Castello Del Nero is a well-known popular spot, with Italy being the second most popular country for travelers … [+]
Is your passport up to date for next year? Be sure – because there are a host of sensational new hotels and destinations on the horizon for 2023, including an under-the-radar destination in Italy and a vegan hotel in Abu Dhabi.
These statistics are from Virtuoso – the leading global network of travel agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This invitation-only organization includes more than 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. In their latest survey, here’s what they found.
Sustainability remains a top priority
In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers said they are willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that sustainable travel actually enhances their vacation experience. Travelers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They are also looking for companies and experiences that focus on “benefiting local people and the economy” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage”.
Travelers of all ages are ready to consume value-added services – like a good travel advisor
According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers agreed that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for—and the increasing value of—an expert advisor who can save them travelers time, energy and headaches. sitting on the phone for hours with customer support. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. “My daughter is 25, and she’s an advocate of using a travel professional,” said Virtuoso travel consultant Susan Bowman. “She tells everyone and her friends agree too. They seem to be a generation that gets it, and they’ve realized that we add value.” Between navigating airport travel and handling travel logistics, many travelers are choosing to work with a dedicated travel advisor. “One of the simplest definitions of luxury is this: “Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to,’ said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”
Travelers are back to planning ahead
With people hitting the streets in record numbers, there’s never been such a frenzy about booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travelers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays and 80 days for international travel (compared to 44 and 60 days in 2019, respectively). “We’ve seen so many last-minute requests and the space literally isn’t there,” said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. “We’re seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last minute.”
Off-season travel is winning Steam
If it seemed like all was in Europe this summer because they were According to a Virtuoso survey, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, such as Italy, worried about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy – second most popular fall travel destination – are urging travelers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travelers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, most Virtuoso travelers said they would be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuoso editors themselves suggest booking a room at Passalacquathe new Lake Como villa by hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open all year round – a rarity in the Lake Como region.
Destinations to see
Palm fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island hopping. No, we are not talking about the Maldives, but the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. Located at the southeastern end of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travelers can experience by night kayaking to Havelock Island.
About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch of the Sea of Cortez where a young The Four Seasons Resort it just came down. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lover’s dream, located near Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Marine Heritage Site.
All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries to the Arctic nation – the world’s largest island – next year, with other cruise lines including Quark and Lindblad set to expand their offerings.
Virtuosi site tour link Access Italy let Virtuosi enter one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval city is only accessible by a footbridge. And as for now, she remains happily under the radar.
More insider news
One of the best ways to plan future trips is by creating one walking list and sharing it with a Virtuoso counselor who can make dreams pearl harvesting in Australia or taking one private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to discover what else was on the horizon of experience for its global citizens.
- A new astronaut-inspired camp will touch down in Antarctica in December. The Echo, from super-high-end tour operator White Desert, will feature six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit by Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodhead’s love of Star Wars. The experience costs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the property’s doorstep.
- Earlier this month, Auberge Resorts opened a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazón will have 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-level infinity-edge pool that faces a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a “surf safari” that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and sparse crowds.
- Fiuggi, Italy is the setting for The Ranch’s newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer week-long detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes.
- Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife reserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda sits on 360,000 acres in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking.
- Iceland will get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut on a rooftop, where guests can sip cocktails while enjoying the Northern Lights.
- This month, in Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, built without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities.
- Starting from this season, the guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can board a private jet and explore a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they’ll meet an expert naturalist to learn about the area’s elusive gray wolves—and maybe even see some up close.
- Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of prominent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singita’s overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings.
For more on my Wanderlust and Wellness travels, please follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.
