The top five domestic destinations this year for high-end travelers are Maui, Alaska, New York City, Napa Vally/Sonoma and Las Vegas, according to the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report.
India, Vietnam and Cuba took the lead as the top three emerging international destinations.
"Although favorites such as Italy and Australia appear on this year’s list of popular vacation locations, the results point to new interest in emerging destinations such as India, Vietnam and Cuba, the latter of which is revealing, given the current US restrictions," said CEO Matthew Upchurch.
The survey also found that travelers this year are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. More than 70 percent of responding Virtuoso agents said their clients are "seeking international travel for 10-plus days."
Virtuoso travel agencies responded to the survey late last year. Key findings of 250 agents found:
• “Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones” is an obvious trend with more than two-thirds of respondents predicting this sector will increase this year. Travelers want an environment that provides a “private group setting.”
• The top four most popular family travel destinations this year are Italy, Mexico, Hawaii and Orlando. Australia and Costa Rica tied for fifth place.
• Virtuoso agents predicted the following luxury cruise destinations will be popular this year: Alaska, Mediterranean, European rivers, Caribbean and the Greek Isles.
• Clients’ "determining factors" for choosing a vacation are: the right destination, value for money paid out, the right activities and price.
By David Wilkening
