Cold Iceland among hot travel spots
Private guided tour company Kensington Tours destination experts predict Iceland and Nicaragua will be among high demand destinations and other travel trends for 2011.
"Currently, Nicaragua is more like the Costa Rica of 20 years ago and ‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ is putting the country in the spotlight and driving a spike in enquires," said Brandi Merchant, Kensington’s senior Central America expert.
For clients who regard Iceland as merely a frustrating layover from America to Europe, think again.
“The country is back on the tourist radar and now offering more attractive travel opportunities than ever before,” said the tour company.
Other predicted hot spots and trends:
—With the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil will burst into the travel scene more than ever in 2011.
—Small ships along Egypt’s Nile will be popular. "Complete with the crew, chef and private Egyptologist guide, these luxurious small ships offer surprising value and allow for spellbinding shore excursions that larger cruise ships cannot," said Chris Bazos, Kensington’s senior Egypt expert.
—“Historically known to attract outdoor enthusiasts, the southernmost tip of South America or Patagonia increases its appeal for 2011 with a wider assortment of adventures sure to please clients of all interests,” says the company.
—Rich in culture and natural beauty, Rwanda will draw many new visitors this year due to an increasing selection of premium properties and eco-lodges.
—So-called “second layer” vacations are gaining in popularity. These are special interest attractions such as epicurean journeys that are not the usual common travel destinations.
By David Wilkening
David
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