What's New for 2013: Part I?!!

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2013?

Part I

For travelers, the Great Recession is over!!  People are traveling.  People have stopped watching doom and gloom reports from their tv's and computers and are getting up to travel.  Travelers are searching for new experiences.  They want value.  They want to reconnect with loved ones.

According to Virtuoso's Luxe Report from December, 2012, the top 5 most popular international destinations are Italy, South Africa, France, Australia and Argentina.  What a diverse listing!  

Our Trip to Iguazu Falls in 2009

This is Argentina's first appearance in this list and I can tell you from experience, Argentina has a lot to offer from Iguazu Falls to their wine region of Mendoza, to Patagonia and beyond.  Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires is full of life and don't forget to try Argentinian beef!  

We all love Italy and France and they are perfect for romance or families looking to experience Europe at it's finest.  Both countries have so much to offer – large interesting cities to explore, wine regions to taste, amazing food and culture.  

Australia and South Africa have such diversity.  The animals, the animals, the animals...need I say more?  That plus fantastic food, wine and wonderful people to get to know.

Jeff and I in Positano Oct 2010

Virtuoso's top family destinations include traveling to Italy on top of the list.  The list follows with Costa Rica tied with England and France, the Galapagos Islands and Turks and Caicos all tied for 5^th place.  Keep in mind the possibility of multi-generational travel in these locations.

Crystal Cruise in Portofino, Italy

Speaking of multi-generational travel, cruising is the easiest way to have the family enjoy their time together.  It's WAVE SEASON, so why not take advantage of letting me help you arrange a cruise.  Prices are at their best now through the end of February!  Protravel has wonderful added amenities with many cruise lines including Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Myanmar/Burma, Bhutan and Chile are the “most popular emerging destinations”.  Cuba and Vietnam round out the top 5.  What's important to keep in mind is that licenses to Cuba are ever-changing.  Many tour companies boast “Trip of a Lifetime to Cuba”, then they take your money but can't deliver because they do not have a license to sell travel in Cuba.  Bottom line....be very careful!

Stay tuned for Part II which will include Best Travel Trends, Top U.S. Destinations and more!

The World is Our Playground!!
Mari