2011 Emerging Vacation Trends--Family Vacation

Today I want to talk you about how a Family Vacation is positioned in the Travel Industry for 2011.  It's interesting to see how fast Family Vacation Niche is moving and growing over the years. Most family members are aware of the daily busy schedules and the lack of quality time and rest (leisure) time we allow to ourselves and our children. People asking for advise on planning their vacation are mostly looking for a shorter one, no more than 7 days; but this isn't totally negative because they are focusing on having at least two vacation weeks during the year.  Having a short family vacation allow them to explore even more destinations in a short period of time and at the same time distributing their "leisure time" during the year, and during school vacation. For example, Spring Break Week is one of the busiest weeks for travelers and travel advisors as well. Having kids off school, grant their parents plan for a short family vacation.

One destination that is in every family near or forecast future is to visit Walt Disney World. There is an increase of families planning and booking their Walt Disney World in advance, specially after all the great deals published in this past days. The advantage Families have in planning ahead of time is the possibility for them to make "monthly" payments to their booking after the deposit payments has been met, making it even more affordable without jeopardizing their budget. There will be always the ones that like to wait for "last minute deals", but doing so increase their chance of not having their preferred dates to travel or even their accommodation could be totally booked. This is a risk I don't recommend to anyone planning a Family Vacation.

There has been a lot of news about prices going up due to oil price increment, the latest announcement has been made by Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas, expect the increase fares beginning April 1st. To know the impact of these announcements in the travel industry we'll have to wait and see, but in my opinion while you plan ahead of time, this increases won't affect you in the way is projected. Everyone needs a break of their daily busyness and nothing will work better than relaxing on a Family Vacation.

Leila Reyes
Travel Agent
lrtravel@live.com