AAA Examines
Coming Travel Trends for Oregon
Published 01/07/2010
By Doreen Loofburrow and OregonTravelDaily
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Cape Kiwanda, one of Oregon's biggest tourism
attractions |
(Portland, Oregon) - With the arrival
of the new year, there are some encouraging signs
that the travel industry is ready for a recovery,
according to the Oregon office of the AAA. Americans
are traveling again and they are quickly discovering
the top trend for 2010: value. In planning a vacation
you may not only discover excellent rates, but
also complimentary giveaways such as a free night
on a multiple night stay, gift cards, or spa credits.
Other important changes as 2010
begins are additional airport security measures
in the wake of the failed Christmas Day terror
attack. Traveling internationally may mean last
minute changes to travel requirements and restrictions.
Be sure to allow for extra time when traveling,
and double check current information before you
leave home for the airport. Visit www.TSA.gov
for current information.
Now's the time to pull out the
crystal ball and survey the travel landscape for
the coming year. Doreen Loofburrow, Director of
Travel Services for AAA Oregon/Idaho, has the
top travel trends for 2010, and some practical
tips for planning your vacations.
"Bon voyage!," she says,
and has written the following.
The travel industry has responded
to the economic downturn with special enticements
encouraging people to travel again - great values.
Planning a stay at a hotel or resort on your next
vacation? Look beyond the room rate – there
may be complimentary giveaways included that add
up to an excellent overall value. This may include
a 3rd or 4th night free, and spa, golf or dining
credits. And Families may find “kids stay
or eat free” at many resorts.
Cruises continue to be a very popular
option for people looking for a travel bargain.
Whether you choose a 7 day Alaska cruise, 12 day
European, or 100 day voyage around the world,
look for low rates from as little as $60 per day,
including your accommodations, food, and transportation
to a variety of ports.
Drive vacations will be a popular
choice for many travelers in 2010. Vancouver B.C.
is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic games in February
and between the global media attention and the
enhancements to the destination this past year,
Vancouver is ready for a tourism explosion. Another
popular drive trip destination is the National
Parks of the west. From Grand Canyon to Yosemite
to Yellowstone, many national parks have recently
seen record numbers of visitors. In 2009 the National
Park Service announced several “fee-free”
weekends. Look for these in the future when you
are planning your trip – but be prepared
for potential crowds.
With additional flight options
and incredible offers from hotels and resorts,
Hawaii is back on the list as a hot spot for 2010.
There are new nonstop flights from Portland to
Maui, and this offers a reasonable and convenient
way to reach the island. Those looking for sun
and beaches on a budget are grabbing up the specials
at the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, especially
in the Cancun area. With most food and beverages
included at all-inclusive resorts, there's no
sticker shock when the final bill arrives. River
Cruises throughout Europe have been very popular
in the last year, and for 2010 look to Egypt as
the new river cruise hot spot. Nile river cruise
and tour packages allow you to visit the historic
sites and antiquities, while providing a comfortable
way to see the region.
The sheer volume of information
and user-generated content available online has
become overwhelming. Let alone the time it takes
to do the research and reading yourself. Professional
travel planners can help you cut through this
ever-growing clutter, and assist you in finding
the best values. A professional travel agent can
be your vacation advocate and can save you time
and money by arranging all aspects of your trip.
That’s always important, because getting
the most for your money is the one travel trend
that’s popular every year.
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