If you’re looking for a winter vacation spot, a new survey from Travel Leaders Group highlights New York to Honolulu as the top choices its travel advisors are booking for clients.
Hawaii, including Honolulu and the islands of Kauai and Maui, is the top non-cruise domestic destination for consumers, according to the poll of more than 1,000 of its North American travel advisors at Travel Leaders Group. Rounding out the top five in the Travel Trends Survey are Orlando, Las Vegas, New York and Fort Lauderdale.
The Hawaiian island of Kauai has a breathtaking landscape, from dramatic cliffs to lush valleys. Explore the rainforest on a kayak trip along the Wailua River or go hiking in Kokee State Park to spot wildflowers and native birds. Maui is renowned for its beaches and, in the winter, it’s the departure point for boat tours to see migrating humpback whales. Oahu is home to Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital and largest city. But on the western coast, visitors will find picturesque towns and beaches that are off the beaten path.
Visitors to Orlando will find two special wintertime events at Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney World Marathon features activities from Jan. 9-13, including a health and fitness expo. There’s also a half-marathon and 5K and 10K races, as well as fun runs for children. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts takes place from Jan. 18 to Feb. 25, with a focus on food and visual and performing arts. You’ll find galleries with works by Disney artists, concerts of songs from Disney’s Broadway musicals and dining from around the world.
Las Vegas always has a terrific lineup of entertainment no matter what the season. You’ll find entertainers in a wide range of musical styles, from Lady Gaga and Celine Dion to Boyz II Men and Kris Kristofferson. And you’ll have your pick of a half-dozen Cirque du Soleil shows. Get away from the city for a day with a trip to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, with hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic drive.
Winter can be a great time to visit New York City. Attractions tend to be less crowded, hotel prices generally drop and the fall cultural season that began after Labor Day will still be in full swing, with plenty of options for art, theater, music and dance. Restaurant Week runs from Jan. 21 to Feb. 8, with hundreds of establishments offering specials on two-course lunches and three-course dinners. Broadway Week returns from Jan. 21 to Feb. 10, with two-for-one tickets available for select shows.
Fort Lauderdale, on Florida’s southeast coast, offers a respite from winter with 23 miles of promenade-lined beaches. When you’re ready for a break from the beach, the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District is the place to go for shopping, dining, museums and performing arts. The district includes upscale Las Olas Boulevard, lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafés. History buffs can explore old South Florida at the 1920s-era Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
For help planning a winter getaway, contact Travel Leaders / Destinations Unlimited.