12 TRAVEL TRENDS & TIPS FOR 2012

With the end of 2011 fast approaching, Unique Travel Concepts thought we would present these insightful new trends and tips to guide you  in choosing your adventures for 2012

Many travelers are looking to voyage back through time to the golden age of travel. "Journeys reminiscent of the romantic adventure style of old are extremely popular," notes expert Brad Crockett. "Travelers are interested in the old world elegance of train journeys, classic desert camps & mobile safaris where they sleep under the stars."

"Colombia's back & ready to show the world what they've been missing," says Expert Noraly Barillas. This Latin American treasure is a museum of adventure with pirate legends, colonial ruins, the Amazon rainforest & the lost city of Ciudad Perdida. "With beaches that rival those in the Caribbean & charismatic cities like Bogota & Cartagena, this is one country that won't be denied its chance to shine."

Don't Be A "Would-Be Traveler"

Travelers who plan ahead win when it matters. "Every year we see disappointed would-be travelers who waited too long to book bucket-list experiences like a safari during the Great Migration, Galapagos at Christmas or Costa Rica during spring break," says Expert Brad Crockett. "Booking in advance is crucial. You get the best hotels, flights & connections to ensure your dream trip is just that, perfect.

Indonesia - Beyond Bali

" Bali may be on the top of every traveler`s list thanks to Eat, Pray Love, but once through with yoga & monkey dances, the rest of Indonesia awaits. Asia Expert Jacob Hason says, "adventurers in 2012 are going further afield to the exotic island of the legendary Komodo dragon, heading to Borneo to see the orangutans, climbing Mt. Bromo volcano & traveling to Sulawesi to witness the eerie funeral rites of the Toraja."

The Myanmar Road An Exotic Time Warp

Asia Expert Sarah Ferguson recommends Myanmar for those who yearn for exotic adventures more akin to the Angkor Wat & South East Asia of over a century ago. Largely off limits to tourists until recently, this time-locked land offers a mosaic of intriguing wonders with its hundreds of pagodas, leg-rowers, monastery of jumping cats, painted caves, golden Buddas, river cruises, floating gardens & tranquil beaches.

On Your Mark... Get Set London's Calling

"Hot on the heels of Will & Kate upping its hip factor, the UK is buzzing for 2012," says Expert Kerstin Sowden. Monarchists will be going for Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee in June & sports fans for the Summer Games. "For those not interested in taking part in either event, the secret to traveling smart is to go after the Games when the UK is still at its shiny best but the Olympic size crowds, lines & prices are gone."

Israel's Spiritual Sites Mixed With Adrenaline Adventures

With a record 3.45 million visitors to Israel last year & numbers predicted to rise, the Holy Land is attracting more visitors than it has in millenniums partially due to an assortment of new adrenaline adventures attracting far more than just pilgrims. "Visitors to Israel in 2012 will be hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing rappelling, scuba diving, going on archaeological digs & enjoying jeep safaris" according to Middle East Destination Expert Chris Bazos.

Personalized Cruising - Pre & Post Tours & Private Shore Excursions

For those who love to cruise, tailor-made pre & post tours with private shore excursions are transforming cruises into a rich cultural experience. "Cruisers are realizing the folly of just breezing through Europe's great stepping-off points," says Expert Dana Toma. "Instead, savvy travelers are booking 2-3 day customized land tours before & after their cruise. During the voyage, many are skipping the crowds on traditional group excursions & are opting to be met at each port by a private guide."

Customized Heritage Tours Getting To The Root of It

European bookings coming on strong for 2012 often focus on the traveler`s interest in their genealogical past, want to trace their individual family`s lineage & to explore their ancestral homelands. "Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Poland, France, Italy & Russia are all extremely popular due to emigration around World War II," says Europe Expert Eimear Duggan.

Intimate African Wilds Private Concession Style

Savvy safari goers looking for a more intimate African experience are opting for privately owned concessions. "South Africa has always been well known for this exclusive safari style," according to Expert Gabrielle Nijdam. "But now, conservancies are no longer just the well-kept secret of the jet-set & there are a growing number in Tanzania as well like Singita's Sabora Camp & the new Manyara Ranch Conservancy."

Short & Stylish North American Escapes



 "The focus of today's weekend escape is on quality & being experiential," explains Expert Olivia Paszkowski. "Travelers want culture, great food & new experiences even when it's just a quick four day getaway. I recommend Quebec City's Ice Hotel for a once-in-a-lifetime winter experience & the vineyards of Ontario's Niagara for a new spin on food & ice wine."

The 2012 Phenomenon The End Of The World

 Finally....a side note for superstitious travelers. This is the year to hit the road, as according to the ancient Mayan calendar the world will end on December 21st. So now's the time to hit up everything on your bucket list. For those who want to investigate doomsday for themselves, Expert Erika Linares suggests heading to Mexico to see the fabled Mayan ruins & calendars firsthand.


So what is your 2012 adventure going to be?

Unique Travel Concepts looks forward to assisting you in your travel plans to the above locations or wherever our dreams long for..... 

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