Destinations Suffering from Bad News
AppId is over the quota
Cheap travel options abound, including cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms as well as cheap vacation packages to many destinations that acquired a bad rap in 2011. Destinations dealing with natural disasters, political unrest, problems with nuclear power plants often become travel bargains.
The following are some destinations that were hard hit with bad news in 2011:
Mexico turned off many would be visitors with its kidnappings, carjacking, extortion, and gang wars. Most tourist popular areas, with the exception of Acapulco, including Mexico City and the resorts of the Riviera Maya are considered safe for travelers. These regions witnessed less crime per capita in 2010 than Orlando or Washington, D.C.
Japan's 2011 earthquake followed by a tsunami which claimed thousands of lives and then the massive meltdown of one of its nuclear plants resulted in significant radiation being released into nearby areas. Experts now recommend visiting Japan so long as visitors stay at least 50 miles away from the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Chile suffered the sixth strongest earthquake on record in February of 2010. Because of its strict building codes, damage was mitigated and loss of life was measured in the hundreds vs. the thousands. This earthquake did not impact any of Chile's popular tourist destinations.
Egypt experienced great upheaval in 2011 with its longtime President stepping down after a storm of popular protests. Tourists would be well advised to wait and see the impact of a series of parliamentary elections that will continue through March.
Christchurch New Zealand was struck by two earthquakes in 2011. The city suffered serious damage and none of its major hotels are open. Tourists are encouraged to visit New Zealand and even pass through Christchurch, though not stay there, on their way to other parts of New Zealand.
Greece was rocked by economic turbulence and public protests in 2011. Given recent riots and strikes in Athens, tourists would be wise to stick to Greek islands and stay clear of Athens.
Thailand suffered from floodwaters in November that claimed hundreds of lives and spread over vast stretches of farmland. Many countries, including the U.S., issued travel alerts. Tourists should feel free to visit Phuket or the beaches, but use caution when considering visiting Bangkok.
Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake in January of 2010 which claimed over 300,000 lives. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning in August strongly discouraging U.S. citizens from visiting Haiti citing crime, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
www.cheapfares.com
2012 Travel Trends
Everyone knows that cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages will continue to play an important role in potential travelers' decisions whether to take a vacation. Nevertheless, being aware of emerging travel trends may help make those vacations all the more enjoyable.
The following are trends that are expected to significantly impact travel over the next year:
‧ The Internet will continue to grow in importance. Increasingly people will visit their social networks for travel advice. More travelers than ever are expected to access the Internet while away. Ironically there is a contrary movement by some to be unplugged while vacationing faced with an overwhelming overabundance of online information.
‧ Travelers can expect airport security to be streamlined. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) started testing streamlined screening for selected frequent fliers last fall, allowing them to wear their shoes, belts, and jackets while going through security checks. The TSA is expected to focus on more high risk security targets in 2012.
‧ U.S. hotels will increasingly receive face-lifts. Hotel construction slowed considerably in America during the recession. Currently many older properties are undergoing capital improvements such as updating lobbies, refurbishing guest rooms, and improving technology.
Hilton alone will invest close to $3 billion on its 135 U.S. properties over the next two years. Sheraton is spending $300 million on upgrading 60 hotels. Hotel icons including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Algonquin Hotel in New York City will be refurbished in 2012.
www.cheapfares.com
Cheapfares.com employees enjoy sharing their travel points of view and latest travel news with others who might share similar interests.
Category Article Destinations, Suffering
