Travel Leaders’ newly released 2012 Travel Trends Survey shows that most travelers have no plans to cut back on their vacations in the New Year.
Data gathered by the Travel Leaders survey also shows that U.S. travelers remain consistent in their most-wanted vacation destinations.  Eight of the top 10 domestic destinations for 2012 were also on the top 10 list for 2011, and the top two choices – Las Vegas and Orlando remain the same.
The list of the Top US Destinations also includes: Maui, Alaska Cruising, New York City, Honolulu- Hawaii, and Washington DC.
The Travel Leaders survey also shows that vacationers are booking their travel farther in advance.  A majority of travelers now book their U.S. vacations eight weeks or more in advance – both to lock in optimum pricing and to ensure their first choice for flight schedules.  Talk with your travel professional soon about your 2012 vacation plans.
Travel Leaders’ 2012 Travel Trends Survey shows that Americans are ready for more adventurous travel that takes them further from home than in recent years.  Eleven of the top 20 international destinations – up from nine last year – are in Europe, Asia and Australia.
We have come to expect London, Rome and – more recently – European river cruising to be near the top of the survey.  Americans’ interests are diversifying and in large enough numbers to ‘bump up’ destinations such as Hong Kong and Beijing in Asia, and Amsterdam and Barcelona in Europe and Sydney, Australia.
The top international destinations are:
Caribbean cruising (also number one in 2011); Cancun, Mexico and Playa del Carmen, Mexico; European Cruising; Rome, Italy; London, England which celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and hosts the 2012 Olympic Games this summer; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Paris, France; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Negril, Jamaica; Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, Mexico; Florence/Tuscany, Italy; European River Cruising, which made a leap from number 21 last year; Beijing, China; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico;  Mexican cruising and Sydney, Australia; Barcelona, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Hong Kong, China.
River Cruising, worldwide… has shown a remarkable rise in popularity.  Nothing compares to the river.  Where else but on the river can you journey into the heart of the world’s greatest cities and towns, and discover the true nature of the land?  Spend less time getting there and more time being there.  Little wonder that river cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry.
Check with a travel agent on a 2012 destination… ask an experienced expert!
Travel Leaders local office is located on Cinema Drive just west of Stone Fire Grill.  Contact agents at: 661-254-7278 or email: scv@ytc.com.