Travel Trends and destinations for 2009 TOP 10 DESTINATIONS
By Ellie Robyns

U.S., Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Iceland, Colombia, and the United Kingdom
(not in any particular order)

Within the United States, the West is showing the best package deals, all- inclusive specials and great
theme and national parks packages.

Las Vegas is showing new trends with more spas and natural amenities vs. more casinos. Don't
worry! You still have endless gambling options on and off of the strip. The Red Rock Casino for
example is 20 minutes from the strip, has a free shuttle to and from the strip, but with so much to do
right in the resort you may not need to leave. Giant sports screens for championship football, a spa
offering mineral salt scrubs and detox facials, and a wide variety of dining options to suit every palate.

The new
Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas is another hot spot and brainchild of the famed Vegas developer,
Steve Wynn. Offering luxurious rooms, suites and conference amenities, it is a "wynn-win" place to
stay!

Off of the west coast, in
Mexico you can stay at the ever popular Cozumel, or Club Med- Cancun.
Cozumel is both couple and family friendly. Cancun is great for singles.

If heading North is your plan, try the
Canadian Rockies or Vancouver, BC. Vancouver is
breathtaking any way you see it, but especially beautiful to visit via cruise.
Celebrity and Norwegian
cruise lines, have ongoing specials to Alaska and Vancouver.

Did you know that
Iceland is only 3 and half-4 hours by plane? Do you even know where Iceland is? I
didn't either until I joined a focus group about this whale watching and ice fishing capital. Friendly
people and long weekend specials await you.

The U.K. is a hub for both culture, fashion and frolicking. Be a "Dutchess for Day" or ride the rail and
enjoy another vacation reasonably close to home.

If your international destination is more latin than london, visit Spain and/or Italy!

Spain has many exciting history and walking tours while Italy is replete with villas and vintage. For the
coast, visit Ibiza in Spain or Amalfi in Italy. Rent an antique Alfa Romeo and ride the roadsides. A real
Thelma and Louise experience, minus the hitchhikers..

Costa Rica- or "rich coast" is great for nature excursions and village visits. Snorkel, explore ancient
caves and archealogical digs. You may want to leave your heels at home for this one!

South America- Columbia or Argentina are each filled with communities, cuisine and at times,
confrontational politics.  Do be careful whenever traveling outside the country, know your area or
know how to find someone who knows the area.

Travel in style, walk a mile and know how to store your contact information in a safe file.

Even a long weekend will brighten your horizons..especially if you can see the horizon from your
vacation location..

By train, plane or automobile..enjoy the recession with expression and travel travel travel!

Happy 2009! Ellie
erobyns@thenewyorkoptimist.com
Mexico
Club Med
Wynn Las Vegas
The New York Optimist
February 2009