Happy 4th of July!! OK – I know it’s a few days from now, but many of you will be celebrating this weekend. There is much to celebrate, and I hope all of you do so with your friends and family in a way that is meaningful to you.
I thought this was a good opportunity to chat about some trends and other news we’re seeing specific to US Passport holders as we continue to get back out into the world (with a vengeance!).
- Revenge Travel — In the first quarter of 2023 bookings in the Virtuoso network are up 191% over the same period in 2019 (the last year we have full data for).
- Your top five destinations are the US, Italy, France, Spain, and Canada.
- More International — Although domestic travel is still the highest, it is down 12% from 2019, as more of us opt for overseas trips.
- Cruise bookings are 55% higher than 2019, and river cruise bookings are 128% higher.
- Hotel costs (Average Daily Rate) are 10% – 15% higher than 2022 (and that was already 10% – 15% higher than 2019). So, you’ll pay quite a bit more for a hotel room – both domestically and abroad.
- Cruise Prices are NOT seeing the same increases, although cruise operators are subject to the same inflationary pressures as land operators. This may indicate upward pressure on cruise prices in the future.
- Visas for Europe – we’re fielding lots of calls about whether US passport holders require Visas to visit the EU or the UK. The answer: not yet… but it’s coming. Unfortunately, our TV media has provided incomplete and misleading information on this situation. Here’s what you need to know: Sometime in 2024, US Passport holders will need to fill out an electronic form in advance of their travels to Europe. There will be an accompanying cost of between $7 and $15 depending on where you’re travelling and the prevailing exchange rate at the time. Some TV “news” stations have attempted to whip viewers into an angry froth by suggesting it’s an unfair cash grab. For clarity, we imposed an identical requirement on European visitors in 2017, and it costs them over double what they intend to charge us. Frankly… if a $10 entry fee to Europe is going to set you off, you should probably rethink your trip, because you won’t be very happy once you get there.
- Domestic Cruises — Some of you have asked about the lack of options and expense of cruising inside of the US (Hawaii, River Cruises, Great Lakes). For any cruise that doesn’t touch a foreign port, the rules are completely different. All staff need to be legal to work in the United States, and the ship must be owned by an American company, and have been built in the United States. These protectionist measures may have been imposed with the best of intentions, but it also explains why there are fewer domestic options, and why they can be more expensive than others.
The bottom line here is that Americans want to travel (both domestically and internationally), and the labor shortage in the hospitality and tourism industries is very real on a global level. This will self-correct, but not in the next several months.
If you’re travelling this July 4th Long Weekend, then do so safely. If you’re staying near home, then make some memories with your friends and family. In either case, creating tomorrow’s memories is well worth the effort.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Introducing Oceania’s ‘Simply MORE’
You may have heard that Oceania is phasing out its O-Life Choice pricing structure starting tomorrow. This is a good thing. The O-Life program offered guests “segmented luxury” – meaning you could get a luxury cruise experience, and pay for those things that you valued most. It was also confusing, so they’ve simplified the structure, and you’ll still have access to their luxury product. The new pricing structure is called Simply MORE. Here are the highlights:
- You’ll have the choice of having air included or not.
- Beer, wine, and champagne will be included with your meals (a WIDE range of options, not just ‘red or white’).
- You’ll get a shore-excursion wallet that you can spend exactly as you wish. It will be enough for a basic excursion in each port of call… but if you’d prefer to spend it all on a helicopter tour and skip the basic excursions, that’s an option too.
- Oceania’s exceptional culinary program and specialty restaurants will still be included in your fare.
- Wifi access will continue to be included in your fare.
If you have an existing Oceania booking, then you’re in a great position – you will have the choice of remaining with your current price and O-Life amenities, OR you can choose the new price and amenities.
Uniworld Flash Sale
If you’re ready to tick off some items on your bucket list this fall, Uniworld is offering some fantastic fares on Exotic River Cruises. The catch: must be booked by July 7:
Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong
- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City for 15 days departing November 24, or December 8 on board the spectacular 68-passenger Mekong Jewel.
- French Balcony (300 square feet) from $5999 per person (regular $8999)
- Spend 2-nights at the Park Hyatt Saigon and then on to visit Ancient Temples, a Vietnamese floating Farmer’s Market, sail up the Mekong to see local villages, and the collision of cultures between ancient Khmer, and colonial French past. See Buddhist Temples, palaces, and ancient artifacts. Take a Tuk Tuk ride in Phnom Penh, visit the Killing Fields and genocide museum and visit a local Cambodian school. See Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Hindu and Buddhist monuments as well as a Hanoi city tour.
India — Ganges River
- New Delhi to Kolkata for 13-days departing September 28, 2023, on Uniworld’s 56-guest Ganges Voyager II.
- French Balcony from $5499 per person (regular $8699).
- Take a rickshaw ride in New Delhi, see the Taj Mahal at sunrise (and sunset!), visit the Amber Palace, as well as Hindu Temples, a Hare Krishna complex, and the Temple of the Vedic planetarium. Sail the sacred Ganges River, and visit small Indian villages along the way. Take a horse-drawn buggy ride to the Katra Mosque, and see the former French colony of Mayapur. Buy flowers at the market in Kolkata, and see Mother Teresa’s home and tomb.
These extremely low prices are subject to availability (and they will sell out), and must be booked before July 7.
Seabourn Two Category Upgrade Sale
Seabourn is offering a 2-category upgrade and a $500 Air Credit on many of its voyages for those cruises booked before July 10. Here’s some examples:
Barcelona to Rome
- Departing October 29 for 7-days with fares from $3499.
- Visit Menorca, Sete (France), Toulon (France), Corsica, Florence/Pisa, Elba (Italy).
Athens round-trip
- Departing October 11, for 11-days with fares from $6499.
- Visit Poros, Sicily, Lipari (Italy), Malta, Crete, Marmaris (Turkey), Bodrum, Ermoupolis (Greece)
Remember that on Seabourn you get a 300 square foot Veranda Suite, and prices include all taxes and fees, port expenses, on-board gratuities, an open bar (including a mini suite stocked with your preferences and replenished daily) and wifi on the ship.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
