06/09/2022
As the kids return to school, parent's thoughts wander back to travel planning for fall, winter, and spring breaks, and ultimately, the milestone family summer vacations. Late August is the quietest time of the year in the travel industry. These weeks are used by travel professionals to update systems, take some training classes, breathe, relax and prepare for what is coming in the months ahead! Requests are starting to trickle in for fall breaks, and feelers are already out for summer 2023 vacations. Here is what I've seen trending:
Europe - After two years of Europe being "closed" during the pandemic, demand is high to return to countries like Italy, England, Ireland and Greece. Summer 2022 was chaotic for European vacations, with flights being at a peak price and local services stressed by the demand. Summer 2023 will hopefully be more balanced between overall pricing and availability of local tour guides.
Hawaii and Alaska - Both were top US destinations during the pandemic, and still retain their status as domestic bucket list destinations. Cruise ships are returning to Alaska in full capacity in 2023, and the rental car deficit In Hawaii that was such a problem during the pandemic has resolved. As the crowds disburse around the world, Hawaii and Alaska should be considered for a "normal" 2023 summer vacation once again.
Caribbean - Many winter trips to the Caribbean from 2020-2021 were shifted to 2022 travel dates, so availability is low and pricing is high in the Caribbean for the winter 2022-23 season. Astronomical airfare from all cities to Caribbean destinations isn't helping either. As the backlog of trips clear through this winter, late spring pricing should adjust, and summer 2023 in the Caribbean is where you will begin find the "deals" once again (barring any hurricanes!)
Cruises: If you are looking for a reasonably priced winter/spring, and even summer 2023 vacation, consider a cruise...anywhere, including European river cruises. Cruise ships are returning to 100% capacity after the pandemic, and most vaccination requirements have been lifted. There are tens of thousands of staterooms that need to be filled, and cruise lines are responding with appropriate fares.
Some of my personal recommendations to get you dreaming about destinations that have seemed so remote during the past years:
Iceland (year round adventure, and views of the Northern Lights in the winter);
Costa Rica (year round adventure, animals, nature, beaches, and hot springs);
African safari (Big 5 animals, nature, culture);
Japan (culture, cities, history);
Australia (cities, nature, culture);
Paris/London (cities, history, food, culture, shopping);
Norway (nature, adventure, culture);
Bermuda (local to the East Coast, beaches, nature, food);
Portugal (culture, nature, cities, food);
Turks & Caicos or Aruba (my two personal favorite Caribbean islands!)
I could go on and on...
I look forward to hearing from you and discussing YOUR dream vacation!
