guesthouses of Danish furniture and homeware brand Vipp have landed anywhere near you, making them your refuge for a day or two. Alternatively, if you are in Britain, you might indulge in the design-forward resurgence of historical pubs with rooms — as I did during a recent stay at the modern rustic décor idyll that is The Bull Charlbury.An underrated cultural and natural wonder, Cambodia is set to be one of this year's most sought-after destinations(Image credit: Getty Images)Off-the-Beaten-PathAlthough it might sound counterintuitive, going for unconventional and less traveled destinations — however remote those might be — is yet another side of the slow travel movement. Making a conscious effort not to flock in mass to the ever-crowded Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and New York, instead booking longer holidays in 'off-the-beaten-path' regions, might well be the way forward, or at least that is what experts suggest in regards to travel 2025 trend predictions. So what are some of the best places to visit this year if you want to give slow travel a go? Get ready to be spoilt for choice."A less crowded alternative to Dubrovnik in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is being heralded as the rising star of The Balkans for 2025," says Wild Frontiers' Clare Tobin, who mentions its awe-inspiring nature, burgeoning wine industry, and scenic cycle routes as some of its greatest highlights. But the country isn't the only Eastern European location on the rise. In Latvia, "unspoiled beaches, ancient castles and Europe's widest waterfall" are all one booking away, Travelzoo's Communications Director Cat Jordan explains, while Gulet Cruise Montenegro's Alexandra Iordan looks at "Montenegro's untouched nature, rich history, and vibrant culture" as the secrets to a perfect getaway.Meanwhile, underrated destinations in Central and East Asia are gaining momentum, too. For Explore Worldwide's Michael Edwards, "South Korea is the place to visit" this year. "A relatively unexplored slice of Asia, the country seamlessly juxtaposes over 5,000 years of culture and history with all things hyper-modern," he explains. Check the retro-futuristic lobby and rooms of Busan's color-block Coolest Hotel and you will know Edwards' prediction is spot on.Still, there are more Asian explorations to try out this year. According to James Adkin, Product Manager at Explore Worldwide, "there's a huge amount of interest in the Silk Road at the moment, both culturally and historically," with bookings to Uzbekistan rising up 52% compared to last year. Countries like Cambodia, with its "untouched beaches and breathtaking scenery", and abundant wildlife, "tick several travel boxes," explains Jordan, while Holiday Extras' has Vietnam's Côn Đảo archipelago down as the best place to visit between November and April 2025.3. Passion — and Event — TourismImage 1 of 4Osaka, the host of the 2025 EXPO, is known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, as well as for its immersive natural parks(Image credit: Getty Images)Hotel Peter and Paul is one of New Orleans' coolest design hotels, making it the perfect stay for travelers wanting to enjoy the 2025 Super Bowl LIX in style(Image credit: Hotel Peter and Paul. Design: StudioWTA, ASH NYC, and Nathalie Jordi)Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim's "The Form" (2024), one of the colossal artworks presented as part of Frieze Sculpture, which returns to London 15-19 October 2025 alongside Frieze and Frieze Masters(Image credit: Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind and Frieze)The minimalist, chic interiors of Hotel Volkshaus Basel, a must-know destination for creatives looking to attend the Basel 2025 Eurovision (13-17 May) or Art Basel 2025 (19-22 June)(Image credit: Hotel Volkshaus Basel. Design: Herzog & de Meuron)Last year, record-smashing pop singer Taylor Swift's North American Eras Tour had a $2 billion impact on the US economy, with tour locations seeing direct correlation between concert dates and spikes in hotel bookings (Check out Livingetc's interiors-led deep dive into Taylor Swift property to catch a glimpse of her estate empire). In Philadelphia, for example, May was the strongest hotel revenue month, coinciding with the music artist's presence in town. Across Europe, hotel prices in concert cities increased by an average of 44%, while in Singapore alone, inbound flights, accommodation bookings, and tours to local attractions grew by 186%, 462%, and 2,373% during the local leg of the Eras Tour, Trip.com reported.For LaDell Carter, Lead Luxury Lifestyle Travel Designer and Founder of Royal Expression Travels, passion-led tourism is not going anywhere in 2025. "Travel has always been an emotional purchase, but now more than ever, it's an act of self-prioritization and purpose," she tells me. Today, "it is not just about where people go, but why they are going and how their unique needs are met along the way." Rebecca Recommends's Rebecca Slater couldn't agree more. "This year we expect to see travel plans centered around major events, and not just concerts," the Founder explains. "Whether it's witnessing the Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks, catching the Super Bowl LIX action in New Orleans, or checking off a bucket list trip at the Monaco Grand Prix, there are numerous significant events around the world that are already attracting attention."Already noted in our books are the Frieze fairs (20-23 February, Los Angeles. 7-11 May, New York. 15-19 October, London); the Expo 2025 (13 April-13 October 2025), with Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, playing as host; the Eurovision Song Contest (13-17 May 2025), which lands in Basel, Switzerland's creative capital, in late spring, a month ahead of the Art Basel exhibition (19-22 June 2025); Milan Design Week (7-13 April 2025), including Salone del Mobile; and the long-anticipated reunion tour of Oasis, coming to the UK 4 July-17 August 2025.When it comes to passion tourism, which doesn't merely include trips related to specific events, but encompasses a thorough (and recently, even AI-assisted) personalization of all aspects of the journey, the secret "lies in the details," Carter explains. This 2025 travel trend is all about "delving into the intricacies of each traveler's passions and preferences," she adds. "Take Canyon Ranch in Arizona, for example. When I visited with colleagues, it didn't feel like a group trip — it was all about my personal path. From curated workout routines to tailored wellness consultations, every moment was designed around me. Their ambassador had planned everything in advance, and by the time I arrived, it felt like they had known me for years." That, for her, is "the magic of passion-led travel — it transforms a destination into a deeply personal journey."4. Adventure TravelImage 1 of 8Luxury group Belmond is at the forefront of the train renaissance, and the images of its rail solutions speak for themselves(Image credit: Belmond)The interiors are a one-way-ticket to an Agatha Christie's mystery(Image credit: Belmond)The brutalist exterior of Paradero Todos Santos, an experiential luxury hotel nestled in the Mexican desert(Image credit: Paradero Todos Santos. Design: Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo)Our Habitas AlUla, a sustainable desert resort housed within the orangey dunes of the Ashar Valley, Saudi Arabia(Image credit: Our Habitas AlUla. Design: Habitas)The breathtaking views surrounding Paradero Todos Santos(Image credit: Paradero Todos Santos. Design: Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo)The ferrata trail near Amangiri, a spectacular luxury resort in Canyon Point, Utah(Image credit: Amangiri)Another detail from a Belmond train, captured as it speeds by(Image credit: Belmond)... and its atmospheric golden hour(Image credit: Belmond)If there's a leitmotif that permeates all the travel 2025 trends, it is a desire for experiences that feel as challenging and personal as they are unforgettable. It is the rise of the "adventure travel boom", which, as Much Better Adventures CMO and Co-Founder Sam Bruce puts it, "is fueled by those craving immersive experiences and an escape from the humdrum of daily life." For the travel expert, this trend doesn't just offer physical, mental, and social benefits, but when done right, "it boosts local economies far more sustainably than traditional tourism," he adds.Traditionally, adventure travel comprises anything from "going kayaking and wildlife spotting" to "hiking in less-visited regions of Europe". This Livingetc's Year in Travel Trends 2025 Report gives it the design treatment: think lavishly furnished, flashing trains straight out of an Agatha Christie thriller, luxury glamping resorts and cabins immersed in the glowing Arabian desert, and opencast Mexican resorts bringing brutalist interiors to life through safari tours, art itineraries, as well as fitness, surf, and cooking classes.Ditch the Plane for the Train2025 might as well be called the year of the train. Why? Not only is the British Railway celebrating its 200th anniversary, but a whole new range of retro-inspired luxury trains, inspired by the legendary 1883 Orient Express and bringing its Art Deco design style into the contemporary, are coming to multiple locations across the globe, making traveling as timeless and captivating as it has ever been.Among such anticipated openings are those of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, an all-Italian designed train created to connect Rome to destinations like Venice and Sicily, with décor reviving the creative genius of 1960s to 1970s icons Gio Ponti, Nanda Vigo, and Gae Aulenti signed by Dimorestudio; the Britannic Explorer, the latest newcomer to Belmond's dazzling railway portfolio, and England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train; SJ Norge's Norient Express, promising a six-day adventure through some of Norway's most scenic landscapes; the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, which will take you to the discovery of one of the world's most ancient trading network and the marvels sited along it; and the American Dreamstar Lines, a nightly luxury train operating between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with interiors by Designworks.From the vibrant Seven Stars in Kyushu, an emblem of Japan's time-traveling craftsmanship, to the Wes Anderson-esque Maharajas' Express, offering exclusive journeys across North-West and Central India, and South Africa's Rovos Rail, guiding you across the Rainbow Nation through Namibia and Tanzania, the world has far more trains today than you would expect it to have — and they are taking us back to the future! For Journeyscape's Rebecca Harley, this trend reflects "a growing urge for sustainable exploration and meaningful experiences." In Canada, "travelers seek to reduce their carbon footprint while taking in the country's breathtaking landscapes," she says, adding that locations like the Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec have all become more easily accessible through iconic routes such as Via Rail. "Trains offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and scenic immersion, making an especially appealing option for solo travelers who prioritize safety and ease."From hiking, climbing, and boating, to yoga and horseback riding, everything is possible at AmangiriGoing SoloHarley's mention of solo travelers isn't in any way coincidental. According to Intrepid Travel CCO Leigh Barnes, "the desire to travel is so strong that most young adults may not be waiting for friends, family, or anyone else to book their trip, and are willing to go solo." A recent study conducted by the company showed that "nearly four in five US adults say they have taken or would be interested in taking a solo trip, with nearly nine in ten adults aged 18-35 saying the same," he adds. For Charnell Ward, PR Specialist at Pearl Lemon Adventures, solo travelers are among the greatest protagonists of the 2025 travel trends: "they are increasingly seeking experiences that balance independence with a sense of community, such as joining wellness retreats or adventure tours where connections form naturally," she says.Because of their wide-ranging on-site activities and just as impressive modern interior design, we think that destinations like Paradero Todos Santos, rising at the very tip of the Baja California Sur state, the Ashar Valley's Our Habitas AlUla resort and Caravan accommodations, and the Utah-based Amangiri "adrenaline-fueled adventure and peaceful desert retreats" would make the ultimate solution for tasteful solo travelers with insatiable wanderlust.5. When, Not WhereImage 1 of 8The sophisticated mountain feel of the cōmodo, a design gem in the Austrian Alps(Image credit: the cōmodo. Design: Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt)... and its snowy views(Image credit: the cōmodo. Design: Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt)The modern rustic feel of Casa Cook North Coast, an Egyptian resort with style to spare(Image credit: Casa Cook North Coast. Design: Vision Alphabet and Shehab A. Mazhar Architects)The aurora borealis, as experienced from Welcome Beyond's Aurora Cabin in Laupstad, Norway(Image credit: Welcome Beyond)The modernist exterior of Boca de Agua, a stunning, tropical Mexican retreat(Image credit: Boca de Agua. Design: Frida Escobedo)The view from one of the suites of the Casa Cook El Gouna, sited on the Red Sea(Image credit: Casa Cook El Gouna. Design: Common Architecture)Boca de Agua's iconic interiors(Image credit: Boca de Agua. Design: Frida Escobedo)Perhaps the biggest 2025 travel trend of them all, 'When, Not Where' sees the world's wanderers plan their much-awaited getaways as a way out of extreme temperatures and the frenzy of everyday life. Rather than traveling at the peak of summer, or winter, more people seem to be interested in "uncovering a different side to a destination by exploring outside of conventional times," Ayaka Hasegawa, PR Manager at Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato, tells me.Joining 'cool-' and 'warmcations' — or the journeys we take to foreign destinations in an attempt to avoid the heat and frost in our countries — respectively, "noctourism has emerged as a micro trend of its own", with people wandering around their chosen holiday locations at night "to escape daytime crowds, witness once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomena, and enjoy the place at a more relaxed pace," adds the expert. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of the off- and shoulder seasons, a symptom of the shift towards more sustainable ways of conceiving travel, allows travelers to interact with the beauty of coveted destinations like New Zealand and Australia — previously overlooked during the cooler months — in completely new ways.If places like Egypt's Common Architecture-designed Casa Cook El Gouna and the modernist paradise of Balacar's Boca de Agua grant you a balmy respite from winter's below-zero temperatures, Welcome Beyond's Scandinavian design-inspired properties such as The Cliff in Quebec and Laupstad's Aurora Cabin are your portal into nature's wonders and interior (as well as exterior) coolness.2025 has only just begun, but we know travel will be a huge part of it. Whether pointing you in the direction of the best places to visit this year and the most design-worthy accommodations available there, or convincing you to take up solo travel for the very first time, we hope this Livingetc's Year in Travel Trends 2025 Report has given you a reason to be on the move — whether literally or metaphorically.With climate change manifesting dramatically as we write, this year's travel predictions urge us to focus on the when, how, and why of tourism far more than on the where alone. Let this guide you in planning journeys that can nurture you and your close ones as much as they contribute sensibly to the environment around you. And if you are stuck for inspiration, head to our hotel design pages, your online directory to stylish escapism. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Every year, as the darkness of the coldest months sinks in, the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that, sooner or later, I will take a break from my work routine, pack my bags, and travel somewhere I have likely never been before. Of course, I am not the only one to feel this way. The fact that most vacation bookings are made between the end of the holiday season and January is a clear indication of how our wanderlust peaks in winter, prompting us to search for the latest travel trends and the best destinations to tick off our bucket list as we wait impatiently to visit them first-hand.But travel trends, or the forecasting of the places, interests, and modalities that will define people's journeys in the year ahead, don't exclusively concern "travel". Quite the opposite, they are a reflection of society as a whole; a reaction to the myriad of phenomena that — however consciously — shape the way we live right now, from the rise of social media and AI, to the hyper-productivity demanded by contemporary workplaces, the unfolding of climate change, and pop culture. What does that mean? It means that, whether or not we are aware of it, the locations at the center of our travel itineraries, how we choose to reach them, and the reasons and purposes behind our vacations are not casual, but embody the state of our lives today. These travel trends reveal what drives and inspires us, what we fear we lack, and are therefore trying to get more of, and what we would like to become in the future.Merging exclusive insights from multiple industry experts, this Livingetc report doesn't bring mere advice on where to go in 2025: it also captures the nuances of our urge to explore, and outlines how we can continue to do so without harming the nature and the communities around us — all while putting extraordinary design at the forefront.At Amangiri, a 5-star luxury resort in Utah's dramatic Canyon Point, relaxation and adventure collide(Image credit: Amangiri. Design: Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy)What Are the Biggest Travel Trends for 2025?While travel trends may differ from nation to nation, our look forward at the moods, hobbies, and countries that will serve as the real protagonists of 2025 gives a polarized portrait of the world at a glance. If, on the one hand, more and more wanderers seem to be seeking holidays that can grant them the peace of mind they miss in their everyday lives by chasing after wellness retreats, slow living destinations, and quieter getaways than the usual city breaks, for others, travel is all about adrenaline. Electrifying solo — or train-hopping — adventures and wilderness-absorbed accommodations that evoke thrill, awe, or even danger, are as appealing to the world's travel community as their calm-inducing counterparts.Despite their diverging end goals, both are brought together by the same rule: where we travel in 2025 is not that important; what matters is when, how, and why we do it. Shoulder seasons, or the periods between a region's peak season and offseason, are gaining momentum, with travelers opting for less canonical moments of the year to be on the move, or planning their escapes to coincide with the coldest — or hottest — months. This helps mitigate the environmental and social impact of over-tourism, also granting vacationers a more enjoyable stay. As for the how, 2025 travel trends are synonymous with restfulness, connection, and personalization: think curated itineraries that unearth hidden trails, blending art, culture, food, community, and sport into a multifaceted experience to be savored on your own or with your loved ones.Without further ado: these are 2025's biggest travel trends.1. CalmcationsImage 1 of 4The tranquil atmosphere at Hume, a wellness-focused club in Venice Beach, California(Image credit: Yoshihiro Makino and Hume. Design: Wisan Studio and Bricault Design)The sun-lit interiors of Californian winery Caymus-Suisun(Image credit: Caymus-Suisun. Design: The Bureau)An historical building has been turned into a design lover's dream at Casa Salento, a calm retreat in southern Italy's Puglia region(Image credit: Welcome Beyond)Some of the crafty workshop held on site at Caymus-Suisun(Image credit: Caymus-Suisun. Design: The Bureau)If 2025 travel trends could be summed up in a sentence, it would be: we need a break. And no, it is not the winter blues speaking, it is the global community as a whole. Two weeks into the year, "we're seeing a rise in clients booking 'quiet travel', with travelers seeking to escape the noise of everyday life — whether that's noise from content, work, other people, or even your own thoughts," Carolyn Weppler, Senior Vice President at Goway tells me.The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.Directing visitors towards more rural, secluded locations instead of bustling metropolises, these "calmcations" are characterized by a stronger immersion in nature and a focus on restoring our physical, mental, and emotional balance. Prioritizing our primal needs over visits to "must-see attractions", quiet travel invites us to put ourselves first — even, and especially, on vacation.Wellness RetreatsThis isn't a travel trend that is bound to fizzle as people settle into the year, but the opposite. In the coming weeks, "the demand for wellness-focused retreats is only set to rise as wanderers seek restorative experiences that prioritize their physical and mental well-being," says Rebecca Harley, Marketing Manager at Journeyscape. "Coastal destinations, mountain resorts, and lakeside lodges across North America are tailoring their offerings to include mindfulness workshops, yoga retreats, and nature-based therapies." Providing an antidote to the fast-paced digital world, these experiences emphasize "the importance of rejuvenation, making them particularly attractive to both solo adventurers and groups seeking meaningful connection."The bathed-in-sunlight gardens of Nice's Hôtel du Couvent, a leading example of contemporary agrotourism(Image credit: Giulio Ghirardi. Courtesy of Hôtel du Couvent. Design: Tom Stuart-Smith Ltd and Scape Design)Agrotourism and Natural Wonders GetawaysPlaces like Fairfield's Caymus-Suisun, a sun-baked Californian winery spectacularly crafted by local design studio The Bureau, offer an alternative way of embracing the 'calmcation' concept. Open for food and wine tastings, here you can "pick fruit in our orchards, and walk the vineyards and vegetable garden," explain Founders Chuck, Charlie, and Jenny Wagner, whose project falls under the newly surfacing category of 'agrotourism'.In recent years, more hotels and resorts have started integrating visits to kitchen gardens and connected farms in their offering, showcasing the quality of their produce and facilitating enriching exchanges between staff and visitors. At Poggi del Sasso's Castello di Vicarello, for example, "you'll enjoy farm-to-table dining with organic ingredients sourced directly from the estate's gardens and olive groves," East End Taste founder Vanessa Gordon tells me, recalling her sojourn at the property. "With over 50 varieties of vegetables and 30 aromatic herbs, their chefs craft authentic Tuscan dishes that highlight the freshest local flavors, and the castle even has their own wine that they bottle and sell."Another local resort, Rosewood's Castiglion del Bosco, "utilizes a similar approach on a grander scale," she says. "They grow much of their own herbs in a garden that guests can walk around, besides having onsite cooking classes and truffle hunting classes, and a winery near the premises." Particularly popular in American states like Arizona and California, and Italy's evergreen Trentino, Tuscany, and Umbria, 'agrotourism' is just another form of quiet travel. This also counts for "natural wonders getaways," explains Weppler. "Think of excursions to places like Kenya's Maasai Mara and Serengeti, Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, Mount Fuji, the Alaska Glaciers, and the Swiss Alps."2. Slow TravelImage 1 of 6An aerial view of Uzbekistan's mountain ranges, one of the unexpected destinations predicted to be big this year(Image credit: Getty Images)The color-block hotel lobby of Busan's Coolest Hotel lives up to the stay's name(Image credit: Studio SIM. Courtesy of The Coolest Hotel. Design: Jongkim Design Studio and Design Madonna)Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and history is tangible in its colorfully intricate architecture(Image credit: Getty Images)The biggest room at The Bull Charlbury makes the perfect romantic retreat for winter wanderers(Image credit: The Bull Charlbury. Design: Phil Winser and James Gummer)The countryside of Vietnam, another nation believed to be on the traveling community's radar in 2025(Image credit: Getty Images)The Daniel Arsham-designed Kohler cabin in Wisconsin is the go-to destination for an arty staycation(Image credit: Kohler Co. Design: Daniel Arsham)While quite travel values repose and regeneration through activities that can favor a better quality of life, slow travel extends that invigorating effect to the places we visit, too. Contrary to the past, "2025 is seeing a real move towards less rushed vacations; stays that can foster deeper interactions with a place than whistle-stop tours to tick off bucket-list sights," Harley explains. As one of the biggest travel trends of 2025, slow travel wants us to reassess what it actually means to travel, making us aware of the impact of our choices.Since the pandemic, "people seem to be much more thoughtful about how they travel," Brenda Beltrán, Travel Writer and Content Manager at Holafly, tells me. They don't just look for experiences "that feel personal and that matter to them," she adds, "but they are also more inclined to engage with local cultures, make sustainable choices, and spend more time in one place."Staycations'Staycations', or vacations spent in our home country rather than abroad, have first come to the fore amid the post-COVID-19 limbo, when people didn't brave venturing outside of national borders for fear of unexpected negative repercussions. Nearly five years on since the outbreak, and with overseas travel now back in full force, this trend hasn't got any less prominent. Instead, it has just become one of the best, most popular, and most sustainable, ways to travel.According to recent research from Away Resorts, 52% of UK travelers will spend their time off somewhere in the country this year, while in the US, domestic travel is "projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, driven by a renewed interest in local experiences". Staycation options are as varied as ever, and not always requiring you to jump on a plane in order to reach them, rather eco-conscious, too.Still wondering where to go in 2025? You could opt for an under-the-radar lodge, like Livingetc's Style Editor Julia Demer did when she spent a weekend at the surreally beautiful Daniel Arsham's Kohler cabin, or, drawing on insights from Campspot's (Re)Creation Vacation 2025 Trend Outlook, drive to the 'nostalgic hotspots' expected to enjoy a renaissance as some of this year's most popular outdoor destinations, including West Yellowstone, Traverse City, Miami, Bar Harbor, and Grand Canyon. You could check if the minimalist chic guesthouses of Danish furniture and homeware brand Vipp have landed anywhere near you, making them your refuge for a day or two. Alternatively, if you are in Britain, you might indulge in the design-forward resurgence of historical pubs with rooms — as I did during a recent stay at the modern rustic décor idyll that is The Bull Charlbury.An underrated cultural and natural wonder, Cambodia is set to be one of this year's most sought-after destinations(Image credit: Getty Images)Off-the-Beaten-PathAlthough it might sound counterintuitive, going for unconventional and less traveled destinations — however remote those might be — is yet another side of the slow travel movement. Making a conscious effort not to flock in mass to the ever-crowded Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and New York, instead booking longer holidays in 'off-the-beaten-path' regions, might well be the way forward, or at least that is what experts suggest in regards to travel 2025 trend predictions. So what are some of the best places to visit this year if you want to give slow travel a go? Get ready to be spoilt for choice."A less crowded alternative to Dubrovnik in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is being heralded as the rising star of The Balkans for 2025," says Wild Frontiers' Clare Tobin, who mentions its awe-inspiring nature, burgeoning wine industry, and scenic cycle routes as some of its greatest highlights. But the country isn't the only Eastern European location on the rise. In Latvia, "unspoiled beaches, ancient castles and Europe's widest waterfall" are all one booking away, Travelzoo's Communications Director Cat Jordan explains, while Gulet Cruise Montenegro's Alexandra Iordan looks at "Montenegro's untouched nature, rich history, and vibrant culture" as the secrets to a perfect getaway.Meanwhile, underrated destinations in Central and East Asia are gaining momentum, too. For Explore Worldwide's Michael Edwards, "South Korea is the place to visit" this year. "A relatively unexplored slice of Asia, the country seamlessly juxtaposes over 5,000 years of culture and history with all things hyper-modern," he explains. Check the retro-futuristic lobby and rooms of Busan's color-block Coolest Hotel and you will know Edwards' prediction is spot on.Still, there are more Asian explorations to try out this year. According to James Adkin, Product Manager at Explore Worldwide, "there's a huge amount of interest in the Silk Road at the moment, both culturally and historically," with bookings to Uzbekistan rising up 52% compared to last year. Countries like Cambodia, with its "untouched beaches and breathtaking scenery", and abundant wildlife, "tick several travel boxes," explains Jordan, while Holiday Extras' has Vietnam's Côn Đảo archipelago down as the best place to visit between November and April 2025.3. Passion — and Event — TourismImage 1 of 4Osaka, the host of the 2025 EXPO, is known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, as well as for its immersive natural parks(Image credit: Getty Images)Hotel Peter and Paul is one of New Orleans' coolest design hotels, making it the perfect stay for travelers wanting to enjoy the 2025 Super Bowl LIX in style(Image credit: Hotel Peter and Paul. Design: StudioWTA, ASH NYC, and Nathalie Jordi)Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim's "The Form" (2024), one of the colossal artworks presented as part of Frieze Sculpture, which returns to London 15-19 October 2025 alongside Frieze and Frieze Masters(Image credit: Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind and Frieze)The minimalist, chic interiors of Hotel Volkshaus Basel, a must-know destination for creatives looking to attend the Basel 2025 Eurovision (13-17 May) or Art Basel 2025 (19-22 June)(Image credit: Hotel Volkshaus Basel. Design: Herzog & de Meuron)Last year, record-smashing pop singer Taylor Swift's North American Eras Tour had a $2 billion impact on the US economy, with tour locations seeing direct correlation between concert dates and spikes in hotel bookings (Check out Livingetc's interiors-led deep dive into Taylor Swift property to catch a glimpse of her estate empire). In Philadelphia, for example, May was the strongest hotel revenue month, coinciding with the music artist's presence in town. Across Europe, hotel prices in concert cities increased by an average of 44%, while in Singapore alone, inbound flights, accommodation bookings, and tours to local attractions grew by 186%, 462%, and 2,373% during the local leg of the Eras Tour, Trip.com reported.For LaDell Carter, Lead Luxury Lifestyle Travel Designer and Founder of Royal Expression Travels, passion-led tourism is not going anywhere in 2025. "Travel has always been an emotional purchase, but now more than ever, it's an act of self-prioritization and purpose," she tells me. Today, "it is not just about where people go, but why they are going and how their unique needs are met along the way." Rebecca Recommends's Rebecca Slater couldn't agree more. "This year we expect to see travel plans centered around major events, and not just concerts," the Founder explains. "Whether it's witnessing the Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks, catching the Super Bowl LIX action in New Orleans, or checking off a bucket list trip at the Monaco Grand Prix, there are numerous significant events around the world that are already attracting attention."Already noted in our books are the Frieze fairs (20-23 February, Los Angeles. 7-11 May, New York. 15-19 October, London); the Expo 2025 (13 April-13 October 2025), with Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, playing as host; the Eurovision Song Contest (13-17 May 2025), which lands in Basel, Switzerland's creative capital, in late spring, a month ahead of the Art Basel exhibition (19-22 June 2025); Milan Design Week (7-13 April 2025), including Salone del Mobile; and the long-anticipated reunion tour of Oasis, coming to the UK 4 July-17 August 2025.When it comes to passion tourism, which doesn't merely include trips related to specific events, but encompasses a thorough (and recently, even AI-assisted) personalization of all aspects of the journey, the secret "lies in the details," Carter explains. This 2025 travel trend is all about "delving into the intricacies of each traveler's passions and preferences," she adds. "Take Canyon Ranch in Arizona, for example. When I visited with colleagues, it didn't feel like a group trip — it was all about my personal path. From curated workout routines to tailored wellness consultations, every moment was designed around me. Their ambassador had planned everything in advance, and by the time I arrived, it felt like they had known me for years." That, for her, is "the magic of passion-led travel — it transforms a destination into a deeply personal journey."4. Adventure TravelImage 1 of 8Luxury group Belmond is at the forefront of the train renaissance, and the images of its rail solutions speak for themselves(Image credit: Belmond)The interiors are a one-way-ticket to an Agatha Christie's mystery(Image credit: Belmond)The brutalist exterior of Paradero Todos Santos, an experiential luxury hotel nestled in the Mexican desert(Image credit: Paradero Todos Santos. Design: Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo)Our Habitas AlUla, a sustainable desert resort housed within the orangey dunes of the Ashar Valley, Saudi Arabia(Image credit: Our Habitas AlUla. Design: Habitas)The breathtaking views surrounding Paradero Todos Santos(Image credit: Paradero Todos Santos. Design: Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo)The ferrata trail near Amangiri, a spectacular luxury resort in Canyon Point, Utah(Image credit: Amangiri)Another detail from a Belmond train, captured as it speeds by(Image credit: Belmond)... and its atmospheric golden hour(Image credit: Belmond)If there's a leitmotif that permeates all the travel 2025 trends, it is a desire for experiences that feel as challenging and personal as they are unforgettable. It is the rise of the "adventure travel boom", which, as Much Better Adventures CMO and Co-Founder Sam Bruce puts it, "is fueled by those craving immersive experiences and an escape from the humdrum of daily life." For the travel expert, this trend doesn't just offer physical, mental, and social benefits, but when done right, "it boosts local economies far more sustainably than traditional tourism," he adds.Traditionally, adventure travel comprises anything from "going kayaking and wildlife spotting" to "hiking in less-visited regions of Europe". This Livingetc's Year in Travel Trends 2025 Report gives it the design treatment: think lavishly furnished, flashing trains straight out of an Agatha Christie thriller, luxury glamping resorts and cabins immersed in the glowing Arabian desert, and opencast Mexican resorts bringing brutalist interiors to life through safari tours, art itineraries, as well as fitness, surf, and cooking classes.Ditch the Plane for the Train2025 might as well be called the year of the train. Why? Not only is the British Railway celebrating its 200th anniversary, but a whole new range of retro-inspired luxury trains, inspired by the legendary 1883 Orient Express and bringing its Art Deco design style into the contemporary, are coming to multiple locations across the globe, making traveling as timeless and captivating as it has ever been.Among such anticipated openings are those of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, an all-Italian designed train created to connect Rome to destinations like Venice and Sicily, with décor reviving the creative genius of 1960s to 1970s icons Gio Ponti, Nanda Vigo, and Gae Aulenti signed by Dimorestudio; the Britannic Explorer, the latest newcomer to Belmond's dazzling railway portfolio, and England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train; SJ Norge's Norient Express, promising a six-day adventure through some of Norway's most scenic landscapes; the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, which will take you to the discovery of one of the world's most ancient trading network and the marvels sited along it; and the American Dreamstar Lines, a nightly luxury train operating between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with interiors by Designworks.From the vibrant Seven Stars in Kyushu, an emblem of Japan's time-traveling craftsmanship, to the Wes Anderson-esque Maharajas' Express, offering exclusive journeys across North-West and Central India, and South Africa's Rovos Rail, guiding you across the Rainbow Nation through Namibia and Tanzania, the world has far more trains today than you would expect it to have — and they are taking us back to the future! For Journeyscape's Rebecca Harley, this trend reflects "a growing urge for sustainable exploration and meaningful experiences." In Canada, "travelers seek to reduce their carbon footprint while taking in the country's breathtaking landscapes," she says, adding that locations like the Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec have all become more easily accessible through iconic routes such as Via Rail. "Trains offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and scenic immersion, making an especially appealing option for solo travelers who prioritize safety and ease."From hiking, climbing, and boating, to yoga and horseback riding, everything is possible at AmangiriGoing SoloHarley's mention of solo travelers isn't in any way coincidental. According to Intrepid Travel CCO Leigh Barnes, "the desire to travel is so strong that most young adults may not be waiting for friends, family, or anyone else to book their trip, and are willing to go solo." A recent study conducted by the company showed that "nearly four in five US adults say they have taken or would be interested in taking a solo trip, with nearly nine in ten adults aged 18-35 saying the same," he adds. For Charnell Ward, PR Specialist at Pearl Lemon Adventures, solo travelers are among the greatest protagonists of the 2025 travel trends: "they are increasingly seeking experiences that balance independence with a sense of community, such as joining wellness retreats or adventure tours where connections form naturally," she says.Because of their wide-ranging on-site activities and just as impressive modern interior design, we think that destinations like Paradero Todos Santos, rising at the very tip of the Baja California Sur state, the Ashar Valley's Our Habitas AlUla resort and Caravan accommodations, and the Utah-based Amangiri "adrenaline-fueled adventure and peaceful desert retreats" would make the ultimate solution for tasteful solo travelers with insatiable wanderlust.5. When, Not WhereImage 1 of 8The sophisticated mountain feel of the cōmodo, a design gem in the Austrian Alps(Image credit: the cōmodo. Design: Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt)... and its snowy views(Image credit: the cōmodo. Design: Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt)The modern rustic feel of Casa Cook North Coast, an Egyptian resort with style to spare(Image credit: Casa Cook North Coast. Design: Vision Alphabet and Shehab A. Mazhar Architects)The aurora borealis, as experienced from Welcome Beyond's Aurora Cabin in Laupstad, Norway(Image credit: Welcome Beyond)The modernist exterior of Boca de Agua, a stunning, tropical Mexican retreat(Image credit: Boca de Agua. Design: Frida Escobedo)The view from one of the suites of the Casa Cook El Gouna, sited on the Red Sea(Image credit: Casa Cook El Gouna. Design: Common Architecture)Boca de Agua's iconic interiors(Image credit: Boca de Agua. Design: Frida Escobedo)Perhaps the biggest 2025 travel trend of them all, 'When, Not Where' sees the world's wanderers plan their much-awaited getaways as a way out of extreme temperatures and the frenzy of everyday life. Rather than traveling at the peak of summer, or winter, more people seem to be interested in "uncovering a different side to a destination by exploring outside of conventional times," Ayaka Hasegawa, PR Manager at Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato, tells me.Joining 'cool-' and 'warmcations' — or the journeys we take to foreign destinations in an attempt to avoid the heat and frost in our countries — respectively, "noctourism has emerged as a micro trend of its own", with people wandering around their chosen holiday locations at night "to escape daytime crowds, witness once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomena, and enjoy the place at a more relaxed pace," adds the expert. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of the off- and shoulder seasons, a symptom of the shift towards more sustainable ways of conceiving travel, allows travelers to interact with the beauty of coveted destinations like New Zealand and Australia — previously overlooked during the cooler months — in completely new ways.If places like Egypt's Common Architecture-designed Casa Cook El Gouna and the modernist paradise of Balacar's Boca de Agua grant you a balmy respite from winter's below-zero temperatures, Welcome Beyond's Scandinavian design-inspired properties such as The Cliff in Quebec and Laupstad's Aurora Cabin are your portal into nature's wonders and interior (as well as exterior) coolness.2025 has only just begun, but we know travel will be a huge part of it. Whether pointing you in the direction of the best places to visit this year and the most design-worthy accommodations available there, or convincing you to take up solo travel for the very first time, we hope this Livingetc's Year in Travel Trends 2025 Report has given you a reason to be on the move — whether literally or metaphorically.With climate change manifesting dramatically as we write, this year's travel predictions urge us to focus on the when, how, and why of tourism far more than on the where alone. Let this guide you in planning journeys that can nurture you and your close ones as much as they contribute sensibly to the environment around you. And if you are stuck for inspiration, head to our hotel design pages, your online directory to stylish escapism. Source link