The New York Times Travel Show is one of the biggest trade shows in the industry, a time for destinations, airlines, hotels and resorts, agents, tour operators and packagers to come together. Here’s a sampling of some of the more unique offerings this year:
OKU Japan is offering multiple walking and hiking tours of Japan with varying levels of difficulty. . These small, guided tours are perfect for seeing parts of the country that are off the beaten path, such as the Nakasendo Trail. OKU can also customize tours based on clients’ needs. Prices start at $3245 USD pp, not including airfare. Agents can book through their website, email info@okujapan.com or by telephone at 1-888-683-4929. They are delighted to work with travel agents and offer a competitive rate of commission.
A “Two Nation Vacation” is on offer this summer from Blount Small Ship Adventures. This 10 day, 9 night trip features highlights from Maine through New Brunswick, Canada. Prices start at $3,749 pp and there are four cruises scheduled for Summer 2015.
The first Tiger Woods-designed golf course outside the US is now open in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: El Cardonal at Diamante. The Diamante is already home to the world-renowned Dunes course, making it a must-see destination for golf lovers.
Los Cabos is also home to two new twists on old favorites. The first is whale watching, or should I say, whale listening. Whale watching cruises usually sail in the morning to see the whales swimming. However Cabo Expeditions now offers an evening Whale Concert. In the early evening you sail out to where the whales spend their nights. A microphone is lowered into the water and the haunting whalesong is played out over cruise, while guests enjoy wine and cheese. Adults: $95, Children: $60.
Secondly, the Bahia Hotel in Cabo is offering another water-themed experience: an underwater wedding. A basic package for already-trained divers starts at $1995, and packages are available for those not-yet certified.
Puerto Vallarta remains strong in many sectors including baby boomers, luxury and LGBT. Canopy River is a new family-run and sustainable company, offering zip lining, river excursions and ATV tours.
Lernidee Trains and Cruises’ latest is Arabian Nights, an amazing train journey that starts in Istanbul and winds its way up through Turkey and Persia over two weeks in May and September, ending in Tehran, Iran. Excursions, 38 meals, guided group tours are included. Prices begin at $7,340 pp, double occupancy.
The country of Belize is becoming a heavy-hitter in the Wellness/Spa sector. Belize’s tourism industry is growing rapidly—in 2014 they received 321,000 overnight visitors, an all-time high for the country, a huge increase over 2013’s 220,000+. Weddings/Romance as well as Family vacations are well represented too.
For something truly out of this world, Alpine Adventures offers Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia: Adventures by Horseback. Experience these hidden lands in the same way the local nomadic people do. Pricing starts at $3800, excluding airfare.
Quark Expeditions, known for its polar expeditions for over twenty-five years, is offering its first land-based tour this year. The ten-day trip features a charter flight from Yellowknife, Canada and lodging at the Arctic Watch lodge on remote Somerset Island, with ATV tours, kayaking, hiking, and possible sightings of various arctic wildlife. Three of the six summer departures for this once-in-a-lifetime experience are already sold out. Priced around $9,000 US, not including airfare to Yellowknife.
The New York Times Travel Show, www.nyttravelshow.com
Chabil Mar, www.chabilmarvillas.com
Victoria House, www.victoria-house.com
Villa Verano, www.villaverano.com