Good question Darren. I think the Americans will continue their ‘staycation’ trend and reduce long-haul travel. Europeans will keep heading east to explore cheaper destinations. Otherwise my ‘clairvoyancy’ is clouded by all the sensational press in the news as of late.

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I think places like Mexico, Egypt, Tunisia, India, etc will rise up in popularity. Their currencies are weak compared to the pound or dollar, they’re relatively modern in their standards, and not to difficult to travel in.

Else, lots of short hops unless you’re talking about families with kids. We’re probably scaling down our plans next year, and going to Galicia for a few days in the summer.

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Hi Darren

I think Iceland will be coming in strong. Not because Iceland is so popular in the UK right now, but because Iceland has been considered an attractive destination and the pound is very strong against the Krona now. Iceland has never been as affordable as it is now.

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Given the pathetic state of the Australian dollar, Australia has to be great value for those from the UK/EU.

Thailand — the ongoing political uncertainties, including a lot of chatter about a coup over the weekend, and a festering border issue with Cambodia can’t be helping their tourism.

On the other hand, Bali is seeing record tourism at the moment and Indonesia remains one of the least “explored” tourist destinations worldwide — a few more of those “independent travellers” could start showing a bit of independence and get out to Indo!

An out of left field destination would be great — Madagascar springs to mind…

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I’ve recently spent three weeks in the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The cities are beautiful, the countryside lovely, not too expensive while you’re there (though there’s a lot of money changing involved), and flights are relatively frequent and economical from the UK.

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The UK. Why?
1. The economy.
2. Green issues.
3. The internet and social media better promoting the UK.
4. TV and ‘old media’ better promoting the UK (this trend has been happening for a few years now).
5. Health. As a result of the media obsession with health, a larger chunk of the populace seem to be heading to the hills to yomp around or just enjoy the countryside.
6. Because Gordon took his holiday in Suffolk and David in Cornwall Not sure what Nick Clegg did!

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Living in Cape Town, I don’t always feel the need to travel abroad! I have a lot to see and do on my own door step.

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I see central america going up and up… Costa Rica may have plateaued because of rising costs, but Panama and Nicaragua are booming, especially for backpackers and eco-tourists. There’s equally a quickly growing luxury tourism industry in these three countries as well… Apparantly people like tropical beaches at half the cost of the usual caribbean spots.

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I’ve been hearing talks that Sardinia will be a hot spot in 2009…cant say its somewhere I’ve ever been or can provide any reasoning for…would love to know why people are chatting about it so much.

Personally, I believe Peru is one that will continue to grow in the new year…even with its ongoing political instability, the country is generally stable and safe and the cultural sights are impressive. It is also reasonably-priced for tourists (although not as much of a bargain as even a few years ago).

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Good question, Darren. If the “rescues” don’t make a serious impact in the economy, I think U.S. residents (as I am one) will continue. I don’t think the process will be quick, so Americans are in for some uncertain times and may play it safe for a bit more. Will it be all thru 2009? Not sure. The tourism market in the U.S. is hungry for visitors, though, so there’s bound to be some good deals and there are still great places to experience.

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For the US and Canada, Mexico. It’s cheaper to fly into Mexico than central or South America. The cost is still relatively cheap. The exchange rate is incredible right now. Plus, it’s close to home for a lot of people. I think we are going to see shorter vacations so proximity is important.

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This is all from an American perspective: I second the more frequent trips to various Central American destinations. It’s not too far and not as expensive as other options, and I think that’s what Americans want.

I also think americans really just love traveling to europe. Since the dollar has strengthened a bit since the beginning of the year, I think that might help convince people to head on over.

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Hi Darren,

I think, in terms of Brits, that Riga Latvia could get a little more traffic. Surely, it won’t be like the States or Greece but maybe it will be an up and comer.

-Chris

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I think Calabria (southern Italy) is on the verge of taking off as a “new” tourist destination, particularly for Brits and other northern Europeans.

Yes, the euro is still strong, but people *love* Italy and like you said in regards to Spain, I think people want to see an authentic side of Italy. Just this month our B&B in Catanzaro (the capital of Calabria) has been busy with Americans and Canadians wanting to trace their roots.

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I agree with Robin and Ann. From an American perspective closer destinations will probably be more popular. Possibly traveling within the States, taking family vacations and camping trips. People may be exploring their own areas more. Mexico, central, and south america will probably be popular for Americans and Canadians as well due to the exchange rates.

Asia’s economy is doing terribly, combined with the falling cost of oil I’d imagine Thailand and SE Asia will be as popular as ever with the adventurous backpacker crowd.

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I think there is likely to be a real UK revival. Which is a shame, because it means my trips will be more crowded.

I think that Britain has a lot to offer that a lot of people haven’t been exposed to and that the things that make places like New Zealand attractive, i.e. hills, views etc, could be a similar draw for the Lakes and the Highlands.

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For Europe, I think I agree with James on the UK being a trendy one for anyone thinking green and feeling the pinch.

Anecdotally friends keep talking about Japan and Berlin – places I would love to go. I think Japan is the pricier option, so maybe Berlin, which a friend recently described as ‘Like London if only half the people would just do the decent thing and leave!”‘

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With the current economic situation for me and many others $$$ will play a major factor in the decision. Lucky for me I am on the Yen but I will still hoilday in a destination that will maximize the strong Yen.

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I’m hoping to head for Sardinia in 2009 as Ryanair have started flights from Edinburgh to Sardinia but I think it will be expensive there due to pound/euro exchange rate.

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We have seen huge huge growth in Egypt this year, by a mile. I think this will continue for 2009.

People are looking for holidays in places with no euro, so Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey have all been popular with the last 2 seeing the biggest growth!!!

Me personally, I am going to Lanzarote and Zante. Lanzarote due to friends out there, Zante because I love Greek people, food and culture. Such welcoming people. However, for the following year maybe Mexico…I love to plan ahead, my holidays keep me going.

I think holidays in the Uk can be just as expensive as going abroad, generally our hotels are loads more expensive!!! A 3 night stay in Fuengirola in November is costing me £70 for 2 people (just hotel), I dont know any hotel here that would offer that. Its all about good timing! Plus the weather here is just too awful!!!

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Dont forget about Mexico, even for the US dollar it is a good option to save a little doeh. There a a lot of luxury hotels and resorts in mexico and tourist friendly areas (cabo, puerta vallerta) that offer great deals for international travelers. Frankly, i am surprised that more hotels in America havent been advertising in Europe and England to encourcge travels during the weak dollar period.

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Any Brit looking to visit North America should consider Canada. The pound to canadian $ exchange is still quite good, not as good as it used to be, but better than the Euro and US$.

As of this morning, a pound buys approx $1.70 CDN.

Good time for that ski holiday to the Canadian Rockies.

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The US dollar is stronger versus the pound than it was last spring, when my husband and I spent a few days in the Lake District, Carlisle and Edinburgh — and at 2-to-1 in your favor (or I should write, favrour), we had a modest yet expensive trip. At that time, the pound and the Canadian dollar were roughly equal.

I live in Colorado and am sking at Snowmass right now. We have ridden lifs with people from Mexico, Australia, Germany and the UK. Epic snow, and with the dreadful state of the US economy, good lodging deals are to be had up and down the Rockies.

Claire

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