Travel advisors currently have mixed reviews on the state of spring bookings, with many reporting a downturn in sales from the previous year, and others witnessing a steady growth.
In terms of what’s selling, advisors note that Europe bookings are robust, as are domestic vacations and cruises.
For Mark Faldmo, owner of Blue Planet Vacations, travel agency sales are on par with last year’s, but with higher revenue.
“I’m seeing more luxury and higher priced bookings,” he said. “Customers are looking for more complex and unique vacation options.”
Demand for cruises is strong, according to Faldmo — bookings are up 20% at Blue Planet — with clients requesting longer itineraries to more exotic destination.
Although Abby Estevez Berg, leisure advisor at Spear Travel Group, reports that spring bookings are down 50% year over year for her agency — she says business is picking up at a significant pace.
“Spring requests are coming in quickly now that the new year has kicked off,” she said. “We are seeing quite a small surge for travel between March and May.”
On the destination front, Estevez Berg says she is receiving a “a refreshingly heightened number of requests for more relaxing getaways, as well as travelers returning to beloved destinations like Italy or France, but with a new intention.”
“Instead of racing through packed itineraries, people are craving slower, more meaningful journeys that leave room for lingering afternoons, unhurried exploration and the pleasure of simply being present,” she added.
Following a slow fall booking season, Time for Travel is now being flooded with requests for spring and summer travel, according to Sarah Kline, the agency’s owner.
In particular, Europe continues to be a hot seller, she notes.
We are also getting a lot of family vacation requests for spring break and summer, as well as a nice uptick in destination wedding requests,” Kline said.
Although spring bookings are currently at an all-time for Starstuff Travel, founder Stacey Cabell notes that historically, they have been sluggish.
“That said, I’m using this slower period very intentionally to plant seeds through marketing and client conversations, knowing that those efforts will pay off later in the year,” she said.
In terms of what’s selling, Cabell says she’s seeing strong interest in domestic travel that’s centered around meaningful experiences and nostalgia.
“Destinations tied to Route 66 and the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th birthday are really resonating with my specific clients right now,” she said.
Cabell is also booking “fly-in road trips” to destinations such as Arizona, where travelers can combine iconic stops like the Grand Canyon with scenic drives along Route 66 and its surrounding areas.
“I love this trend, because these types of trips are some of my favorites to plan and experience myself,” she said. “They offer flexibility, storytelling and a sense of connection that many travelers seem to be craving.”
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