It's Summer and an Amusement Park is Calling

       It's the middle of summer, and for millions of Americans that means a trip to the amusement park.  Whether that means a day trip to a local park, a side trip to a regional park during your vacation trip, or a planned family trip to the mega parks in Orlando; their is no doubt Americans love their amusement parks.  When determining what are the best amusement parks in the U.S., and to help you to decide if a trip to one should be in your future, I thought I would post the results of a recent survey of fans of the Travel Channel, who voted for their favorite water, amusement and and theme parks.  Take a look at these fun picks to help you plan a great family trip.

Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
The roller coaster capital of the world on the shores of Lake Erie, with 17 coasters is an adrenaline junkie's dream come true.

Knoebels (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
An old-fashioned amusement park that offers nostalgia and value; admittance and parking are free of charge.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
With over 13 million people visiting the park last year, its the special "Disney Magic", that has continued to make it the "happiest place on earth", and the most popular amusement park in the world.

Schlitterbahn Water Park (New Braunfels, Texas)
On over 65 acres, it has been rated the best water park in the nation for the past 13 years.  It offers something for every water lover, from coasters to surfing, to beaches and more.

Universal's Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction has made this popular park a destination unto itself.  But the  park has so many other features and attractions, that the family will not want to leave.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California)
18 roller coasters plus Hollywood flair equal a great experience.

King's Island (Mason, Ohio)
A great modern park that has something for everyone in your family.  Tickets also include admission to the nearby water park, Boomerang Bay.

Dells Water Parks (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)
Home to more indoor and outdoor water parks than anywhere else in the U.S., the Wisconsin Dells is a water park lover's dream.  Many of the parks are open year-round.

Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
While chocolate may be the theme, the park features outstanding attractions including roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to nearby ZOOAMERICA.

Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, California)
One of the older parks in the nation, Knott's Berry Farm is just a classic amusement park that offers great thrill rides, water rides, and family fun.

July: A Traveler's To Do List

       I have been reading about, and reporting in this blog, the projected surge in global personnel travel for the remainder of 2014 and all of 2015.  From projected increases in air travel by the airlines, to massive increases in global hotel demand from companies such as Marriott and Starwood, to cruise lines increasing capacity by double digits to meet projected increase in demand for year round cruises in Europe and Asia; companies in the travel industries project global travel to be above pre-recession levels.  With U.S. personnel travel levels already back, and the European economies starting to recover enough for strong increases in foreign travel projections; and state travel agencies from Australia to Hawaii projecting 10 to 20% annual growth in tourism from Asia over the next 5 years; you can understand where this travel growth will come from.   So I found an interesting article in the July 2014 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, " The Five Things Smart Travelers Should Be Doing This Month", which I thought I would share with you.  If you believe the travel experts, then the old saying of "the early bird and the worm", may just work for you.

Plan Spring Break 2015.  School calendars are out and you should be planning on a destination.  In high demand locations like the Caribbean, experts suggests making reservations asap at the hotel you want.

Consider Japan.  International tourism to Japan is at record levels.  If the cherry blossoms are on your to do list, experts recommend booking 9 months ahead before the hotels and inns become full.

Book your fall weekend getaway.  If your planning a weekend getaway to a small inn or B&B during leaf season, demand is up significantly this year in popular regions such as New England.

Buy your South Pacific airfare now.  If you are thinking of a trip to some South Pacific paradise over the next year, buying your airfare in July historically offers the lowest rates.

Get a jump start on next summer's big trip.  If your planning a major vacation takes time. The sooner you start researching, the more options you will have.  If the the vacation you want includes and event or location with limited capacity, such as that dream safari you always wanted to do, then the global personnel travel surge may make space a premium in 2015.

The Best Caribbean Resorts for Golfers

       Last week, after finishing a round of golf at my local club, I went to the 19th hole to share an adult beverage with my golf buddies.  As I sat down, a Club member, who knew my wife and I were in the travel industry, asked if I could recommend several golf courses in the Dominican Republic that where challenging for his hard core golfing son in law to play on his upcoming trip to that nation.  After giving him the names of several famous courses, I started thinking about my own situation.  After the brutal winter of 2013, my wife wants to go someplace warm for our Holiday vacation, instead of our normal ski trip out west. One of the options we are looking at is vacationing at a luxury beach all inclusive in Cancun which offers free rounds of golf at a nearby golf course.  Now, I don't know the reputation of this particular golf course, or how well it is maintained; but any chance I can  get to play a round in the middle of winter, becomes an opportunity.  For that reason alone this  vacation option gets my vote, ( thou unfortunately not the only vote), for our family trip.

       I started thinking about these two similar events happening at the same time; and it started me asking myself what are considered the best  all inclusive resorts and dedicated golf resorts in the Caribbean region for that golfer with the skill that wants to play the best, ( unfortunately above my skill level). Here is a consolidated list of the highest rated and most recommended golf resorts that offer the most beautiful, challenging, and value for the golfer who is planning to travel to the Caribbean region; from the pages of Caribbean Journal, Golf Digest and Travel and Leisure.  So if you are thinking about a vacation to one of these destinations, check out the list and don't leave your clubs at home.

Dominican Republic
  Casa deCampo
  Eden Roc Cap Cana
  Tortuga Bay Resort
  Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Resort
  Paradisus Palma Real

Bahamas
  One and Only Ocean Club
  Sandels Emerald Bay Resort

Cancun
  Le Blanc Spa Resort

Puerto Rico
  Dorado Beach (Ritz Carlton Reserve)
  El Conquistador (Waldorf Astoria Resort)

Nevis
  Four Seasons Resort

Jamaica
  Half Moon Resort and Spa

St.  Kitts
  St. Kitts Marriott Resort

St. Lucia
  Sandels Regency LaToc

Curacao
  Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort







     
      

What A Great Time For A Caribbean Cruise

       If you have been thinking of doing a Caribbean cruise this Fall or winter, this may be the best opportunity over the next several years; if you want variety and value.  The reason for this opportunity is simple old fashioned supply and demand. The cruise lines have significantly increased their capacity in the number of ships and cruises they are sailing to the Caribbean.  At the same time, the  demand has been flat cruises to the region; at the same time the overall cruise demand globally has increased.  What this means for you and I are more options at a lower price.

       The reason for this imbalance in supply is a combination of the cruise line looking for more stable markets for their ships, after a disastrous drop in demand for European cruises between 2010-12; and an increase in new ships and and new cruise lines entering the Caribbean market year round.  The Caribbean Princess, which would spend the summer in Europe is now based year round in Florida.  In addition, the cruise lines are adding new ships, with more features and larger capacities, such as the Norwegian Getaway, the Regal Princess and Royal Princess.  The Norwegian Getaway is based year round out of Miami, while the Princess ships are cruising the seasonally in the Caribbean.  Throw in the popular European line, MSC, which based its new 4000 passenger ship, the Divina, which they based this year in Miami for year round Caribbean cruises.  The result is a 20% increase in passenger capacity this Fall, compared to 2013.  Norweigian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan described this in Travel Weekly, as " the lemming theory... at the same time, and it's like you show your hand and everybody's in the Caribbean, with the capacity being up 20%."

       The demand has been flat for Caribbean cruises over the last several years.  The cruise lines think a major reason for this is is a perception in the public that the cruises are on the same old ships to the same old destinations.  In response, the cruise lines have increased their marketing to show the new features on their new ship; and and changing their cruises.  They are adding new ports of call, varying the port schedules, and adding both longer and shorter cruise lengths; to meet the changing demands of the American travelers.

       But this valuable opportunity for us; of more cruises and cruise options, will not last forever.  Already the cruise line have a reduction in both the number of ships to sail year round out of Florida and the number of ship cruising seasonally in the Caribbean for 2015/16.  Both MSC and Princess will discontinue year round sailing out of Miami. In addition, ships that had been scheduled to sail in the Caribbean such as the Norweigian Epic, and Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Sea, will be moved to other faster growing cruise regions, in this case Europe and China respectively.   What this means for us will be a large reduction in options for us next year.  So while the ships are all here this season, go have some fun on that cruise you want to do, try a new ship, enjoy the new cruise lengths and ports of call.  The value is hard to beat.

Christmas Vacation Planning - In June?

        The question of whether you should start planning for your Christmas/Holiday trip 6 to 7 months in advance depends on your destination, lodgings, and if you plan on flying or not.  Travel during the Winter Holidays has historically been one of the busiest travel periods.  According to AAA, based on travel trends so far for 2014, the Holiday travel season could set a record.  A little planning  now could save you some money and prevent some disappointment down the line.

       The projected record number of people traveling during the Christmas season means higher rates and possible room shortages at hotels and resorts at the most popular destinations over the holiday period.  According to Orbitz, the most popular destinations can be divided by cold and hot.  By this I mean the opposites in the weather during the season.  For the cold weather, the most popular destinations are:

* Colorado - for many people the Holiday season means snow and skiing.  The ski resorts in the state are expected to be full earlier than normal this year.

* New York, NY - for thousands of people the sites and sounds of New York during the holidays are what the season is all about.  Plus New Years eve in Time Square is something everyone should experience.

       On the other side of the spectrum, for many people, the Holiday season give them the opportunity to leave the cold and travel to a warmer location.  According to Obitz, the most popular warm weather locations are:

* Florida - the major tourist destinations of Fort Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Tampa, and the most popular Holiday destination in the US, Orlando, all offer what many people want: warm weather and major tourist attractions.

* Cancun - the most popular foreign Holiday travel destination offers the right combination of warmth, beach, and exotic locale are a perfect match for Christmas.

* Puerto Rico - other love the islands for the holidays, and San Juan is the ninth most popular destination for the season.

* Arizona and Southern California - for many people, a better option for getting warmer weather means traveling to the Los Angeles or Phoenix areas.  Major regional attractions and activities like golf are reasons for the major holiday travel to the region.

In addition, the 2 week Holiday season, is  the highest demand period for taking a Caribbean cruise, with packed ships and pricing that are 3 to 5 times more than any other time during the winter season.

    Another reason to start planning early for your Holiday travel is the "sticker shock" at the cost of airline tickets.  In general, the price for tickets has risen by nearly 10% over the last several years, as the airlines has reduced capacity, and the increase in demand.  If you are planning on flying during the Holiday travel period, checking airline availability now may offer you a savings, in the price of the ticket, and being able to reserve before the flight you want is booked.

       So as the saying goes, sometimes "the early bird gets the worm".  If your traveling to a popular region, and you want the best rate at a resort, or special accommodations, now may be the best time to start planning and booking.  If you take a cruise, booking now will give you more options on cabin locations and types, and will in general cost less than if you waited, or you may get free upgrades.  If you plan to fly during the season, in general , the longer you wait the higher the costs and the less options you will have.  Some planning and action now, will allow you to take that Holiday vacation you want, and will leave you more money in your wallet.






     

For Royal Caribbean: Bigger is Better X2

     
       If you have any interest in the cruise industry, from the occasional cruiser to the most hard core fan of cruising; you have heard of Royal Caribbean Line's ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.  These two mega ships, each capable of carrying more than 5400 passengers, are the largest cruise ship ever built.  Even though they are very popular with travelers and command a premium price, they also have many detractors because of their size and inward ship focus.  Well, love em or hate em, Royal Caribbean is doubling down.  It has ordered not one, but two new ships of the Oasis-class, each in fact will be larger than the existing vessels.

       According to a report from Reuters, Royal Caribbean has just ordered a 4th ship of the Oasis-class to be built for delivery in 2018.  The 3rd ship in the series was ordered last year and is scheduled to go into service in 2016.  The two vessels will be built in France, and at 225,300 tonnes, will be larger than the existing ships, capable of carrying over 6000 passengers.  Each ship is budgeted to cost $1.8 billion.  Overall Royal Caribbean has increased its ship building budget from $5 billion to $6.8 billion thru 2018.

       No matter what you think of the Oasis-class vessels, just based on their sheer size and capacity, they will have a huge impact on the cruise industry.  Very few ports can handle ships of that size.  But with a booming demand for cruises in Asia, the cruise industry is responding by adding more capacity in that region.  Royal Caribbean has just reported it will send its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, to China year round starting in 2015, after it was reported the Chinese are building a brand new port terminal for her.  Other ports in Asia and the Caribbean are reported to be expanding their port capacities in order to handle the larger vessels.  In the US, Port Canaveral in Florida is planning to build a brand new terminal and 1000 space parking garage for Royal Caribbean; for the rumoured new home port for one of the Oasis-class ships.

Summer Travel 2014: The Travelers Are Back!

       Say the word summer, and for tens of millions of Americans the word is most associated with travel and vacation.  Unfortunately for the travel industry, all segments; from airlines, to resorts, to cruise lines saw huge losses in demand from the recession as the American consumer cut back on both the quantity and amount spent on leisure travel.  The good news is the travel industry has seen small steady growth over the last several years, as consumer confidence has slowly returned.  The reports from several travel industry groups show that trend is accelerating, as more Americans  not only want to travel more this summer, but are willing to spend more while they travel.

       According to a AAA survey, a post-recession record 36.1 million people are expected to travel during the  Memorial Day weekend.  This is a 1.5 percent increase, for the traditional start of the summer travel season.  The US airlines expect 210 million passengers to fly this summer, the highest in 6 years, including a record 29.9 million on international flights.  In addition the AAA report stated that not only are more people planning on traveling over Memorial Day, they are willing to spend more.  AAA also reports that hotels rates are going up 2% and airfares are up 6% from a year ago.  This increased spending trend is supported by a spokesman from the travel website Priceline, who recently told CNBC that summer travel spending is up over 1% from last year.

       Not only are Americans planning on travelling more this summer, they want to travel longer and are willing to upgrade.  According to a recent American Express Travel survey, the average summer trip in 2014 will last 10 days, a huge jump from last years 7 days.  Also people want more out of their trips, and want to upgrade their experiences.  In an interview with NBC News, Laura Fink, vice president of marketing at American Express Travel, stated; " across the board...people are paying a little more for the extras, cabin upgrades on cruise ships, better rooms at hotels".

       What this means, if you have procrastinated and haven't finished planning and booking that trip you want to do this summer, you may want to contact a travel professional. It will save you hours looking up airfare, researching resorts and your sanity.