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Volume 6, Issue 52, December 31, 2008 |
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It’s the time of year for countdowns, recaps, forecasts and predictions. Ypartnership, a leading travel marketing, advertising and PR agency, has made a series of predictions for 2009 travel trends. According to research, the year ahead will be challenging as the industry competes for travelers.
On a positive note, Americans remain optimistic about travel, with 71 percent planning at least one overnight trip in the next six months. This number remains steady since last year.
Ypartnership identified a number of travel trends to expect in the New Year. Research indicates travelers remain concerned about value and will demand more per dollar spent, so inclusive travel will be an attractive option. Another finding: Both business and leisure travelers expect to make shorter trips. Ypartnership predicts that the percentage of travelers planning and purchasing travel online, a number that has remained stagnant over the last few years, will accelerate rapidly in the upcoming year as consumers search for deals and compare prices. In addition to seeing an increase in Internet bookings, the number of reservations made using mobile equipment is expected to grow exponentially, due in part to the popularity of the iPhone and Blackberry devices.
Ypartnership conducted a separate survey of more than 4,000 adults for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. The survey concluded that vacations to celebrate life events are far more extravagant than other excursions. As a result, many travel companies and destinations may be offering promotions and incentives catered to life events, including a Disney promotion offering free admission to any park on your birthday.
Three out of 10 Americans use travel agents on a regular basis and that number is expected to grow in 2009. According to survey results, consumers tend to see travel agents as “in the know” about deals and great rates.
A big focus for 2009 is green travel. Eighty-five percent of Americans consider themselves environmentally conscious and four out of 10 are willing to patronize travel services that are environmentally responsible. Most travelers are willing to pay premium rates to green suppliers. Lastly, the study reveals that diverse markets will gain more recognition due to the results of the recent U.S. presidential election.
Here’s to safe travels, health and happiness in the New Year! 
Conrad Hotels & Resorts announced plans to open its first property in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Conrad Bahrain will open in 2011 as the luxury chain’s third Middle East property. The new resort will feature 250 guestrooms and 50 apartments, full fitness facilities, meeting and event facilities, all-day dining, three restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and a shopping facility. Conrad Dubai is scheduled to open in 2010 and the Conrad Abu Dhabi will also open in 2011.
After setbacks delayed the original launch of V Australia, the airline has announced its inaugural flight. The trans-Pacific flight slated for Feb. 27 will depart from Sydney (SYD) and arrive in Los Angeles (LAX). The airline’s original launch date, set for Dec. 15, was delayed due to strikes at the Boeing factory which interfered with delivery of the V Australia aircraft. The airline will operate three weekly flights through March 21, after which it will operate daily service. Service between Los Angeles and Brisbane (BNE) begins April 8.
Another giant leap for mankind has been made as we inch closer to galactic travel. Last week, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approved the world’s first commercial spaceport. The license paves the way for the New Mexico Space Authority to construct a facility with vertical and horizontal launch capabilities. The planned completion date is 2010. In addition, a space aircraft made its maiden test flight last week. The WhiteKnightTwo mother ship flew for about one hour. Virgin Galactic has ordered the aircraft with an eye toward offering three- four-minute space flights for about $200,000 per ticket — or $50,000 per minute.
United Airlines and Egyptair will offer codeshare flights and enhance the frequent flyer benefits offered to both airlines’ passengers. Beginning in summer 2009, United flights between New York (JFK) and Heathrow (LHR) to Cairo (CAI) will have an Egyptair code. Egyptair will place a code on United flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) and flights linking Heathrow (LHR) with Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington (IAD).
The New Year will be off to a yummy start in New York City as the Big Apple gets ready for its largest winter restaurant week ever. Set for Jan. 18–23 and Jan. 25–30, NYC Restaurant Week 2009 includes Sundays — a first. Three-course fixed-price menus are $24.07 and three-course fixed-price dinners are $35 at participating restaurants. The price excludes beverages, tax and gratuity. More than 250 restaurants are participating and almost half of all venues plan to include a Sunday menu. Make reservations online beginning Jan. 5.
5960 West Touhy Ave.
Niles, IL 60714
847 647 4096
www.grazianosrestaurant.com
The full name is Graziano’s Brick Oven Pizza, but this isn’t even close to just a pizza place. Graziano’s features an Italian menu served in a casual, yet elegant dining area.
There is a large selection of wines available. When I am not drinking my usual Coke, I am fond of several of the choices that are described as “crispy whites.”
The appetizer menu, while limited, is full of excellent options. The grilled portabella with gorgonzola and polenta is outstanding. The toasted fresh mozzarella is another great choice.
There are many sandwich selections; a highlight is the grilled chicken panini. Graziano’s version features grilled focaccia, provolone cheese, fresh spinach and Dijon mustard. All of their sandwiches are big and full of flavor.
With more than 25 pasta dishes and other entrees (many more if you start substituting noodles and sauces), it is often difficult to choose. The chicken marsala, with an incredible flavor, is my favorite. You can also choose from a handful of low-carb selections, including the cheddar cheeseburger wrap, but I prefer to go to Graziano’s for a big and bountiful meal.
The fabulous menu can overshadow the pizzas, which are quite good. They serve the traditional versions, as well as more exotic combinations including goat cheese and even a peanut butter choice for those in a truly adventurous mood.
If you have room for dessert, the spumoni will dazzle your taste buds. If you are too full, take home some mascarpone cheesecake — a rich decadent delight.
Graziano’s is located about 15 minutes from O’Hare Airport and about five minutes off of Interstate 94. Either way, it is definitely worth the drive.
Score: ••••• John Wroblewski
There has never been a better time to travel to the Cook Islands. Air New Zealand has reduced airfares by as much as 50 percent for business class seats to the Cook Islands. In addition to the discounted airfares, choose from great vacation packages. Cook Islands Extreme Vacation package includes round-trip airfare, airport transfers, five nights in a beachfront bungalow, daily breakfast, coconut Nu and sparkling wine upon arrival, a food and beverage credit and use of kayak and snorkel equipment. Bookings must be made by March 31, 2009 for travel through March 2010. Visit the Web site. Or choose the Cook Islands Escape, including round-trip airfare, six night accommodations, early check-in, airport transfers and food and beverage credits. Visit the Web site.
Don’t miss out on the most important meal of the day with the Hotel Allegro. Start the New Year off on a healthy note by choosing the January Jumpstart with Cooking Light package. Through Jan. 31, the package includes accommodations, a complimentary healthy breakfast for two each morning, nutritious snacks, a complimentary jump rope and exercise DVD, yoga accessories for use with on-demand exercise programs, a Cooking Light guide to Chicago destinations and $40 off in-room spa treatments. Through March 31, the Breakfast For Just $1 More package includes accommodations at the best available rate and continental breakfast for two for each morning. Visit the Web site for more information.
Broughton Hospitality understands that travelers need a break! The Catch A Break package, available at participating Broughton boutique hotels, offers travelers discounted rates. A one-night stay is eligible for 20 percent off the best available rate; a two-night stay is eligible for 25 percent off and guests who book three or more consecutive nights get 30 percent off the best available rate. Guests also receive a coupon good for 25 percent off a second stay in 2009. Through March 31, the package is available at The Georgian Hotel, Inn of the Spanish Garden, Inn at East Beach, Wine Valley Inn, The Morgan, The Majestic, The Willows and City Suites. Book online.
Singapore Airlines is offering a special fare on all-business-class, non-stop flights between New York (EWR) or Los Angeles (LAX) and Singapore (SIN). Through March 31, a limited number of seats are available for $5,999, inclusive of taxes and surcharges. The special rate represents a 39 percent savings. Visit the Web site for more information. The offer is available for Mon.–Thurs. departures.
Bailouts abound! Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort has proposed its own bailout plan for weary travelers. The $1 million rescue plan gives guests a nightly resort credit for use on anything from food and spa treatments to golf or kids’ clubs. From Jan. 31 through March 21, guests receive a $100 credit per room, per night. Beginning March 22, the credit doubles to $200 through April 17. The Passport to Paradise furthers the savings by offering guests discounts on various amenities throughout the resort. Fill up all the pages in your resort passport and receive a free gift. Mention offer code LRW and book online or call 800 GET HERE.
