Mari's Travel Blog: What's New for 2013:

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2013?

PART II

Los Angeles's newest food trend are lobster rolls. Not yummy Japanese lobster rolls but lobster served on a hot-dog shaped bun. Unfortunately, it's usually more bun than lobster. Not much of a dining experience.
Why am I mentioning this ... because sometimes, trends are can be pretty empty.

Thank goodness that the 2013 travel trends are loaded with experiences for everyone!

Costa Rica

The news for 2013's travel trends are that families are traveling together. They are traveling to Costa Rica, going on cruises and trying more exotic destinations like South Africa.

**Some hotels around the world are offering special pricing for 2^nd rooms.**

River Cruising in the Wachau Valley in Austria

River cruises are hot for 2013! People who love traditional ocean cruises want to try something different. The river cruise companies are recognizing that their demographics are skewing younger. As a reflection of their younger passengers, more active activities are included.

One example is biking through the Wachau Valley in Austria tasting wine along the way.

Great wine ... beautiful scenery!

For those who love luxury cruises, lower prices and more inclusions are a hit!!

Crystal Cruises is following the all inclusive route by including gratuities, wine, spirits and other beverages.

Ask me about their NEW 5-8 day itineraries in Europe.
FABULOUS option!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises tops this by also including 90% of their excursions so that at the end of your cruise, your final bill is minimal.
Celebrity Cruises **Please keep in mind Celebrity Cruises 1, 2, 3, GO! Special (ends February 18, 2013). A Choice of 3 Amenities! I've never seen a special like this before. - Ask me for more details**

Cruise Ship in the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Active or adventure trips are #4 on the list. Biking, climbing, hiking anywhere from Montana to the Chilean Mountains.

Celebration Travel is #5

Desination Wedding

Examples of this kind of travel either for couples or groups of friends and families who want to celebrate LIFE together

Anniversaries
Destination Weddings
Big 5-0 Birthdays
Graduation

What are the U.S. Top destinations for travel, 2013?

Napa, CA

I was shocked to find my much loved Napa/Sonoma at the top of the list. Stay tuned for my blog at the beginning of March when I revisit Napa and stay at a new hotel in Sonoma (YAYY!!!).

Maui and NewYork City are #2 and #3 followed by Alaska tied with Las Vegas for 4^th place.

The 5^th place award goes to Hawaii. Maybe this is why the Four Seasons Hualalai has their targeted promotion because they no longer are at the top of this list.

Part III of What's New for 2013 will include the Top 5 Romantic Destinations, Adventure destinations and why people travel. Stay tuned...