Travel Trends for Summer 2019

By Karen Leiva

WINE LOVERS, REJOICE!

Turns out that river cruisers have a passion for wine – so much so that AmaWaterways has added a new itinerary to its selection of Wine Cruises. In 2020, there will be 70 different Wine Cruises to choose from including a new seven-night itinerary, Treasures of the Main & Rhine, which sails from Germany to the Netherlands, allowing guests to take in picture-perfect scenery, along with culinary delights, wine tastings and even vineyard hikes through the Rheingau wine region in Rüdesheim. Wine Cruises also include onboard talks led by wine experts and excursions with local tastings and visits to private cellars.

LUXURY YACHT SAILINGS

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises is gearing up for a year of diverse cruising aboard its 62-guest, butler-serviced yacht, Crystal Esprit, with 11 new itineraries in 2021. Destinations in the new sailings – Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles, Dalmatian Coast, Greek Isles and Holy Lands – are diverse and aimed at travellers looking for extraordinary experiences. Look for the 10-day Turkey’s Turquoise Coast which includes visits to key archeological sites and lots of outdoor adventure options, including hiking, cycling and village walks in ports of call along the Turkish Riviera. In the Holy Lands itineraries, there are options to explore Cyprus, Israel, Egypt and Jordan.

BOLIVIA BOUND

Travellers to South America now have new options to experience Bolivia thanks to Kensington Tours. Two new tours explore Bolivia, a country that has not experienced the same level of tourism as its neighbours, Brazil, Peru or Argentina. There are a lot of reasons to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination, including exploring the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), mountain-top cities, and the incredible salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. The two new tours include a nine-day itinerary solely in Bolivia, and a 16-day option that combines Bolivia and Peru.

ACCESSIBLE CRUISING

With the introduction of accessibility-enhanced shore excursions, Silversea Cruises is planning to make travel a lot easier for seniors and people with disabilities. New accessible excursions will be offered in nine destinations across the Caribbean and Central America. Shore excursions have been well planned, factoring in wheelchair lifts for vehicles, attractions without stairs to climb, and experienced guides with knowledge in accessibility issues. In St. Lucia, passengers will take in the Pitons and admire the Diamond Waterfalls from a step-free garden path in Soufrière’s Diamond Botanical Gardens. While in Mexico, passengers will have options for guided driving tours around Cozumel, stopping to taste Mexican food and tequila, and visit an accessible beach.