Looking into the crystal ball for 2019 travel insights

I don’t actually have a crystal ball, but here are a couple of travel trends I’m sure we’ll see in 2019. 

Hot new destinations 

Like clockwork, the travel press at this time of the year is full of stories about the next “hot” destination.  Here’s a couple that are emerging and worth adding to your personal bucket list.

New Zealand is enjoying a tourism boom driven by a dramatic increase in the number of non-stop flights from the United States.  New Zealand’s scenic beauty, unique cultures and fine dining are worth the long flight.

After many years of political uncertainty, Egypt is once again becoming a popular destination for Americans.  The wonders of the Pyramids, new and better Nile River cruise ships and a sense that the country has stabilized are prompting a high level of interest.  Thinking about going?  You might have to wait until 2020 – lots of tours and cruises for 2019 are already fully booked.

Alaska is a perennially popular destination, especially with Minnesotans.  In 2019, new cruise lines are entering the Alaskan cruise market, opening up new and offbeat ports of call and offering more variety in cruising styles.  From brand new luxury expedition ships to re-imagined mega ships, there are cruises to Alaska for everyone.  Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, especially during the short summer season.

Complex fares

The airlines started it when they began to “unbundle” their fares.  Extra fees for checked baggage and seat selection, “Basic Economy” fares, as well as onerous cancellation policies are par for the course with airlines.  This trend is spreading across the industry as hotels, tour operators and cruise lines embrace complexity and unbundling.  The lowest fares for cruises or rates for hotels typically include heavy cancellation or change penalties, non-refundable deposits and limited access to amenities that used to be standard.  

It’s easy to be confused by this complexity, and the unwary traveler can find themselves stuck in the wrong vacation, or worse, be out of pocket hundreds or thousands of dollars when plans change.  Professional travel advisors are experiencing a boom in business as travelers grow tired of trying to decipher travel internet offers and increasingly seek out professional advice and guidance.

Plan ahead

Gone are the days when last-minute travel meant unbeatably low prices.  Today, you’re far more likely to encounter the highest fares, inconvenient flights, and sold out accommodations and cruises.  Wise travelers plan ahead, and enjoy the anticipation of their trip, rather than scrambling to decide which of the undesirable options left is the least worst option.

Ted Blank is a luxury travel advisor with Travel Leaders in Stillwater.  He can be reached at ted@tvlleaders.com or (651) 964-8245.