Sunny beaches and international destinations are the top vacation spots for 2017. A new survey by AAA shows 42 percent of Americans plan to take a vacation in 2017 – with many planning trips to warm weather destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Nearly a third of U.S. adults (30 percent) say they’re more likely to take a vacation this year compared to 2016, and they’re seeking different kinds of travel experiences.
“Experiential travel is becoming more and more popular. Many travelers want to immerse themselves in different cultures, learning about the people and history of the places they visit,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Vice President of Travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “At the same time, warm weather destinations are always popular as Americans dream of spending time on a sunny beach or visiting a theme park with the family. All in all, we expect a very busy year for vacationers and the travel industry.”
The top destinations (national) for 2017, based on AAA’s travel bookings, are:
International:
1.Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2)
2.Rome, Italy (1)
3.Montego Bay, Jamaica (3)
4.London, England (4)
5.Nassau, Bahamas (6)
Domestic:
1.Orlando, Florida (1)
2.Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2)
3.Anaheim, California (3)
4.Miami, Florida (4)
5.Las Vegas, Nevada (6)
Domestic:
1.Orlando, Florida (1)
2.Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2)
3.Anaheim, California (3)
4.Miami, Florida (4)
5.Las Vegas, Nevada (6)
AAA says destinations with the most notable increases in travel bookings include Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Toronto and Vancouver, Canada; and Cancun, Mexico.
The top destinations for 2017 for AAA Oregon/Idaho are:
International:
1.Rome, Italy
2.London, England
3.Paris, France
4.Venice, Italy
5.Reykjavik, Iceland
Domestic:
1.Anaheim
2.Las Vegas
3.Oahu
4.Maui
5.San Diego
AAA’s travel experts say these are the top trends for 2017:
•Experiential Travel: Both novice and expert travelers alike are seeking travel experiences that help to facilitate a deeper connection to the cultures, people and traditions of a destination. For example, AAA has noted an increase in travelers booking tours that include opportunities to dine with local families or receive hands-on tutorials from local craftspeople.
•O Canada: Canada is an increasingly popular vacation destination, thanks to its close location and favorable currency exchange rates that make trips there affordable and accessible to more Americans. Canada will also celebrate its 150th birthday in 2017, offering visitors many opportunities to experience special events and learn more about the country’s history and traditions.
•The “I”s Have It: AAA notes a significant amount of demand for travelers visiting Europe in 2017. Ireland and Iceland are expected to be particularly popular, thanks to the availability of low airfares and the perception that both countries are safe—yet for many travelers, previously unexplored—destinations.
•River Cruising: According to a AAA survey, four in 10 Americans would consider a river cruise for an upcoming vacation and 24 percent said they are likely to take a river cruise in the next five years. And despite the perception that river cruising appeals primarily to older generations, millennials are more likely to consider a river cruise for an upcoming vacation than either their Generation X or Baby Boomer counterparts.
•National Parks: The National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, to great fanfare. Following all-time record visitation in 2015, the national parks remain an attractive vacation destination for many. According to a recent AAA survey, 79 percent of Americans say they are as likely or more likely to visit a national park through the first half of this year, building on the momentum of last year’s centennial celebrations.