Displaying items by tag: blog
Upscale Americans are seeking adventures in less-visited destinations from Latin America to the Middle East to off-the-beaten-path Europe this fall and holiday season, according to new data from global luxury travel network Virtuoso®. Known as a respected trend forecaster, Virtuoso reviewed figures from its warehouse of more than $49.5 billion in transactions to compile the most in-demand locales for the coming fall and holiday season.
The Virtuoso Top 10:
The most popular fall and holiday destinations for Americans according to future bookings.
1. United States
2. Italy
3. United Kingdom
4. France
5. South Africa
6. Israel
7. Australia
8. Germany
9. Japan
10. Spain.
Behind the trend:
With such a diversity of destinations and experiences at home, Americans increasingly choose to travel domestically for the holidays. Europe’s appeal as a summer destination extends into fall, with five countries on the list. Italy, France and Germany repeat from last year; the latter is especially popular with river cruisers for its celebrated Christmas markets.
Japan, the “it” country that topped the list of emerging destination in the 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report, appeals to travelers from adventurers to culinary enthusiasts. Two other fall and holiday favorites, South Africa and Israel, repeat from last year’s list, beckoning families seeking trips of a lifetime at the festive season.
The Virtuoso Hot 10:
The countries that have experienced the largest increases by percentage in year-over-year bookings among U.S. travelers.
1. Uruguay (+286%)
2. Maldives (+171%)
3. Malta (+140%)
4. Romania (+135%)
5. Egypt (+122%)
Behind the trend:
The Virtuoso Luxe Report determined the prevailing travel motivator for 2019 is exploring new destinations, and U.S. travelers are seeking fresh adventures amidst the fairytale castles of Romania, historic sites of Malta and fjords of Norway. Uruguay’s award-winning wineries, pleasant climate, and adventure opportunities make it a sought-after destination for the season.
The Middle East remains popular, with Egypt and Qatar enticing visitors with less-explored cuisines, bustling markets, and desert excursions, while Puerto Rico and the Maldives provide beach retreats for relaxation-focused travelers.
Data is drawn from Virtuoso’s U.S. agency members and reflects travel bookings for September through December 2019.
You’ll find Key Largo nestled between the watery wilderness of the Everglades National Park to the west and the fish-rich coral formations of North America's only living coral barrier reef to the east.
Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot former US Navy ship intentionally scuttled in 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.
Locals consider their home the Diving Capital of the World and it is a great snorkeling spot, but the island is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination.
Some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. Hire a guide and sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.
Key Largo's proximity to the Everglades makes it a premier family vacation destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. All this beauty, not to mention the island's rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show their work at several local galleries.
When the day is done, you can trade stories at any of a full-range of restaurants, bars, hotels, motels and resorts. Each is as unique as Key Largo itself.
Atlantis, that sprawling seaside resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, organizes camps for kids of all ages.
Camps have included Fantasy Camps with Seventeen Magazine. The girls had the good fortune to spend five days with style, beauty, health and fitness experts offering plenty of great tips and ideas to encourage a healthy attitude toward mind, body and beauty.
Also on hand was the delightful Katherine Schwarzenegger. Author, student, and advocate for young women, Katherine shared strategies and insight in her book Rock What You’ve Got!
Find out more about Atlantis camps for kids and teens here:
www.atlantis.com/camps/fantasycamps/seventeenfantasycamp.aspx