Multigenerational travel is still one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry and will undoubtedly continue to be popular after extended families have been apart for so long and are eager to be together again. A survey conducted by Marriott Bonvoy found that spending time together and creating memories are the top reasons why families go on trips together. It also found that 93% of grandparents take at least one multi-generational trip per year and that 89% of parents said they are planning on taking a family vacation this year. Needless to say, family travel isn’t going anywhere.
Sound like fun? Cruises are a great way to explore with the whole family.
Domestic Family Travel
Many aspects of family travel have remained unchanged, despite the pandemic. However, domestic travel remains much more prevalent than international travel. In a 2021 survey conducted by the Family Travel Association (FTA), 83% of respondents plan to take a multi-day vacation in the U.S. within the next year.
Beach vacations are what 61% of families are planning, according to FTA’s survey. Theme parks, water parks and national parks are trending too, with 51% and 46% of responding families interested in taking these kinds of trips. Lucky for them, theme parks are open and national parks are free to visit a few days every year, with multiple pass options on the non-free days.
Use of Travel Advisors
It’s no joke that the state of travel is much different now than it was pre-pandemic. Cancellation and safety protocols are more important than ever before to travelers. Lucky for them, travel advisors are the experts. According to FTA’s 2021 survey, 65% of respondents say they would consider using a travel advisor in the next two years. Many said that the pandemic has increased their likelihood of using a travel advisor. From peace of mind, many family travelers are leaning towards travel advisors for their destination expertise and in-depth product knowledge.”
Families are here to make memories and travel advisors are here to make that happen!
Did you know…
The most popular vacation types for families are beach vacations, visiting theme parks and visiting national parks. Millennial and Gen Z families tend to take city vacations or visit water parks.
Family travelers’ main sources for travel inspiration are family travel-related social media content.
When family travelers who used a travel advisor to book in the past were asked why they used one, 48% said travel advisors have in-depth knowledge and 43% said they have better rates and prices. See, you advisors really are the best!
Kids are now decision makers, too! Sure, the adults hold the purse strings, but kids have more influence than ever on their vacation’s destinations and activities.
Family Travel Facts
Top U.S. Destinations for Family Travel:
Orlando
Maui
Fort Myers
Oahu
Tampa
Fort Lauderdale
Phoenix
Destin
Clearwater
Denver
What types of destinations are families planning to travel to?
Domestic – 83% International – 19% Source: Family Travel Association 2021 Family Travel Survey
Let me help you plan your Dream Vacation, Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, Family Reunion, or Cruise! Please reach out to me with any questions you may have!
Do you want to get married or renew your vows in a sunny, tropical destination? Are you a bride who would like to go on a memorable trip before your wedding with the girls in your wedding party? Please contact me so we can discuss your ideal location for your special occasion.
Sun-and-sand destination weddings will always be in demand. These 6 locales are not only sunny and sandy, they’re also trending.
Destination #1: Tulum
Why: Tulum’s ancient stone remains are unique archaeological attractions that tell the original story of the now bustling modern city. Plus, with ruins situated right on the coastline, couples’ wedding photos will be more than magical.
Why: The crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez create the perfect scenery for a romantic getaway. If you have a couple looking for a dream beach wedding, many hotels and resort in Los Cabos offers spectacular honeymoon and wedding packages that let you as a travel advisor leave all the work behind.
Why: Couples looking for a luxury wedding or a spicy celebration bursting with entertainment will find what they want in Cancun. Convenient to travel to from origins throughout the U.S., Cancun was designed with the needs of a tourist in mind, which makes it easy to design a dream wedding experience.
Why: Known world-wide for its eco-tourism efforts, stunning natural beauty from the rain forest to the beaches, and an extensive amount of wildlife species that live in the varying habitats, Costa Rica is a top-notch destination and creates a beautiful backdrop for a destination wedding. just legalized gay marriage
Why: The Bahamas lives up to its title as the World’s Leading Wedding Destination (earned in 2015), offering more than 700 islands with numerous unique locations where couples can declare their love for one another.
Why: With beautiful resorts, honey-colored beaches and the faint sound of reggae music in the background, it’s no surprise Jamaica is a popular destination wedding location. Couples can opt for ready-made resort wedding packages or rent a private Jamaican villa for a customizable experience.
Hello! Sorry for my absence; I have been busy with a few appointments that needed my attention, but I am back and ready to assist my new and existing clients!
When it comes to determining the best vacation spots, narrowing down the list seems like an impossible task—we want to travel everywhere!
One of the nation’s leading global tour operators, the award-winning, and top U.S. travel agents, took a closer look at travel trends and booking demands. From beach paradise to exciting adventure and cultural exploration, whatever your vacation passion, their list has got it covered.
1. Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico
It’s no surprise that Cancun and Riviera Maya came up as the number one most requested destination among Travel Impressions’ customers. From the breathtaking landscapes, soft coral sands, crystal-clear waters to an incredible journey back to the mystical Mayan civilization, a visit to Cancun will make you feel like you’re waking in a dream!
Situated on the northeastern edge of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, bordering the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Cancun is known for world-class luxury beach resorts, historic landmarks, and significant monuments—including several historical ruins–as well as lovely dining venues and fun-filled excursions.
A trip to Riviera Maya (just south of Cancun) will take you back to the fascinating world of the Maya. Think captivating archaeological sites like El Rey (The Temple of the Scorpion) and ancient cities, including Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. If you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure, embark on an off-the-beaten-path journey in the lush jungle or snorkel and swim alongside gentle whale sharks.
Did you know:
Cancun’s sand won’t burn your feet; it’s made of crushed coral, meaning it will naturally stay cool even on the hottest days!
The Great Mayan Barrier Reef is among the largest in the world, second only to Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Caribbean
The Caribbean has always been an unrivaled beach vacation favorite with a wide range of attractive destinations to choose from. Vibrant Punta Cana stands out from the rest, and here’s why:
Located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is often referred to as the Coconut Coast for the coconut palms that dot its 40 miles of white-sand beaches. Despite its increasing popularity, Punta Cana’s beaches remain unspoiled—incredibly wide and evenly flat with clear, warm water that makes Punta Cana the perfect location for water sports and swimming.
And if that isn’t dreamy enough already, Punta Cana also offers plenty of luxurious all-inclusive resorts; places for trendy entertainment and activities, shops, lavish restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; and many magnificent golf courses with world-class facilities. You can tee up by the sea or along lush inland courses designed by some of the world’s most acclaimed golf course architects, including Pete B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price, and Greg Norman.
Did you know:
This destination was home to the late Oscar de la Renta, the world-renowned fashion designer who also designed the Tortuga Bay Boutique Hotel in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the most-connected airport in the Caribbean and Central America, receiving flights from 26 countries and up to two million passengers a year.
3. Bermuda, Atlantic Ocean
Travel agents love beach vacations as much as you do, and there is almost no place else quite like Bermuda. Its pink-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters are so beautiful that many often mistake this island just off the Carolinas coast for the Caribbean!
Famous for its lovely pink sand beaches, you can relax while sipping Bermuda’s national drink, the rum-based Swizzle. Or, if you’re interested in history, the story of the Moon Gate and the magic behind the Weather Stone will make you fall in love with Bermuda even more. After all, getting to know the city’s story is half the fun!
Adrenaline-seekers can enjoy the thrills of year-round adventure, whether horseback riding across the shore or diving beneath the waves. If you’re a foodie, its top-notch culinary highlights are a draw in and of itself. And for social butterflies, flutter right on over because Bermudians are known to be over-the-top friendly. Take a scooter (the most popular way to travel around Bermuda) and get to know the locals. You’ll be bound to meet many who will touch your heart with generosity and treat you like their own neighbors.
Did you know:
While many believe Bermuda to be part of the Caribbean, the island actually rests hundreds of miles north of the Bahamas in the Atlantic, a mere 650 miles east of North Carolina.
Its unique location in the Atlantic provides an extraordinarily pleasant climate that rarely sees extremes of either hot or cold.
John Lennon had a home there!
4. Key West, Florida
If you desire a more colorful and vibrant vacation, look no further than dynamic Key West. Named one of Travel + Leisure’s “50 Best Places to Visit in the World in 2019,” Key West is an attractive holiday spot with fun nightlife, a beautiful coastline, and year-round sunshine. You can feel positive, lively energy floating all over the town while being blown away by an incredible confluence of history, cultural diversity, natural beauty, architecture, and romantic ambiance.
Key West was once home to celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost, who discovered solace and inspiration in this island city. Experience Key West’s footprints from the past by visiting some of these historic sites: Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, Robert Frost Cottage, and Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.
Besides relaxing by the beaches or challenging yourself with fun water sports, a visit to Duval Street must also be at the top of your list. Duval Street in Key West’s center of entertainment and nightlife, where great restaurants and fun bars wait for visitors to explore. If you’re a party-goer, this is the right place for you!
Did you know:
During Cuba’s unsuccessful war for independence from Spain, many Cubans sought refuge in Key West, bringing with them a thriving cigar-making industry. Cubans set up 200 factories in town, producing 100 million cigars annually.
The term “key” is a corruption of the Spanish word, “Cayo,” which means small island.
The climate of the Florida Keys is classified as tropical. The weather is hot and humid from June to October and relatively drier and cooler from November to May. The Keys are the only frost-free place in Florida.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Travel agents with Travel Impressions can’t help but include the enchanting seaside destination of Barcelona as one of the best vacation places this year. With its dynamic arts and culture, stunning landscapes, and plenty of splendid architecture, there’s always something to do and see whenever you are here.
If it’s your first time in Barcelona, hitting the iconic sites like La Rambla, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, or one of Antoni Gaudi’s whimsical buildings is necessary. And while a lot of people come to Barcelona for a beach getaway, there are also lesser-known sights and neighborhoods worth visiting. Places like Poble Espanyol featuring unique art and architecture; Parc del Laberint d’Horta, a historical garden known to be the oldest of its kind in the city; or Gracia neighborhood offering the real spirit of Barcelona with its relaxed promenades.
When it comes to the culinary scene, Barcelona is well-known as one of the world’s food capitals. Embedded in the city’s heart and soul, its gastronomy offers fantastic dining experiences featuring plenty of great restaurants with various cuisines to savor. From paella to Ferran Adria-inspired dishes—especially when paired with a glass (or a bottle!) of vintage wine—gourmet lovers will find their food heaven in every city corner. No trip to Spain would be complete without a food feast in Barcelona!
Did you know:
Barcelonians are huge fans of soccer. It is home to one of the world’s largest and richest football clubs, FC Barcelona. The Camp Nou stadium, home to the FC Barcelona, is the largest football stadium in Europe and the third largest in the world.
Voted one of the best beach cities in the world by the National Geographic many years ago, Barcelona didn’t actually have any beaches until the early 90s, when the town council set about the creation of an artificial beach in preparation of the 1992 Olympics
So what do you think? Do any of these destinations speak to you? It’s time to get out and travel! Please get in touch with me so I can help you plan your Dream Vacation, Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, or Cruise!
