2013 Travel Trends and Top Destinations

Each year, Virtuoso surveys its vast network of luxury travel advisors (Andavo agents included!) to predict the top travel trends and destinations.  The report provides insight on where, when and how travelers will go next – whether on land or afloat – be it couples, families or adventure-seekers.  The 2013 Luxe Report is now out!  The verdict?

Key Findings from the 2013 Virtuoso Luxe Report

The five most popular emerging destinations, meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular for the first time or all over again, in 2013:
1.Cuba
2.Myanmar/Burma
3.Bhutan
4.Chile
5.Vietnam

Why it’s significant: Myanmar, Bhutan and Chile are all first-timers on the list.

The five biggest travel trends for 2013:
1.Multi-generational family travel
2.River cruises
3.Luxury cruises
4.Active or adventure trips
5.Celebration travel

Why it’s significant: Multi-generational means fun for the WHOLE family. And a rising tide floats all boats … ocean cruising will have renewed strength, while river cruising continues to attract travelers of all ages.

The five most popular international destinations in 2013:
1.Italy
2.South Africa
3.France
4.Australia
5.Argentina

Why it’s significant: Argentina makes a first-time appearance, while England falls from fifth to ninth place.

The top five U.S. destinations in 2013:
1.Napa Valley / Sonoma
2.Maui
3.New York City
4.Alaska; Las Vegas (tied)
5.Hawaii’s Big Island

Why it’s significant: Napa/Sonoma nabs the top spot from Maui for the first time, while Alaska makes the list tied for third with Las Vegas (its opposite in every way).

The top five most popular destinations for families in 2013:
1.Italy
2.England; Costa Rica (tied)
3.Hawaii
4.Mexico
5.France; Galapagos Islands; Turks & Caicos (tied)

Why it’s significant: Costa Rica increases in popularity to tie with England, while Mexico cracks the top five.

The five most popular cruise itineraries for 2013:
1.Alaska
2.Mediterranean
3.European River
4.Caribbean
5.Baltic Region

Why it’s significant: The Baltic Region replaces the Greek Isles on the list.

The five most popular destinations for romantic getaways in 2013:
1.Italy
2.French Polynesia
3.France
4.Bali
5.Fiji

Why it’s significant: Fiji proves more popular than the Seychelles, which slipped to seventh place.

The five most popular adventure destinations in 2013:
1.South Africa
2.New Zealand (moved up & switched with CR)
3.Galapagos Islands
4.Costa Rica
5.Australia

Why it’s significant: New Zealand moves up to steal second place from Costa Rica.

The top reasons people will travel in 2013:
1.Exploring new destinations
2.Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; Rest & Relaxation (tied)
3.Spending time with or reconnecting with loved ones
4.Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc)
5.Seeking adventure

A total of 350 travel advisors from Virtuoso member travel agencies in the United States and Canada provided survey responses in October 2012.