By Alara Shannon, Marketing | January 01, 2014 ( Comments)
Last year, we took a look at the current travel trends and forecasts in order to suggest our Top 6 Cruise and Travel Destinations of 2013. Well, believe it or not, 2014 is already here (!!) with its own distinct travel trends and exciting destinations to discover.
Travel is educational, inspirational and full of adventure. And there is something about the New Year, something about making resolutions to do things that are good for you – lose weight, save money, worry less. Resolutions to travel more are usually part of that package, as it should be!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
Find out destinations travelers couldn’t get enough of in 2013 and what’s on the travel horizon with our Top 8 Cruise and Travel Destinations to Visit in 2014.
1. Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is the largest city in Mallorca and the capital of the Balearic Islands, located just off the east coast of Spain. Poised on a sea wall over the Bay of Palma, this Mediterranean city has been in a period of revival for the past three decades creating a unique blend of modern amenities set against an ancient backdrop. Brimming with nightlife, year-round cultural events, fresh cuisine, and first-class shopping, Palma de Mallorca has been a popular tourist destination since the 1950s, and that trend will only continue.
Palma’s multicultural history of Roman, Turkish, Arab and Spanish influences created a unique architecture that you can find it the medieval city center – stroll down its shady, narrow streets past cathedrals, Arab Baths, castles and museums. The uncontested landmark of the Old Town is the majestic Gothic cathedral, La Seu, with amazing stained glass windows built on the site of a pre-existing Arab mosque. Outside Palma’s city limits, the island of Mallorca’s coastline is marked by a series of small caves and beautiful beaches.
2. United Kingdom
A variety of events in 2014 will extend the spotlight cast on the United Kingdom by the highly successful 2012 Summer Olympics. Originally, London feared the Olympics would hurt their tourism after the Olympic Games ended, but it has had the opposite effect. The improved infrastructure and Olympic parks have created a thriving tourism industry.
February 2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in the United States, and Beatles fans are expected to flock to the Fab Four’s hometown in Liverpool. Special 50th anniversary tours are being offered including visits to John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes; the award-winning Beatles Story, a permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles; and other must-see Beatles attractions including Studio Two on Abbey Road, Strawberry Field and Penny Lane. Beyond the Beatles, Liverpool has come into its own and now offers an impressively broad range of accommodations, new dining options and world-class attractions like the state-of-the-art Museum of Liverpool.
Liverpool is also making a comeback as a cruise port. The landmark Cunard Building, once the headquarters for Cunard Line, will return to its roots as a cruise terminal nearly 50 years after Cunard left for Southampton. In 2015, Cunard itself, among other cruise lines, will return to Liverpool, creating one of the world’s most sensational departure points within a two-hour train ride from the center of London.
Scotland will also be a hub of activity throughout the year with the third-largest multi-sport event in the world, the Commonwealth Games, headed to Glasgow in the summer, and in September the world renowned Ryder Cup returns Scotland, the Home of Golf, for only the second time in its history. Scotland is also welcoming the world to their Year of Homecoming. Homecoming Scotland 2014 features a year-long program of events and festivals to celebrate all that is great about Scotland. Visit and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering food and drink, as well as the rich culture, creativity and ancestral heritage.
3. Berlin
The 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall will be commemorated on November 9, 2014 with a number of moving events and celebrations. Themes include the division of the city, the Cold War and the events leading up to peaceful reunification in 1989-1990. Nearly 8 miles of the wall’s former course will be lined with light; the light of thousands of illuminated, helium balloons that represent a “symbol of hope for a world without walls”.
At five spots, the balloons will be released into the air by volunteers as a commemoration of the opening of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago and to reclaim the symbol of unity and the peaceful revolution of 1989. Beyond this commemoration, Berlin is a vibrant city teeming with life in its cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, music and street art, as well as its architecture, museums and palaces.
4. Paying Homage Across Europe
2014 marks both the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II. Both conflicts dramatically shaped world history and continue to influence the political landscape today. This will be a year for history buffs and family members to reflect, reconnect and remember the ultimate sacrifices made with memorials, events and exhibitions.
5. Cambodia & Vietnam
Alluring Vietnam and exotic Cambodia are two very different countries and cultures, but they are both connected by one river, the Mekong, that has shaped the nations and created top tourist destinations.
Tourism in Vietnam is receiving strong support from the government with widespread campaigns to increase the country’s appeal and infrastructure. A rising star in Southeast Asia, the fascinating Hanoi is a unique blend of East and West. You’ll be charmed by its many scenic lakes, French-colonial architecture, ancient temples, and museums. Or head to the largest city in Vietnam, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, that manages to successfully combine modernity with its Vietnamese culture (e.g. chic skyscrapers amidst Chinese style pagodas). Don’t miss the Reunification Palace, the site of the dramatic finish to the Vietnam War, or the stunning City Hall in Ho Chi Minh Square. Vietnam’s striking beaches in Phu Quoc and Ha Long Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), plus eco and wildlife tours cater to beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Experience a journey from modern to ancient as you head down the Mekong to Cambodia. A stark contrast to its bustling neighbor of Vietnam, Cambodia is a beautiful country still in a period of rebuilding after a long, dark era of unrest and civil war. Fortunately a focus on long-term economic development and the reconstruction of its infrastructure is allowing more visitors to access Cambodia’s amazing attractions and archaeological sites like the UNESCO-designated Angkor Wat temples (the largest religious monument in the world), tropical beaches, and the up-and-coming cosmopolitan cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
6. Nicaragua
Until recently, Nicaragua was a well-kept secret of backpackers and surfers. However, this emerging Central American destination is making waves with its world-class surfing, beaches, volcanoes, rich diversity of animal and plant species, colonial cities, strong cultural heritage and legacy of warm hospitality.
Tourism has grown over 300% in the last seven years as the country successfully rises from the depths of rampant civil war in the 70’s and 80’s. More and more travelers are realizing the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” offers many of the charming characteristics its southern neighbor, Costa Rica, possesses, but is much less commercialized and less expensive making it a budget traveler’s paradise. It is also now considered the safest country in Central America.
No matter your interests, you can find something appealing in Nicaragua - hike up volcanoes or try volcano surfing, zip-line through rain forests, visit nature reserves on an eco tour, stroll vibrant markets and stunning colonial architecture in Granada or Leon, or beach bum on a variety of beautiful beaches stretching along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
7. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Kailua-Kona is a lively beach town that continues to rise in popularity and charm its tourists. Known for clear waters, golden sunsets and coffee, Kailua-Kona is nestled at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano and is the main western city of the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona gets very little rain, enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine each year. The clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. The most famous and traditional of Hawaiian coffees is Kona Coffee, cultivated and hand-picked on tiny farms located on the slopes of Mount Hualalai, a dormant shield volcano.
The main coastal road, Ali’i Drive, offers resort hotels, souvenir shops, markets and archaeological sites that have survived over hundreds of years including the royal residence, Hulihe`e Palace, and Moku?aikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is ideal for ocean and outdoor recreational activities including surfing, fishing, diving, boating, snorkeling, hiking, biking, caving, and four wheeling. Kailua is the start and finish of the annual Ironman World Championship triathlon, the annual Kona Coffee Festival, and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.
8. River Cruising
One of cruising’s best kept secrets is a secret no longer. Business is booming on the world’s rivers in 2014 with a rise in exclusive culinary, adventure and wine-themed tours as well as new exciting itineraries throughout Europe and Asia.
River cruising allows travelers to experience old destinations in a new way. Contemporary and comfortable river cruise ships travel at a leisurely pace and dock in the center of town for an experience that combines the convenience of an ocean cruise with the many advantages of a land tour.
River cruising is becoming increasingly more inclusive, making the overall value of a river cruise another popular topic in 2014. New value-packed offers include items such as gratuities, onboard beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and airport transfers.
A rapid growth in new river cruise ships within the last five years (with most lines doubling the size of their fleet) is encouraging a broader demographic with added amenities like spas, Internet cafes, pools, movie theaters and fitness facilities. These modern conveniences compliment gourmet dining, a welcoming atmosphere, upscale accommodations and comprehensive enrichment programs.
