What’s new in travel?

In keeping with our educating mantra, we would like to end the year and help usher in the New Year with News in the world of travel. For starters, did you know that the Four Seasons is currently under construction as a new property at DisneyWorld?

While it’s still about the Disney theme, Disneyland will have its own Harry Potter (world). And Disney’s newest property on Oahu, the Aulani, is now open to visitors. We had the privilege of doing a site survey during our most recent trip; check out our Facebook page, Contrino Travel.

NCL’s Breakaway is coming to New York in 2013! And it’s not too early to book, as these cabins will fill up quickly.

Accompanied tours are no longer just for Grandma and Grandpa! More multi-generational families are prioritizing vacations together to create everlasting memories. And, instead of arguing about where to dine for Christmas dinner, more and more families are choosing to travel during the holidays. Not only does it generate more compliments (everyone can do what they want and get together to eat), but it creates memories that can’t be bought (technically good).

While not new to the travel industry, Club Med has undergone major renovations at its Sandpiper property. This is an all inclusive property located here in the States (Florida).

The Great American Steamboat offers a more inclusive product (than your typical cruise line). The cruise fare includes shore excursions in each city and where special meals are free.

The Riviera Maya has a new all-inclusive for adults only, the Paradisus Riviera Maya. It is a luxury resort that offers many amenities. If you are familiar with this destination, you will notice that adult-only properties are on the rise. That’s because of the many beautiful beaches it has to offer, not to mention that the food is far superior to other destinations that have an all-inclusive concentration. The service is second to none too!

River cruises are also getting a good number of new boats. How is a river cruise different from major cruises (i.e Norwegian, Royal Caribbean)? These elegant boats are designed to pass easily through the calm waters of the rivers they pass through. Instead of docking in ports that are not really close to the actual cities (for example, dock in Civitavecchia, which is about 40-50 minutes from Rome), river boats dock right in the heart of the city. More the norm is a guided tour of the city with entrance fees included in some ports. In addition, wine is included in dinners and entertainment and meals are more indigenous to the ports where it docks. Another big difference is that there are no casinos or the Broadway-like entertainment that you get from the major operators. If you are looking to gamble, forgedaboudit (spoken like a true Brooklynite), as river cruises do not offer casinos.

Now you have it. Some new options for your next travel plans!