Ooh la la – Summer Travel is Back

Tourists are rediscovering the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Caribbean beaches and African savanna

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

If you are dreaming about island hopping in the Aegean Sea or calypso dancing on a Caribbean cruise, industry experts say you’ve probably missed the boat for this year. Cruise lines that struggled to get a meager conga line going during the pandemic are now struggling to find space for your deck lounger.

Travel industry experts report the summer vacation is alive and well. Eighty-five percent of Americans plan to travel this summer, according to the “Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023” report by The Vacationer. From French cafés to African safaris to the Nashville music scene and mega cruises, tourists are showing up in a big way, and travel companies are busy.

The romance of travel can perhaps best be seen in the “City of Love,” according to U.S. News & World Report The publication lists Paris as its No. 1 Best Vacation Spot. “It’s the charm –the sidewalk cafes, the people watching and the amazing French wines,” explained Avenues of the World Travel Advisor Monika Leuenberger.

Major attractions include the Louvre Museum, where the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo greet an estimated 45,000 people a day, the Eiffel Tower, romantically aglow at night, the Palace of Versailles, considered one of the finest achievements of 17th century French art and Monet’s Garden, where visitors can almost recreate the famous impressionist artist’s water lily paintings with an iPhone.

The same report ranks London as No. 2; however, USA Today, places the land of Big Ben and big palaces royally at the top of its list. “There is just so much amazing history and it’s very easy to visit as there is no language barrier, which intimidates some people,” said Leuenberger. “While it’s a huge city, it’s easy to navigate and the British Museum is fantastic! Buckingham Palace is always a favorite and there are great shows. This city truly covers it all!”

Travelers Choice Awards by Trip Advisor lists Cancun its No. 1 travel destination, considered to be in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean with its famous white beaches and turquoise blue sea. It’s also a great value, says Leuenberger. “The big draw are the fabulous beaches and the interesting Cenotes, the freshwater underground caves with an opening in the top. It has resorts for everyone, from the family-friendly all-inclusive to the exclusive intimate resort where you have your own plunge pool.”

Meanwhile, cruise ships are filling up fast, so much so that it’s difficult to find a cabin. “Some river cruises are fully