Virtuoso, the international luxury travel network, has just announced the hottest destinations for the Summer of 2016. Recognized as a key trend forecaster, the data mining company leverages $35 billion in transaction data to glean what travelers seek. Here’s a look at the logical favorites and a few surprises that surfaced in Virtuoso’s recent findings.
Europe travel
Ural Airlines Takes Off for Barcelona
Ural Airlines will now make regular flights from Krasnodar to Barcelona, according to the news from the Federal Air Transport Agency.
Europe Tourism Recovery Goes Into Shock
If foreign relations and anti-terror tactics across Europe get any worse, tourism dependent businesses already hit by west versus Russia tensions could finally go belly up. All across the EU soldiers and other security personnel are fanning out in a frantic hunt for suspected radicals. However real or perceived Jihadists or other extremists may be, the danger posed to Europe’s economy. That “recovery” Europe was promised, it’s clear it’s not happening now.
Euro’s loss US tourist’s gain
For Americans interested in a European vacation, the recent plunge in euro value spells trip. The exchange rate today is worth just over 1.18 dollars, so travel and hospitality priced in euro offers a built in bargain.
What’s sexy chic in Europe via Fotolia
We use Fotolia for a great many post images here on Argophilia. So today, we thought we’d bring readers some of them most beautiful and interesting ones we’ve found. Please feel free to suggest your own from the image bank at Fotolia too.
Secret hot spots of Europe yet to be discovered
Paris and Venice are wonderful, but such popular European cities are often thronged with crowds of tourists. If you want a more authentic experience, without feeling like you’re surrounded by a horde of visitors, check out these secret European hot spots. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Eurail Global & Select Passes Discounted Fall & Winter
Fall and winter shed a different light on the European continent and every destination. From the changing colors, to the famous Christmas markets, Eurail destinations are often best observed from a train. For customers of Eurail that are searching for warm weather destintation to get away from the snow, the company also offers discounted passes to the south of Europe.
GoEuro Snags $27 Million in Funding
Berlin-based travel platform GoEuro has just raised a $27 million investment round led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Led by existing investors Battery Ventures, Hasso Plattner Ventures, and Lakestar, the funding is intended to push forward faster the startup launched last May.
5 Perfect Anniversary Destinations for Fall
It’s time for that anniversary. You’ve thought about places to go for weeks and months. Special places like London, Paris, Shanghai, even Bali. But those places are become cliche, now haven’t they? Just what sort of place is special enough in the Fall?
Iceland Evacuates Area Around Bardarbunga Volcano
In the latest news on the Iceland volcano emergency, the area around the Bardarbunga volcano is being evacuated and all tourism activity inside the national park surrounding the volcano have been suspended.
Europe Car Rental Market Scalding Hot
According to a report via Breaking Travel News, Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches are now open at major airport and city locations in Poland, Turkey, Israel and Switzerland. As the rental car in Europe space heats up, partnerships with key players now receives its just due.
New IATA Data Reveals Travel Slowdown
A recently released IATA assessment of premium and economy travel for June reveals air traffic slowing over a confidence dip and other factors.
Eurail Announces Free Travel Days
Eurail has just announced free travel days on the company’s “Global Pass Continuous” passes from August 1 to September 30, 2014. The rail company also announced the added bonus days on 4-Country Select Passes as well.
Out Traveler & Gay Europe, Inside & OUT Start Out Traveler Ambassador Contest
Gay traveler “go to” entity, Out Traveler has announced having partnered with Gay Europe, Inside & OUT for The Out Traveler Ambassador Contest. According to the news the contest is set to run from May 12 to May 18, 2014.
Xiamen Promotes KLM Direct Netherlands Route
A move by China’s Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau and the Xiamen Tourism Bureau to bump up travel to and from the coastal China city shows great promise. Launched as “Go to Amoy” in conjunction with Netherlands airline company KLM, the campaign pushes the direct 12 hour flight between cities.