8 Travel Trends from the 2018 New York Times Travel Show

There were 8 travel trends from the 2018 New York Times Travel Show that popped out for me when I attended this past weekend. A bevy of fun destinations will soon be playing out on the pages of the Times travel section, as well as others no doubt. Amid the usual suspects of gorgeous beach destinations, compelling cruises to ports around the world, and exotic cities both Eastern and Western, some interesting things stood out.

8 Travel Trends from the 2018 New York Times Travel Show:

1. The Bahamas are more than we thought – There are way more islands in The Bahamas than can be seen from a cruise ship, and more people are now exploring them for an extended stay. Each of the 30 inhabited islands has their own personalities and offerings (there are more than 700 islands total). Time for some island hopping to see which fits our family best.
2. Croatia is the new “It Girl” – Everyone at the show was talking about Croatia. Everyone. We’ve wanted to go to Dubrovnik forever, but until recently didn’t know about all the other amazing parts of this beautiful country including the Dalmation Coast, Split, Zagreb and more.
3. Slovenia is coming up next – Right behind Croatia, Slovenia is moving up the ranks. Far from remote, Slovenia is right between Croatia and Italy on the north coast of the Adriatic Sea near Trieste. We’re hoping to visit that whole area this summer.

   

    

4. Jamaica is underrated – Jamaica has always been on our bucket list, and lately some misinformed person told me it was over as a destination. Well far from it. Jamaica is coming on strong with great new resorts, spas (one even has a salt cave) and activities. Yes please!

   

    

5. Portugal is winning all the awards – Portugal is a country of deep history and enormous diversity. I’ve traveled there just once many years ago, and cannot wait to go back for their friendly beaches, delicious seafood, gorgeous countryside and oh, that wine! Portugal has been named World’s Leading Destination and World’s Leading Beach Destination among other honors.
6. Everyone wants to go to Mexico – There are so many luxury resorts being built in Mexico, including vacation-friendly areas like sunny Cabo San Lucas, the jungles of Playa Del Carmen, and European-feeling Puerto Vallarta. So easy for us to reach from California, we’ll definitely visit Mexico this year. Mexico’s booth at the show was packed.

   

7. Columbia rules South America – I’m fascinated with South America and have wanted to visit its riches for some time. Columbia’s beaches, waterfalls, jungle excursions, historic cities and delicious foods are attracting people from all around the globe.
8. Florida is more than Orlando and Mis– With kids, we’ve always thought of visiting Florida as a trip to Disneyworld. And yes we will visit there too, but this enormous state has much more to offer. Fort Lauderdale is gorgeous and chill, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are the stuff of legends, and the western coastlines around Sarasota are just stunning.

   

 

Sounds like our passports are going to be filling up in 2018 – I hope we have enough pages to contain all these international stamps! Where are you planning to visit this year?

 

 

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The Travel Show is the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, featuring the Travel Industry Conference, Consumer Seminars, and an interactive Exhibition including more than 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. In addition to discounts and special offers, the show provides educational seminars and live entertainment for families, individuals, couples and seniors. Join the conversation and follow @NYTTravelShow for the latest Travel Show news.