EXPERT ADVICE - TRAVEL
What’s New in Travel For 2023
By Paulette Soloman, owner The Travel Store
M ultigenerational travel is big – families are eager to reconnect after long periods of time not seeing each other during the pandemic. Multi-gen trips allow everyone to relax and enjoy their long-awaited time together. Many resorts or tours offer activities suitable for all ages – from grandparents to the newest little family members. Cruising is bigger than ever, especially river cruises. Clients love that they unpack once and wake up in a new place almost every day. The smaller size of river cruise ships has huge appeal, and they are an excellent choice in many seasons. Travelers love that they are a more intimate and authentic experience. Some even offer some very active adventures, or family focused cruises, so there really is something for everyone. Another trend we are noticing is that people are planning, way ahead – it’s not at all unusual to see someone come in to inquire about a 2024 trip. Often clients are booking multiple trips, for example river cruises in 2023 and 2024, because they don’t want to risk missing out on places, they’ve been waiting a long time to see. On a practical note, an important trend for the traveler is that tour companies are embracing the digital world. There are few paper brochures available – which makes the client’s digital literacy even more important. As travel advisors we know that this is a big
change for our clients and do our best to provide the information they need in a format that they are comfortable with. Clients are looking for what’s new and different, going outside their comfort zones. Luckily The Travel Store has added first-hand expertise with new staff travel advisors from Europe and the Caribbean! There’s nothing like the insider view on unique and sought- after destinations like Turkey, the Maldives, and Montenegro. It makes the planning so easy and exciting. The demand for winter travel is enormous, and that’s carrying through the spring for our most popular sun destinations – but many are looking for something new and different even when it comes to the Caribbean. Luckily there are lots of islands to choose from, each offering something unique. There is big interest right now in St. Lucia, Aruba, and Barbados, to name a few. Travelers are seeking peace of mind – looking to venture afar but wanting to know that their needs and safety will be looked after every step of the way. We’re surprised and pleased by the number of people who want to see us in person. It’s so wonderful to have real conversations again about the exciting places to go. We’ve also learned during the pandemic how to work closely with clients virtually – people are loving that we offer many easy ways to connect with us and plan their next big trip.
“Travelers are seeking peace of mind – looking to venture afar but wanting to know that their needs and safety will be looked after every step of the way. “
- Paulette Soloman, owner The Travel Store
538 North River Road, Charlottetown 1.800.883.8124
info@thetravelstore.ca www.thetravelstore.ca
FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 www.pei-living.ca
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