US travel trends in 2008 include avoiding Europe
Trends in US travel this year include visitors’ conscious of unfavorable exchange rates will tend to avoid Europe, are more interested than ever in educational trips and very much spa-inclined, according to a TripAdvisor’s “Travel Outlook for 2008.”
By the numbers:
—Forty one percent of Americans said the unfavorable exchange rates will either prevent them from going, or limit their travel to Europe in the coming year.
—Twenty six percent of travelers intend to be more environmentally conscious in their travel this year.
—More than one-third of Americans are planning to engage in an educational activity on vacation this year, such as a cooking or art class, up from 28% last year.
—Almost half of travelers are likely to visit a spa while on vacation in 2008.
—Eighty percent of travelers are concerned about germs, bacteria and viruses while traveling.
—More than two-third’s of travelers believe that cell phones should not be allowed on flights.
In other emerging trends, Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s annual forecast of hot spots once again ranks perennial domestic front-runner Las Vegas No. 1 in early bookings for 2008.
“It’s the city that just keeps reinventing itself,” said agency spokesman Steve Loucks. “Every time you turn around, there’s a new hot casino or resort.”
“Voluntourism” is another trend. It combines adventure trips with short-term, on-the-ground philanthropy that is growing worldwide, says Leslie Weeden, travel director of Outside Magazine.
TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors, five million registered members and 10 million reviews and opinions, according to the company.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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