If you haven’t already started thinking about your 2013 travel adventures, it’s definitely time to do so! Certain high season timeframes and popular destinations are already experiencing limited availability, such as Caribbean for spring break and summer European river cruises, because of their wide appeal. If those are in your plans for 2013, you should act quickly.

If you are still considering where to go this year, here are five destinations that are showing up on Travel Maestro’s radar as top travel trends in 2013 because they are increasing in popularity, but not yet over run.

Top Travel Trends for 2013

• Eco Resorts in Costa Rica and Nicaragua – Costa Rica has a well developed tourism infrastructure while retaining an “off the beaten path” feel. The country abounds with nature experiences from hiking volcanoes to zipping through the rain forest canopy. Its neighbor to the north, Nicaragua, is more of an emerging destination but with equal beauty and active adventure, like excellent surfing and fishing. Luxurious eco resorts in both countries allow you to immerse yourself in nature with low impact.  
• Wine country of Argentina – Mendoza, just two hours by plane from Buenos Aires, is the heart of Argentina’s wine country with over 1,000 wineries where you can visit, taste and even brew your own boutique blend. Tours of various wine routes and new hotels in the area make it easy to sample the region’s famous Malbecs and Tempranillos.
• Northern lights in Iceland – By all accounts, the ephemeral dance of the aurora borealis is expected to be the best ever in 2013. Your best chance to see them will be in the early months of 2013, far from city lights in the countryside of Iceland. There you’ll also find excellent cuisine, mind-bending scenery and one of the best values in Europe.

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  History and culture in Istanbul – Turkey is enjoying a rising tide of tourism interest for good reason. With 4,000 years of history, 400 years of Ottoman rule and about 80 years of independence, a visit to Turkey combines mind-boggling antiquity and breathtaking opulence with warm and welcoming people who are rightfully very proud of their country.

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  Adventure in New Zealand – Spectacular scenery is the backdrop for Kiwi adventure sports like kayaking, jet boating, bungee jumping and zorbing. Lord of the Rings followers can visit the Hobbit’s Middle-earth filming sites and outdoor lovers can hike to their heart’s content on hundreds of miles of trails.

 

Each of these destinations offers engaging activities and a unique perspective on the local culture. To get more information or to plan your 2013 vacation, contact Covington Travel’s expert travel advisors today.