Disney’s D23 celebrates Disneyland’s 55th Anniversary with all-new, two-day DESTINATION D event
2011 Dates for D23 EXPO Also Announced as the Official Community for Disney Fans Marks First Year
It’s a milestone year for the Disneyland® Resort, and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans is celebrating with the premiere of DESTINATION D, a brand-new, two-day event exclusively for D23 Members that illuminates Disney’s fascinating history.
D23 announced its latest members-only event on its first anniversary – capping a year in which Disney’s first-ever fan community grew to encompass tens of thousands of members from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.
The inaugural DESTINATION D, whose theme is “Disneyland ‘55,” will be held this Sept. 24-25. DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 will take D23 Members on a journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The first DESTINATION D will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.
DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that let fans meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future DESTINATION D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, DESTINATION D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 EXPO.
The next D23 EXPO is set for Aug. 19-21, 2011, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the 2011 D23 EXPO will go on sale Aug. 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the 2011 D23 EXPO, at no additional cost.
The first-ever D23 EXPO attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans when it debuted last September, bringing the entire world of Disney under one massive roof. During the D23 EXPO, fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.
“The first D23 EXPO surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23.
“We’re very excited to also be creating an entirely new event with DESTINATION D, which will bring Disney’s fascinating history to D23 Members in ways no other Disney fan can experience,” Clark said. “There’s nowhere on earth quite as special as Disneyland, and we want fans to see it as they never have before.”
The D23 team is in the midst of developing exclusive programming for DESTINATION D – but an early peek at plans reveals a host of special speakers, presentations and panels throughout the two-day event, including:
– “Disneyland: The Way We Were” – Disney’s Chief Archivist Dave Smith will look back at highlights from Disneyland history;
– “Disney Undiscovered” – An exploration of never-built projects and attractions developed for Disneyland;
– “23 on 55″ – The Walt Disney Archives celebrates Disneyland’s 55th anniversary;
– “Weird Disney” – A showcase for some of the quirky, little-known facts, places, people and ideas that even the most avid fan might not know.
More details on the programming and events planned for DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 – as well as details about the 2011 D23 EXPO – will be available soon at www.disney.com/D23. Tickets will go on sale early this summer.
DESTINATION D joins a lineup of special events throughout 2010 designed exclusively for D23 Members. Among them are free screenings of classic Disney movies during the “50 & Fabulous” film festival at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank; members-only tours of the famed Walt Disney Archives; an exclusive Sip & Stroll event during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and holiday-themed Magic and Merriment weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The name “D23″ pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 85-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year. Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.
America’s Top 10 most congested cities
Ten Tips for Saving Time, Money and Staying Ahead of the Pack on Your Daily Commute
INRIX released its 3rd Annual INRIX National Traffic Scorecard, http://inrix.com/scorecard/, revealing that traffic congestion and commute travel times in 2009 are back on the rise as the economy emerges from the recession. In fact, 58 of the Top 100 most populated cities showed increases in traffic congestion last year. According to the report, the Top 10 most congested cities in 2009 were:
1. Los Angeles, Calif.
2. New York, N.Y.
3. Chicago, Ill.
4. Washington, D.C. (up from 6th in 2008)
5. Dallas, Texas
6. Houston, Texas (down from 4th in 2008)
7. San Francisco, Calif.
8. Boston, Mass.
9. Seattle, Wash.
10. Philadelphia, Pa. (up from 11th in 2008)
These cities account for half of our nation’s traffic congestion with 4 of the Top 10 cities experiencing modest increases in traffic congestion in 2009 (L.A., New York, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.) Of the nation’s top 30 largest cities, Las Vegas, Baltimore and D.C. experienced more than 10% increases in congestion during peak commute periods year-over-year. The increase in Las Vegas congestion was primarily due to major construction along I-15 that began in the Summer of 2008, while congestion in the nation’s Capitol was indicative of a city bustling with activity as the federal government enacted policies and increased spending to combat the recession.
Turning Insight into Intelligence and Taking Action
INRIX is committed to working with its partners and customers better understanding the many issues that can affect the flow of traffic and provide consumers, businesses and governments with solutions for addressing these problems. With the holiday from increasing gridlock coming to an end, INRIX partnered with MapQuest, a division of AOL, Inc. to provide commuters with a list of tips for saving time, money and staying sane on their daily commute:
1. Use trip planning tools that show traffic conditions like MapQuest.com where consumers can check traffic before they walk out the door and easily drag their route to an alternative option. In addition, users of MapQuest can choose to avoid highways and tolls as additional ways to avoid traffic.. If you live on the East Coast and regularly travel through the I-95 corridor, visit http://www.i95travelinfo.net/. Sites like these can provide you with travel times and a snapshot of current traffic conditions so you see traffic jams and make plans to avoid unwanted hassles before you hit the road.
2. Take advantage of carpools, ride-share programs and public transit. Even if you only do this a few days a week, you can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save your car unnecessary wear and tear. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
3. For iPhone and Android GPS Smartphone owners, use mobile apps like INRIX Traffic! Pro to save time on your daily commute. INRIX Traffic! Pro takes the guesswork out of the commute with fastest routes, best time to leave, travel times and ETAs for any destinations. Other navigation apps for your GPS smartphone that feature real-time traffic include NAVIGON Mobile Navigator, ALK Co-Pilot and MapQuest Navigator.
4. Talk to your employer about telecommuting one or more days a week or try to stagger your work hours to avoid peak travel times. Typically, these are between 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. To see the peak travel times specific to your city, visit http://scorecard.inrix.com/scorecard/.
5. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas and can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Not only will you be safer but you’ll save money at the pump.
6. As part of your next car purchase, consider an in-car navigation system that provides real-time traffic information. Systems like Ford Motor Company’s SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information that’s offered on new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles make navigation more useful
everyday by factoring in real-time traffic conditions in determining the best route to any destination.
7. Avoid following the cars in front of you too closely and minimize distractions while driving. Following too closely and engaging in distracting activities like talking on your cell phone or texting while driving increase your chances of getting in an accident and being the source of the next traffic jam.
8. Drive the speed limit. While the natural tendency is to speed up when traffic opens up to make up for lost time, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.
9. Let music set your mood. Select music that relaxes you to reduce stress, angst and overall frustration when stuck in traffic. Choosing more calming music or talk radio is more likely to help take your mind off of the gridlock and ease the stress of your daily commute.
10. Gradually accelerate to waste less gas and use cruise control as much as possible because driving at a constant speed increases your gas mileage.
Skyscanner reveals the world’s biggest spenders: Tourists who splash the cash
When it comes to international travels, who spends the most and where should travel and tourism organisations be targeting their marketing budgets to attract the big spenders?
Flight comparison site Skyscanner investigates which countries like to flash their cash the most when they travel – the Germans are in the lead, but China is hot on their trail. With the world economy apparently on the road to recovery, tourism will play a huge part in many countries’ income and competition is high to capture the biggest share of that market.
At number one, it’s the Germans who spend over $90 billion a year on their travels, a disproportionate amount compared to their population which numbers just over 80 million, less than a third of the next biggest spenders – the USA, who splash $79.7 billion a year on holidays. Known for tipping big in restaurant and bars, Americans certainly know how to spend.
In third place it’s the UK who splurge $68.5 billion to escape the UK on cheap flights each year. No doubt the lure of sun and sand plays a huge part in the mass exodus, with Spain by far our favourite holiday escape. This is also backed up by recent Skyscanner stats, with cheap flights to Malaga topping the most popular search list in January.
France, which is also the world’s most popular country in terms of tourist arrivals, empties their wallets of $42.1 billion per year, whilst the Chinese spend $36.2 billion annually on their travels.
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director commented: “It will be very interesting to see how tourist spending changes since the downturn. So far, the latest figures show that only the Japanese spent less on international tourism than the previous year. China is fast rising, spending 21% more on their global travels, and are likely set to grow even more. Meanwhile, it’s the Germans who remain the world’s biggest spending tourists, and there would have to be significant change for anyone else to catch up with them.”
1. Germany – $91.0 billion (+2%)
2. USA – $79.7 billion (+4.4%)
3. UK – $68.5 billion (+4.4%)
4. France – $43.1 billion (+9.6%)
5. China – $36.2 billion (+21.4%)
6. Italy – $30.8 billion (+4.9%)
7. Japan – $27.9 billion (-7.9%)
8. Canada – $26.9 billion (+8.4%)
9. Russia – $24.9 billion (+11.8%)
10. Netherlands – $21.7 billion (+9.2%)
Source: Skyscanner
Top International Chefs to spice up Vancouver during the Olympic Winter Games
Jet Set Sports Creates Premier Dining Experience with Culinary ‘Dream Team’
Jet Set Sports is assembling an international all-star team of accomplished chefs in Vancouver to head the Chef’s Table, the 2010 edition of Jet Set’s series of Games-time fine-dining experiences. Each of the award-winning chefs – from Great Britain, France, China, Germany and Switzerland – will take turns at the helm of the restaurant, adding his or her own signature flair to the dining experience. Described as a downtown, “pop-up” fine-dining venue, the Chef’s Table will operate only during the Olympic Winter Games and is being made available to guests of Jet Set Sports, the world’s leading Olympic hospitality company.
“Vancouver is bringing the world together, so we are bringing some of the world’s greatest chefs to Vancouver,” said Sead Dizdarevic, chairman and CEO of Jet Set Sports. “Five remarkable chefs will join us from Great Britain, France, China, Germany and Switzerland. Each of them will put his or her stamp on the Chef’s Table and provide our guests with an extraordinary meal to cap a fantastic day at the Games.”
The Chef’s Table will be located at 1088 Burrard Street at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Participating chefs include:
Chef Andre Jaeger, owner and operator of the Rheinhotel Fischerzunft in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, has masterfully created dishes for nearly four decades and has held 19/20 Gault Millau points since 1995.
Chef Edouard Loubet, the acclaimed proprietor of La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux, France, is one the youngest French chefs to earn two Michelin Stars.
Chef Anton Mosimann, arguably the world’s first celebrity chef, is now the proprietor of the legendary London dining club, Mosimann’s. His talents were polished in leading restaurants in Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Japan and Canada.
Chef Heinz Winkler, owner and operator of the Residenz Henz Winkler in Bayern-Chiemgau, Germany, was awarded his first Michelin star in 1979, and at the age of 32, became one of the youngest three-star Michelin chefs in history.
Chef Zhang Jin Jie (a.k.a. Jin-R), the incredibly talented owner and chef of the “classic-modern” Green T House in Beijing, takes inspiration from the changing seasons. Her creations are works of art with each dish cleverly infused with Chinese teas, spices, flower petals and her signature garnish, Green Tea Powder.
“We’ve been a proud partner to the Olympic Movement and Organizing Committees for 25 years. Part of our role is to make sure our guests have a great experience at the Games and in the host city. We take this responsibility seriously, so for each Games, we try to create something special,” said Dizdarevic. “Without a doubt, the chefs we have assembled will add that special ingredient to our guests’ Games experience.”
Operating at every Olympic Games since 1984 in Sarajevo and serving only Olympic Games travelers, Jet Set Sports has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver the very best in accommodations, event tickets, ground transportation, management, and of course, dining.
TripAdvisor unlocks the door to the World’s Quirkiest Vacation Rentals
DOME ECILE in St. George Island, Florida Takes Quirky Crown in Top Ten List TripAdvisor Survey Reveals More Travelers Likely to Stay at Vacation Rentals in 2010 and Southeast is Most Popular U.S. Region
TripAdvisor announced its list of the ten quirkiest vacation rentals around the world according to TripAdvisor editors. In addition, the site released the results of its 2010 vacation rentals survey of more than 1,000 U.S. respondents. Sixty-eight percent of travelers are either planning or considering a stay at a vacation rental in 2010, indicating an increase in interest from the 52 percent of past renters who said they stayed at a rental home in 2009. Eighty-eight percent of travelers said they would choose a vacation rental over a hotel if it was a better value.
Opening the Door to Vacation Rental Deals
Travelers have been taking to their keyboards over the month of January to begin planning their 2010 vacation rental stays. Search volume on TripAdvisor’s vacation rentals listings is up 123 percent month-over-month from December 2009 to January 2010, indicating an increased interest in rentals for the new year.
Bring on the Sunshine
Of the travelers planning to stay at a vacation rental this year, 53 percent said they are planning their trips for the summer months, followed by 34 percent for the winter, 29 percent for the spring, and 26 percent for the fall. More travelers are planning to stay at a vacation rental in the Southeast than any other region, according to the survey. The Northeast and Southwest were next in popularity, coming in second and third place, respectively.
Top 10 Quirkiest Vacation Rentals Around the World According to TripAdvisor Editors:
1. DOME ECILE, St. George Island, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $765 – $950
A geometrical wonder, DOME ECILE not only is a sight in and of itself, but it also sports beautiful beach views. One TripAdvisor traveler says, “All of my kids were excited to be staying on the beach, in a house like no other.”
2. Calypso Castle, Skopelos, Greece
Weekly Rate Range: $1,445 – $3,636
Complete with a stone tower and gorgeous views, Calypso Castle is a great rental home for travelers looking for a royal retreat. One TripAdvisor traveler raves about the “beautiful view” and “island” of Skopelos.
3. Unique Hilltop Windmill Rental, Odemira, Portugal
Weekly Rate Range: $526 – $756
Only in Portugal can you rent your own windmill-inspired house on top of its own mini-mountain for under $800 per week. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “The Mill on the hill is rustic, homely, cozy and down to earth – just the way it should be!”
4. 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Weekly Rate: $900
Put on your conductor’s hat and all aboard this bright red vacation rental constructed out of a classic railcar. One TripAdvisor traveler gushes, “I highly recommend the Caboose for anyone, especially train buffs.”
5. Chalet Tropical Crazy Cottages, Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
Weekly Rate Range: $367 – $798
While this rental may look like a giant, thatched hut from the outside, it’s spacious and stocked with all the comforts of home on the inside. It’s also a short walk from the beach and the village of Las Galeras.
6. The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, Massachusetts
Weekly Rate Range: $1,675 – $2,200
For travelers looking to relive history and have their own Boston Tea Party, The White Elephant Floating Inn in Boston may be the perfect place to stay. One TripAdvisor traveler notes, “It was such a comfortable and unique way to spend two beautiful days together AND be on the water with a Boston skyline!”
7. ModernCottage, Vancouver, Canada
Weekly Rate Range: $1,323 – $1,654
Sprouting up from among the trees overlooking Pender Harbor, this modern architectural marvel has the look of a giant wooden box resting on a steep hill. It comes complete with chic décor and great views of the surrounding wilderness.
8. Elk Run, Crested Butte, Colorado
Weekly Rate Range: $2,550 – $6,662
Say hello to the “not-so-little” house on the prairie, offering enough space to sleep 12 and access to over 800 acres of land for hiking, biking, fishing and snowmobiling. One TripAdvisor traveler raves, “This rental was our very best over a period of 30 years of renting.”
9. Anna Maria Island Private Tropical Garden Home, Holmes Beach, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $1,399 – $2,599
With a tropical garden and waterfall pool right in its backyard, travelers staying at this rental may not find many reasons to leave “home” during their vacation. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “Our island oasis was every bit as advertised. It was tough just to leave the backyard paradise to run out for replenishments.”
10. 18′x86′ Houseboat for Weekend Rentals, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nightly Rate: $900
For travelers with strong sea legs, the 18′x86′ Houseboat offers not only a unique vacation rental experience but also plenty of amenities, including an upper deck hot tub, two entertainment bars and a gas grill with eight burners.
Additional Vacation Rentals Survey Findings
– Twenty-five percent of respondents said they usually book their rental home more than six months out, while 28 percent typically book three to six months in advance.
– Thirty-two percent of travelers said their favorite feature of rental homes is that they sleep more people, followed by 22 percent who cited access to common areas and 17 percent who said they enjoy the ability to have homemade meals with their travel companions.
– Twenty-nine percent of respondents said they either always or often stay at the same vacation rental year after year.
– Thirty percent of travelers think that on average, the vacation rental homes they stay at are nicer than their actual homes.
– Forty-nine percent of respondents said their main concern about staying at a vacation rental is that it will not be as advertised.
“From castles to railcars to thatched huts, there really is a rental home out there for everyone’s tastes and needs,” said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. “Our list of the quirkiest vacation rentals on TripAdvisor showcases the broad range of properties available. Where you stay really can be one of the highlights of your trip.”
Source: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor sniffs out America’s Dirtiest Hotels
Top 10 Grimiest U.S. Hotels Named and Shamed Based on Traveler Cleanliness Ratings San Francisco Hotel Wins the Crummy Crown
TripAdvisor®, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, announced the top 10 dirtiest hotels in America, based on TripAdvisor traveler ratings for cleanliness. For the fifth consecutive year, TripAdvisor reveals the truth about hotels around the world, from the most gleaming to the most grimy.
2010’s Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S.
1. Heritage Marina Hotel, San Francisco, California
2. Days Inn Eureka/Six Flags, Eureka, Missouri
3. Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia
4. Super 8 Virginia Beach/At the Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia
5. Quality Inn, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
6. New York Inn, New York City, New York
7. Parisian Hotel & Suites, Miami Beach, Florida
8. Capistrano Seaside Inn, Capistrano Beach, California
9. Desert Lodge, Palm Springs, California
10. Continental Oceanfront Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
San Francisco’s Heritage Marina Hotel claims the dubious title of America’s dirtiest hotel; 80 percent of TripAdvisor travelers who reviewed the Heritage Marina recommended against staying there. While last year’s dirtiest hotels list contained zero hotels from California, this year three California contenders made the list. Miami and Virginia Beach also delivered two hair-raising hotels each to this year’s list.
New York City cleaned up its act this year, with just one hotel on the list, down from three in 2009. While the New York Inn (# 6) has now blemished the list four times in the past five years, the three-time #1 dirtiest hotel in America, New York City’s Hotel Carter, doesn’t appear at all this year.
Here are some choice comments from recent TripAdvisor traveler reviews on the U.S.’s dirtiest hotels:
1. Heritage Marina Hotel, San Francisco, California:
“When we woke in the middle of the night to find BED BUGS all over the bed, we ended up sleeping in our rental car!”
“We opened the door, and the smell of mold hit us in the face like a brick.”
“This hotel is like in a horrible horror movie! The bed was a nightmare. It smelled like urine and had strange spots.”
2. Days Inn Eureka/Six Flags, Eureka, Missouri:
“If Hell had a hotel it would be something like this. The worst, nastiest hotel I have ever stayed in, in my life. Dirty towels, dirty room. Rude manager. Run from this place as fast as you can!”
3. Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia:
“The entire hotel is very dirty and smells very bad; it looks like a ghost house. We called the Virginia Beach health department and filed a complaint. We do not recommend this Place to any human being.”
4. Super 8 Virginia Beach/At the Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia:
“I am still recovering from my stay in this hell-hole. Upon checking in there were hairs in the bathtub, and bugs on the counter…the streets are cleaner. Disgusting!”
5. Quality Inn, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania:
“Our room looked like something from a very bad horror movie. I was scared to sleep in the bed. Just looking at it made me want to itch.”
6. New York Inn, New York City, New York:
“We were greeted on our arrival by a cleaner sitting on our bed smoking and watching TV.”
7. Parisian Hotel & Suites, Miami Beach, Florida:
“I had been bitten on my chin several times, my hands, forearms, legs and feet. At least 15% of my body was covered in red, burning, bites.”
8. Capistrano Seaside Inn, Capistrano Beach, California:
“We spilled water on the floor and cleaned it, and the towel turned brown from all the dirt on the ground.”
9. Desert Lodge, Palm Springs, California:
“Mold smell and bugs! Unavailable staff. Dirty sheets and bath tub was gross. DO NOT STAY HERE!”
10. Continental Oceanfront Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida:
“There was so much mold and dirt in the rooms, our tub had a huge hole with some nasty ‘patch’ over it. I felt more dirty getting out of the shower than getting in.”
“For the fifth year running, TripAdvisor’s dirtiest hotels list reveals that unfortunately, some hotels take the notion of offering dirt cheap rooms far too literally,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Our candid traveler reviews prepare future guests for grimy lodgings that might otherwise be an unwelcome surprise.”
For a cleaner scene, check out the complete 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® list of the world’s best hotels at http://www.tripadvisor.com/travelerschoice.
TripAdvisor travellers reveal 2010 trends
TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest and most popular travel community, announced the results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 700 Britons, revealing that travellers are unable to predict the final cost of their flight, with nearly one-third paying unexpected additional costs at check-in.
Flight Costs
Travellers have become more surprised by the final price of their air ticket in the past three months. As a result of ‘add-ons,’ 73 percent have been surprised by the final cost of flight, up five percent from a survey conducted in September.*
Additionally, 32 percent, up 18 percent from three months ago, have checked in at an airport and paid additional costs they were not expecting.
Top Airlines
The favourite airline for British travellers is Virgin Atlantic, for the second year running, followed by British Airways and Singapore Airlines. For the fourth year in a row,Ryanair is travellers’ least favourite airline by an overwhelming 41 percent, up from 30 percent last year. Eighty-two percent of travellers said that the brand of airline is at least somewhat important when making a booking decision, with 41 percent identifying it as very or extremely important.
When choosing an airline, the most important factor is price followed by preferred route. Twenty-three percent are willing to fly the same airline, if it’s the cheapest option, after a really bad experience on a flight.
Leisure Spending
Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of travellers will spend more than GBP1,700 on leisure travel next year, with more than one-quarter (28 percent) spending more than GBP5,300.
Mobiles and Wifi
British travellers are in favour of staying connected while flying, as 62 percent think Internet access should be allowed on flights, up 16 percent from last year. Nine percent are even willing to pay extra for it. In regards to mobiles, 13 percent think they should be allowed on flights, compared to 10 percent last year.
Germs While Travelling
H1N1 virus threats will cause British travellers to be more concerned about germs when travelling this year, with 26 percent packing hand sanitizer and 28 percent washing their hands more frequently. Seven percent of travellers’ holiday plans are likely to be affected by concerns about illness or the flu in the upcoming year. Additionally, 10 percent of travellers find the biggest traveller faux pas is sneezing or coughing without covering up.
Environmentally Conscious
Fourteen percent of British travellers will be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were last year, far less than the French (20 percent), Italians (30 percent) and Spaniards (23 percent) revealed in a survey of 2,800 European travellers. According to Brits, the most suitable country to plan an eco-friendly holiday is Sweden, followed by Norway and Switzerland. One-fifth (21 percent) of travellers said there aren’t enough resources to easily plan an eco-friendly holiday.
Holiday Activities
Over three quarters of British travellers will visit a historic site in the next year, 68 percent are likely to visit a national park and over half (52 percent) will go to the theatre or opera. Nearly one-quarter (22 percent) are likely to attend a festival and 27 percent will go hiking.
British Traveller Tidbits:
- Fifteen percent have taken slippers from a hotel room, while 10 percent have taken a washcloth and 9 percent towels.
- Thirty-three percent would do a holiday “house swap” if given the right opportunity.
- Perhaps because of its implementation at some U.K. airports in the past year, only 67 percent are comfortable with the new body scanners, compared to 80 percent last year.
- Sixteen percent of travellers will book their holiday earlier this year than last year.
- Rude seat recliners (33 percent) and children kicking the back of seats (32 percent) top the traveller faux pas onboard a flight.
Troncones, Mexico is TravelCast’s Emerging Hotspot for 2010
The TripAdvisor TravelCast identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data**, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five World Destinations for 2010
1. Troncones, Mexico
2. Nairn, Scotland
3. El Chalten, Patagonia
4. Patara, Turkey
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
*600 Britons took part in the TripAdvisor survey (September 2009)
**Site data on TripAdvisor.com
Source: TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor reads traveler tea leaves to reveal 2010 Trends
Annual Traveler Survey Discovers a Flu-nomenon as U.S. Respondents Becoming Far More Cautious When it Comes to Germs U.S. Travelers Expect to Take More Leisure Trips in the Coming Year Troncones, Mexico is 2010’s Top Up-and-Coming Travel Destination
TripAdvisor®, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, today announced the results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 3,000 U.S. travelers. Americans are not taking the H1N1 warnings lightly, as 88 percent of respondents said they are concerned about germs, bacteria and viruses when traveling, compared to 83 percent last year. Seventy-seven percent of travelers said they are washing their hands more often on the road than they normally do, an increase of 17 percent from one year ago.
Despite the concerns over germs, Americans expect to travel more in 2010 than in 2009. Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents said they plan to spend more on leisure travel in 2010 than they did in 2009 and 92 percent of travelers are planning to take two or more leisure trips in 2010, up from 89 percent last year. Sixty-six percent said the economy will not affect their travel plans for the coming year.
Troncones, Mexico is TravelCast’s Emerging Hotspot for 2010
The TripAdvisor TravelCast identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.com.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five World Destinations for 2010
1. Troncones, Mexico
Boasting miles of white sand beaches, Troncones is a peaceful and secluded haven nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Nairn, Scotland
Located on the Moray Forth coast, this small seaside town enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Scotland, and is a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands.
3. El Chalten, Patagonia
Your cell phone won’t work here and the town’s limited capacity means you’ve got to book in advance — but you’ll be richly rewarded with incredible hiking in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Patara, Turkey
With a 12-mile long beach (also a national park) and an abundance of Lycian and Roman ruins peeking out of the sand dunes, Patara is steeped in both natural beauty and history.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This picturesque Bavarian town is celebrated not only for its well-preserved medieval buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled setting.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five U.S. Destinations for 2010
1. Seward, Alaska
Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, this historic and picturesque town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, rich with wildlife, spectacular fjords and tidewater glaciers.
2. Hyannis, Massachusetts
John F. Kennedy’s former Presidential retreat can be found in Hyannis, the largest and most central village in Cape Cod’s Town of Barnstable, and its picturesque sandy stretches make it a fantastic retreat.
3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
True to its name, nature’s geological wonders are a key feature of this picture-perfect town, which boasts natural hot and cold mineral springs in which to relax, restore and renew.
4. Chinle, Arizona
Drive around nearby Canyon de Chelly’s rim roads for a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery below, or take a tour of the canyon floor for a closer look at its breath-taking rock formations, cave art and cliff dwellings.
5. Waimea, Hawaii
Situated on the Southwest side of the beautiful island of Kauai, this unassuming beach-side town is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, which oozes natural beauty.
Additional 2010 Travel Trends Survey Findings
Just Plane Sick
Eighty-nine percent of travelers would react if they noticed their flight seatmate was displaying visible flu-like symptoms. While 55 percent would request to be moved to a different seat, 27 percent would notify a flight attendant, four percent would put on a face mask or scarf and an additional three percent would request that their fellow passenger cover up with a mask or scarf.
Airplanes are considered the top spot to beware of unwanted microbes (48 percent), followed by public transportation (19 percent) and hotels (six percent).
Mile-High Misdemeanors
Sixty-one percent of travelers confess they have disregarded airline rules on a flight. Unbuckling seatbelts before the light is off tops the list of flier felonies, with almost half of travelers (49 percent) admitting to unclipping prematurely. Further indiscretions include moving someone else’s luggage to make room for their own (23 percent), standing up before the seatbelt light is turned off (16 percent), and six percent even admit to using a forbidden electronic device in-flight, such as a cell phone or pager.
Sketchy Seatmates
Sitting next to a traveler with noticeable body odor is most likely to get travelers switching seats on a flight, with 38 percent confessing that if their neighbor was whiffy, they’d be gone in a jiffy. Intoxicated travelers take second place on the list of nightmarish neighbors, with obese travelers rounding out the top three. The survey results also reveal that 69 percent of travelers believe that passengers over a certain weight should be required to pay for two seats.
Flying Faux Pas
Children may be small in stature, but when it comes to the top travel annoyances, they deliver a mean punch — or rather, kick. Thirty-seven percent of travelers cite seat-kicking kids as their primary pet peeve, while fliers that sneeze and cough without covering their mouth and rude seat recliners claim second and third spots respectively. Forty-two percent of travelers also expressed frustration about not having space on flights for their carry-on bags. Forty-five percent think travelers without carry-on bags should be allowed to board flights first.
Quiet Sections Preferred
Forty-one percent of travelers said they’d be most likely to pay extra to sit in a “quiet section” of a plane, while 39 percent would love to be free of kids in a “child-free section.” Wi-Fi may be a useful in-flight option, but some travelers would prefer to remain altogether disconnected, with 11 percent saying they’d choose a “Wi-Fi-free section.”
In-flight Indulgences
Seventy-two percent of travelers expect to pay for in-flight extras when flying in 2010, with extra leg-room top of the wish list for more than one-third (35 percent) of respondents. Twenty-six percent are most likely to pay for snacks or an in-flight meal, and more travelers plan to shell out for in-flight alcohol (23 percent) than for seat selection (22 percent) or checked bags (20 percent).
Eco-nsiderations
Twenty-two percent of travelers expect to be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were in 2009. Thirty-two percent consider their carbon footprint when traveling, and as a result, 44 percent of these travelers choose to stay at “green” or environmentally-conscious hotels, while 26 percent choose to drive rather than fly, and 20 percent travel shorter distances. A hotel having “green” policies also factors into 33 percent of travelers’ booking decisions.
Ugly Americans and America the Beautiful
There’s good and bad news for U.S. travelers, with Americans voted the friendliest travelers — but also the most annoying. Twenty-five percent of U.S. respondents consider Americans to be the most irritating travelers, followed by travelers from France (nine percent), Japan (eight percent), China (seven percent) and Germany (six percent).
Nineteen percent said Americans are friendliest, followed by travelers from Australia (16 percent), Canada (nine percent), England (eight percent) and Ireland (four percent).
Pledge Allegiance to the Brand
Fifty-nine percent of travelers said they are brand loyal when it comes to booking hotels, with the survey revealing the top three brands to be Marriott (12 percent), Hilton (nine percent) and Hampton Inn (four percent).
“If it isn’t already, hand sanitizer should be among the first things travelers think to pack these days,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “As far as destinations to consider for 2010, Mexico offers some real bargains — and Troncones made the top of our emerging destinations TravelCast list.”
Source: TripAdvisor
Travelers interest in vacation rentals soars in 2010
Nearly 87 percent of travelers who looked into the availability of vacation rentals in the past plan to stay in one in 2010 – Demand for vacation rentals in New Orleans is up by more than 300 percent in third quarter of the year – About 60 percent of vacation rental owners report bookings in the third quarter of 2009 were on par with or higher than the same period last year
Vacation rental homes continue to grow in popularity among travelers in the coming year, according to HomeAway, Inc. – the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace – which today released its quarterly “HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report.” In fact, 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 – a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed or plan on staying in a vacation rental in 2009.
Of those travelers who stayed or will stay in a vacation rental in 2009, 75 percent previously stayed in a vacation rental – 25 percent were first-time renters.
“The fact that so many travelers who’ve stayed in a vacation rental home are returning to rent again shows the high satisfaction they had with their experience,” said Brian Sharples, chief executive officer of HomeAway®. “And in this economy, vacation rentals are also attracting many first-time renters who are looking for greater value from their travel dollar. We expect this trend to continue even as the economy improves, as there has been a significant shift toward value in the overall consumer mindset.”
Travelers Look for Value and Ways to Still Get Away in 2010
While more than one-quarter of travelers (28 percent) say the economy will not impact their vacation plans in 2010, most travelers will look for ways to save when it comes time to get away next year.
When travelers were asked how the economy will affect their 2010 vacation plans:
– 41 percent plan to look for specials or deals on vacation rentals
– 40 percent plan to stay in a vacation rental to save or split on the costs of accommodations
– 21 percent will look for hotel specials or deals
– 17 percent will vacation at a destination within driving distance from home
– 7 percent will shorten the length of the vacation
The average booking window (how long travelers book a property before their trip) has begun to climb to its pre-recession pattern. Travelers are booking an average of 94 days out in the third quarter – up from an average of 76 days during the second quarter of the year.
In 2010, only two percent of travelers say they will be unable to take a vacation due to the economy — a decrease from the eight percent who were affected in 2009.
Vacation Rentals Provide a Whole Home for Less than the Cost of a Hotel
Of the cities analyzed in the third quarter, HomeAway finds the following markets offer particularly good value for travelers, especially in Orlando, where the price per square foot for a vacation rental is nearly five times less than the cost per square foot of a hotel.
New Orleans Rebounds; Interest Grows in Miami as Super Bowl Nears
Not surprisingly, the report shows beach destinations continue to draw travelers, with eight out of the top 10 most popular destinations booked in the third quarter located in coastal areas. New York and Las Vegas stand as the two exceptions. The HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace report also identifies some emerging and reemerging vacation destinations among travelers. Demand for vacation rentals in the Big Easy is up by more than 300 percent in the third quarter.
“We believe we’re seeing renewed interest in New Orleans vacation rentals because the average daily rate for hotels in the city have increased in the past months, and there are now more vacation rental choices on HomeAway, with listings increasing 133 percent in the third quarter,” says Sharples.
The top five destinations with the largest percent increase in traveler interest from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009 include:
1. New Orleans (307%)
2. Estero, Fla. (149%)
3. Austin, Texas (141%)
4. Wear Valley, Tenn. (129%)
5. Manhattan Beach, Calif. (121%)
Miami, which hosts the Super Bowl in February 2010, is also generating increased demand. Traveler interest in Miami vacation rentals are up 50 percent, compared to last year during the third quarter.
New Vacation Rental Listings on the Rise in Some Markets
As travelers focus on value and owners of second homes look to generate extra income in today’s economy, many markets are seeing significant increases in new vacation rental listings. Carnelian Bay, Calif., and Austin, Texas, retain their positions from the last quarter as the destinations with the fastest percent increase in new listings.
The top 10 destinations with the largest percentage increase of new vacation rental listings in the third quarter of 2009, compared with the same time period last year, include:
1. Carnelian Bay, Calif. (317%)
2. Austin, Texas (155%)
3. Beverly Hills, Calif. (145%)
4. New Orleans (133%)
5. Truckee, Calif. (122%)
6. Canyon Lake, Texas (120%)
7. Santa Monica, Calif. (116%)
8. Lake Norman, N.C. (108%)
9. Chicago (106%)
10. Estes Park, Colo. (103%)
For those who rent out their second homes, approximately 60 percent say their bookings for the third quarter of the year are about the same or higher compared with last year, which represents a negligible dip from the second quarter of the year when 62 percent of owners reported bookings were the same or higher.
Vacation Rental Owners Offer Deals, Make Home Improvements to Attract Renters
To continue to attract travelers and generate income from their properties, approximately 55 percent of vacation rental owners say they will offer some type of special deal or incentive to travelers in the coming year – down from 66 percent earlier this year. Of those:
– 69 percent to offer a specific dollar amount or a percentage off the rental rate
– 35 percent plan to offer a free night with the purchase of a specific number of nights
– 17 percent do not plan to require a minimum-night stay– 16 percent plan to offer complimentary products or services, such as free tickets to a theme park
Beyond adjusting the rental rate for their vacation homes, nearly three quarters of vacation rental owners (73 percent) have other plans for attracting potential renters in the coming year.
Source: HomeAway, Inc.
Royal Caribbean International takes delivery of much anticipated Oasis Of The Seas
World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sets Sail for Home Port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International proudly took delivery of its newest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, from STX Europe in Turku, Finland. Kicking off the 12-day countdown until her U.S. debut into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be departing Turku on Friday, Oct. 30 with Captain William S. Wright at the helm. Her transatlantic crossing will be chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure. A new feature to OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas journey. Richard Fain’s “Chairman’s Blog” on OasisoftheSeas.com and “Adam’s Blog” by President and CEO Adam Goldstein on NationofWhyNot.com also will provide personal updates.
The cruise line that revolutionized the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools, rock climbing walls and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching nearly the length of the ship, is poised to unveil a range of new attractions and engineering marvels onboard Oasis of the Seas. The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean’s legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry “firsts” including a neighborhood concept – seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an aquatic amphitheater – called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest’s cruise vacation.
This November, just in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC’s “Good Morning America” who will be there to welcome her into her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. as well as give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast on Friday, Nov. 20.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person and guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line’s private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.
Bookings are also available for Oasis of the Seas’ inaugural sailing departing on December 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the special occasion.
Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.OasisoftheSeas.com.
Source: Royal Caribbean International