Christmas is traditionally celebrated by local family gatherings. However, the American Express Travel poll shows that Americans are seeking to celebrate this holiday season differently.

They are researching different destinations, especially internationally, with new and exciting adventures that would give them the opportunity to create lasting holiday memories. Besides looking for new experiences, the poll shows that travelers intend to treat themselves to more luxurious vacations, while increasing their holiday vacation budget to more than $2000 per person. Luxury travel in this holiday season has increased the most among couples, families, and mature travelers.

Luxury travelers, this holiday season, have shown to favor beach/resort, cruise, and ski/mountain vacations. Americans are willing to spend more on their vacations with a desire to relax and get away from it all, and celebrate the season in a new way. They are hoping for the opportunity to experience a new culture especially by participating in the destination’s local holiday celebrations.

Christmas season is no longer simply represented by family gatherings at home. It is a time presents opportunity to relax abroad and share a whole new experience as the Christmas celebration.

Source: American Express Travel

Beginning January 8, 2007, U.S. citizens are required to present a passport upon re-entry from the Caribbean into the U.S. This could affect the Caribbean tourism industry as approximately 75% of all Americans do not hold passports. With this new regulation, the Caribbean loses one of their main edges on attracting American travelers. On the other hand, the same regulation better positions Tahiti in the eye of the traveler looking for a resort-style, relaxing, beach vacation.

Businesses in the Caribbean travel industry are concerned that potential visitors will choose an alternate vacation place in order to skip the hassle of applying for a passport. For those that already have passports or will obtain one, the requirements for going to Tahiti and Caribbean will almost be the same. Both destinations will now require the travelers to be passport holders. The travel time from the west coast to Tahiti is almost identical to the travel time from the west coast to the Caribbean.

Source: Wall Street Journal

The "Voice of the Traveler" survey conducted by Travel Industry Association of America and Synovate shows the following results:

-54% of travelers said that they were currently interested in going to a spa or a place where they can relax and rejuvenate themselves.

-Almost a third of travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in going to a spa.

-Among those who are interested in spa vacations, the majority (40%) are 35-54 years old; however, interest is also strong among 18 - 34 years old (37%).

-More than one-third of travelers said they were currently interested in traveling to places that cater to children.

-More than half of travelers said that they were currently interested in taking an educational trip where they and/or their family can learn something. Nearly 22% of travelers said they were more interested now compared to five years ago in taking such a trip.

Source: Travelmole.com