By Chris Meyer

People often ask me, “What’s hot in travel?” So as we approach a new year, I’ll describe a few trends I especially like.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL VACATIONS

More grandparents are hitting the road and high seas with adult children and grandkids. They find it very rewarding and memorable to enjoy vacationing together.

Cruise lines, resorts and tour companies are working hard to satisfy this desire in grander and grander ways. Disney – with its theme parks, cruise ships, and tours – is the first company that comes to mind because of its enduring brand and stellar quality.

But there are other great choices. A grandmother recently visited our office to book cabins for three generations on Royal Caribbean International’s latest and greatest cruise ship. It has something for every age and interest:

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  Royal Caribbean’s Flowrider, a hit with teens, gives you a surf-like experience while on the ship.

   A rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, sky diving simulator and bumper cars for the active and energetic.

•  Extensive kids programs for the younger set all the way down to 6 months.
•  An array of top-flight entertainment for all ages – from Broadway musicals to characters from Dreamworks family movies.
•  And great restaurants round out the experience.

A cruise on such a ship enables families to find the perfect balance of together and apart time. Plus they are taken exciting destinations – such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe – in their floating luxury hotel.

Family resorts are also stepping it up for multi-generational families. From Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii to Beaches all-inclusive Caribbean resorts to the dude ranches of the American West, there is truly something for every family.

Several tour companies have guided vacations tailored especially to appeal to several generations. There are family safaris that include hands-on experience with BBC Earth camera crews, alpine adventures that feature glacier hikes and whitewater rafting, and a U.S. national parks experience with horseback rides and mountain biking amid the spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce.

 

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

A growing number of travelers want to multitask. Sure, a vacation should have fun and exploration, but it would be even better if we can do some good along the way.

For example, a zip-lining and river-rafting Costa Rica adventure can be paired with time volunteering at the sea turtle preserve. Or an immersive exploration of Cambodia can include an opportunity to help in the teaching at a school for young people rescued from the sex trade. Or an inspiring visit to Israel can feature time getting your hands dirty on an archaeological dig.

Voluntourism done right can be a powerful force to enlighten, inspire and connect people. That’s why we specialize in purposeful travel at Expedia CruiseShipCenters of Orange County. We can show you all the ready-made itineraries or design a spectacular custom experience especially for you or your group.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Travelers these days want to really get inside the place they are visiting. They want to stay at a Tuscan farm, connect with locals and participate in a farm-to-table experience.

They want to trace their roots in Ireland and explore the little villages where uniquely Irish charm and warmth radiates. They want to shop for their own food and engage the locals at the farmers market while staying in charming Provencal villa.

They want authenticity, not a skin-deep drive-by experience. Our partners deliver the most authentic experiences around the globe, and we can work with you to achieve the one that’s just right.

Whatever your travel wishes, our Expedia Experts navigate the many choices to deliver the vacation you have always dreamed of. Or the one you never dreamed was possible. We are committed to ensuring that your family vacation is nothing short of spectacular.

Give us a call today and let’s start turning that dream into reality. (800) 745-4015.