For those of you who read last week’s article, our Valentine’s Tiramisu is pictured above. This is how we finished off our fancy, at home Valentine’s dinner. We spent dinner talking about our favorite restaurants and meals during our travels. We also talked about what types of trips we want to take as a family and as a couple, when it’s safe.
My family is in agreement with most of the reports we’re reading in the industry when it comes to the changes we are likely to see. We added several new vacation ideas to our dream sheet. We approach travel based on the values that surface rather than tackling them in any particular order. We start with a budget and time frame and go from there rather than starting with the destination.
Here are the trends that seem to be leading the way right now:
#1 – single destination vacations, or at least fewer destinations – when you think of European travel it’s easy to try to fit as much into your itinerary as you think you can. When you compare an international trip to a domestic one, consider the pace. You wouldn’t do a 10 day vacation to Florida where you spend 2 nights in Key West, 2 in Miami, 2 in Orlando, 2 in St. Augustine and 2 in Pensacola. Why are you trying to see all of Ireland in the same amount of time? Slow down and spend more time in one spot!
#2 – longer vacations – This one is hard for Americans, but we’re finally starting to embrace vacations that are at least 10 days and more often trending up to 14 – 21 days. Just yesterday AMAWaterways, a leader in European river cruising announced that in 2023 they will sail a 46 day river cruise through 14 countries. Like many of the longer itineraries on ocean vessels, it’s expected to sell out in a matter of hours.
#3 – more sustainable vacations – While the pause for Covid precautions has been a strain on many, the planet itself has shown signs of new life and improvement during the past year as a result. Travelers are beginning to consider more closely the impact that their carbon footprint brings. We can help you navigate these new options through our Vacation For Good program when you’re ready.
#4 – integrating experiences such as culinary or wellness into your vacations – have you tuned into an online cooking class or started doing your daily yoga practice through youTube? Why not carry those one step further on your next vacation and incorporate a cooking class, or perhaps include an element of wellness in your daily itinerary?
#5 – private experiences – this has been on the rise for the past several years and promises to continue to skyrocket as we move forward. No one really enjoyed those massive group jaunts through a crowded museum following a cat toy on a stick, did they? Luckily we’re seeing an increase in not only small group options, but private options as well.
What are some changes you would like to make when planning your next vacation? When it comes to the destination, do you still have the same spots in mind, or have those shifted as well?
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