There may be no place like home, but more Americans are choosing to travel in the fall and early winter – even during the holidays, according to a new survey. Travel Leaders, travel agents in St. Louis MO, recently conducted its largest fall Travel Trends Survey ever, gathering data on actual travel bookings from nearly 1,000 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and agents.
Almost 80% of those polled said bookings for Thanksgiving and for Christmas/New Year are the same or higher than at this time last year. And, these travelers aren’t necessarily going to grandmother’s house, unless she happens to live in Las Vegas, Orlando, New York City, Maui or Honolulu – the top five leisure travel destinations in the U.S. for the remainder of 2013.
There’s always something new to see or do in Las Vegas, the glittering desert city that constantly reinvents itself. There are new shows and restaurants on the Strip, like Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana and Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace. Things are happening downtown, too: Fremont Street is getting ready for SlotZilla, a 12-story, slot-machine-themed platform for a new two-level zip line ride.
Orlando’s theme parks can also be relied on for something new to delight visitors. In addition to a new Transformers 3D ride, Universal Orlando has opened the streets of the mythical Springfield of The Simpsons. Pause for a Krusty Burger and a Duff beer before hopping on the Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, a ride hosted by aliens Kang & Kodos.
For some of the best holiday shopping, visit New York City. And, while you’re there, take in a holiday show. There’s the enduring Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall; A Christmas Story at the Theater at Madison Square Garden; and the New York City Ballet’s presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Add a walk down Fifth Avenue and take in the tree at Rockefeller Center – home to Radio City Music Hall – and New York City is sure to put you into the holiday spirit.
The diverse landscapes of Maui – from the mountainous interior to shorelines dotted with white or black sand beaches – draw visitors all year long, but November is the start of the winter surfing season. If you’ll be taking your first lesson, try Launiupoki, good for novices and more experienced surfers.
Honolulu’s beach culture combines with the shopping, dining and cultural attractions you expect in a sophisticated city. And, when the sun goes down, the clubs come to life. There are wine bars, live music venues and dance clubs: one of the newest is The Standard on Ala Moana Boulevard.
To give yourself a holiday treat in one of these destinations, talk with your travel professional at Travel Leaders, your St. Louis travel agents! We can find you some great St. Louis travel deals. We will get you there. Free Memories with Every Purchase. 636.778.1081.
