trazeetravel.com | $4.99 | 2019
THE TRAZEES p. 8 LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE NOW p. 26 TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE p. 32 CYCLING TOURS p. 38 HOW THE NEXT GENERATION WILL CHANGE TRAVEL p. 42 TRAZEE ANNIVERSARY p. 46
THE TRAZEE BOOK
from the editorial team ®
THE WIDER WORLD WELCOME TO OUR FOURTH ANNUAL The Trazee Book! Since our last edition, trazeetravel.com has continued to bring even more travel tips and trends to our readers. We are excited to bring this content to print once again. Whether you are about to embark on a big trip or just looking for some travel inspiration, Trazee Travel proves a great place to go. Travel as a millennial can be hard; arranging time off from work or finding the funds for that dream vacation can be stressful. Trazee Travel can help ease that stress. Our readers come to trazeetravel.com to discover the newest travel trends, advice on traveling on a budget and much AUTUMN ADVENTURE: more. Mary Melnick enjoying the Fall Foliage Festival in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Growing up, I was interested in PHOTO: © MARY MELNICK travel but always thought it a farfetched goal to visit all the destinations I dreamed of. After spending time at trazeetravel.com, reading articles about the tips and tricks of travel, I realized my dreams could become a reality. I constantly add new places to my bucket list; whether I choose destinations in the States or out of the country, I know trazeetravel.com will have something to help make my travels a breeze. The Trazee Book will open the eyes of millennials to a new world of travel. On these pages you will find insights on lesser-known travel destinations to explore, cycling tours around the world and voluntourism experiences, as well as a recap of the 2019 The Trazees awards and the Global Business Travel Association convention … and much more. Our team hopes this edition of The Trazee Book brings our passion for travel to our readers. As a new addition to the Trazee Travel family, I am excited to be part of bringing The Trazee Book to life. Enjoy!
EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director KATIE SKRZEK katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor JANICE HECHT jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ERICH J. MARTIN erich.martin@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator MARY MELNICK mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Editor at Large HOLLY RIDDLE holly.riddle@globaltravelerusa.com ART Art Director TRACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN
WRITERS KRISTY ALPERT NICOLE BERGSTROM JACK GUY HOLLY RIDDLE
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ON THE MOVE BEING A MILLENNIAL IS UNDERRATED. Many people from other generations don’t understand our desire to mix up having a good job with a good life, with travel and wanderlust playing a big role. We’re on the move constantly; and when we travel, we do it differently. We love to go to the lesser-known spots, whether it’s a restaurant serving homemade fare, a cute café for a relaxing SEEING THE SIGHTS: Mariana Zenizo at the Teotihuacán Pyramids coffee after a full day of PHOTO: © MARIANA ZENIZO exploring or art galleries displaying the work of local artists you won’t find elsewhere. Trazee Travel is just the right resource to find out about these special spots. As millennials we look for that unique twist to every trip that lets us enjoy a destination like a local, whether it’s an intimate cycling tour or volunteering in a community. Nothing appeals more than getting to know a culture from the inside, providing a more meaningful journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this kind of experience; connect with trazeetravel.com. Ours may be a digital generation, but we also love old-school print media. This is why we present the fourth edition of The Trazee Book: to inspire you to find your next adventure and do it with purpose. I’m excited to be a member of a team that recognizes how the next generations change travel for the better. Let’s show the world we can manage mixing business and pleasure in the right measure — better than any generation before. And from one passionate millennial to another: Don’t ever forget to travel with a child’s perspective so you never lose your sense of awe about the wonders of this world.
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contents
Trazee Travel 2019 26
8 Top Honors Trazee Travel celebrates the winners of the 2019 The Trazees. 26 Off the Beaten Path Lesser-known destinations pack a big punch without the big crowds. 32 Making Connections Engage with communities and causes as you travel with a purpose in mind.
38 The World on Two Wheels Discover the joys of seeing the sights via cycle tours.
FX E X P R E S S
ON THE COVER
P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .
trazeetravel.com | $4.99 | 2019
42 Brave New World How will the next generation of intrepid globetrotters change the way we travel? 46 Cheers! Trazee Travel celebrates five years as a one-stop resource for millennial travelers.
THE TRAZEES p. 8 LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE NOW p. 26 TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE p. 32 CYCLING TOURS p. 38 HOW THE NEXT GENERATION WILL CHANGE TRAVEL p. 42 TRAZEE ANNIVERSARY p. 46
THE TRAZEE BOOK COVER PHOTO: © ANATOLIYGLEB DREAMSTIME.COM
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Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material. AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 ©2019 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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PHOTOS: © CHECCO - DREAMSTIME.COM, © DODI SANDRADI - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ARNE9001 -
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An
urban resort in Los Angeles offering luxurious accommodations, California French dining, newly redesigned bar with live entertainment, spacious meeting rooms, complimentary high-speed internet, spa and salon services, fitness center and more.
SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS | 8555 BEVERLY BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 | 310-278-5444 WWW.SOFITEL-LOS-ANGELES.COM
Top Honors Trazee Travel celebrates the 2019 winners of The Trazees. BY KIMBERLY KROL | PHOTOS BY WILLIE LAMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
ALL THAT JAZZ: Blue Buddha Band
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IN AUGUST THE FXEXPRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. team descended on Chicago to attend the annual Global Business Travel Association convention on behalf of our family of brands, including Global Traveler, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and FX Excursions. As GBTA marked 51 years, we celebrated the milestone fifth annual The Trazees, hosting an award ceremony and celebration for the winners and for our esteemed clients and friends.
trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2019
Nestled in Chicago’s serene but perfectly located Gold Coast neighborhood, the recently renovated Claridge House played host for the festive evening. The hotel’s home-away-from-home atmosphere was perfect for honoring those in travel who always make sure travelers are well tended to. We crowned the winners for the fifth year, awarding the best and brightest in travel as deemed by the readers of GT’s sister web publication, trazeetravel.com, aimed at the all-important 25–40 travel segment. Acceptees from a number of renowned travel brands were in attendance to represent their companies. Trazee Travel is a one-stop resource for millennial travelers with news, tips, reviews and more updated daily. Ballots ran online December 2018–March 2019. In September 2019 the web publication celebrated five years of providing creative, cuttingedge content to the demographic that forever changed the face of travel.
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1. Kristen Bowdoin, managing director, Chase Bank Credit Cards 2. Luc Bondar, vice president, loyalty, United Airlines 3. Rafael Lizarraga, chief commercial officer, Posadas 4. Anthony Potts, global sales manager, oneworld 5. Andrew Yiu, vice president, product, Air Canada
The night’s sponsor, the United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase, proves the perfect option for millennial travelers as it offers United Club lounge access and myriad other perks. In honor of Chicago’s long history of jazz music, the four-piece Blue Buddha Band charmed award winners and event attendees with beautiful melodies and stunning vocals. “Chicago is a millennial hot spot, offering fantastic cuisine, interesting architecture, a captivating history, shoreline and so much more; and Claridge House, one of the city’s coolest new spots, welcomes travelers home the minute they step in the door. Coupled together, the city and venue were the perfect spots to celebrate
another successful GBTA and the fifth annual The Trazees event. We thank Claridge House for helping us honor the night’s winners. Each year, trazeetravel.com continues to deliver all the needto-know information for travelers ages 25–40, and we were pleased, once again, to acknowledge the travel providers that, year after year, deliver wonderful travel experiences to this demographic. It was a wonderful evening with the industry’s best and brightest,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc. The 51st Global Business Travel Association convention welcomed more than 7,000 travel professionals from all over the globe. The 52nd convention will take place next year in Denver.
6. Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, North America, TAP Air Portugal 7. Graciela Cabrera, administrative manager, Tourist Office of Spain 8. Bruce Hodge, president, GOWAY 9. John Iannini; vice president; business travel, meetings and events; Americas; Sol Meliá 10. Curtis Grezenski, senior manager, global brand sales and marketing, Marriott International TRAZEE TRAVEL 2019 trazeetravel.com
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1. Jeff Lobl, managing director, distribution strategy, Delta Air Lines 2. Alvaro Werner Gonzalez Ringler, CEO, Bogotรก El Dorado International Airport 3. Joaquin Badia, corporate sales manager, U.S., Canada & Caribbean, LATAM
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4. Ed Malone, area director, North America, Aruba Tourism Authority 5. James Cai, sales director, China Southern Airlines 6. Marlene Sanau, vice president, sales, South African Airways 7. Tom Aichele, managing director, central division, American Airlines
8. Cindy Koh, associate general manager, engineering management and systems planning, Singapore Changi Airport 9. Derek DeCross, senior vice president, global sales, InterContinental Hotels Group
OUT THERE ARE AMAZING JOURNEYS AND LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES From viewing the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories, to whale watching in Nova Scotia, endless quintessentially Canadian adventures await when you fly with Air Canada. Book at aircanada.com
Voted Best Airline in North America
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1. Vincent Frascogna, vice president, regional sales, USA, Etihad Airways 2. Stefanie Dillmore, manager, Hertz brand partnerships, Hertz 3. Kyle Mastin, director, non-traditional concessions, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
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4. Jai Ferrell, airport director, marketing & creative services, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 5. Brad Shih, director, Taiwan Tourism Board 6. Shirnett Fleet, vice president of marketing, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection 7. Santiago C. Corrado, president and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay 8. John Downey, president, Hurtigruten Americas
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9. Michael Fear, general manager, Hotel Zephyr 10. Mark Thorpe, CEO, Ontario International Airport 11. Abdulaziz Abdulla Al-Mass, vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Hamad International Airport, Doha
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1. Richard Evans, senior vice president, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Carly Allen, executive vice president and associate publisher, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
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2. Tara From, director, member management, United Airlines; Kirill Litovchenko, manager, international marketing, United Airlines; Marissa LaVigne, senior manager, domestic card partners, United Airlines 3. Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Yasser Ogando, advertising and production coordinator, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 4
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4. Luc Bondar, vice president, loyalty, United Airlines; Kristen Bowdoin, managing director, Chase Bank Credit Cards; Ellen Hardaway, senior marketing associate, Chase Bank Credit Cards 5. Angelique Platas, associate editor, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Kimberly Krol, editor in chief, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Carly Allen, executive vice president and associate publisher, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
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6. Stephanie Makowski, account executive, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Stephanie Laster, general manager, business traveler and partner marketing, Delta Air Lines; Jeff Lobl, managing director, distribution strategy, Delta Air Lines 7. Mauricio Banados, corporate sales manager, LATAM; Salome Penailillo, corporate sales manager, LATAM; Bill Lodzinski, director of sales, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 8. Chris Sager, account executive, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Max Knagge, general manager, Americas, SAS Scandinavian Airlines
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9. Carlos Paneiro, vice president, sales, North and Central America, TAP Air Portugal; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, North America, TAP Air Portugal; Chris Sager, account executive, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 10. Chuck Gekas; John Wroblewski, distribution specialist, FXExpress Publications, Inc.
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FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE:
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN EUROPE:
American Airlines
TAP Air Portugal
PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES
PHOTO: © BOARDING1NOW - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT TYPE: Airbus A350 PHOTO: © AIRBUS
FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE 1. American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. Emirates 5. Asiana Airlines
FAVORITE AIRLINE WEBSITE 1. aa.com 2. united.com 3. delta.com 4. jetblue.com 5. southwest.com
FAVORITE LOW-COST AIRLINE 1. JetBlue 2. Norwegian Air 3. Southwest Airlines 4. Spirit Airlines 5. Frontier
FAVORITE AIRLINE ALLIANCE 1. oneworld 2. Star Alliance 3. SkyTeam
FAVORITE FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAM 1. United MileagePlus 2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Delta SkyMiles 4. Alaska Mileage Plan 5. JetBlue TrueBlue
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA 1. LATAM Airlines Group 2. Avianca 3. Aerolineas Argentinas 4. Aeromexico 5. Copa Airlines
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT TYPE 1. Airbus A350 2. Boeing 787 3. Boeing 777 4. Airbus A380 5. Airbus A330
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FAVORITE AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Air Canada 2. United Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. American Airlines 5. Alaska Airlines
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN EUROPE 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. Brussels Airlines 3. Turkish Airlines 4. Austrian Airlines 5. British Airways
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FAVORITE AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA: Air Canada
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA: LATAM Airlines Group PHOTO: © LATAM
PHOTO: © MARIO BEAUREGARD DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN AFRICA 1. South African Airways 2. Kenya Airways 3. Air Namibia 4. Air Seychelles 5. Ethiopian Airlines FAVORITE AIRLINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Etihad Airways 2. Qatar Airways 3. Emirates 4. EL AL Israel Airlines 5. Royal Jordanian FAVORITE AIRLINE IN ASIA 1. China Southern Airlines 2. Asiana Airlines 3. China Airlines 4. Korean Air 5. Hong Kong Airlines
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN MEXICO 1. Interjet 2. Aeromexico 3. Volaris 4. VivaAerobus FAVORITE GREEN AIRLINE 1. United Airlines 2. Lufthansa 3. TAP Air Portugal 4. American Airlines 5. Delta Air Lines FAVORITE AIRLINE APP 1. Delta Air Lines 2. Alaska Airlines 3. United Airlines 4. American Airlines 5. Singapore Airlines
FAVORITE OVERALL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Munich Airport 3. Singapore Changi Airport 4. Incheon Airport 5. San Francisco International Airport FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3. Pittsburgh International Airport 4. San Francisco International Airport 5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston
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FAVORITE AIRPORT SHOPPING:
Singapore Changi Airport
Incheon Airport
PHOTO: © SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT
PHOTO: © HAKAN CAN YALCIN - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING: Hamad International Airport, Doha PHOTO: © TEA - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE AIRPORT IN ASIA 1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Kansai International Airport 3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 4. Incheon Airport 5. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport FAVORITE AIRPORT IN EUROPE 1. Helsinki Airport 2. Munich Airport 3. Vienna International Airport 4. Zürich Airport 5. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, Rome FAVORITE AIRPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Abu Dhabi International Airport 4. Bahrain International Airport 5. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina
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FAVORITE AIRPORT IN AFRICA 1. Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca 2. King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa 3. Cape Town International Airport 4. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria 5. Port Elizabeth International Airport FAVORITE AIRPORT IN CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA 1. Bogotá El Dorado International Airport 2. Montevideo Carrasco International Airport 3. Medellín José María Cordova International Airport 4. Quito International Airport 5. Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru
FAVORITE AIRPORT DINING 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha 4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol FAVORITE AIRPORT SHOPPING 1. Incheon Airport 2. Denver International Airport 3. Dubai International Airport 4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Dubai Duty Free 3. Incheon Airport 4. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 5. Hong Kong International Airport
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FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN EUROPE: Brussels Airport PHOTO: © TUPUNGATO - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Dubai Duty Free 3. Abu Dhabi International Airport 4. Bahrain Duty Free 5. Amman Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN AFRICA 1. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Mauritius International Airport 2. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport 3. King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa 4. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria 5. Port Elizabeth International Airport
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FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN ASIA 1. Kansai International Airport 2. Incheon Airport 3. Singapore Changi Airport 4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 5. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN EUROPE 1. Brussels Airport 2. London Heathrow Airport 3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 4. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, Rome 5. Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN CENTRAL/ SOUTH AMERICA 1. Montevideo Carrasco International Airport 2. Bogotá El Dorado International Airport
3. Medellín José María Cordova International Airport 4. Quito International Airport 5. Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL HOTEL 1. Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco 2. Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles 3. Moxy New Orleans 4. COQ Hotel Paris 5. Freehand Miami, Miami Beach FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN 1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2. Aloft Hotels 3. Canopy by Hilton 4. Hyatt Place 5. EVEN Hotels
2020 Trazees Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.
AIRLINE BEST
HOTEL BEST
Favorite International Airline____________________________________________________________
Favorite Individual Hotel________________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline Alliance_________________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain____________________________________________________________________
Favorite Aircraft Type___________________________________________________________________
Favorite Individual Lifestyle Hotel_______________________________________________________
Favorite Airline Website ________________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Website__________________________________________________________________
Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program_______________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Rewards Program_______________________________________________________
Favorite Low-Cost Carrier_______________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain in Asia_____________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in Africa_________________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain in Europe_________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in Asia___________________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico_________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in Europe_______________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in Mexico_______________________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel Chain in South/Central America________________________________________
Favorite Airline in the Middle East______________________________________________________
Favorite Green Hotel____________________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in North America_______________________________________________________
Favorite Hotel App______________________________________________________________________
Favorite Airline in South/Central America______________________________________________ Favorite Green Airline___________________________________________________________________
DESTINATION BEST
Favorite Airline App_____________________________________________________________________
Favorite Country________________________________________________________________________ Favorite Worldwide City_________________________________________________________________
AIRPORT BEST
Favorite Honeymoon Destination______________________________________________________
Favorite Overall Airport in the World___________________________________________________
Favorite Adventure Destination_________________________________________________________
Favorite Airport in Africa________________________________________________________________
Favorite Foodie City_____________________________________________________________________
Favorite Airport in Asia__________________________________________________________________
Friendliest City___________________________________________________________________________
Favorite Airport in Europe______________________________________________________________ Favorite Airport in North America______________________________________________________
OTHER BEST
Favorite Airport in the Middle East_____________________________________________________
Favorite Car Rental Company___________________________________________________________
Favorite Airport in South/Central America_____________________________________________ Favorite Airport Dining__________________________________________________________________ Favorite Airport Shopping______________________________________________________________ Favorite Duty-Free Shopping___________________________________________________________ Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Africa__________________________________________________
Favorite Tour Operator_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Luggage Brand_________________________________________________________________ Favorite Credit Card_____________________________________________________________________ Favorite Cruise Line_____________________________________________________________________
Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Asia____________________________________________________ Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Europe________________________________________________ Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East_______________________________________ Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in South/Central America ______________________________
PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or fax to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at trazeetravel.com/trazees-2020-voting Name Street Address City
State
ZIP Code
Home Phone
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21C Museum Hotel Oklahoma City
INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLE HOTEL:
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN THE MIDDLE EAST:
PHOTO: © MIKE SCHWARTZ
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
COURTESY OF 21C MUSEUM HOTELS
PHOTO: © CHECCO - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE COUNTRY:
FAVORITE WORLDWIDE CITY:
Ireland
Barcelona, Spain
PHOTO: © TOURISM IRELAND
PHOTO: © TOMAS1111 - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLE HOTEL 1. 21C Museum Hotel, Oklahoma City 2. ME Miami 3. INNSIDE New York NoMad 4. COQ Hotel Paris 5. Hotel Zeta, San Francisco
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN ASIA 1. Aloft Hotels 2. Moxy 3. W Hotels 4. Hyatt Centric 5. The Ritz-Carlton
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO 1. Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 4. Westin Hotels & Resorts 5. W Hotels
FAVORITE COUNTRY 1. Ireland 2. Greece 3. Spain 4. South Africa 5. United Kingdom
FAVORITE HOTEL WEBSITE 1. intercontinental.com 2. andaz.com 3. marriott.com 4. westin.com 5. hilton.com
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN EUROPE 1. Moxy 2. Hotel Indigo 3. The Ritz-Carlton 4. Canopy by Hilton 5. Westin Hotels & Resorts
FAVORITE WORLDWIDE CITY 1. Barcelona, Spain 2. Bangkok, Thailand 3. Singapore 4. Dublin, Ireland 5. Hong Kong
FAVORITE HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAM IN THE WORLD 1. IHG Rewards Club 2. Marriott Bonvoy 3. Hilton Honors 4. Sol Meliá MAS Rewards 5. Radisson Rewards
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA 1. Sol Meliá 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Latin America 4. Riu Hotels & Resorts 5. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts 2. Aloft Hotels 3. Marriott International 4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 5. Address Hotels + Resorts
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FAVORITE GREEN HOTEL 1. Aloft Hotels 2. Sofitel Hotels & Resorts 3. Hilton Hotels 4. Marriott International 5. Element Hotels
FAVORITE HONEYMOON DESTINATION 1. Aruba 2. Greece 3. Cook Islands 4. Turks & Caicos 5. St. Lucia
FOR
ALL THE MOMENTS WE STAND UP
JOE MANGANIELLO Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador
Since 2008, Major League BaseballÂŽ has supported Stand Up To Cancer in its mission to fund groundbreaking research and get treatments to patients faster than ever before. Join us as we stand united to show our support for loved ones affected by cancer.
Visit StandUpToCancer.org/MLB
Photo By ANDREW ECCLES Stand Up To Cancer is a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com
WINNERS’ CIRCLE ru is e Li ne F avor ite C U River Cruises
FAVORITE CAR RENTAL COMPANY:
FAVORITE ADVENTURE DESTINATION:
Hertz
Taiwan
PHOTO: © HERTZ
PHOTO: © JULIEN VIRY - DREAMSTIME.COM
FAVORITE FOODIE CITY:
FAVORITE CRUISE LINE:
Asheville, North Carolina
U River Cruises
PHOTO: © JERRY COLI - DREAMSTIME.COM
PHOTO: © U RIVER CRUISES
FAVORITE ADVENTURE DESTINATION 1. Taiwan 2. India 3. Thailand 4. New Zealand 5. Austria FAVORITE FOODIE CITY 1. Asheville, North Carolina 2. Chicago, Illinois 3. Rome, Italy 4. Paris, France 5. New York City, New York
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FRIENDLIEST CITY 1. Tampa Bay, Florida 2. Nashville, Tennessee 3. Chicago, Illinois 4. Atlanta, Georgia 5. Denver, Colorado FAVORITE CAR RENTAL COMPANY 1. Hertz 2. Sixt 3. National Car Rental 4. Avis 5. Enterprise
FAVORITE TOUR OPERATOR 1. GOWAY 2. Abercrombie & Kent 3. Top Deck 4. Contiki 5. Red Savannah FAVORITE LUGGAGE BRAND 1. Tumi 2. Swiss Army 3. Samsonite 4. Delsey 5. TravelPro
FAVORITE CREDIT CARD 1. United Explorer Card by Chase 2. American Express Green 3. American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles 4. Venture Card from Capital One 5. Chase Ink FAVORITE CRUISE LINE 1. U River Cruises 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Norwegian Cruise Line 4. Princess Cruises 5. Carnival Cruises
WINNERS’ CIRCLE ru is e Li ne F avor ite C U RiverFAVORITE Cruises
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN AFRICA:
QUINT STATUS 2019
HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO:
South African Airways
Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
PHOTO: © ANTON VOLYNETS - DREAMSTIME.COM
PHOTO: © FIESTA AMERICANA HOTELS & RESORTS
FAVORITE AIRLINE IN AFRICA South African Airways FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts
FAVORITE AIRPOT IN NORTH AMERICA: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport PHOTO: © HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Share THE WORLD In 2020, Goway Travel will turn 50. Since its humble origins taking bookings by telegram in Toronto, Goway has grown to over 350 employees, forming teams specializing worldwide.
Our destination specialists craft tailor-made vacations to:
◆ AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST ◆ IDYLLIC ISLANDS ◆ CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA ◆ UK & EUROPE ◆ ASIA ◆ POLAR VOYAGES
Thanks to the readers for voting us “Favourite Tour Operator’ ...it’s what we’ve been doing for 50 years
◆ 800 387 8850
◆ info@goway.com
◆ www.goway.com
DOWNUNDER
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
For the first year, in addition to our reader-voted The Trazees, trazeetravel.com acknowledges those travel companies going above and beyond. Our Special Achievement Awards recognize leaders making a difference in the industry. Congratulations to this year’s honorees! Options are important to travelers, especially busy, on-the-go millennial ones. Additionally, cost and ease are factors to be considered. Ontario International Airport, located in Southern California, understands these objectives, and its growing services and other airport facilities and amenities make it a serious alternative to flying in and out of busy Los Angeles International Airport. For this reason, ONT earned the title of Favorite Alternative Airport this year. In April 2019 passenger volume at the airport grew by 7 percent, a clear indicator travelers are taking notice. In the same vein, speed and convenience, particularly among this FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT: go-now, do-now group Ontario International Airport of travelers, rank high PHOTO: © ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT in importance. What innovations will improve and expedite the travel process? In 2019 we think CLEAR made a huge impact and consequently named it Favorite Travel Experience Improvement. Instead of using the traditional method of identification documents to move through airports, CLEAR uses the soon-to-be-ubiquitous method of biometrics, like using eyes and fingertips, to confirm travFAVORITE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENT: elers’ identities. Partners include Delta Air CLEAR Lines, Major League Baseball and Hertz. PHOTO: © CLEAR Following a year where single-use plastics and other environmental concerns were front and center in the public consciousness, we look to highlight a travel provider doing its part to aid the environment. Hurtigruten Cruises is the 2019 honoree for Favorite Environmentally Conscious Cruise Line. Sustainability is part of everything the cruise line does, from working closely with local communities and introducing the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships to eliminating single-use plastics and establishing the Hurtigruten Foundation to conserve the polar bear population, among other efforts.
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FAVORITE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CRUISE LINE: Hurtigruten Cruises PHOTO: © HURTIGRUTEN CRUISES
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT Ontario International Airport FAVORITE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENT CLEAR FAVORITE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CRUISE LINE Hurtigruten Cruises
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Off the Beaten Path Lesser-known destinations deliver a big punch without the big crowds. BY KRISTY ALPERT BIT OF BLISS:
Wayag Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia PHOTO: © DODI SANDRADI DREAMSTIME.COM
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STARING UP AT THE EIFFEL TOWER, its impressive façade offering glimpses of the city through its intricately latticed iron design, one is challenged to marvel at this global wonder rather than ponder at how so many people can fit into such a small park at the same time. The streets of Paris are still “a moveable feast,” as Ernest Hemingway described them during his time in the city in the early 1920s. Only today, those streets are just a bit harder to navigate due to large crowds and over-tourism. Many of the world’s most beloved destinations have been dealt a similar fate of crowded streets and ports, with Venice, Dubrovnik, Machu Picchu and even Angkor Wat all recently placing guidelines on how or how many tourists can visit throughout the year. While some popular destinations are exhaustingly inundated with travelers during peak and nonpeak seasons, the following lesser-known destinations sit on the other end of the spectrum, primed and eager for visitors to explore their exotic shores and experience the unreal encounters only available on their soil.
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From a postcard village in Slovenia with swoon-worthy romantic lore to a tiny town in Arkansas with a big personality, check out these off-the-beaten-path destinations before they become the next hot spots in tourism.
DIVERS MAY ALREADY be aware of this Indonesian archipelago, as it is home to one of the most remote and pristine reef systems in the world. Unlike its popular sister island Bali, Raja Ampat includes more than 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. The name Raja Ampat translates to “the four kings,” representing the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool — each sparsely populated and containing an exotic mix of white-sand beaches, verdant jungles, secret lagoons, mysterious caves and mushroom-shaped islets that dip gently into the glittering turquoise waters. Tourism only recently picked up on the islands, where the focus remains on sustainability and eco-luxury at top resorts like the Cove Eco Resort or the Papua Paradise Eco Resort, the latter best known for its sunset-facing overwater bungalows. IT’S ONLY A SHORT HOUR flight from Argentina’s capital city to the chic Uruguayan beach town of José Ignacio, but the upscale and uncrowded vibe couldn’t be more different from its busy Argentine neighbor. José Ignacio’s understated luxury makes it the Hamptons for South Americans, where fresh catches of the day and hearty slices of grass-fed beef are cooked on open fires near the beach long after the sun sets. Visitors spend
SEA TREASURES: Raja Ampat reef (left), and lighthouse in José Ignacio, Uruguay (below) PHOTOS: © PARNUPONG NORASETHKAMOL DREAMSTIME.COM, © KSENIYA RAGOZINA DREAMSTIME.COM
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also A 5&10, a known as -dime, five-and type of a popular the store in , h century mid-20t nge of sold a ra around items all w price the low, lo r 10 of five o h. cents eac PERSPECTIVES:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas (right), and Bled Lake, Slovenia (below) PHOTOS: © RUSEL1981 - DREAMSTIME.COM
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days wine tasting at the nearby vineyards, playing polo, surfing, relaxing on the beach or taking in the sights such as an authentic lighthouse open for visitors to walk up its spiral stairs for a panoramic view of the picturesque coastline. SET IN THE FOOTHILLS of the Julian Alps, the tiny Slovenian resort town of Bled is home to one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Lake Bled, a glacial lake with a small island in the center, boasts all the charm of Lake Como and all the beauty of Lake Lucerne with none of the crowds. The area surrounding the lake proves an outdoor-lovers paradise, with options for canyoning, zip lining, soaking in the thermal waters or strolling through the mystical Vintgar Gorge. Take a pletna boat (a traditional boat dating back to 1590) to the center island on the lake to visit the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria. The church sits high on the island, exactly 99 steps from the shoreline, where tradition has it grooms able to carry their brides up all 99 of these stairs to the site of the bell tower are guaranteed a happy marriage for life. Don’t leave town without trying a slice of the famous Bled cream cake from Grand Hotel Toplice, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. ALTHOUGH SAM WALTON wasn’t the first to see the charming potential of Bentonville, Arkansas, his mark on the
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town makes it an unexpected destination today. Walton’s first five-and-dime in downtown Bentonville laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s largest multinational retail empires. As the official headquarters for Wal-Mart, Bentonville attracts a number of investors and entrepreneurs who give the town a big-city persona without losing its small-town appeal. The town also hosts the critically acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum
of American Art, a cutting-edge 21c Museum Hotel, tons of avant-garde restaurants and an exploding music scene where big-name artists perform in intimate venues and craft brewing halls. DURING SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL, visitors can access Muhu Island, a remote island in the Baltic Sea, via a passenger ferry from the mainland of Estonia, but during winter it’s an ice road that provides passage over the causeway. Muhu Island is laden in folklore and tradition, with Muhu hay and honey both prized throughout European spas for their restorative powers. The island’s most famous Muhu leib (rye bread) is made from a 120-year-old starter. Muhu Island’s quaint villages boast an airy ambience that rivals the neighborhoods of Montauk, and their stone fences lead to the famous Üügu Cliff and the pagan tombstones of St. Catherine’s Church. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay at Pädaste Manor, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, where the old stone hotel’s 15th-century roots sport a 21st-century upgrade.
EXPEDITIONS:
Muhu Island's Pädaste Manor, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (above); and African Big Five safari tour (left) PHOTOS: © SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD, © NDP DREAMSTIME.COM
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK in South Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia and Chobe National Park in Botswana tend to get all the attention from travelers booking a safari vacation, but the lesser-known Zakouma National Park in Chad is on track to become the next big safari destination. Half a century ago no one would dream of taking a safari anywhere near Zakouma, as poaching all but wiped out the animal population. Since 2010 the park made strides to reintroduce native species and wildlife while nearly eliminating poaching. With the most recent arrival of six black rhinos, the park earns its title as the closest Big Five destination to Europe. TRAZEE TRAVEL 2019 trazeetravel.com
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WORLD HERITAGE:
Kakadu National Park waterfall (above) and aboriginal rock painting PHOTOS: © MARCO SARACCO - DREAMSTIME.COM, © DIRK ERCKEN - DREAMSTIME.COM
ALTHOUGH KAKADU NATIONAL PARK is the largest national park in Australia, it only receives about 200,000 visitors each year … just 1 percent of the numbers Sydney welcomes annually. The Northern Territory park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks the region where the aboriginal people have made their home for more than 65,000 years and have gifted the area with stunning rock art while preserving the terrain. About half the size of Switzerland, the park is one of the only places in the world that experiences six seasons: Gudjewg, Banggerreng, Yegge, Wurrgeng, Gurrung and Gunumeleng. The Cicada Lodge offers a luxury experience in this remote park and provides a great home base for those heading out on a crocodile-spotting river cruise or swimming in the (crocodile-free) waterfalls and waterholes.
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2019 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.
Best Beaches ___________________________________________________________________________
Best River Cruise Line __________________________________________________________________
Best Historical Attractions, Domestic __________________________________________________
Best Cruise Line Entertainment _______________________________________________________
Best Historical Attractions, International _______________________________________________
Best Cruise Line Dining ________________________________________________________________
Best Adventure Destination, Domestic_________________________________________________
Best Cruise Line Spa ____________________________________________________________________
Best Adventure Destination, International _____________________________________________
Best Cruise Ship Excursions ___________________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in the United States _________________________________________
Best Cruise Line Rewards Program ___________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in Europe_____________________________________________________
Best Cruise Port ________________________________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in Africa ______________________________________________________
Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World _______________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in Asia________________________________________________________
Best Hotel Chain Resorts ______________________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America______________________________________
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel ________________________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination in Mexico_____________________________________________________
Best Family Resort Chain in the World ________________________________________________
Best Leisure Destination for Groups (Four or More)___________________________________
Best All-Inclusive Resort_________________________________________________________________
Best Weekend Destination in North America__________________________________________
Best Tour Operator_____________________________________________________________________
Best Weekend Destination in the World_______________________________________________
Best Airport for Layovers_______________________________________________________________
Best North American Ski Destination___________________________________________________
Best Airport Recreation_________________________________________________________________
Best International Ski Destination______________________________________________________
Best Stopover Program_________________________________________________________________
Best Caribbean Island _________________________________________________________________
Best Leisure Airline ____________________________________________________________________
Best Island in Europe __________________________________________________________________
Best Airline Onboard Entertainment___________________________________________________
Best Island Pacific Rim _________________________________________________________________
Best Airline Onboard Menu_____________________________________________________________
Best Family Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________
Best Premium-Economy Class ________________________________________________________
Best Luxury Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________
Best Pet-Friendly Airline ________________________________________________________________
Best Value Cruise Line__________________________________________________________________
Best Luxury Vehicle ____________________________________________________________________
Best Cruise Line Suites _________________________________________________________________
Best Car Rental _________________________________________________________________________
Best Adventure Cruise Line ____________________________________________________________
Favorite Luxury Watch Brand __________________________________________________________
Best Small-Ship Cruise Line ____________________________________________________________
Best Destination Jewelrey Brand _______________________________________________________
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line ___________________________________________________________
Favorite Liquor Brand___________________________________________________________________
PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or fax to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/leisureballot Name Street Address City
State
ZIP Code
Home Phone
Making Connections Engage with communities and causes as you travel with a purpose in mind. BY NICOLE BERGSTROM
THUMBS UP:
Volunteer aid relief worker having fun teaching African children in Uganda PHOTO: Š LIFEONTHESIDE DREAMSTIME.COM
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE? Does it mean you want to do more than just flock around like all the other tourists? In addition to seeing the beauty and history of a foreign land, you can become involved with local communities and get an extraordinary cultural experience. If that is what you are looking for, consider spending some or all of your trip volunteering in one of the thousands of opportunities available worldwide. It is important, however, to ensure your experience is not just
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another staged tourist activity. Make it a memory of a lifetime by really connecting with a community. Ask yourself what your passions are or how your skills can be best utilized. A group on Facebook called Travel to Do Good even helps people find the perfect volunteer travel experience. Nearly every profession or interest offers worldwide opportunities to volunteer tailored to any need. Just Google your individual passions or interests combined with volunteer opportunities
abroad and you will see endless possibilities. Historically, voluntourism, as the travel segment is known, is not new. As far back as 1909 the British Red Cross implemented the Voluntary Aid Detachment unit of civilians providing nursing care for military personnel. In contemporary times, the trend arose in the United States in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy started the Peace Corps to promote international relations. To date, more than 235,000 joined the Peace Corps and provided aid in 141 countries. More than 55 percent of Americans have participated in voluntourism in some way in the past two years. The millennial generation represents the highest percentage of volunteers according to a 2015 survey conducted by Good Travels, an organization devoted to worldwide philanthropy. For decades, college-bound youth have volunteered overseas as part of a gap year. According to the 2015 survey, 81 percent of the millennials surveyed volunteered during the previous two years in their chosen destination. This outpaces the 61 percent of travelers ages 35–54 and the 43 percent of travelers aged 55-plus who voluntour. For those who need to travel on a budget, volunteer tourism can also be beneficial to both sides. Staying with a host family proves a great way to find low-cost lodging — often including meals. The host family can provide the most intimate experience with another culture. Education students can gain experience through many programs for teaching English as a foreign language around the world. Teaching abroad has been one of the most popular volunteer activities. According to the Good Travels survey, 27 percent of Americans choose education as their favorite cause. Imagine teaching English to Italian
LENDING A HAND:
Habitat for Humanity home building site in California (top), and teaching outdoors in a rural education program in Assam, India PHOTOS: © BURT JOHNSON DREAMSTIME.COM, © PRATIK PANDA - DREAMSTIME.COM
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GREEN INITIATIVE:
Volunteers planting young mangrove trees at the swamps in Phuket, Thailand PHOTO: © RATTHANARONG PHRAIBUNG - DREAMSTIME .COM
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children on one trip, then instructing a class of adults in Vietnam on the next. The professional opportunities for traveling abroad attract those in the medical, legal and business fields. Founded in 1971, Doctors Without Borders is the most well-known organization for medical personnel to lend their care abroad, so far treating tens of millions of patients worldwide. Legal Aid offers opportunities in international law all over the world, and corporate professionals can participate in international volunteer programs such as Globe Aware. The volunteer prospects for media professionals and people in the arts are endless. Journalists can mentor the next generation of broadcast and print journalists. Public relations professionals can teach the trade to the youth of another culture. If you work in the fine arts, you can take your skills abroad as a music teacher, dance instructor, drama coach or art teacher. Imagine instructing dance
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in Paris to university students or directing a play in London. All you need to do is decide where to go. Carpenters and other tradespeople — or anyone else with skills — can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, an organization started in 1976 by Clarence Jordan and championed by President Jimmy Carter, who at age 95 continues to volunteer along with his wife, Rosalynn. The organization now operates in all 50 of the United States and more than 70 countries worldwide. So far, Habitat has built homes for more than 22 million people. If you’re motivated to work on behalf of the planet and its creatures, you can do your part to help preserve our wildlife and natural resources. The Good Travels survey reports environmental and wildlife causes reflect the interests of 11 and 10 percent of American travelers, respectively. According to the website Educate Inspire Change, a record-breaking reforestation occurred in 2016
when 2.5 million volunteers planted more than 110 million trees in just two days. As ecotourism continues to gain momentum, travelers can explore the planet while working with others to preserve it for future generations. The oldest and largest ecotourism society in the world, The International Ecotourism Society, now boasts more than 15,000 active members who participate in conservation efforts in more than 190 countries. Animal lovers can volunteer to work with marine and wild life. The 16,306 endangered species on the planet need volunteers to help save them from extinction. If the sea is your passion, consider joining the Marine Conservation Society’s new program for volunteers called Sea Champions. Voluntourism is not without its critics. Case in point: the recent backlash against orphanage tourism, due to some institutions running profit-making scams at the expense of vulnerable
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children and occasionally being linked to human trafficking. In addition, some sanctuaries for endangered species have been guilty of unethical treatment of animals. It is a smart idea to investigate the legitimacy of the organization you are considering. While you may want to contribute to a cause in your own unique way, always make sure you and the cause are not exploited in any way by scammers. If any fees are needed, investigate where this money goes. Legitimate organizations will provide full disclosure on how funds are used. If you want to make an impact on people and this world through travel, you’ll find a multitude of ways to do so. As citizens of Mother Earth, we need to do our part to keep her around for future generations. We also need to do whatever we can to keep positive international relations strong for the greater good. With the right approach, traveling with a purpose can translate to a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all involved.
A BETTER WORLD:
Volunteers cleaning up a beach PHOTO: © AMMENTORP DREAMSTIME.COM
FX Excursions FX Excursions offer a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a destination around the world. The unique itineraries, exclusively created by and for FXExpress Publications, Inc. and its partners, allow participants to go hands-on at a worldwide event or see an international city in a new way. All the planning and sightseeing is handled for attendees, from the flights and accommodations to the itinerary. Visit our websites — globaltravelerusa.com, whereverfamily.com and trazeetravel.com — to learn more about our three tour options, including suggested itineraries in worldwide destinations and recommended tours travelers can book at leisure through our preferred tour partner. Our Specialty Tours allow you to travel with us on a handcrafted agenda around the globe.
The World on Two Wheels Discover the joys of seeing the sights via cycle tours. BY JACK GUY 38
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YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A SEASONED rider to enjoy a cycle tour. From multiday tours over punishing climbs in the French Alps to one-day culinary tours around buzzing cities, or even luxurious trips where you cycle in the daytime and retire to a yacht in the evening, there’s something for every skill and fitness level. When it comes to the equipment, you have further options: Take on off-road trails on a mountain bike, cruise along the asphalt on a sleek road bike or choose a motorized e-bike to take the strain for you. If traveling with family, pick a tandem to share the experience with a partner, or take kids along in a trailer or tag-along bike. You can plot a course and set off cycling wherever you are in the world, but organized tours mean someone else does all the boring bits. No need to worry about bike or equipment hire, deliberate over where you will sleep each night or choose a restaurant. Plus, tour staff will be on hand to tell you about your destination and sort out any mechanical issues that can really put a stick in the wheel of a self-guided trip.
WAY TO GO:
Cycling options include off-road trail bikes, road bikes or motorized e-bikes PHOTO: © ARNE9001 DREAMSTIME.COM
Whichever kind of cycle tour you go for, traveling on two wheels offers plenty of benefits. You’ll get to know a destination better by moving more slowly than in a car, noticing small details as you soak up the sights and smells out in the fresh air. That glass of wine will taste even better after a day cycling past the vines of
the Loire Valley or winding through the hills of Chianti. If you are a keen foodie, you can also find themed cycling tours to fit your passions. Cycle the Sligo Food Trail in Ireland, which takes in craft beer breweries and a coastline known for oysters and lobster, or the Colchagua Valley in Chile, one of the few places where the Carménère grape grows. If you want to cover more ground in a limited time, why not combine cycling with travel by boat or train? On a boat-cycle trip along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, you cycle around a different island each day before retiring to a yacht that ferries you to your next destination. It’s the perfect combination, and similar trips are also available in destinations such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy. You can take your bike on many railway services around the world, but some routes prove particularly good. For instance, various tour companies run bike trips from Saigon to Hanoi in Vietnam, broken up with train rides to allow you to see both the North and South of this fascinating country. Naturally, not every cycle tour is created equal. Some are fairly bare bones while others skew toward luxury accommodations and lavish meals. But you RIVERSIDE RIDES:
The bridge in the village of Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland (left); and bicycle ride on the docks of the Seine in Paris (below) PHOTOS: © ANDREA LA CORTE - DREAMSTIME.COM, © GILLES BIZET - DREAMSTIME.COM
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PEDAL POWER:
Bikes and street art, Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands (top); and cyclists on the trail in the Portes du Soleil region of the Swiss Alps (bottom) PHOTOS: © INGE HOGENBIJL - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ELENAPHOTOS - DREAMSTIME.COM
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will find most tour companies provide everything for you, from the bike to a helmet, lock and other accessories. Just bring appropriate clothes — and maybe a pair of clip-in cycling shoes for a more strenuous trip — and let someone else think about the rest. You simply need to choose your destination from a wide world of options. Head to Europe and stick to the lowlands of the Netherlands on a relaxing route that winds past tulip fields and windmills, or explore one of the world’s most famous cycling cities, Amsterdam, with its traditional shopping bikes that flit along cobbled streets. France, synonymous with cycling thanks to the grueling Tour de France race, boasts great food, wine and cultural destinations you can see by bike. Soar through the Alps and the Pyrenees mountain ranges like a professional or take a gentler ride through the wine regions of Provence and Bordeaux. In Portugal, pedal through the tranquil countryside of Alentejo among cork tree quintas, wildflower meadows, vineyards and 100-yearold olive groves. Explore Roman temples and Gothic cathedrals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, or visit the marble quarries of Vila Viçosa. In the United States, several cities offer themed cycle tours great for daytrips or as part of longer holidays. The New Orleans Culinary Bike Tour takes you around town
tasting the gastronomic highlights of a city influenced by French, African and Native American food culture, while Portland is home to so many breweries (more than 50 if you’re counting) it would seem silly for there not to be a brewery cycling tour. Appreciate the natural beauty of Washington state with a bike trip that starts in Seattle, taking in amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and a short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, or escape from New York with a cycling tour of Long Island’s North Fork, home to a number of inviting wineries. Cycle tours prove increasingly popular in Asia, and the Pacific coast of Taiwan makes for a great trip. You can go from Taipei, the capital, to the southern tip of the island, stopping at hot springs, beautiful beaches and the spectacular Taroko Gorge on the way. Or explore Sri Lanka’s rich culture and varied landscapes from plantations to beaches, accessible on week-long bike tours. For a truly unusual break, head off on a cycle tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the mysterious nation in the southern Himalayas — a real oncein-a-lifetime trip. Down in Australia, why not take on the Great Ocean Road from Port Campbell to Melbourne? Renowned for its rugged coastline, waterfalls and rainforest, the region boasts lots to see on a spectacular ride. For a more undulating tour, cycle the foothills of the Great Southern Alps in New Zealand. You’ll pass Mount Cook, the highest mountain in the country, and revel in the beauty of Lake Pukaki and other natural attractions of the South Island. Want to see Africa by bike? Sign up for a tour of Namibia that takes in wildlife spotting and fat biking down giant sand dunes. Starting and ending in the capital Windhoek, these tours provide a great way to see one of Africa’s most enigmatic countries. In neighboring South Africa, explore the Golden Gate Highlands and Kruger national parks by bike and safari Jeep in search of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. You’ll be safely ensconced in your Jeep in wildlife areas, so don’t worry about having to out-pedal a sprinting lion. A cycle tour doesn’t have to mean donning skintight sports gear from head to toe and pushing your body to the limit. You can certainly do that if you want, but most tours are more accessible and cater to a wider range of tastes. As cycling gains in popularity around the world, so do available tours, enabling you to explore some of the most remote corners of the planet on two wheels.
CYCLING SIGHTS:
Taroko Gorge and Jhuilu Old Trail in Taroko National Park, Taiwan (top), the view from the Great Ocean Road, Australia (middle) and Two touring bicycles on the Queen Charlotte Track, South Island, New Zealand (bottom) PHOTOS: © BANKY405 DREAMSTIME.COM, © BO LI - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ANDREW GRANT DREAMSTIME.COM
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Brave New World How will the next generation of intrepid globetrotters change the way we travel? BY HOLLY RIDDLE ON TRACK:
Young traveler using app at train station PHOTO: © ROSSHELEN DREAMSTIME.COM
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GEN Z HAS OFFICIALLY TAKEN over the world. The generation, defined in many studies as those born after the year 2000, currently makes up 32 percent of the global population of 7.7 billion, according to a late-2018 Bloomberg analysis. The generation surpassed millennials and, as its buying power increases, more industries look to how they can better serve the unique, digital-savvy and self-aware generation. The travel industry is no exception. According to a recent study from Expedia Group Media Solutions, Gen Z boasts up to $143 billion in buying power and is set to become the largest generation in the world by 2020. Though younger, members of Gen Z take nearly as many trips per year as millennials and take longer trips than millennials on average. They’re more likely to travel
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domestically, and travel decisions are more heavily influenced by social media. Even though they’ve just recently entered the workforce, members of Gen Z are already jumping on business travel trends, such as bleisure travel, with a gusto unmatched by millennials. “Gen Zers bring a unique set of values and a different perspective to the travel world,” commented Rob Karp from MilesAhead, an affiliate of Valerie Wilson Travel, a Virtuoso Agency. “Airbnb, Hotel Tonight and Google Maps are their best friends. They can be some of the most demanding travelers in the market, although currently without the spend to support it. Rationale is sought behind each travel decision, whether it’s purchasing basic economy versus normal economy or eating in the 2nd versus the 8th Arrondissement in Paris. … They are craving authenticity, seeking experiences beyond the norm and advocating for environmentally friendly travel in a way other generations haven’t before. For Gen Zers, it’s about making each experience their own and having ownership in it — eating the food, connecting with like-minded locals and navigating the streets like it’s where they grew up.”
Many different aspects of life formed this unique generation of travelers. Members of Gen Z grew up in a world saturated with technology, where connection to and knowledge of anyone or anything is right at their fingertips; in a post-9/11 country where airport security has simply always been the way it is currently; and on a planet threatened with global warming and other environmental dangers. No wonder Gen Z developed into a group of intrepid, adventurous travelers with a penchant for sustainability and a heavy reliance on technology to guide their paths. “Gen Z grew up around technology, around unlimited access to information and in a world of instant gratification,” said Karp. “So when they take a trip — before, during and after — the online world plays an important role. Whether it’s reading TripAdvisor to pick a restaurant, posting a cool photo on Instagram or adding a video of their trip on Facebook after their trip, these are key parts to a Gen Zer’s experience and also their peers. Previous generations sent postcards and handwritten letters — not to say those aren’t great! It’s just not the world Gen Zers grew up in.” Tom O’Hara, general manager, Busabout, a youth-aimed travel and tour provider, said Gen Z’s intrepid nature also increases because many grew up in diverse communities or families, lessening the cultural shock previous generations may have felt while abroad.
EXPLORING:
Travelers enjoy trying local foods like waffles in Belgium (left) and documenting adventures like boating on the Mekong River on social media (below) PHOTOS: © ROBERTO LOPEZ DREAMSTIME.COM, © ULIANNA19970 - DREAMSTIME .COM
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PHOTO OPS:
Young tourist standing under the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (right); and a group of friends in front of Cloud Gate in Chicago (below) PHOTOS: © MIROSLAV LISKA - DREAMSTIME. COM, © TEA DREAMSTIME.COM
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“Gen Z travelers are growing up in societies where, increasingly, cultural diversity is normal within their own communities, and therefore the fear factor when it comes to visiting new cultures doesn’t exist as much as it would have, particularly in older generations,” he said. Fran da Silva, marketing manager, MarBella Collection, a group of luxury properties in Greece, further reiterated Gen Z’s moxie. “From our experience, this generation reacts immediately to any sort of challenge or adventure, which is something we have not seen so clearly in previous generations.” With Gen Z making its vibrant mark on the travel landscape, it can leave some older travelers wondering how they’ll be affected. As brands turn their attention to this new generation with all its buying power and packed travel schedules, will previous generations be left in the dust? Or do they stand to benefit from Gen Z’s influence? Karp pointed out Gen Z travelers already influence parents’ and grandparents’ travel spending habits a great deal, as they play a large role in purchase decision-making during both family travel and multigenerational travel. “Research has shown that Gen Zers play a significant role in family travel decisions. Many times the Gen Zer will suggest where the family should go, why they should go there and what to plan to do there. At MilesAhead — and in our industry as a whole — multigenerational trips are growing in popularity and desirability. These trips are a wonderful opportunity to bring a family together, which in this day and age is a real luxury. Usually grandparents
initiate the idea of the trip and then hand off the planning to their kids or grandkids. Gen Zers elevate travel planning to a new level, setting a new standard.” Mark McSorley, general manager, The Magnolia Hotel, Quinta do Lago in Portugal, backed this up with first-hand experience. “Studies show that Gen Z [members] heavily influence their families’ travel decisions. Here at The Magnolia Hotel, we can see that to be true — their experience needs to be as rewarding as it is for the parents financing it.” And parents are certainly doing the financing. According to Expedia’s 2018 Generations on the Move report, 58 percent of Gen Z respondents’ parents pay for trip expenses when they travel together, compared to 24 percent of millennials stating parents pay for travel costs when traveling together. Is all this influence a bad thing, fueled by social media likes, or will it make all our travel — and our world — better? “My belief is that the changes in travel trends being led by Gen Z travelers are a positive for all generations. The drive for travel companies to improve their technology ultimately means travel becomes more accessible and easier for all generations, which
means more people have access to explore the world. With Gen Z taking the lead on social and environment issues, the knock-on [e]ffect will be increased awareness of every traveler’s footprint, which should ensure travel opportunities and famous sites are around for future generations to enjoy, too,” said O’Hara. David Solnet, associate professor of service management, University of Queensland Business School, leads the workforce research team in the tourism group at the school and pointed to Gen Z’s sustainability as particularly commendable. “This generation has major — more than ever — concerns for sustainability and the future. So they will become more responsive travelers than the older generation[s]. Gen Z see[s] natural disasters happening all the time, and so they also want to be environmentally responsible. Sustainability initiatives, real ones for the right reasons, will make a huge difference to Gen Z, which can only make the world a better place.” “Through craving authenticity, preserving the environment and looking to be more than being a tourist, Gen Z will change the way we all travel. I think our travel will become more fulfilling and substantial if we travel like Gen Z,” agreed Karp.
TEAMWORK: Family on a rafting trip on the South Bug River, Ukraine PHOTO: © SERHII NIKOLAIENKO DREAMSTIME.COM
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Cheers! Trazee Travel celebrates five years as a one-stop resource for millennial travelers.
TRAZEETRAVEL.COM, THE WEB PUBLICATION aimed at travelers 25–40 updated daily across a broad range of travel topics, turned 5 in September 2019, and we’re celebrating the milestone with a trip down memory lane. Read on for reflections from the trazeetravel.com team on the game-changing web publication, and please join us in saying “Happy birthday!” to Trazee Travel.
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CARLY ALLEN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER First memory of trazeetravel.com: I got a sneak peek of the website design a few weeks before launch; it looked so fresh, and I was excited to share it with our partners and my friends! Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: By far, Under $100, giving tips on how to get around featured cities for less than $100. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: The content has a unique blend of worldwide destinations but also focuses on trends that matter to this traveler, like adventure, wellness and even honeymoons. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see Trazee Travel growing its community with more from our engaged audience. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as
inspiration for my own travels: Under $100 is a great tool to get inspiration for trips and suggestions of restaurants and eateries. For example, September featured Under $100: Santa Barbara, and I sent that article to a friend headed there!
TRACEY CULLEN, ART DIRECTOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: The launch of trazeetravel.com was exciting because it was our first new website in addition to global travelerusa.com. It opened up a whole new avenue for articles with a new audience. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: I enjoy the Tips/Travel section. It’s always nice to hear tips gathered from travel experiences. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Millennials have different travel practices from business
travelers or those who travel with families. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: It will be interesting to see how travel habits change as younger generations put their own spin on the industry. I’m sure trazeetravel .com will grow and change with the readers. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: While I am not in the target age group, I still find the articles relevant. It’s helpful to think about travel from a different perspective.
RICHARD EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT First memory of trazeetravel.com: When trazeetravel.com was in the planning stage, I wondered how it would turn out. When it went live I was delighted to see how user-friendly it was and how much of the content interested me as a non-millennial. Favorite section on trazee travel.com: My favorite sections have always been Under $100, Top 5, Trends and Reviews. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: It is of interest to everyone who travels because so much of the content appeals to all ages. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see trazee travel.com continuing to provide travel tips useful for all travelers. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel. com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Some of the articles inspired me to check out events or destinations suggested.
FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER & CEO First memory of trazeetravel.com: American Airlines was targeting millennials, and this sparked my interest. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: Top Five Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: The website makes sure we all understand the needs and concerns of this important segment. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: It probably will have a lot of imitators; it’s a great and growing product. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Trazee on the Go reaches out and draws me into a new place I have not considered.
JAN HECHT, SENIOR EDITOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: My
first editorial interaction with Trazee was when we brought the digital publication into the print realm in 2016. It was exciting to witness the translation of the website’s wealth of information into a new format. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: I love Top 5 for its quick, sometimes quirky information. I particularly enjoyed Top 5: Caribbean Islands for Foodies. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: As new generations travel, Trazee adapts. And it connects with the world the way our readers do — digitally, locally, authentically — while tracking and setting new trends. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see trazeetravel.com playing
travel.com, and it’s hard to pick favorites. What I like best is the topics writers pitch and discovering little-known, unique topics. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Millennials aren’t waiting for retirement — they’re traveling, exploring and discovering now. They need a one-stop resource that captures every aspect of travel, from the iconic to the lesser-known. Trazeetravel.com delivers. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: Continuing to grow and change; adaptability is important, and that’s where we as a company excel. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: I search the destinations I’m visiting on Trazee before I go for inspiration, and I share the content with my friends and family as well.
BILL LODZINSKI, DIRECTOR OF SALES
a key role for future generations of travelers who will influence the sustainability of travel and destinations around the world. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Although I’m not a millennial, I find inspiration and relevant information for my own travels, especially new places to visit. Travelers of all ages benefit from the changes initiated by new generations.
KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF First memory of trazeetravel.com: I recall the process of launching trazeetravel.com like it was yesterday. I also remember the moment it launched, and how monumental it felt to see all the hard work come to fruition. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: I have read every single article on trazee
First memory of trazeetravel .com: When I interviewed for the job, I learned of the site and visited it. Favorite section on trazee travel.com: Under $100 Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: As millennials have a thirst for travel and more disposable income, they are becoming a large segment of the population with strong buying power. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: Increased viewership, more readers and engagement and a biannual print edition Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Under $100 and the many unique destinations covered inspire my own travels.
STEPHANIE MAKOWSKI, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE First memory of trazeetravel.com: Reading the site prior to my hire with FXExpress Publications Inc., I recognized the excellent content crafted for this audience as relatable. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: Under $100 provides quick tips and helpful guidance to travel on a budget. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: The 25- to 40-year-old travelers are the future. Their loyalty will shape the health of any organization. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see Trazee expanding into a recognizable and notable forum for travel TRAZEE TRAVEL 2019 trazeetravel.com
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news and shaping the products and choices millennial travelers hold in high regard. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: I look to the site’s reliable content to open my mind to new options.
Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: As a recent college grad, I haven’t traveled as much as I would like, so I use Trazee to add to my bucket list.
ERICH MARTIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR
ANGELIQUE PLATAS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
First memory of trazeetravel.com: Trazee travel.com was well-established when I joined the team. It’s been great ever since, from scheduling articles to writing for the site. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: Under $100, for its awesome mini-guides providing an introduction to specific cities, especially unfamiliar ones. They offer an inexpensive way to see a city and get to the root of what makes a place special. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Travel websites are everywhere, but few are dedicated to young travelers, especially millennials. As Trazee Travel’s writers are millennials, readers can trust the information. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I expect the brand and website to continue to grow, both in readership and brand trust and loyalty. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: When checking into a new city, I see what we have written about it on trazeetravel.com. It is a joy to browse the site and get ideas for close and far-reaching trips.
First memory of trazeetravel.com: My first memory of Trazee is creating my first list of pitches. As I skimmed articles on the site to avoid duplicates, I ended up reading the entire homepage. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: Top 5 is my favorite. I love the quick-hit articles and insider’s guide to destinations. I also gravitate toward stories by the same writers.
CHRIS SAGER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
MARY MELNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA AND EDITORIAL COORDINATOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: As a newcomer to the Trazee Travel family, my first glimpse impressed me as an amazing travel tool. I spent much time looking at the different sections, reading articles that caught my attention. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: My favorite is Trends because it allows you to find the biggest trends of travel and look for the specific type you are interested in. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Trazee travel.com provides tips for millennials on how to travel smarter, including insights on getting the most for your buck, specific travel trends, the best travel gear and more. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see trazeetravel.com continuing to grow and providing even more for millennials — maybe becoming more interactive.
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of my fondest memories is attending The Trazees awards in San Diego last year. The event helped me understand the market and remains one of the highlights. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: Definitely Under $100. It’s no secret most millennials fixate on saving. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Millennials comprise a large, complex and easily misunderstood market. The content on Trazee Travel is a direct reflection of what we look for: to be understood. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see Trazee continuing to grow and serve the best of the travel industry to a diverse and large market. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: As a contributor to the global travelerusa.com daily blogs, I refer to trazeetravel.com for inspiration.
Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Travelers of a certain age are often discounted and generalized. It’s important to hear from writers and avid travelers to get a new perspective. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see the site continuing to reach frequent travelers with evergreen content while inspiring new travelers through firsthand stories and accessible experiences. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Reading Trazee, I’ve become more open to micro-vacations and fringe destinations.
YASSER OGANDO, ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: One
First memory of trazeetravel.com: When I was looking for a new role, a friend told me to check out trazeetravel .com. I loved what I saw, and it ended up being a great fit for me to grow both my career and travel prowess. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: As a constant bargain-seeker, I love Under $100. It shows how to be creative on a budget and applies to all ages. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: It’s important to capture a younger audience because the industry is not one-size-fitsall. Catering travel suggestions to your age group leads to a better experience and helps mold the next generation. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I envision the Trazee team growing significantly. There is opportunity for growth, and we have only scratched the surface. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: When I go to a new destination, I check trazeetravel .com, finding suggestions and out-of-the-box ideas I would not find on typical travel sites.
KATIE SKRZEK, VICE PRESIDENT AND DIGITAL DIRECTOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: I was on the project team alongside two other colleagues, and we spent hours working on every detail. Launch day was exciting! Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: While each section is helpful, I return to Top 5 most
often. I love reading these articles detailing the best things to do and see in a certain location. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Trazee truly covers everything from A to Z for the young traveler. It’s the perfect resource as they navigate different stages of their lives. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see Trazee adapting to the changing trends of travel, from integrating more closely with social media to launching new products. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Whenever I have a trip coming up, I search the destination on Trazee for must-see places.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
In late 2018 and in anticipation of its upcoming fifth anniversary, trazeetravel.com underwent a complete redesign, debuting a new look that introduced elements like endless scroll and other tweaks targeted at the all-important millennial generation. Here’s more from Bradley Emmons, partner and creative director, Think It First, the web developer behind trazeetravel.com’s design: Very early on, we understood Trazee Travel, at its core, lives in the nuance of all things travel. With that purpose, the editorial team produces a lot of content on various topics. Our strategy with the design was to create a never-ending feed of content that is agnostic of whichever page you are on. This allows users to find articles and content relevant to them and to stumble on a few delightful surprises along the way. This all happens without ever hitting any dead-ends or a dreaded website footer. In terms of the look, we decided to let the striking travel photography sing and pair it with bold, vibrant colors and typography. The Trazee website now has an energy that matches that feeling just before you’re about to go on a trip.
PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR/ COPY EDITOR First memory of trazeetravel.com: My first memory of trazeetravel.com was before it launched, when the staff was asked to contribute ideas. I was intrigued by the concept of an entire website focused on a specific demographic. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: My favorite section is probably Trends and, within that category, Unique Itineraries and Tours. Even if I don’t have a trip coming up, I enjoy reading about unusual and unique events and tours. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Trazeetravel .com provides valuable, topical information to an extremely active segment. Millennials, in their buying power and use of technology and social media, wield great influence, and trazeetravel.com provides trending information in an engaging format. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see trazeetravel.com continuing to evolve, just as it has over the past five years. While the content may change, it will still provide relevant information, perhaps in a more interactive way. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: Trazee Travel articles inspire me to search out unique experiences in the places I visit, whether an off-the-beaten-track attraction, an interesting restaurant or special tour or exhibit.
JOHN WROBLEWSKI, DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST First memory of trazeetravel.com: I was pleasantly surprised with my first look at Trazee Travel. I trusted the GT team to put out an excellent product, with so much info on such a wide range of topics. Favorite section on trazeetravel.com: I enjoy the Trends section the most, as a one-stop
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Then valuable source of info in many areas. As an older traveler, it helps me stay current. Why I think trazeetravel.com serves an important niche in the industry: Living up to the billing of “Everything Travel, A to Z,” it is a great go-to source for everything travel-related. Where do I see trazeetravel.com in the next five years: I see Trazee Travel
Now growing and expanding, much like Global Traveler has done. In five short years it has already become a travel must. Ways I’ve used trazeetravel.com articles as inspiration for my own travels: After choosing my destination, I always use the Trazee search engine to check for info on that place.
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