Eurobound predicts that independent, upscale travel to Europe will continue its momentum in 2023. Brigitte Armand, Eurobound president, suggested that clients book early. “Many hotels are already booked up for 2023 high season. Clients should not delay confirming their trips or they may risk being left out completely,” she said.
According to Jeff Roy, Eurobound VP, sales and marketing, with travel emerging from the pandemic, the emphasis is more on traditional destinations, and slightly less on adventure travel. Food and wine will continue to be major attractions as people look to indulge themselves, said Roy. He cautions, however, that high hotel prices and avoiding crowds are client concerns (for 2023). Roy added that travel advisors must prepare their clients for sticker shock. “Hotel prices have risen considerably, and clients may not be as willing to trade up,” he said.
Honeymoon, anniversary and family vacations are also trending, according to Roy. “And with the resurgence of cruising, requests for pre- and post-cruise arrangements are increasing,” he added.
Classical destinations, especially Italy, France and Switzerland, continue to be the most popular for Eurobound, as people reignite their passion for travel, Roy said.
Traditional European combinations and the grand tour of Europe are back in style, as well. Roy cites country pairings such as Paris and London; Ireland and Scotland; Spain and Portugal; Germany and Austria; or Switzerland and Austria. By country, popular trios are Rome, Florence and Venice; Athens, Mykonos and Santorini; and Paris in combinations with Champagne, Bordeaux, Normandy or the Riviera.
Family vacations with customized activities for children and adults have been growing in popularity, noted Armand. As an example, she cited a two-week holiday for four centered around the Swiss and Italian Alps. The itinerary begins in Milan and ends in Geneva, with suite accommodations for four [throughout], train transportation, private tours and transfers. The vacation features the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano to Lucerne, a six-day Swiss Travel Pass in first class, a ride on the world’s steepest cog railway to Mt. Pilatus, tobogganing, a chocolate workshop and paragliding in Interlaken and a full-day guided hike in Grindelwald, among other activities.
For more information, visit www.eurobound.com.
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