What's New For 2013: Part III?!?!

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2013?

PART III

Tuscany, Italy
MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATION IN 2013

South Africa

New Zealand

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

This is the final part of my What's New For 2013 Blog Series.  What an exciting time to travel!

So, generally what are traveler's looking for?

Costa Rica

Exploring new destinations is quite the pull for travelers.
They want to be the first amongst their friends to say they discovered something new.

Finding authentic experiences in new destinations is tied with having rest and relaxation

Spending Time Together with or reconnecting with loved ones

People are seeking enrichment such as cultural experiences, learning, voluntarism, etc.

• Finally, people are looking for Adventure!

What's New for 2013: - Part II?!?!

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'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