Welcome to Maximizing Moments, November 2018

Maximizing Moments is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your precious travel time more memorable – in many ways.

In This Issue**:
Virtuoso® Luxe Report For 2019 Travel
Thankful - 10  Things I'm Thankful For in 2018

2019 - THE YEAR OF ULTRA-PERSONALIZED TRAVEL

The latest Virtuoso® Luxe Report was recently released showing travel in 2019 will be highly personalized and inspired by a desire to experience new destinations in unusual ways. Every year global luxury travel network Virtuoso® surveys its industry-leading force of travel agencies and advisors in 50 countries to forecast what the coming year will bring. The Luxe Report, which has established Virtuoso as a trusted trend predictor, unveils consumer preferences in high-end and experiential travel.

Virtuoso’s affiliated travel advisors revealed client requests that illustrate the desire for a deeper level of personalization and one-of-a-kind experiences. From specific seat numbers on planes and hotel room numbers to particular rental car types, travelers are more vocal about their precise preferences. Nothing is left to chance, as increasingly clients ask for prearranged meals and appointments. They are seeking not just restaurant reservations, but exact tables at in-demand hot spots as well as pre-ordering wine to accompany the meal. They also ask their advisor to book sessions with hairdressers, massage therapists and even tattoo artists.

Through the Luxe Report, Virtuoso uncovered five trends – all with an overarching movement toward personalization – shaping how upscale travelers will roam the world in 2019.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE 2019 VIRTUOSO® LUXE REPORT:

TOP TRAVEL TRENDS

1. Motivation: Social media’s influence is unmistakable, as it drives travelers’ desire to find the most captivating backdrops and the best time of day for snapping images. Clients are requesting on-site photography sessions to create Instagram-worthy content, including replicating shots they admired online.

Virtuoso advisors are arranging themed photo shoots characteristic of destinations, such as wearing traditional geisha attire in Kyoto or ball gowns in Venice.

 

2. Transportation: When flying commercial, airlines with state-of-the-art business and first-class cabins are a favorite. Upon landing, VIP airport arrival services that whisk travelers through customs and ease tight connections are growing in demand. Requests are on the rise for private helicopter transfers to and from airports as well as from one city or resort island to another.

3. Accommodation: Experiential travelers who have seen it all are craving stays in unconventional accommodations. Those range from a treehouse to a monastery to an igloo in Norway, a tent in the Moroccan desert, the shores of the Red Sea, and even a bubble nestled in nature so they can gaze at stars before drifting off to sleep.

4. Recreation: People want to explore their passions through bucket-list experiences. Sports fans are asking for tickets to major events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl and Wimbledon. Art aficionados are inquiring about private tours of locales like the Vatican after hours. Shoppers want appointments at high-end stores such as Hermès to purchase signature items like a Birkin bag. Music lovers are booking trips to summer festivals and concerts. Advisors are also arranging private dinners with influential local figures.

5. Conservation: Travelers are expressing heightened interest in animal-related experiences. Some request visits to animal protection facilities or to observe animals in the wild, such as whale watching and viewing rhinos at close range. Some want to interact more directly with animals, such as at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi or dog sledding in the North Pole. They also exhibit concern for animal welfare and want to ensure that interactions are sustainable.

Exploring new destinations is the prevailing travel motivator for 2019, and Japan tops the list of emerging destinations for the first time, having previously finished third and fifth in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Multigenerational travel maintains its stronghold as the hottest trend for 2019, a position it has held every year but one since 2011. Italy continues its reign as the top global destination as well as the leader for family travel, honeymoons and Millennial travel.

1. Multigenerational travel - The hottest trend in travel these days? Taking a trip with three or more generations of your family. The Virtuoso Luxe Report crowned multigenerational travel as the top choice for upscale travelers. It’s been big for the past several years, and its popularity just continues to grow. When it comes to family milestones, there’s nothing as special as gathering the whole clan to share the magic of travel – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, grown-up siblings, children, and even friends and their children – while spending precious time together. It’s a terrific way for families to get to know one another better, especially when demanding schedules and long distances keep you apart in your everyday lives.

2. Active or adventure trips - Active travel is usually centered around hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, river rafting or some other physical activity, but it doesn’t always mean you have to be in tip top shape to enjoy an active vacation. More and more travelers are finding that they can combine touring new destinations while also getting as much or as little exercise as they like – there is an active vacation for almost all types of travelers.

With access to even the most remote parts of the world, adventure travel has grown exponentially over the past several years, and is more popular than ever, according to travel advisors. But adventure travel doesn’t necessarily mean roughing it. Luxury safaris, mountain treks, whitewater rafting or exploring the most remote parts of Mongolia combine adventure with luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and indulgent spas. Even traditional resorts are incorporating some level of active or adventure options to their menus of options to their guests, such as zip lining, hot air ballooning, or nature walks.

3. River cruising - River cruising continues to gain popularity among all types of travelers. This form of travel allows travelers to get closer to the center of the cities on their itineraries without having to take long bus rides from a cruise terminal.

They also appeal to those who enjoy smaller, more intimate ships, where they can get to know fellow travelers in a casual, relaxed environment. And travelers like that they can see more in less time, yet really delve into the culture, arts and history of their destinations.

And river boats are becoming more and more luxurious and well-equipped, some with plunge pools or hot tubs, gyms, multiple dining venues, large staterooms and comfortable lounges, so guests can experience the same level of comfort as at a luxury hotel.

4. Luxury cruising - While the definition of luxury may differ among travelers, there is one common thread tied to the growth in luxury cruising over the past several years, which the expectation of a high level of personalized service.

Travelers have come to expect superior experiences that the luxury cruise lines offer, a high level of sophistication, large luxurious suites, many with balconies, exceptional cuisine and high-quality activities and entertainment options. A high staff-to-guest ratio is also important and many ships offer butler or concierge services as a standard amenity. And, smaller ships mean access to places that the larger cruise liners cannot reach due to shallower waters or narrower channels.

5. Celebration travel - Nearly two-thirds of luxury leisure travelers took a vacation to celebrate a life event in the past year. Similarly, according to AARP, more than three-quarters of people 45 and older are planning celebration travel in the next two years.

Typically, large family trips are centered around a celebratory event – typically a milestone birthday, a wedding, anniversary, or retirement.

Traveling with grandchildren provides an opportunity to create global citizens and, with a major emphasis on sustainable and eco-travel, grandparents, parents and children become more tied to learning about and promoting conservation.

TOP GLOBAL DESTINATIONS

While Italy continued its reign at the top of the list of global destinations in demand, France has made a resounding comeback this year and travelers are looking for experiences both familiar and exotic.

1. Italy
2. France
3. South Africa
4. United States
5.  Iceland

TOP MILLENNIAL DESTINATIONS

Millenials may seem to be of a completely different mindset than seen in prior age groups, but they actually display similar characteristics to the "me" generation of the 1960s, with a few exceptions. They desire experiences over materialistic goods, and this generation has greater access to the world than ever before and they want to see it "like a local".  Another trend is an overarching focus on sustainability, which is reflected in their top destinations, according to Virtuoso travel advisors.

1. Italy
2. Thailand
3. Iceland
4. South Africa
5. Australia

TOP FAMILY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Italy’s appeal to families continues; it finishes as the top destination consecutively for the last several years. While Europe still charms, families continue to flock to warm-weather and children-oriented destinations.

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. Orlando, FL
5. England

TOP CRUISE ITINERARIES

No surprises here, as these destinations have been perennial favorites since this category has existed in the report; only the order changes from year to year. Cruisers love itineraries filled with history, iconic cities and natural beauty.

1. Mediterranean
2. European river
3. Alaska
4. Caribbean
5. Greek Isles

TOP EMERGING DESTINATIONS

Virtuoso advisors' clients are on the leading edge of travel trends and while they don't always predict the most exotic of emerging destinations, they are spot on for what travel advisors are seeing from demand from year to year. Case in point, Portugal was #5 on the list last year, but has moved up a notch, while Egypt, which has been off the radar screen for some time now, has re-emerged.

1. Japan
2. Croatia
3. Iceland
4. Portugal
5. Egypt

TOP ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS

Safaris top the list for at least the last 4 years and the list has not changed materially from one year to the next. However after dropping out of the top five in 2018, the Galapagos Islands has returned as the list is always comprised of top bucket-list destinations. This means planning well in advance is critical in order to maximize that special experience.

1. South Africa
2. Iceland
3. New Zealand
4. Galapagos Islands
5. Costa Rica

TOP CITIES

A new category added to the survey, the top cities travelers are requesting are destinations with any combination of sophistication, history, art, theater and culture, not to mention some of the best dining options in the world. Cape Town also adds a destination with amazing natural beauty.

1. Paris
2. Rome & New York City (tie)
3. Cape Town
4. London
5. Tokyo

TOP HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

For the first time in 4 years, France made the list of top romantic destinations for newlyweds, Alongside always top-of-the-list Italy,  both offer an itinerary that can be customized to include cities, breathtaking countryside and coastal stops - what a honeymoon either country would make! On the other hand, relaxation on a gorgeous beach is also a priority especially after the run-up to a wedding.

1. Italy
2. Maldives
3. French Polynesia
4. Maui
5. France

TOP TRAVEL MOTIVATIONS

Why do people travel? There are too many reasons to list here, but the top five reasons have some important themes flowing through them. People want to feel connected to the world and experience new places and cultures. They want to reconnect with themselves and/or loved ones. And while some may be methodical about crossing off destinations on their bucket-lists, it's really all about expanding your personal universe and embracing differences in language, food, thought, culture, art, music, geography, and a whole host of other things that make travel so enriching.

1. Exploring new destinations

2. Crossing off bucket-list items

3. Seeking authentic experiences

4. Rest and relaxation

5. Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones

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A total of 1,071 travel advisors from Virtuoso-affiliated agencies in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East were surveyed, drawing on their vast experience as well as client requests to provide insight into 2019’s hottest trends.

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As the year comes to a close and having just celebrated Thanksgiving, it made me think of all the things I have to be grateful for in 2018. While the peak travel planning season is upon us, I have to remember to slow down, even if only for a few minutes, and reflect on my blessings. Here are just a few of the things I am thankful for this year.

1. I am exponentially thankful for my travel partners, who make my clients feel extra special (and even take note of their favorite things along the way).
2. I'm thankful that I live in a country that has so much to explore without even leaving our borders. The US offers endless opportunities for adventure, delight, relaxation and rejuvenation.
3. I am thankful for the opportunities to try local flavors when I travel. I have tried food that I never knew existed!
4. I am thankful that my clients let me be a part of special moments in their life, like engagements, honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays.
5. I'm thankful for my little Smith Luxury Travel travelers, who get to experience the joy of traveling from a young age, and my supplier partners who make their trips exciting.
6. I am thankful for serene beaches that encourage all of us to unplug, relax and unwind, and I'm thankful for adventures that make me feel alive.
7. I'm thankful to be a part of the Virtuoso network that encourages everyone to "live your travel dreams".
8. I am thankful for the many wonders that the world has to offer. There is truly nothing like seeing the Big 5 in Africa, ice caves in Iceland, the Northern Lights, Machu Picchu, the Egyptian pyramids..... the list is endless.
9. I'm thankful for partners and clients who want to make the communities they work in and travel to better.
10. And I'm thankful for you, my clients. Your thirst to explore the world, from Australia to Morocco, and .... Discover More! Your passion allows me to follow my passion every day.

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Thank You for Reading Maximizing Moments!

**Some of the original content in Maximizing Moments can be found at www.brownelltravel.com/blog and https://blog.virtuoso.com/

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