Because of all the craziness we have gone through in the past three years, most people we talk to mention how very important travel has become to them! Travel used to be a discretionary spend for most people, but now they say travel is an essential spend. People realize the value of experiences and how travel enriches our lives.
2023 is The Year of Travel!
In 2022 we saw a strong surge of travelers ‘getting back out there,’ but only one month into the new year, and we are seeing an incredible surge in the number of sales.
What is trending for 2023 travel?
Expedition Cruises
“From her welcoming Bridge and Chart room to her cool tools for exploring, #NatGeoExplorer was built for active, all-inclusive polar adventure.”
Expedition cruising has been a part of the travel industry for over 50 years, and some companies like Hurtigruten have been sailing around Norway and Svalbard for over 100 years! A significant segment of travelers want more than traditional deep-water cruising. Expedition cruising is enjoying a renaissance. As your travel advisor, I can help you through the process of choosing and booking a fabulous expedition with companies like Lindblad and Quark & Hurtigruten. There are also so many destinations to choose from like Alaska, Antarctica, Central America, Galapagos, Australia, Egypt and the Arctic.
Europe
Everyone is ready to explore Europe again, and it is still a sought after destination for 2023. Greece and Italy are two of the hottest destinations this year. The euro and the dollar are on par, so travelers from the USA can make the most of their money. Europe stands the test of time and it’s easy to combine two countries in one trip. If you don’t have your European travels on the books yet, then we recommend you call your travel advisor now!
Adults-Only Sailing
Adults have permission to escape every once in a while too! Yachting and ultra luxury cruises are hot this year. We love the romantic tall-masted ships that Star Clippers offer. We also recommend the luxurious feel of a Virgin Voyages cruise. Spend your day relaxing at the spa, dance the night away, and read a book in your hammock. Yachting-style voyages cater to active-adults who love exceptional culinary experiences. Go ahead and book a luxurious cruise. No guilt!
Active Adventures
How do you define the perfect adventure? Everyone has a different idea of what active-adventure travel means to them. It can be everything from walking tours, to hikes, or even a multi-day trek. It can be cycling with an e-bike, or bicycling 35+ miles each day. Maybe you want to spend a day at the golf course, go kayaking amongst icebergs, scuba dive, or take a ski vacation. The point is, active-adventure travel can be geared to whatever the individual wishes it to be. We always recommending adding some type of active adventure to every vacation we plan. This year, try spending a few days at a Dude Ranch in the West, a cycling tour in Croatia with Backroads, a hike in Peru, or a week in the desert with Off the Beaten Path.
Small Group Travel
Trips with friends, multi-generational families, weddings, guys getaways, local clubs –are all great examples of small group travel. Does the club you belong to have a specific interest like wine, genealogy, quilting or bbq? Taking a trip together is a great way to enjoy your hobbies. Or maybe your employees need to reconnect at a retreat. Whatever you choose, it is fun to travel in groups! Planning and executing a group trip can be daunting, so turn to your travel advisor and she will manage all of the details to make your vacation a memorable one.
Travel Advisor Tips for 2023
Plan Ahead!
We still sell quite a few ‘last-minute’ vacations, however many are opting to plan a year or even two years ahead. This is particularly true for the far-away or luxurious destinations that travelers may not have been to before.
Air Travel!
Expect some continued turbulence. We are still seeing some challenges with service disruptions. It’s not just the airlines, but airports are crowded too. Both are trying to provide safe journeys while also keeping up with capacity demands. PACK YOUR PATIENCE and WEAR YOUR MASK as you travel to and from your destinations.
Buy Your Airline Tickets Early!
Don’t procrastinate the purchase of your airline tickets. Airfare is not going to get cheaper this year. The sooner you buy your tickets, the better the price will be.
As your travel advisor, I can help you through the process of planning your 2023 vacations and beyond. Contact Peak to Sea Travel Experiences today at 303.957.6488.
Enjoy your travels this year!