Despite economy, Americans will travel farther this year
The wobbly economy will not prevent Americans from traveling farther and spending more money this year, according to a national poll.
“Long-haul bookings to Europe, Asia and Australia are up for 2012, comprising 11 of the top 20 destinations for US travelers, compared to nine in 2011, the survey of 640 travel agents showed,” according to a report from Reuters.
Over 90 percent said their clients would spend the same or more on travel in 2012.
The top two international destinations for 2012, based on actual bookings, remain Caribbean cruises and Cancun, as they were in the 2011 survey.
Amsterdam and Hong Kong, missing from the top 20 in 2011, made the list in 2012.
"We are very encouraged to see the rise in popularity of such a diverse group of international destinations," said Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group, which conducted the poll.
Asked to pick the top up-and-coming international destinations, over a third of the agents chose Croatia for Europe, and one-half said Vietnam led in Asia. Panama edged out Ecuador and Brazil among destinations within Central/South America.
The luxury travel segment continues to thrive. More than half the leisure travel specialists polled reported upticks in small ship cruising, off-the-beaten path travel and international family travel.
Las Vegas tops the domestic destinations for 2012 for US travelers, as it did in 2011. Agents cite the lure of gaming and the ease of the getaway for its continued vitality.
Orlando, the home of Disney World, ranked second.
By David Wilkening
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