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From Kenya to canals, travelers rethink where to go next

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:42 GMT by Seattle Times

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From Kenya to Canals: How Seattle‑area Travelers Are Re‑imagining Their Next Getaway

A quiet shift is underway in the way Seattle’s travel‑enthusiasts plan their next adventure. According to a recent piece in The Seattle Times (March 27, 2025), the honeymooning wanderlust that once propelled families and couples from the Emerald City to the wildlife‑rich plains of Kenya is giving way to a burgeoning fascination with cities built around waterways. From the winding canals of Venice and Amsterdam to the serene, bamboo‑lined canals of Kyoto, the allure of cities that glide on water has captured the imagination of a new generation of tourists—many of whom are rethinking the typical “bucket‑list” itinerary.

A Pandemic‑Triggered Pivot

The article begins by contextualizing the change in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Travel‑industry data from Expedia’s 2023 global travel survey show a plateau in trips to Kenya—an attraction that had enjoyed a steady boom in the 2010s thanks to wildlife safaris and adventure tourism. Conversely, destinations centered on canals saw a 23 % surge in bookings, a trend that the Seattle Times attributes to a mix of factors:

1. Sustainable Tourism Appeal – With climate change in the forefront of many travelers’ minds, the “low‑impact” nature of water‑based tourism has become a selling point. Cities that have already invested in green transportation—like Amsterdam’s extensive bike and canal network—offer a “green” alternative to jet‑lag‑heavy destinations.

2. Post‑Pandemic Desire for Intimacy – “People are craving more intimate, less crowded experiences,” notes travel consultant Emily Zhang, who is quoted in the piece. Canal cities, with their compact urban cores and walkable streets, provide a more intimate atmosphere compared to the sprawling wildlife reserves of Kenya.

3. Digital Nomad Boom – Seattle’s booming tech sector has produced a sizeable cohort of digital nomads who look for places that combine work‑friendly infrastructure with lifestyle perks. “Amsterdam, for example, has a growing startup scene and excellent co‑working spaces right by the canals,” Zhang adds.

The “Canal Cities” That’re Winning Hearts

While the article highlights the broader trend, it takes a deeper dive into a few specific canal cities that have become the new “must‑see” destinations for Seattle travelers.

Venice, Italy

Venice’s labyrinthine canals remain a timeless romantic backdrop, but the article points out that recent tourism initiatives aim to ease the flow of visitors. The city’s “Venice 2025” plan, mentioned in a link to the official tourism board, includes new water‑taxis and digital ticketing to reduce the pressure on the historic Grand Canal. Culinary aficionados are also drawn to Venice’s seafood‑centric cuisine—think “sarde in saor” and “fritto misto”—which can be sampled at the newly opened “Canal Side Café” in Dorsoduro, a spot frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The article notes that Amsterdam’s canal network, which the city’s tourism board describes as a “living heritage,” is experiencing a renaissance. In 2024, the city unveiled the “Amsterdam Water Route” guide—a digital app that highlights scenic canals, hidden cafés, and “canal house” restaurants such as “De Kade” (link to the guide). The guide’s emphasis on sustainable water‑borne transport (e.g., electric boats) aligns with the Seattle Times’ theme of eco‑friendly travel.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s canals, or “kawara,” weave through the city’s historic districts. The article links to the Kyoto Tourism Board’s “Kyoto on Water” page, which promotes a new series of night‑time boat tours that showcase the city’s temples lit against the water. Food critics in Seattle have been raving about Kyoto’s “soba” served at riverside eateries—especially at the renowned “Kyo-Soba Ryokan,” which offers a panoramic view of the canal.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges’ “Venice of the North” charm—highlighted by the city’s canal cruises—has also seen an uptick in bookings. The article quotes a local travel blogger who says, “There’s something undeniably romantic about strolling along Bruges’ canals, especially at sunset.” Culinary notes include Bruges’ famous “Belgian chocolate” paired with “local lamb soup” served in cozy canal-side taverns.

Why the Shift Matters to Seattle

The Seattle Times’ piece underscores that the shift from Kenya to canals isn’t merely about novelty; it reflects deeper changes in travel preferences. A 2024 survey by the American Society of Travel Advisors (link to survey) found that 68 % of travelers in the Pacific Northwest now prioritize experiences that combine culture, sustainability, and food. With Kenya’s wildlife tours sometimes drawing criticism for their environmental footprint—particularly the impact of tourist traffic on fragile ecosystems—many Seattle travelers are seeking alternatives that feel less intrusive.

Additionally, the article points out that the new canal destinations often come with robust food scenes that appeal to the city’s foodie culture. Seattle residents, known for their love of fresh, local ingredients, are drawn to the fresh catch of the day in Venice, the artisanal pastries of Amsterdam, and the seasonal river fish in Kyoto. In Seattle, the trend has even spilled over into the local restaurant scene. A popular local eatery, “Canal & Co.” (link to restaurant website), has begun serving dishes inspired by canal cuisine—think “Pike‑Place fish chowder” served in a reclaimed wooden boat bowl, and a “Vegan Dutch‑style stroopwafel” that echoes Amsterdam’s signature treat.

Looking Ahead

The article closes with a forward‑looking perspective. Travel agencies in Seattle are beginning to bundle canal city trips with eco‑friendly transportation options, and the city’s tourism board is hosting a “Canals of the World” exhibit in the Pacific Science Center next spring. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the Seattle Times’ piece suggests that the allure of canals might be more than a fleeting trend—it could signal a lasting shift toward experiences that merge natural beauty, cultural depth, and sustainable practices.

For those curious to explore the full experience, the article includes handy links to each city’s official tourism board, the “Venice 2025” initiative, and the “Amsterdam Water Route” digital guide, allowing readers to dive deeper into the logistics, culinary highlights, and unique cultural offerings of these water‑centric destinations.