India, Vietnam, and Cuba are the top emerging destination for luxury travelers, with Galapagos Islands, China, and Chile rounding out the list, according to the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report. The survey of travel professionals also reveals that travelers this year are expected to book longer vacations in distant locales. Other key findings among the luxury travel set include:
The five most popular international destinations
1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. South Africa
4. Australia
5. France
The top five U.S. destinations
1. Maui
2. Alaska
3. New York City
4. Napa Valley/Sonoma
5. Las Vegas
The top five most popular destinations for family travel
1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. Orlando
5. Australia & Costa Rica (tied)
Luxury cruises that saw the biggest increase in demand in 2009
1. Mediterranean
2. Alaska
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Baltic Region
Popular itineraries for 2010
1. Alaska
2. Mediterranean
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Greek Isles
Top motives for choosing a vacation:
1. Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations
2. Rest & relaxation
3. Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones
4. Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations
5. Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, etc.)
6. Seeking adventure
For socially and environmentally conscious travelers, which aspects of travel they’re most concerned about:
1. Accommodations
2. Activities or excursions
3. Means of transportation
4. Giving back to local communities through monetary donations
5. Giving back to local communities through voluntourism
