Summer vacation is back in fashion according to the latest figures from American Express. Summer vacation plans are up 17% from last year as more than two-thirds (69% vs. 59% in 2012) of consumers plan to get away in the next three months. While it’s not quite a canary singing the end of the recession, summer vacations are on the rise and so are the summer vacation budgets.

According to figures released in early June by the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, affluent consumers are leading the uptick. Some 81% (vs. 73% in 2012) are hitting U.S. roads and skies, and 38% (up from 29%) are heading to international destinations. Thirty-one percent of travelers plan to spend more than $1,000 per person on their summer vacation adventures (up from 27% in 2012) with the total expected summer travel spend averaging $1,145 per person.

Nearly two-thirds of summer travelers are planning at least one weeklong trip this season (66% — up slightly from 64% last year), and 26% are planning a trip of two weeks or longer (vs. 24% in 2012). While away, more travelers are planning to enjoy themselves more this year, spending more to dine out (53% vs. 44% in 2012) and splurging on activities and experiences (44% vs. 37% in 2012).

“With Americans willing to spend more this year on summer travel, there’s a bit more inclination to make each and every vacation moment count,” said Claire Bennett, executive vice president at American Express Travel. “Whether it’s a historical tour of Europe’s capitals or a family beach vacation, consumers are spending the time or money it takes, and relying on expert resources like travel agents, to create authentic experiences with those that matter most.”

Great Travel Experiences

When planning a vacation, many travelers are looking to incorporate their personal interests and passions into their travel experiences, including:

• Immersing themselves into the local culture (36%)
• Planning local shopping trips (30%)
• Learning about the local food and cuisine (26%)
• Partaking in learning/educational activities (24%)
• Visiting historical sites and monuments (23%)

Greater Need for a Travel Agent

Thirty-four percent of consumers admit that they are overwhelmed by all the travel information and resources available online. To help sort through the clutter, more savvy summer travelers will turn to travel agents for help.

• 10% of summer travelers (14% of affluent consumers, up 40% from 2012) will use a travel agent to plan and book their trips this summer.
• 25% admit they feel comfortable booking simple trips on their own, but seek advice from travel agents for more complex itineraries, unfamiliar destinations, and insider tips to make the most out of their vacations.
• 27% do a bit of bargain-hunting research prior to connecting with a travel agent to ensure they receive the best deals.

Consumers will spend a great deal of time traveling domestically, with 44% of summer travelers planning to visit the Southern region of the U.S., 23% heading to the North and 27% fleeing West. Top destinations include:

• Florida (21%)
• California (15%)
• Bahamas (11%)
• New York (10%)

Family Travel in Focus

Many summer travelers will be making the most of their summer moments by hitting the road as a family (49%), while 36% will travel with a significant other and 11% with friends. While family travel is most popular, solo travel also continues to thrive. In fact, 15% of consumers are flying solo this summer, with 11% of these travelers from the affluent population.

** The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed online among a random sample of 1,505 adults, including the general U.S. population, as well as an Affluent demographic (defined by a minimum annual household income of $100,000). Interviewing was conducted between April 18 and 22, 2013.

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While Americans are taking summer vacation quite seriously this year, they are bolstered by the fact that the costs of those airline seats they are booking have stayed relatively flat this year, at least if flight prices over the 4th of July weekend are any indicator. The average cost of a domestic round-trip flight for July 4th weekend this year is $384, with international travel averaging $930 round-trip. Those rates show a slight 0.4 percent increase for domestic airfare and a 1 percent increase for international airfare in a year-over-year comparison, according to Travelocity’s latest booking data. Hotels, on average, have not stayed so welcoming. Rather, the online travel company’s booking data shows hotel costs are up around 8 percent over last year for average daily domestic rates and up nearly 14 percent for average daily international rates.

The average daily rate for a domestic hotel is $168.  Internationally, rates are averaging $221 a night.

The Most and Least Expensive Cities to Visit

Meanwhile, TripAdvisor released its TripIndex Cities 2013 last week for its third year. This annual cost comparison measures what an evening out and overnight stay for two people in popular cities around the world are going for these days. .

Not surprisingly, Honolulu rings up the biggest tab as the most expensive U.S. destination with a TripIndex cost of $504.94, while Las Vegas offers the most affordable stay at $272.94. Oslo, Norway comes in as the costliest global city at $581.08, nearly four times the price of a night spent in Sofia, Bulgaria, the best bargain on the world list at $158.42.

The TripIndex shows the U.S. average nightly rate for a four-star hotel has risen 18 percent since the 2012 summer travel period.

The U.S. cities with the largest increase in summer hotel prices, 2012-2013:

Orlando           +33%

Denver            +32%

Honolulu          +29%

Los Angeles    +29%

Seattle             +26%

New York City, Boston, and San Francisco, ranked as the top three priciest places in 2012, but now sit in the shadow of Honolulu.

The South is easily the most affordable region in America with five of the 10 least expensive cities on this index: Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, New Orleans and Houston.  Travelers visiting these bargain spots can expect to shell out an average of $336.44, compared to the national average of $398.95.

Europe is home to the most expensive international cities when measuring world figures, with six of the top 10 destinations: Oslo, Norway (#1), Zurich, Switzerland (#2), Stockholm, Sweden (#3), Paris, France (#5), London, England (#7)  and Copenhagen, Denmark (#8). Travelers committed to traveling to Europe can find affordable escapes with Sofia, Bulgaria; Warsaw, Poland and Budapest, Hungary all within the top five least expensive international cities, coming in respectively at first, third, and fifth.

Travel Tidbits

Putting it all together, it’s possible to spend one night in a Honolulu hotel
($389.36) or stay three nights in a Las Vegas hotel for nearly the same
price ($135.94, per night)

For the price of a round-trip taxi ride in London, England ($41.47) a
traveler can make a similar journey nearly 20 times in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia ($2.13, each)

Two travelers can dine out twice in Taipei, Taiwan ($44.86, dinner for two)
for the same price as two rounds of cocktails in Seoul, South Korea
($44.50, two cocktails).

**TripAdvisor TripIndex Cities is tracked against the U.S. dollar and is based on the combined costs for two for a one night stay in a four-star hotel, cocktails, a two-course dinner paired with a bottle of wine, and round-trip taxi transportation (two miles each way). Costs reflect summer rates (June 1 – August 31, 2013).

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Shanghai for business, Shanghai for pleasure. Even if it is enroute to some place else it is well worth the stop. But a stay in Shanghai must definitely be on the Bund.

The Bund is the epicenter of Shanghai for anyone who wants to put luxury-laced shopping, dining, walking, or sightseeing on the priority list. It faces the magnificent neon skyline along the Huangpu River and features more preserved history in a single mile than perhaps the richest tombs in Xian. Read more …

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By Stacey Zable
Family Travel Editor

The largest ship to homeport out of Manhattan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Breakaway is ideal for family clients, especially those driving distance from New York City.

Following are key selling points for families…

A WOW Water Park: With five multi-story waterslides, two swimming pools and four hot tubs, the truly impressive aqua park is filled with water fun. Clients — and we’re talking even adults here — who are adrenaline junkies will love the Free Fall, one of two drop-slides that plunge riders feet first, and the Whip, two racing, side-by-side twister slides. The open flume body slide is a tamer thrill, while the SpongeBob SquarePants themed water area will keep the youngest passengers happy with a shallow pool, small slide and water features.

Three-Story Sports Complex and Largest Ropes Course at Sea: Keeping active on the ship is no problem with this multi-level structure that has 40 different elements, including a zip track. Passengers can even “walk the” Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. There is also a rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage with a spiral slide and a basketball court. A nine-hole ocean-themed miniature golf course provides more family fun.

Complimentary Children’s Programming: Norwegian Breakaway boasts NCL’s largest youth and teen dedicated facilities. Splash Academy spans two decks and has areas and activities designed for three age groups from ages 3 to 12. Clients with babies will be happy to hear about Guppies, a dedicated play space aimed at ages six months to two years. Mom and dad do need to stay to enjoy the interactive independent and group activities.

Teens Have Their Own Space: Teens ages 13 to 17 have their own cool hangout at Entourage, with foosball table, dance floor area and video games. Activities have them taking advantage of the entire ship, including basketball games, nighttime pool parties and more, with an energetic staff to supervise.

Nickelodeon Partnership: Nickelodeon themed events are part of Splash Academy and also take place throughout the ship, such as a Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, and Nickelodeon character meet and greets.

Family Staterooms: Most family staterooms and mini-suites with balconies sleep up to four, with connecting staterooms available. Get families to upgrade to The Haven concierge level so they can enjoy the luxurious Two-Bedroom Family Villas that sleep up to six and feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a separate living room and extra-spacious balcony.

28 Dining Choices: The almost always open Garden Café buffet and the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill have plenty of kid-friendly anytime food choices, while the specialty restaurants exude romance for mom and dad.

Mom and Dad Time: While kids are in camp, adult family members can enjoy the spectacular nightly Slam Allen show at the Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club and nightly Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show at Headliners. Encourage them to also take some time to relax at the two-deck, 23,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, with the first-ever salt room at sea.

The New York Factor: Sailing from New York is a huge selling point for local families. Not only do they save on not having to purchase roundtrip airfare (and can use that money to upgrade to a better stateroom), but the stress of travel is minimal. Clients from outside the area will love the chance to add a few days pre- and post-cruise to enjoy the great city. Aspects of New York City have been integrated into Norwegian Breakaway, including three Broadway shows (Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy), the “Cake Boss” Carlo’s Bakery (although from New Jersey) and a specialty restaurant from New York City chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian.

Great Destinations: Norwegian Breakaway will homeport from Manhattan, with 7-day cruises to Bermuda through Oct. 6, 2013 and 7-day voyages to The Bahamas & Florida and two 12-day cruises to the Southern Caribbean from October 2013 through April 2014.

Booking Information: Visit ncl.com or call 800-327-7030 for rates and departure dates.

Stacey Zable is an award-winning veteran travel writer and family travel expert who has written about destinations, resorts and cruise lines around the world. Send travel questions and comments to Stacey at info@familytraveltrails.com.

A new poll shows that people’s perception of safety and comfort on cruise vacations may be shifting downward given the tide of events on the high seas over the past few years.

The Carnival Triumph’s well-noted limp back to shore was the most recent kick off to widespread questions of quality standards and shipboard safety. And to that end, a Harris Poll conducted in March found that Quality, Trust and Purchase Intent scores recorded in the week immediately following the Triumph’s return to shore indicated significant drops when compared to scores recorded prior to the incident. The questions were put toward several cruise line companies, not just for Carnival.

“When we first addressed this topic in March, even we were open to the idea that a ‘recency bias’ of sorts might be impacting the results so soon after the Triumph fiasco, creating a low tide for the industry as a whole,” said Harris Poll Insights Vice President Deana Percassi. “But these more recent findings, coupled with reports of heavily discounted pricing on Carnival cruises, indicate that the industry as a whole, as well as the Carnival brand specifically, may still be facing rough seas.”

Many suggested at the time that the drops were likely a temporary setback, and that perceptions would soon bounce back. However, a more recent survey of 2,052 U.S. adults (between May 14 and 16, 2013 — prior to the recent fire aboard Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas) showed perceptions for the top cruise industry brands remained below their pre incident levels and continued to decline.

Cruise Vacation Quality

Looking at specific perceptual measures, the average perceived Quality score across the seven brands tested is down by 13% vs. its pre incident level and 6% compared to the post incident wave of testing. While Carnival’s Quality score shows the steepest declines (down 28% vs.12% pre), all of the other brands tested ranged individually from 8%-11% below pre-incident levels.

The average Trust score across the seven brands tested is also down in comparison to both pre (down 12%) and post (down 5%) incident; as with Quality, Trust shows the steepest decline for Carnival Cruise Lines (down 26% vs. pre, 11% vs. post). However, the six other brands tested remain between 8%-12% below pre incident Trust levels.

Purchase Intent has declined, on average, 11% from its pre incident level (and 5% from its post incident level).  While this again affects most of the brands tested (with most down between 7%-15% vs. pre levels), it is worth noting that Holland America’s Purchase Intent score has largely weathered this perceptual storm, holding at just 2% below its pre level. Carnival is again hardest hit, down 20% vs. pre, 8% vs. post.

Airlines Getting a Boost from Cruise Incidents

Revisiting statements comparing the cruise industry to air travel – a comparison first made in the February Harris Poll – Americans’ inclination to favor air travel over cruises has only increased. Over six in ten Americans (62%) agree that air travel is much more reliable than taking cruises (up from 57% in February), and the majority (56%) agree that air travel is much safer than taking cruises (up from 50% in February).

Roughly half of Americans agree they’re less likely to take a cruise now than they were a year ago, with this sentiment proved stronger among those who have never taken a cruise (56%) than among those who have (43%).

One-third of Americans (32%) agree that cruises are “worry-free,” down slightly from 35% in February, with past cruise experience again appearing to have a considerable impact on this perception: those who have taken a cruise (51%) are again more than twice as likely to agree that cruises are “worry free” over those who have not (22%).

**Footnote: results are compared, where applicable, to Harris Poll EquiTrend® data collected from January 11, 2013 to February 8, 2013 (the Carnival Triumph incident lasted from February 10-14, 2013) and a Harris Poll of 2,230 U.S. adults surveyed online between February 19 and 21, 2013.

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In this hyper-speed, social media-run world it is nice to know there is still a place where you can turn it off and take things slow.  No, this does not refer to the bank or doctor’s waiting room, or phone queue to the airline desk. This refers to a place where urban troubles stay behind, far behind, and the pace of the ages takes over. You are on a river in Asia now. Go with the flow.

Few small vessel cruises in Asia quite come up to the thrills and exotic intrigue to be experienced on an Orient-Express river cruise through Myanmar. Many travelers may know the Road to Mandalay, the O-E cruise along the Irrawaddy, offered in three- to 11-night journeys between Mandalay and Bagan.

The 43-cabin river ship has been sailing the Irrawaddy for 17 years and remains popular with its recently refurbished staterooms, dining styles and tours into this newly opened destination – so popular, in fact, it is launching a new ship next month.

The Orcaella, named for the dolphins known to inhabit the Irrawaddy, makes its inaugural cruise on July 22 from Mandalay on an 11-night maiden voyage up the Irrawaddy and onto the Chindwin River into the foothills of the Himalayas. The cruise will venture as far north as Homalin, just 36 miles from the Indian border.

The 200-foot Orcaella’s more compact draft and length means it can reach lesser visited destinations, providing guests with the opportunity to engage with rarely seen and visited communities in the forests and backwaters of Myanmar.

Orcaella is a traditional Irrawaddy Flotilla ship built by local craftsman in Yangon with stylish, contemporary interiors by known international architects and local craftsman. There are 25 air-conditioned cabins (some interconnecting) and suites on board Orcaella, all featuring floor to ceiling sliding glass doors with Juliet balconies opening onto the river. Cabins break down into two Balcony Suites, 15 State Cabin suites and eight Deluxe Cabins across two decks, all facing the river, air-conditioned and with private bathrooms. Other onboard amenities include a restaurant, lounge area, bar, boutique, swimming pool, fitness and spa center, yoga classes and an onboard physician.

The Orcaella’s Itinerary

The ship’s schedule includes cruises on two different Myanmar rivers.

Gorges of the far North: is an 11-night cruise of over 682 miles from Mandalay to Bhamo, to the foothills of Yunnan, finishing at the plain of temples at Bagan.

The Jewels of the Irrawaddy: is seven-night cruise from Yangon to Bagan, with a visit to the Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda, known as the “Retuning Home Pagoda”, which houses the famous bronze Buddha once stolen by the British Army and later returned by order of Queen Victoria.

The Orcaella’s initial voyage will be the “Discovering the Chindwin River” itinerary below:

Day 1: Yangon-Mandalay-Chindwin Confluence

Arrive in Mandalay and enjoy a sightseeing transfer to the ship. Visit Mandalay city for a look at the revered Mahamuni Temple and the Kuthadaw Pagoda (or “golden palace”) before continuing to the ship mooring at Shwe Kyet Yet village. Ship sets sail for the Chindwin confluence.

Day 2: Confluence-Monywa
Bus journey to Monywa and the colorful, carnival-like Thanboddhay Pagoda, a temple from the mid 12th Century with walls covered in tiny images of Buddha. Continue on to Bodhi Tataung, the site of  “1,000 Buddhas” and the magnificent 424 ft Standing Buddha.

Day 3:  Monywa-Moktaw
Sail from Monywa to Moktaw, a very typical agricultural village. Walking tour of the village and a visit to the Monastery housing the Shwe Moktaw Buddha. Watch traditional Noviciation Ceremony, regarded as a very important moment for the young Burmese boys and believed to bring great honor to the family.

Day 4: Maukkadaw-Kalewa
Early morning ‘tea-shop’ experience in Maukkadaw and a visit to the local school. This town is known as teak port with many houses built using solid teak in the traditional style. Sail towards Kalewa, enjoy lunch and the amazing scenery through jungle thick gorges.

Day 5: Kalay-Mawleik
Early morning excursion by local bus to the town Kalay, the trade gateway to India. An interesting town with a lively market and many old Baptist churches. This tour will give an insight into a different aspect of Myanmar religion and lifestyle. Continue to Mawleik for a late afternoon tour of this historically important town – once the Administrative centre for the Bombay Burmah Trading Company in the 1920s and 1930s. Take a local tuk tuk truck and drive past the remnants of the old wooden colonial houses and the impressive Administrative Building.  

Day 6: Mawleik-Sittaung
Full day of sailing.

Day 7: Sittaung-Midriver
Optional early morning trek in Sittaung, a small village surrounded by a patchwork of brilliant-green paddy flats, once known as the “short-cut to India.” The road to India still exists (36 miles to the Border). Beautiful view from the small village pagoda.

Day 8: Homalin
This is the furthermost destination on the Chindwin River, the bustling town of Homalin. Excursion by local tuk tuk to the Buddha Lotus Garden and Pagoda.

Day 9: Homalin-Midriver
Full day of sailing.

Day 10: Mingin-Kani
Morning tour in Mingin, a very important town during the reign of King Mindon. Visit the impressive Mahar Minkyaung Monastery built in 1912 in a distinctly European style (including Italian glass windows). The monastery houses the ‘Shwe Sagar’ Buddha, one of 10 Buddhas carved from a single trunk of wood around 1000 years ago. Continue to Kyidaung, typical quaint Burmese village, and Kyidaung Oo Monastery. Visit the 300-year-old monastery at the centre of village life. Afternoon visit to Kani, which was made famous as the home of the Nat spirit, “Lord of the White Horse.” Visit the Nat Shrine, experience a real NatPwe that pays homage to the Nat of Kani. Watch the sunset over the Chindwin from a cliff-top vantage.

Day 11: Kani-Bagan
Arrive in the ancient capital Bagan and visit important historical sites.

Day 12: Bagan-Yangon
Flight to Yangon and onward travel.

Prices start at $5,610, per person, double. Prices include all table d’hôte meals and accommodations on board, plus domestic economy class flights, transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar according to the itinerary.

CONTACT:
Orient-Express
800-524-2420

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Holland America Line for Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holland America Line is putting summer on sale this season with a number of cruise values, including fares starting a $399 per person, double. That fare would book a seven-day Alaska itinerary, interior stateroom, with departures available on June 30, July 14 and August 11. The Summer on Sale cruise promotionalso comes with shipboard credits and other savings. Cruise tours in Alaska are on sale for $799, Europe cruises can be booked for rates starting at $699 and Canada and New England from $649. Call: (877) 932-4259.

Travel to St. Lucia Sweeter with Cap Maison Package

Travel to St. Lucia in the Caribbean and a stay at Cap Maison can be easy and affordable with the resort’s Family & Friends summer promotion that offers savings of up to 40% over winter prices.

The “Cap it All” all-inclusive package at the 50-room luxury boutique resort runs around $470 per couple per night. With the Family and Friends offer, families travelling with two or more children can book a one-bedroom Villa Suite and receive a complimentary upgrade to a two-bedroom Villa Suite. Cap Maison’s suites are lavish in size, with one-bedroom suites measuring 2,800 square foot, two-bedrooms 3,180 square feet and three-bedrooms 3,640 square feet. Every stay includes one complimentary evening of babysitting (4 hours).

Cap Maison offers a cliff top setting with roof terraces and pools, overlooking the Caribbean. The villa suites come with balconies or terraces, separate living /dining areas, and fully equipped kitchens that can be pre-stocked. Non-all-inclusive rates are also available. The package is good through December 19 with a five-night minimum.
Contact:
(888) 765-4985
www.capmaison.com

Summer Savings at Millennium Hotels around the U.S.

This summer, Millennium Hotels and Resorts North America is encouraging families to ditch the beach towel and flock to America’s top cities for affordable summer getaways trough September 2, 2013.  With Millennium’s “FREEdom” package, rates start at $93 per night and apply to 14 US properties, centrally located in such major cities as New York (from $187/night), Los Angeles (from $161), and Chicago (from $144).

The “Summer FREEdom” packages include:

• Overnight accommodations
• 15 percent off Best Available Rate
• Children 12 years and under receive complimentary breakfast
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

CONTACT: (866) 866-8086 (booking code: SFREEDOM)

Patriotic Packages at Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza

Boston is the city where American independence began, and this summer The Fairmont Copley Plaza in the heart of Boston gives guests a glimpse into both patriots and presidents with three patriotic packages that run through 2013.

The Independence Day Weekend Package, available from July 1-9, includes overnight accommodations and a patriotic CD from The Boston Pops. Guests who book a stay on the night of July 3 will receive two complimentary tickets to the Boston Pops 4th of July dress rehearsal at the Hatch Shell. Rates start at $319 per night.  Upgrade to The Boston Pops Suite for an additional $200 per night.

The Freedom Trail Discovery Package
This package focuses on the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route with 16 historic sites, each significant in this country’s early struggle for freedom, all connected by a red brick line. The package includes accommodations, two passes to the walk into history tour with an 18^th century costumed guide, two tickets to the Freedom Trail’s historic museums and a copy of “The Freedom Trail: An Artist’s View.” Rates start at $289 per night. Upgrade to The Freedom Trail Suite for an additional $200 per night.

The JFK Experience Package includes overnight accommodations and two tickets to The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Rates start at $209 per night. Upgrade to the JFK Suite for an additional $300 per night.
Guests may upgrade to Fairmont Gold, the hotel’s luxury lifestyle concierge experience, for an additional $100 per night.

Contact:
(800) 441-1414

Plantation Inn: Old Style Maui without the Kids

The Plantation Inn, featuring old style Hawaii ambiance, is on sale this summer at a significant savings with the Unforgettable Maui Package.

The Plantation Inn is precious, boutique Bed & Breakfast tucked into a quiet corner of Lahaina’s historic district near the town’s waterfront. The adult preferred property provides an intimate and peaceful getaway with 19 rooms and suites, each with its own custom interiors and housed in a turn-of-the-century great house. The $749 package is good through December 19 and includes:

• Three nights in a Lanai Category room
• Daily Breakfast for Two
• Daily Compact Car

Standard room rates start at $158 per night.

Contact:
(800) 433-6815

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