You are not alone! Americans are traveling more than ever. Europe and South America both saw an 8% increase in American visitors in 2017. Asia was an 11% increase and Oceania 13%. All told 80.2 million Americans took a trip in 2016, which is just a bit less than 25% of the country. But you know this by the crowds in all of the airports and in popular destinations.
Speaking of which, the least crowded spring destinations are South Padre Island, Austin, Myrtle Beach SC and Gulf Shores AL. The most relaxing? Sedona, Kauai and Austin. The most adventurous? Surfing in Kauai/Hanalei Bay, ice climbing in Ouray, skiing in Alaska, hiking the slot canyons in Capital Reef National Park, spearfishing in Florida, rock climbing in Austin. Austin appears to be the winner in all three categories!
Options on destinations proliferate each year. Do you want adventure? Relaxation? One destination or many? Plan ahead or decide as you go?
Travel outfitters and apps on your phone that can assist.
Outfitters can customize your trip and do the time consuming background work of choosing good hotels in your price range, arrange for transport and calculate connections.
Colorado Outfitters offers rafting, fishing hiking guided camping and many more.
Adventures Within Reach offers Africa, South America, Polar, Central America, Himalayas, South East Asia and Europe. They ask detailed questions about what you want to see, your budget and the type of travel you do and then customize a port to port trip for you. Ours were always fully guided, fun to have a group of our family of six. They send reminders, vaccination lists, packing lists and travel tips.
Inside Japan will plan your trip to Japan.
Tripit keeps track of your itinerary.
Roadtrippers plans out your driving route but lets you book hotels along the way. The app points out one of a kind places to visit along the way and good restaurants.
Happy traveling!