Travel agents highlight summer vacation hot spots
The weather will heat up, and with the elevated temperatures comes the need to be outside – to travel. What exactly are the summer vacation hot spots this summer? The Utah Statesman contacted travel agents to find out what they felt were the “hot spots” this summer.
“Everyone should go on a vacation. It’s a good bonding thing – get away from the kids. Every couple needs it,” said Judie Diamond, travel agent at International Travel Specialists.
Every student needs a vacation – it’s a matter of planning and budgeting ahead of time.
Europe seems to be No. 1 on students’ vacation lists.
“[The] more students travel the better. [Students] become more connected. Every aspect of studying is affected by [the] global community,” said Jennifer Nuttall, manager of Salt Lake City Council Travel. “[It’s] better education than in a classroom.”
The beginning of May is a good time to leave for Europe, Nuttall said.
“A lot of students are going to South America destinations,” she said.
Whether staying in the United States or traveling internationally, cruises are hot vacation ideas for many couples or honeymooners.
“We don’t get many single students, but usually honeymooners,” Nuttall said.
Most people are looking for warm places to travel in the summer, Nuttall said.
When asked to list five summer vacation hot spots, Nuttall said Europe, Disneyland, Las Vegas, Peru and Thailand – which is a huge student destination, she said.
Disneyland and Disney World are also attractive to people all over the world – people in Utah especially, because there are so many families here, said Judie Diamond, a travel agent at International Travel Specialists. They are such exciting places for kids. People grow up and want to visit if they haven’t before, Nuttall said.
Nuttall recommended going to a Mexican beach for a relaxing vacation to get away from it all.
Australia, African Safaris or South America are among the destinations Diamond listed for adventure.
Many looking for something adventurous travel to Asia, Nuttall said.
Europe is a little of relaxation and adventure, with many sites and a variety of artwork.
“It is an adventure because you’ve never been there. Europe is an awesome experience, friendly and [there’s] so much to see and do,” Nuttall said.
All the national parks in Utah – Moab, St. George and Cedar City – are hot spots, Diamond said.
Students looking for a low-budget trip might want to try Lake Havasu in Arizona.
It’s a cute English village with a lot of water sports, Diamond said.
“If looking for something cool, it’s unique and different,” Diamond said.
Hawaii and Alaska are also top choices this summer. Brenda Dickey, a travel agent at Travel Time, said she has gotten many calls for vacations to Alaska, from those interested in fishing and hunting in the summertime.
“Hawaii is economical, always wonderful, weather is consistent, no language differences and it is easy enough to get there,” Dickey said.
Diamond also recommended booking far in advance and having dates to travel ready for the agent, whether looking for something active or just laying out on the beach.
Wherever they choose to go, students, families or couples who plan to travel this summer should remember to pack light and pack important belongings as well as any medicines in carry-on luggage for easy access, Diamond said.
Most of all, “the more you know about a destination the better time you’ll have,” Nuttall said.