US, Italy, France Among Top 10 Spring Break Destinations; Switzerland, Greece, Morocco Showing Biggest Increase in Bookings

Meteora, Greece. Travel to Greece is on the upswing. © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEW YORK – The global luxury travel network Virtuoso® is revealing the around-the-world locations where upscale travelers plan to spend their spring breaks this year, including destinations showing renewed strength following down periods. A leading trend forecaster, Virtuoso has examined its $49.5 billion in transactions to showcase the top destinations for March and April. With holidays occurring deeper into April this year, the prolonged spring travel period will allow visitors to enjoy warmer temps in many of these must-have destinations. 

The Virtuoso Top 10:

The most popular destinations for spring travel based on future bookings.

1. United States                                                   6. Israel
2. Italy                                                                 7. Japan
3. France                                                             8. Australia
4. United Kingdom                                              9. Spain
5. New Zealand                                                   10. China

 The Top 10 analysis: Americans are staying closer to home this spring, seeking the sun in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando. Eternally desirable Europe holds four spots on the list; Italy and France exhibit year-round popularity. U.S. travelers are benefiting from a favorable exchange rate against the euro and pound, and spring’s shoulder season is ideal for enjoying the continent minus the summer crowds. New Zealand and Australia beckon families this time of year with their pleasant temperatures and abundance of active experiences. As the birthplace of major world religions, Israel holds great appeal as an educational family destination, with spring a peak season due to Easter and Passover celebrations. Travelers wanting to see Japan’s famed cherry blossoms are heading there in increasing numbers, as the country is also the top emerging destination of 2019, according to the Virtuoso Luxe Report.

The Virtuoso Hot 10:

The countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings.

1. Switzerland (+589%)                                      6. Spain (+112%)
2. Greece (+312%)                                              7. Turks and Caicos (+90%)
3. Morocco (+302%)                                          8. New Zealand (+84%)
4. Japan (+220%)                                                9. Chile (+78%)
5. United Arab Emirates (+197%)                      10. Puerto Rico (+70%)

The Hot 10 analysis: Switzerland is riding a wave of mounting popularity among upscale Americans for its exquisite scenery, abundance of world-class hotels and outdoor activities. Greece continues the upward trajectory Virtuoso first noted for last summer, as the country started emerging from financial challenges. Also returning strongly: North Africa and Middle East destinations such as Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. Growth in bookings to the region, first observed last fall, continues from luxury travelers. Another comeback story is the Caribbean, represented on the list by Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico. Chile is emerging as a culinary destination, and numerous grape harvest festivals attract wine fans during March and April.

Data is obtained from Virtuoso’s U.S. travel agency members and displays future travel for March and April 2019. 

Virtuoso® is a leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,000 travel agency partners with 20,000 elite travel advisors in 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with over 1,800 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than $26.4 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

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Timely Couponsforfun Savings at Family and Cultural Attractions for Presidents Day Weekend, Spring Break

Visit The Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee to walk through Andrew Jackson’s life and home with Couponsforfun discount © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Presidents Day is a time to remember past Presidents and also kicks off Spring Break around the country. Couponsforfun.com is a family and cultural attractions website, where you can take advantage of timely savings at Presidential libraries, historic homes and museums to thrilling theme parks, zoos and sport adventures.

Though new attractions are added all the time, especially in time for Presidents Day weekend, visitors will find savings at many Presidential libraries and homes.  For May’s Memorial Day weekend there are savings at many other patriotic sites including historic battleships, aviation museums, war museums and sites that played a part in America’s freedom. And visitors will find historic homes from many of America’s movers and shakers of their time.

Couponsforfun.com has savings coupons for attractions in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. No registration, or prepayment, is required. Simply choose the state or theme, then print out the coupon—some allow coupons to be shown on smartphones (noted on coupons).

Many of of the attractions included in Couponsforfun.com are not found on other discount websites, which take commission. Participating family and cultural attractions do not pay to participate, but are encouraged to supply good offers.

Find savings for youngsters at many children’s museums, zoos and aquariums; for school age kids at science and discovery museums, caverns, Indian villages, dinosaur museums, historic ships, air museums and theme parks; adventurers will find zip lines, white water rafting, whale watching,  kayaking and Everglade rides; and those more culturally inclined will find many museums, gardens, historic homes and sites. And many more types of family and cultural attractions.

Here are details of timely offers at Presidential Libraries and homes currently on couponsforfun.com:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM – Springfield, IL – A visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the heart of the Lincoln legacy, is an inspiring experience for all ages. In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum immerses you in Lincoln’s world and time. From a rustic Indiana cabin to the White House, follow the fate of America’s 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family – and a nation.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN LIBRARY & MUSEUM – Harrogate, TN – The Library and Museum is situated in the area’s First Frontier region and houses one of the finest Lincoln and Civil War collections in the world. Over 30,000 items rotate in displays telling the life story of our revered 16th President, his personal rendezvous with history, and the devastation of war. Lincoln helped shape our nation during this country’s Civil War. This story of tragedy and triumph is included in exhibit areas and Museum programming.

THE LINCOLN MUSEUM – Hodgenville, KY – Kentucky’s official Lincoln Museum, the main exhibit includes twelve dioramas (life-size wax figures set in three dimensional displays) showing pivotal times in Abraham Lincoln’s life-from his boyhood in Kentucky to his assassination. Other exhibits include rare newspaper clippings, campaign posters and Lincoln memorabilia. An art gallery on the second floor features original paintings, drawings and other artwork portraying Lincoln.

MARY TODD LINCOLN HOUSE – Lexington, KY – The family home of Mrs. Lincoln opened to the public in 1977. Mary Todd, born in December 1818, resided at the house until she moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1839 to live with her elder sister. There she met and married Abraham Lincoln, whom she brought to visit this home in the fall of 1847. Today, the 14-room house contains period furniture, family portraits, and furnishings from the Todds as well as the Lincolns.

ANDREW JACKSON

ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE – Nashville, TN – Visit The Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee to walk through Andrew Jackson’s life and home. Explore a beautiful, vintage Tennessee farm and experience an important piece of Nashville and our nation. Rated the third best Presidential Site in the nation by USA TODAY, this is a must see for any visitor to Music City! Don’t miss “Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm,” the all new visitor experience and exhibit.

HARRY S. TRUMAN 

HARRY S. TRUMAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM – Independence, MO – One of 13 U.S. Presidential libraries administered by the National Archives & Records Administration, the Library & Museum features interactive exhibits on the life and times of Harry S. Truman and his presidency. Among the exhibits, find a replica of the White House Oval Office and Truman’s working office in the Library. See the grave sites of Harry and Bess Truman, a Thomas Hart Benton mural, and a 45-minute documentary.

RONALD REAGAN

RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME – Dixon, IL – Tour the home where our 40th president grew up, a 4 room presidential timeline of photos, quotes and trivia and a 10 minute video (includes footage of Ronald Reagan talking about his youth here). More than 8,000 visitors a year – from across the country and around the world come to explore and to learn more about the roots of one of America’s most beloved leaders. Seasonal: April – December.

GEORGE W. BUSH 

GEORGE W. BUSH CHILDHOOD HOME – Midland, TX – Listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites and restored to the 1950s period when the Bush family lived in the home, this home is a unique landmark as the home of two future American presidents. You’ll see a 1950s restoration with period furnishings, learn about Midland in the 1950s and hear about the Bush family and their impact on Midland and the country. Visit our gift shop for interesting souvenirs, gifts, books and clothing.

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Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay Offers ‘Suite Spring Sale’

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica

Spring Break in Jamaica will be sweeter in 2015 for guests of the all-inclusive Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay thanks to a new Suite Spring Sale. Savings of up to 50% off published rates are available in KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites between February and April 2015:

 

KidSuites®				One-Bedroom Suites
Savings	Travel Dates	Rates		Savings	Travel Dates	Rates
35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$443		35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$508
50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$314		50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$364

*All rates based on single/double occupancy

“Spring Break in Jamaica is always great, but in one of our suites, the experience is that much more magical,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing & Sales. “Ultra spacious and more elegant than you might expect, our suites were fully-renovated recently to provide guests with an unmatched level of comfort for the money. Our new Suite Spring Sale makes an already great value even better.”

For families, the new KidSuites® are simply ideal. KidSuites® feature a unique room within a room concept, where kids and parents enjoy their own private space. Each unit features a partially separated sleep/play area for kids, with one set of bunk beds, cable TV with kid friendly channels, and play table or desk. The main sleeping area has a king bed, flat screen cable TV with premium movie channels, direct dial telephone with voice mail, coffee maker, in-room safe, AM/FM clock radio, hair dryer, refrigerator, iron and ironing board. KidSuites® are also ideally located on the ground floor adjacent to the resort’s award-winning KidSpree Vacation Club.

One-bedroom suites offer the ultimate in comfort and refinement for guests of the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay. Each of these ultra-spacious penthouse accommodations features a completely separate living area, full ocean view, private whirlpool, vaulted ceilings, dark wood accents, fine décor, flat screen TV with premium movie and sports channels, work desk, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, AM/FM clock radio, coffee maker, refrigerator, an in-room safe, and enough room to comfortably sleep up to five persons.

The Suite Spring Sale is valid on bookings made by April 29, 2015 for resort stays enjoyed between February 1 and April 30, 2015. There are no blackout dates and a minimum night stay of three nights is required for resort stays taking place February 12 – 17, 2015, as well as March 30 – April 5, 2015.

Savings apply to KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites room categories and include unlimited meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, resort amenities (tennis, mini golf, fitness center, etc.), taxes, gratuities, and free nightly shuttle service to Margaritaville in the heart of Montego Bay’s nightlife center, The Hip Strip.

As an added value, free Wifi Internet service is accessible in all rooms and suites at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego, and all kids 12 and under stay, play and eat free when sharing accommodations with parents.

Group bookings are ineligible and revisions on current bookings are not permitted. Savings of up to 50% cannot be combined with any other promotion or consumer savings and can be withdrawn at any time.

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay is a 518-room full-service resort which combines the strength of the world’s most-trusted hotel brand with authentic Jamaican hospitality. Distinguished as the only 100% all-inclusive Holiday Inn*, the property helps travelers stretch their vacation dollars to new heights, offering a series of complimentary special programs benefiting families (KidSpree) and seniors (GoldenSpree). Those wishing to tie the knot can even take advantage of the Free Caribbean Wedding program (conditions apply). The resort continues to upgrade its facilities and amenities to better serve the modern traveler.  New room categories – Junior Suites for added elegance, and KidSuites® for more family fun – together with exciting dining options at the just-opened Kenko Teppanyaki Restaurant, upgraded rooms and common areas add a refreshed feel to the property, even for the most frequent of repeat guests. Additional amenities, such as the boutique Sol-Mer Spa & Salon, five restaurants/grill, four bars, two pools, tennis, mini golf, half-mile of pristine white sand beach and boardwalk, “Tek-it-Easy” private island, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, electronic casino, and more, affirm that the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay truly offers something for everyone.

 

For Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay reservations, visit www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica, or call 1-888-288-6006.
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Village Experience Offers Ways to Make Holiday Giving, Spring Break Socially Responsible

The Village Experience travels responsibly to make a difference in developing communities around the world. This spring break, trips are being organized to Haiti and Guatemala

The Village Experience is a socially proactive business dedicated to uplifting impoverished communities in the developing world through efforts in international fair trade and tourism. In March and June of 2012, the company travels to three of their many locations in order to expose Westerners to other cultures and global issues through intense and highly interactive cultural trips.

Spring Break, a time for travel and adventure, can be spent making a difference in the developing world. The first site, Haiti, will offer a variety of socially responsible activities. For the first trip March 3-10, travelers will volunteer at Camp Adokin, the second largest tent city in Port au Prince, working alongside the local community to install solar paneled lighting in order to increase the camp’s security. They will also aid in handicraft development while enjoying Haitian natural beauties, such as Bassin Bleu. The second trip, March 10-17, will feature similar aspects but will also focus its efforts on earthquake reconstruction efforts.

The second location for spring break travel is Guatemala, providing travelers with fun adventure and establishing economic sustainability. The Guatemala trip, March 3-10, will feature Lake Atitlán, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and home to fourteen Mayan cultures still in existence. Travelers will spend a day with the local non-profit, Friendship Bridges, providing micro-credit and education to Guatemalan women so they might self-create solutions to poverty in the community.

In June, The Village Experience takes an alternative route and heads to the vast lands of the Middle East for a two-week exploration of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Centered on interfaith experiences, travelers can expect an opportunity to see historic and landmark sites such as The Roman Theater in Amman, the Dome of Rock and Western Wall in Jerusalem, and volunteering and staying within the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Palestine. The group will also immerse itself in Middle Eastern life through conversing with locals, a desert safari on camel back, Dead Sea swims, and visiting Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!

Alongside the socially responsible travel, The Village Experience has a retail store located in Indianapolis, Indiana, filled with unique, international, and (most importantly) Fair Trade products from the far reaches of Kenya, Haiti, Thailand, Guatemala, India, and many more!. Following the link will provide you with photos of just some of the products featured. Call  317-602-3696 or email at info@experiencethevillage.com to place an order this holiday season.

For more information, www.experiencethevillage.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Village-Experience/117914784831

See also:

Holiday shopping with travel motif can support worthy causes

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The Woodstock Inn & Resort Offers A Sweet Springtime Escape

WOODSTOCK, VT (March 11, 2011) –

The Woodstock Inn & Resort welcomes travelers to celebrate the onset of Spring and maple sugaring season in Vermont by enjoying the resort’s Sugar Season Escape package.  Available March 13 through May 26, the package includes accommodations in a standard guestroom with breakfast daily in the Main Dining Room.  Rates start at $159 per night Sunday through Thursday and weekend rates start at $189.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort is now home to a new 10,000 square-foot LEED-designed spa, offering a nature-inspired ambiance and featuring nourishing treatments and organic products.  Each season, a different signature treatment takes center stage among the extensive selection of year-round spa offerings.  In celebration of Spring, guests can experience the 100-minute Signature Vanilla Maple Treatment which begins with an exfoliating body scrub and hydrating wrap and ends with a full-body massage.

The Inn provides guests with a number of recreational and dining options to enhance their stay.  The Red Rooster, the resort’s award- winning fine dining restaurant emphasizes a menu using fresh, local ingredients sourced from the best purveyors in New England.  Richardson’s Tavern offers a cozy old-world atmosphere with a full bar and live music.

Resort activities include a 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed golf course, a 41,000 square foot Racquet & Fitness Club, which includes indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor racquetball courts, a 30-by-60 foot indoor lap pool, a whirlpool, workout equipment and a steam room and sauna.   Guests can also enjoy downtown Woodstock filled with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, specialty food markets and more.  Nearby Sugarbush Farms offers sugarhouse tours, where guests can see sugar maple trees and sample four grades of 100% pure Vermont maple syrup.

Located in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, The Woodstock Inn & Resort defines country sophistication in one of New England’s most charming and popular year-round vacation destinations.  The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers award-winning dining in three restaurants, ranked among the finest in New England.  The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc.  Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs.

For more information, visit www.woodstockinn.com or call 888-481-8802.

 

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Chattanooga offers Spring Break Safari for Families

Make your Chattanooga family safari even more special by staying in historic railroad cars of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 17, 2011) –

Who would have thought that Chattanooga, Tennessee, with its famous train, is also the place to go on a Spring Break Safari? Become an animal keeper kid and feed and mingle with sharks, penguins and sea turtles; spelunker deep in a cavern; RockQuest adventurer on an enchanted trail; riverboat captain and navigate the Tennessee River; an art explorer and uncover hidden treasures; a conductor aboard a traincar or on a trolley; a detective exploring waterways & dinosaur digs or a culinary creator whipping up sweets.

Your Spring Break Safari in Chattanooga is anything but ordinary. We’ve transformed the city into a place where kids rule and adventure is everywhere. Kids can’t resist hands-on activities designed just for them.

Traveling with teens? Family vacations can sometimes be tricky to find activities for everyone to enjoy. Chattanooga offers plenty of thrilling adventures just for teens. Mix it up a little with a variety of activities like the new zipstream aerial adventure or zipline, rock climbing (indoor & outdoor), paintball, laser tag, balladium, go karts, skating (skatepark), biking, rappelling, and maybe even hang gliding at 2,000 feet in the air. Now that’s something to brag about to friends!

Make the experience even more memorable by bringing your camera and taking lots of pictures. You can include the pictures in your official Spring Break Safari Field Guide that can be downloaded or picked up at the Chattanooga Visitors Center or at one of the participating attractions. www.springbreaksafari.com

Savvy vacation planners know that Chattanooga is an easy, hassle-free and affordable place to spend Spring break. Downtown is just the springboard for everything else you will do in Chattanooga, with plenty more adventures just 5-15 minutes away. Once you get here, park your car, navigate downtown on the Free Electric Shuttle and get started on your safari!

Get the full scoop on Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari www.springbreaksafari.com

Take advantage of special overnight packages by staying multiple nights. Packages vary and include spa treatments, attractions, dining certificates and more. www.chattanoogafun.com/vacation-packages

For more information:

COUPONS (dining, attractions, accommodations, etc.): www.chattanoogafun.com/coupons

EVENTS calendar: www.chattanoogafun.com/events

WHERE to stay: www.chattanoogafun.com/accommodations/

WHERE to eat: www.chattanoogafun.com/dining

See more about traveling in Chattanooga and Tennessee at www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate and

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin