Eleven Travel Trends for 2011

Nov 23, 2010

With the end of 2010 fast approaching, private guided tour company Kensington Tours recently polled its team of destination experts to see what noteworthy travel trends to look out for in the upcoming year. The tour company, which coordinates travel in more than 80 countries, recently released 11 insightful tips to consider for vacation planning in 2011.

1. Safari Houses to Complete the Experience
Relying on room-service from the 32nd floor of a luxury hotel no longer satisfies todayís ambitious luxury traveler. Instead, clients are looking to villa rentals and exclusive safari experiences to ensure that their time abroad is truly unique.

"A growing number of luxury villa rentals and safari houses have sprung up particularly in South Africa and Botswana," said Brad Crockett, Kensington's senior Africa expert.

2. Second Layer Vacations
A recurring trend as seen in travel throughout Europe are "second layer" vacations that surpass the popular destinations usually depicted in city pamphlets or travel guides. Special-interest attractions such as epicurean journeys and multi-generational family trips have been on the incline and will continue to increase into 2011.

3. Popular Travel Destination and Nicaragua
For clients who enjoy tropical weather and exotic surroundings, Nicaragua may be the next best, if not more authentic, alternative to travel to Costa Rica.

"Currently, Nicaragua is more like the Costa Rica of 20 years ago and 'Survivor: Nicaragua' is putting the country in the spotlight and driving a spike in enquires," said Brandi Merchant, Kensingtonís senior Central America expert.

4. Iceland is on Fire
For clients who regard Iceland as merely a frustrating layover from America to Europe, think again. The country is back on the tourist radar and now offering more attractive travel opportunities than ever before.

"Viking tours, Northern Lights excursions, relaxing in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, river rafting, snowmobiling, glacier trekking, whale watching and experiencing Reykjavik's lively cultural scene are my recommendations," said Kerstin Sowden, Kensington's senior Europe expert.

5. Rwandan Renovations
Historically rich in culture and natural beauty, Rwanda has continued to beckon interested explorers and scholarly researches. Yet, according to Gaby Nijdam, Kensington's senior Africa expert, the destination is sure to attract plenty more jetsetters and luxury travelers in 2011 due to an increasing selection of premium properties and eco-lodges opening in the upcoming year.

6. Brazil, Don't Delay, Act Today
Brazil should burst onto the travel scene in the upcoming years. With the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, clients should dedicate time in 2011 to explore its remote beaches and thundering waterfalls of the exciting country before the prices skyrocket.

7. Intimate Egyptian Nile Cruises
Catering to the increasing number of families and friends who choose to travel together, Egypt's blossoming tourism opportunities puts the personal experience back into traveling abroad with its privately chartered Nile cruises.

"Complete with the crew, chef and private Egyptologist guide, these luxurious small ships offer surprising value and allow for spellbinding shore excursions that larger cruise ships cannot," said Chris Bazos, Kensington's senior Egypt expert.

8. Visit Zimbabwe
With its political situation beginning to settle, this African country is sure to be one of the more popular travel destinations during 2011.

"Its appeal goes far beyond majestic Victoria Falls," said Brad Crockett, Kensington's senior Africa expert. "Hwange, Mana Polls and the private concessions of Imbabala will please even the most experienced Africa connoisseurs. Plus, Zimbabwe has some of the best guides in Africa and great prices."

9. India and Traveling South
Traditionally attracted to the classic sights and sounds of Northern India, travelers to India may find themselves traveling south during 2011, according to Kensington's senior South Asia expert, Karishma Kaul.

"There are desert camping experiences in Rajasthan, tiger trekking and elephant-back safaris in Central India, or travelers can head south to explore wild game reserves in search of leopards, sambars and chinkaras," said Kaul.

In February 2011, the new Taj Bekal resort in Kerala is expected to open, bringing a new level of sophistication to Indiaís southern beaches.

10. Patagonia
Historically known to attract outdoor enthusiasts, the southernmost tip of South America increases its appeal for 2011 with a wider assortment of adventures sure to please clients of all interests.

"In addition to trekking its landmark glaciers, travelers can experience authentic estancias (Argentinean ranches), relax at any number of new eco-camps or enjoy a leisurely cruise along Patagonia's sparkling coast," said Johanna Turres, Kensington's senior South America expert. "This once remote land is now ideal for cruisers, adventurers, nature travelers, families and more."

11. Once-In-A-Lifetime, Specialty Travel Experiences
From an in-depth tour of world sports to VIP, luxury level jetsetting, niche travel is sure to gain even more popularity in 2011. Specialized itineraries ensure that clients will experience exactly what it is that interests them back home, even while abroad.