Record-Breaking Trends: Insights into 2023 Holiday Travel

1. Early Booking Trends:

• The year 2023 has seen a record-breaking trend in travel, with a significant surge in bookings for the upcoming holiday season. Travelers are planning well in advance, with bookings starting as early as the beginning of the year.
• Limited Availability for December Holidays:

• According to Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, it’s now challenging to find available space for travel during the December holidays and New Year’s. To address this, advisors have been recommending clients to consider alternative dates, such as Martin Luther King weekend in January.
• Growing Interest in January Travel:

• January is emerging as a strong month for travelers, likely due to better pricing and availability compared to the peak December holiday season.
• Changing Family Travel Dynamics:

• Family travel dynamics are evolving, with an increasing trend of larger family groups. Some families are opting for more extensive trips, with parents covering the costs for their children and grandchildren.
• Cruise Vacation Popularity:

• Cruise vacations, especially for family groups, are in high demand. Cruise ships are reported to be at full capacity, and some are not allowing additional passengers even if there is available cabin space.
• Cruise Lines and Destinations:

• Popular cruise lines for multigenerational groups include Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. Advisors are also booking family holidays to Caribbean and Mexican destinations, as well as vacations at Colorado ski resorts.
• Luxury and Small Ship Cruises:

• Travel advisors suggest that clients should feel comfortable booking luxury or small ship cruises for multigenerational trips. These options may offer better itineraries, more time in port, better food, and richer cultural experiences.
• Setting Expectations:

• Travel advisors emphasize the importance of setting expectations, especially during the holiday season. Clients should be aware of crowded airports, peak prices, and high demand. The advice is to book early.
• Booking Alternatives:

• Finding deals during the holiday season might be challenging. Advisers recommend clients book travel prior to Christmas, consider returning on Christmas Day, or extend their stay past New Year’s to potentially lower rates. Easter break and cruises during the week of December 23 are also mentioned as alternatives.
• Increased Interest in February and Spring Break:

• There’s a growing demand for February and spring break vacations, although higher airfare and hotel rates are noted as challenges.

Overall, the travel industry is experiencing a shift in booking patterns and preferences, with families opting for early planning and diverse vacation options, particularly cruises and destinations that cater to multigenerational groups.