Wooing Clients with the Latest Hot Destinations

Do you have clients who ask about up-and-coming destinations to visit in the New Year? Let the members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) help answer that question for you.

In USTOA’s annual travel forecast and trends survey, tour-operator members compiled a list of the top annual up-and-coming destinations. Iceland was named the top emerging country, with Colombia, Vietnam, Greenland and Laos rounding out the top five.

Following are a sampling of itineraries to inspire your clients’ 2018 vacations.

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ICELAND

Alexander + Roberts’ seven-day “Adventures Across Iceland” itinerary will enable your clients to learn about daily lives and traditions through visits with farmers, fishermen and microbrewers along the country’s rugged northern coast. The program also features a search for the Northern Lights and a chance to sample fresh “earth-baked” bread. The itinerary is available on select dates through January 2019. For pricing, visit Alexanderroberts.com.

COLOMBIA

Goway immerses travelers in one of South America’s most colorful destinations during its eight-day “Essential Colombia” tour. It features a visit to the town of Zipaquira, famous for its underground salt cathedral, along with a full-day journey through the stone paths of the sacred village of Pueblito. Guests also will have plenty of time to explore Cartagena. Departures are available on a daily basis, with rates starting at $2,845 per person. Visit Goway.com.

VIETNAM

A mix of culture, heritage and stunning landscapes awaits guests on Wendy Wu Tours’ 18-day “Classical Vietnam Premier Tour.” Travelers will drift on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, discover the secret connecting tunnel network of Cu Chi and explore the Mekong Delta. They will also attend a workshop on Truc Chi—paper made from bamboo pulp—and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Departure dates are March 2 and October 26, 2018, with rates starting at $6,420 per person. Visit Wendywutours.com.

GREENLAND

Lindblad Expeditions brings guests on an adventure to the far reaches of the Arctic on its 16-day “Exploring Greenland and Canada” itinerary. The program visits Greenland’s fjords and the Ilulissat Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a part of the Greenland ice cap. Other highlights include cruising the Northwest Passage and observing whales, polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. The itinerary is available in August 2018 and 2019, with rates starting at $13,990. Visit Expeditions.com.

LAOS

Discover the lesser-known country of Laos with Audley Travel’s 16-day “The Hidden Heart of Laos” itinerary. Guests will discover the mysterious giant stone jars of Phonsavan, the hidden caves of Kong Lor and the waterfalls at Kuang Si. The trip also includes the chance to interact with the locals of the 4,000 Islands in southern Laos. The program is available throughout 2018, with rates starting at $4,355 per person.Visit Audleytravel.com.

For more information about tours and packaged vacations, visit Ustoa.com. And, remember that when booking with USTOA Active Members, you also get the assurance of knowing that they are held to the highest standards in the industry with our $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.