NY1.com

  58º

You are not signed in  |  Sign in here  |  Help

You're viewing a lite version of NY1.com

Time Warner Cable customers: Sign in with your TWC ID for video access.

Get my TWC ID. | Get TWC service. | Read the FAQ.

01/02/2012 05:30 AM

New Year Travel Trends Not A Total Mystery

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Travelers looking to get more bang for their buck is a trend that's likely to continue in 2012. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

Travel with value is not surprisingly my favorite trend for the new year as recession-weary vacationers still demand deals and added perks. Look for travel providers to continue piling on the extras in the form of free nights, dining and room credits, as well as complimentary upgrades.

In fact, travelers are letting value be their guide, not attaching to a specific destination. Instead, they are booking locations with the best bang for their buck.

Some travelers are so bent on going where their dollar takes them they are bidding on
secret trips. Luxurylink has auctions on "mystery" packages, where the hotel, location and inclusions aren’t divulged until after the purchase.

Along the same lines, American Express’ Nextpeditions customizes a trip that reveals the details day-by-day on your mobile device.

If you prefer to pick a place first, destinations continuing to spark interest in 2012 include Croatia and the Dalmation coast.

Inclusive travel packages remain popular with small ship river cruising particularly making waves.

Another trend is mid-week travel. It used to be if it was Tuesday, it must be Belgium. But now, if it’s Tuesday, it’s the new Thursday. Look for hotels and restaurants to spice up their offerings on their traditionally slow nights.

And finally, the idea of getting away together with friends and family will be getting more attention in the new year thanks to "Getting Away Together", a PBS reality show that features diverse groups of real travelers vacationing across America, in rental homes, villas and condos.

Follow "Travel With Val" Online

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.