Vacation Blog

In 2007, the real estate market shifted to favor homebuyers. Gas prices went up and the value of the U.S. dollar fell, but the number of American travelers planning a vacation in 2008 has stayed strong.

According to an article: Travel Trends: What's Hot in 2008 by Beth Harpaz in the December 17, 2007 issue of USA Today "the Conference Board's most recent consumer survey found 45.8 percent of Americans intend to take a vacation within six months."

Authorities throughout the travel industry seem to believe travelers in 2008 want to be practical, yet still enjoy amenities that make vacationing simpler and more relaxing.

"In 2008, experts say, Americans may take shorter trips or choose destinations closer to home where their dollar goes further," Harpaz continued.

Family Comes First: Family Travel on the Rise

In our fast-paced American culture, two income households, sixty-hour work weeks, fast food and cell phones have become the norm - all to make life more convenient. However, the modern conveniences of our daily lives now seem to require a lot of attention and personal energy. In response to the stress modern life has developed over the last century, Americans are now returning to their roots. The importance of time with family and a healthy quality of life is moving up on the priority list.

Luxury travel industry expert Karen Weiner Escalera and her Florida-based travel marketing firm, KWE Group, firmly believe that family travel is on the rise for 2008. In one of Escalera's most recent articles on the Travel Industry Wire, Top Ten Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Trends for 2008, the number two trend is "Relationships with family and friends take center stage." According to Escalera, "Accelerating since 9/11 and fueled by a backlash against a contemporary world dominated by 24/7-work schedules and dehumanizing technology, family travel is growing at a faster rate than all other sectors of leisure travel."

A recent survey of American Express travel agents also revealed a significant rise in luxury travel among families - 82 percent wanted high-end hotels with kids' programs and 56 percent were traveling with nannies.

"Parents, grandparents and friends are looking to travel as a way to reunite, and to celebrate life's landmark events. Business trips with the whole family will become as common as tag-along spouses, while high-end business hotels and resorts will roll out the red carpets for families with special suites and villas," Escalera added.

Concierge Condo Rentals and Timeshares versus Second Home Purchases

The modern traveler believes that there is no reason why the comforts of home cannot be available while on vacation. Vacation planning is greatly enhanced when you consider concierge condo rentals or timeshare options. Many families especially appreciate the opportunity to save time and money when cooking in a private kitchen or receiving tourist information and discounts from a personal travel concierge. These kinds of amenities allow travelers to spend more time relaxing and less time organizing, mapping and making decisions about travel plans. A timeshare can offer the benefits of owning a second home for vacations, without the headaches of year-round maintenance and cost.

Recently, Howard C. Nusbaum, President of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recounted his experience at the Travel Industry Association (TIA) Marketing Outlook Forum, an annual conference of travel and tourism professionals that highlights future industry trends. He describes how Peter Yesawich, Ph.D., CEO of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, explained during the forum that the most recent Travel Monitor study completed by his company detailed large numbers of travelers interested in condominiums instead of traditional hotels.

The Travel monitor study also showed an increasing number of travelers interested in vacation ownership products such as private residence clubs and timeshares. The impressive data from his (Yesawich) survey furthered the buzz that timeshares were no longer a niche product, but rather a staple of today's diverse travel industry.

In 2008, vacation ownership specialty products will provide stiff competition for second home sellers as traveling individuals, groups, and families opt for practical comfort and luxury while on vacation.

To lean more about travel trends, vacation planning or vacation properties visit us online at: http://www.ResidencesatBiltmore.com/hospitality

James Gibson is the Managing Director of The Residences at Biltmore, a condo hotel in Asheville, North Carolina with concierge services designed to pamper and delight guests. Mr. Gibson has over twenty years experience in hospitality. He has been Hotel Manager at the Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino, and a General Manager of the Adam's Mark Columbia in South Carolina. He has also worked in six Hyatt Hotel Corporation properties in a management capacity. Email concierge@residencesatbiltmore.com or visit http://www.residencesatbiltmore.com/hospitality for more information.

Stress is apart of the average Americans everyday life. We are stressed on every hand. If it's not the stress from work, it's the stress of trying to pay the bills. To top it all off, we are being pressed by escalating gasoline prices and there is no end in sight! When things get bad like this it's time for a getaway! Not just a trip to see some relatives, but a real getaway. But how can we afford it? There are cheap all inclusive travel packages that will give us exactly what we need.

How would you like to get away to Cozumel, Mexico? How about Cancuun? Maybe the Caribbean, or Hawaii? These all sound like great places but how can we afford them. What if I told you that you could go on a vacation for less than $300? Would you believe me? Maybe not, but it's true. There are all inclusive travel packages that are extremely affordable and you could go on them. When I say all inclusive, that means airfare, meals, drinks, and 5 star accommodations.

The next question is probably where do I find these kinds of vacation packages. There are several ways to find all inclusive vacation packages. One way is by finding a travel agent who could set these kinds of deals up. Another way is by becoming a Referring Travel Agent (RTA) yourself. Once you sign up to become an RTA, you could enjoy these kinds of benefits all the time. There are several different online travel agencies that I know of. Global Travel, Magic Johnson's Travel, and YTB (Your Travel Biz) are just a few.

I can only expound upon YTB because I'm an RTA with YTB. With YTB you can also earn money while you travel on these discounted all inclusive vacation packages. Wouldn't it be nice to travel and make money at the same time?

So now you know there is way to go on cheap all inclusive vacations, and make money while doing it. Enjoy!

I am a Referring Travel Agent (RTA) with YTB. When you sign up to become an RTA through me, you can start making money instantly. Your website will be up and ready to go within minutes of joining. You will make money when you book your own travel, and when others book travel through your website (60% of the commissions). You will also make money by selling online travel sites like the one you will have. You'll get $50 per person, $1000 every sixth person. Once you get your seventh person you start you Power Team. The great thing is that as people get in the business whether you bring them, or someone you brought in brings them, you get paid. You also get 50% commission match of the people you brought in the business. Not to mention the free upgrades and the cheap all inclusive vacation packages! If you have any questions, visit http://www.ytb.com/nasajatravel You can also go to http://www.nasajatravel.com to book your travel needs.