Too Many Choices
Travel Decisions Are Global Challenge with Increasing Selection
The Signal - Business Section, March, 2005
Travel is like a kid in a candy shop. With so many choices available, where do you begin? And the selection goes way beyond destination alone. These days, seasoned travelers are looking for new and unique experiences within a location, searching for the right hotel or resort, facilities, services and local activities.
As often is the case with selection, the decision process can be challenging. Try something completely new, or stick with what you already enjoy but with a twist to change the experience. That is the dilemma facing travelers in 2005 - lots of choices.
It won’t get much easier as destinations and resorts rush to please vacationers with new properties, programs and enhanced services. Resort villages within a destination will continue to expand and develop. And cruises will keep adding interesting onboard activities and unique ports to their itineraries. With all these choices of land versus sea, what’s a traveler to do?
We think choice is good when it comes to travel. Variety is the spice of life, but you’ve got to take the first bite. Most of us feel a bit overwhelmed when we think of all the places in the world we’d like to see, visit and experience. We need a little help focusing in on the details to make travel decisions and plan our next great vacation. This is when it’s important to seek professional assistance to unclog the travelers’ block and get going on your itinerary.
Your experienced travel consultant has seen many of the places you want to visit, and has the knowledge to add tremendous value to your vacation planning. But before you call in the expert, consider doing some advance research online. Use the Internet to search your options, find out more, and get new ideas. That’s what it’s there for, thanks to the guys at Google. Then with the help of a travel pro you can zero in on location, accommodations, availability and more.
What we’re also seeing happen is the proliferation of growth within specific destinations. For instance, Cancun, Mexico, is a hugely popular vacation resort for Americans and has been for some time. The great weather, beaches, hotels and affordability of this southern sun spot are the big draw. In recent years, European travelers also started vacationing here, increasing the demand for additional hotel rooms and new properties. Today, there is a smorgasbord of hotel options to choose from depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.
To take the growth concept a step further, an emerging trend for mega resorts is on-site expansion and providing more options to visitors. The objective is to keep vacationers at the property for the duration of their stay. By offering guests everything from luxury spa and fitness facilities, top-rated restaurants, entertainment, shopping, day adventures and personalized services, these resorts are doing everything they can to engross you and keep your dollars on site. The all-inclusive nature of these mega properties makes them in essence a cruise ship on land.
Again, this is another great idea with you the traveler in mind – offer fantastic services and lots of choices and they will stay. It’s also quite convenient too. Like with cruising, the appeal of staying put for the duration means grandma and the baby can come too. By providing a host of activities, dining options and a sprawling complex, guests feel part of a community at these super-sized resorts.
Like a kid in a candy shop, travelers have many choices. And that sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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