Solo Travel Appeals to More Travelers

Most hotels and cruises still are priced on double occupancy. However there is a growing trend that caters to those who want to travel for new experiences on their own.


Last year Norwegian Cruise Lines rolled out 128 Studio staterooms on their   Norwegian Epic .They are adding these to two other new ships being delivered in 2013 and 2014. These sell out quickly, drawing both solo travelers and friends traveling together who just want their own space. Also, many of the solo travelers are married, but have partners who do not share the same interests, so they want to travel with people who share those interests, giving them a sense of community and interaction while allowing them some private time.


Women compose about 90% of solo travelers. They are no longer hesitant to travel alone when they have the security of being in a group, particularly if the destination is challenging. The stigma of a woman traveling alone has gone the way of the white gloves that they once needed to go shopping downtown.


Now if some of the resorts and hotels can spot this trend and get on board, many more travelers can get out and enjoy new experiences.

Where are we going on vacation this time "Dear?"

Couples often have a lot in common, but not always. It is also said that opposites attract. Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. So if yours is a relationship that requires some give and take on a vacation destination, here are some ideas on how to reach a consensus that makes you both happy...which is one of the reasons for going on vacation, right?

• Find activities you both enjoy, no matter which location. Biking, shopping, clubbing, walking etc.
• Alternate vacation types. If you enjoy a cruise and your partner enjoys the mountains, take turns on your choices.
• Make your decisions together. For instance, if you are going to the beach and your partner prefers the mountains, involve them on decisions like dinner choices, or activities to show that you are both involved.
• Enjoy yourself if you are on vacation that was not your chosen type. The whole idea is to keep an open mind and open yourself up to new experiences. Do not put a damper on the trip.
• Create a surprise for your partner. If it is your turn to pick the destination/type, then plan a surprise on the trip that really caters to the other person's interests.

U.S. Virgin Islands

It is getting cold outside and soon the winter doldroms will be with us and you, like me, may be needing a shot of sunshine. Well, I am thinking about the Caribbean again and want to go with as little hassle as possible. So I am thinking about the US Virgin Islands, specifically, St. Johns which is the greenest.


Why there? No Passport required, no currency exchange needed, and the cellphone works just like at home!


This time around, we are looking at renting a Villa and bringing along some friends for a house party 50 feet from the beach. They can be had for $3,500/week or $167 per couple per night versus one of the resorts at $509/night. The villas give more privacy and allow us to save money on some meals, by preparing them ourselves. 


This GetAway sure beats watching football at the relatives house and dreading the trip home in the snow.

Memories for a Lifetime

Reading the NY Times this weekend, I noticed that despite the negative talk about the economy, there was no shortage of advertisements for luxury goods. Designer shoes, purses dresses, jackets, suits, jewelry and watches with prices that would choke the average income earner. So my take on this is that the affluent will continue to buy luxury products even in this down economy when they perceive  lasting value.


Another trend that is related to this phenomenon is the trend in leisure travel. People are looking for travel experiences that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. The travel can be educational as well as reduce stress. They are looking for experiences that go beyond sight-seeing. They want to connect with the people and cultures around the world. Giving back to others and volunteerism travel are in vogue. Other experiences include such activities as Kayaking, Mountain bike tours, Yoga, Cooking classes, and Wine culture excursions.


Whether at hotels, resorts, or cruises, they want first class gyms,tai-chi classes, accupuncture,or aerobic instruction.


So where do these travelers find information  and make reservations for their memory-making trips? Two thirds use their computer or smartphone and do so on-line. Therefore it seems that anyone who wants to tap into this trend would be well served to make that search experience as effortless as possible,

Keeping Track of your Travel Itinerary with your smartphone

How do you keep track of your travel itinerary? Forget carrying paper printouts from different vendors with your flight bookings,
hotel reservations, rental car reservations, and dinner reservations.


Take a look at TripIt for your Blackberry, iPhone, or Android. This app will let you organize all of your tracking numbers and itinerary in one convenient place. You email whatever you have scheduled to them @tripit.com They collect it all, organize it (even when traveling with a partner or group), and send it back to you on your device.


You can then share the itinerary with family, friends meeting you, co-workers, or just about anyone.


So everything is with you, accessible and easily shared.


TripIt's base product is free and their Professional account, for frequent travelers is only $49/year.

How to avoid looking like an American Tourist

As an American in a foreign country, you do not want to be approached by every tourist trapper on the street/beach. Also, you are subject to being mugged or abducted. Here are a few tips.

1. Take your time the pace of life in many foreign countries is slower.
2. If traveling alone, buy a local paper, keep in under your arm or open and read it on a bus or train.
3. Keep the map out of sight, study it before you leave your hotel.
4. Consider buying a pair of local shoes, especially if you arrived in white tennis shoes or God forbid, Crocs.
5. Use local currency, not US dollars, or better yet any form of electronic payment to avoid fumbling through a wad of foreign currency.
6. Fanny packs are a flashing neon sign for "Ugly American."
7. For women, instead of a purse, consider a plastic bag, which is also good for maps and guide books.
8. Place your cash, credit cards, and other valuables close to your body and not all in the same place. Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet. If accosted, hand over your wallet without question or comment. Most thieves will leave quickly. Resistance just buys you trouble.
9. Do not give money to beggars and urchins. Many are run by criminals. If you want to help, ask about local charities.
10. Backpacks are a target. One person will distract you while an accomplice slices open the bottom and removes the contents.

     
Ray Wells
YourTripConsultant