TRAVEL

a warm WELCOME

Now is the time to travel beyond the ordinary!

Planes are in the sky, trains are on the tracks, and buses are loaded with wide-eyed travelers looking to make up for lost time. This is shaping up to be a banner year for the global travel and tourism sectors.

We have seen increased interest in families engaged in more complex travel planning, such as organizing trips to unfamiliar destinations. They are seeking out advisors with knowledge, expertise and experience planning itineraries and activities and dealing with the complexities of extended family trips.

We have also found growing interest in multigenerational travel with grandparents; large family trips with siblings, cousins and other family members; and travel with unrelated families.

A number of clients have decided to trade in their traditional Christmas next year and take a trip to a destination that calls for flipflops and swimsuits. They have said that they were tired of having everyone at their house and wanted to be able to enjoy family without all the hassles. For a mix of family time and personal time, we recommend cruises. There is something for everyone on a cruise ship!

other significant trends include the return of families to big cities, traveling farther from home on international trips and willingness to visit indoor spaces and events, such as museums. Outdoor vacations, naturefocused trips and traveling locally, so popular during the pandemic, seem to be on the decline.

Today’s travelers want to be more than mere tourists and this desire is driving them to seek authentic and unforgettable experiences and itineraries that highlight destinations through an authentic lens. Travelers are increasingly inclined to seek out once-in-a-lifetime vacations and create memories.

To make an international trip memorable, travelers are primarily looking to uncover something new: • 64% want to discover something they didn't know about before • 60% want to visit a popular destination

• 56% want to explore a location they’ve never heard of

More travelers say they recognize the benefits of having a local guide. They now want to travel in small groups or take a tour. Some of the benefits they might miss without a guide or tour conductor include:

• Being able to see things they wouldn’t otherwise find out about (70%) • Avoiding dangerous areas (60%) • Less risk of getting lost (59%)

where are the top destinations for 2023? Here’s a list of vacations our clients have enjoyed recently and where they plan to visit this year.

• All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean – great for families, couples, family reunions and destination weddings because most everything is included in the price. The Riviera Maya, Cancun,

Isla Mujeres, Costa Rica and Punta Cana have been most popular overall.

• Ocean Cruises – also ideal for families and family reunions. People love cruises because they get to wake up in a different city/port every day but only have to unpack once. Cruise fares include most everything.

• Greece – Is there anywhere better than

Greece? Here you can visit Athens,

Mykonos, Santorini and more. Nothing is more beautiful than the azure waters of the Aegean and white-washed buildings of the Greek Isles.

• Ireland – While Ireland’s lush scenery and craggy coastline are world renowned, the wit and wisdom of the people really make a visit to Ireland so special. In

Northern Ireland, you can explore

Game of Thrones® territory and even become a Stark for the day! Great pubs are everywhere, from scenic stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way to vibrant cities, and one thing unites them – a sense of community, tradition and a love of storytelling.

• Italy – Bella Italia! From the art of

Michelangelo to the artful cuisine of

Naples and Sicily to the ancient ruins of Rome. Gliding along the canals of Venice and gazing upon the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Italy has iconic architecture, artwork and amazing culinary delights that embody La

Dolce Vita.

• River Cruises – Taking a river cruise allows you to visit some of the world’s most iconic cities and lesser known towns. Taking a river cruise gives you the ever-changing countryside.

Famous saying… Ocean cruises take you to cities, where river cruises take you through them. And, there’s never a bad time to go!

THE UNITED STATES

• The Grand Canyon is on most every

American’s travel list. From its brilliant rust-red cliffs to the churning Colorado

River below, Grand Canyon National

Park is the stuff of outdoor lovers’ bucket lists.

• Asheville, North Carolina – Of course, The Biltmore Estate is magical at Christmas, but you will also find plenty of history, a laid-back vibe, and beautiful sites that continue to steal the hearts of visitors.

• Napa Valley – Even if you’ve been to the California wine country before, now is the time to return for a new twist on traditional wine tastings.

Options include everything from visiting underground sanctuaries to horseback-led tours.

• Hawai’i – Aloha! Hawai‘i has always lured travelers seeking paradise in the

Pacific. Eight major islands comprise the Hawaiian archipelago, meaning there’s coastline in abundance and a beach for everyone.

• Alaska – The Last Frontier is truly a unique destination, one of the last places you can find untamed, wide-open spaces and the wildlife that lives there. Traveling to Alaska is special because the state is so diverse; every day will hold its own special treasures for you to discover.

• Iceland – The Land of Fire & Ice. Iceland is known for its natural wonders: glaciers, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls and beautiful lakes.

• Train Trips – Unlike airplanes which whisk you from point A to point B with barely a glimpse of what’s in between, a train ride can be a destination in and of itself. From luxury rail experience to creating a custom rail itinerary and all things in between, there are many options to see the countryside.

Things have changed since before the pandemic. More people are using travel agencies to help them plan vacations. Clients want help to navigate the challenges of cancellations, re-bookings and other pandemicera issues. People aren’t taking travel for granted anymore. They have had time to sit back and think about why they travel and what’s meaningful to them as they do.

Of all the affairs to remember, a romance with travel often leaves the most lasting impression. For more than 36 years, Travel Leaders has passionately shared the wonders of the globe with other infatuated wanderers and wayfarers, helping clients explore its iconic landmarks, cruise on its romantic rivers and enjoy memorable vacations.

Barbara May is the owner of Travel Leaders, specializing in all types of travel for over 36 years.

Travel Leaders 155 N. Main Street, Ste. 104 Collierville, TN 38017 901.853.6200 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104 Memphis, TN 38133