Travel Trends Getaways

Choice Hotels, one of the largest global hotel companies with more than 6,300 hotels worldwide, conducted a survey to get a better understanding of the key travel trends happening in America in 2015.

One out of four (24%) Americans say they would like to visit Western National Parks in 2015.

1.    Yellowstone National Park

Stay at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole located on the slope-side of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and at the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Enjoy the exploration and adventures that Yellowstone offers during the day then relax to a fireplace, stunning view, plush hotel amenities and top of the line service. 

Rates starting at just $269.10/night. Book with Royal Travel and receive full breakfast for two daily, $75 credit to spa, and welcome amenity. Airfare starting at $438/person roundtrip through United Airlines from Chicago. Visit www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com for more information.

 Despite being budget conscious, American Travelers are willing to splurge for unique travel experiences.

2.    Cancun

Swim with the Whale Sharks in Cancun during your stay at the Grand Oasis Cancun. Your encounter begins with an orientation and instruction on swimming with the sharks. Then the expert guides swim with you alongside the surprisingly gentle creatures. They are docile giants who migrate to the waters off Cancun between May and September. After your encounter with the Whale Sharks, you’ll stop at Isla Mujeres’ beautiful northern shore to enjoy a freshly prepared ceviche lunch with some well-deserved refreshments before going back to port. Package includes round-trip airfare, hotel transfers, all means and drinks, and taxes and fees. Package is $1,312/person for 4 nights and good for Tuesday departure dates of 6/2-6/23. Book with Royal Travel and you’ll receive a free bottle of wine, private lounge area with internet access, and Oasis Plus Concierge service. For more information visit www.royal-travel.com.

Culinary Tourism (food-inspired travel), 30 percent increases over 2014 respectively.

3.     Houston, Texas

Hotel Granduca is located in the heart of the Uptown/Galleria district. Enjoy world class shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away at Uptown Park. A short drive from the hotel is the original Ninfa’s on Navigation-a 40-year-old restaurant that prides itself on its infamous fajitas and creamy avocado sauce. Locals have said it’s one of the last places where you can eat fajitas that taste the same as they did in the old days. Current chef Alex Padilla has updated the menu with modern dishes, but the famous fajitas, homemade tortillas, and green sauce remain the exact same.

Rates starting at just $238/night. Book with Royal Travel and receive continental breakfast for two daily, $100 food and beverage credit in hotel restaurant, and welcome in room amenity. Airfare as low as at $135/person roundtrip through American Airlines out of Chicago. For more information visit www.royal-travel.com.

When asked which event they’d most like to attend in 2015, Mardi Gras in New Orleans (25%) ranked just ahead of the Cherry Blossom Festival (24%).

4.    New Orleans

Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension is a collection of six historic buildings located on the edge of the French Quarter. Guests can feel relaxed and at home in stylish rooms featuring boutique-style decorations and upscale amenities that reflect the heart and soul of the city. The hotel is conveniently located near New Orleans’ top attractions including: Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Royal Street, Preservation Hall and St. Louis Cathedral. Enjoy the best of the Big Easy.

Rates starting at $119/night. Airfare starting at $275/person round-trip through United during Mardi Gras or prices as low as $107/person roundtrip for other dates through United Airlines. Go to www.ascendcollection.com for more information.

Watch Kendra Thornton discuss these packages on WGN-TV here.