Solo travel is on the rise

Solo travel is not just for the young, independent adventurer, who backpacks across Europe and spends nights in hostels. Solo travel is gaining popularity across all age groups and income levels with the biggest increase in solo travel appearing to be among Gen Z, Millennials and women. In fact, online and social media searches using the keywords “solo women travel” have increased by as much as 350 percent in the last two years.

Group tour operators, travel insurance companies and other researchers report that anywhere from 42 to 50 percent of travel reservations are currently being booked by those traveling independently. For those who haven’t committed to adventuring solo yet, there is a high interest in the idea, with up to 75 percent of travelers indicating that they would like to try traveling alone at some point in the near future.

The percentage of increase in solo travel varies depending on the company conducting the survey, but the results agree—solo travel is a new trend that seems here to stay.

The reasons for the increase are attributed to a variety of factors. For some, there is a desire to enjoy experiences without being hampered by the potentially conflicting wants of a traveling companion, or to explore destinations where their friends or significant others have no interest in traveling to; for others, it is the urgency to travel now, without having to wait for others; for still others, it’s simply the excitement of traveling on one’s own, with freedom to explore and soak in new cultures and experiences.

The Internet and social media have provided a window into a much larger world, and many are eager to explore it, even if it means doing so on their own. However, the mere idea of traveling alone can cause some anxiety. There is the fear of getting lost in a foreign country, winding up in an unsafe situation, or possibly experiencing a medical emergency.

For those seeking a solo adventure without the worry of roaming around lost in an unknown city, a group tour is an easy way to experience the thrill of traveling independently.

According to a survey conducted last year by Solo Traveler, the number of individuals who are joining group tours has increased a full ten percent from 50 percent in 2022 to 60 percent in 2023, and some group tour companies are reporting that up to 50 percent of their travelers are solo travelers.

Group tours offer an excellent way to jump into solo travel while enjoying the benefits of an already planned trip. Tour companies are the experts in travel to global destinations. They have led groups to cities and countries many times over, and they work with “boots on the ground” tour leaders who know the destination inside and out, allowing group members to enjoy the highlights of a destination while soaking up cultural experiences. Many tour companies also have access to behind-the-scenes experiences that one may not find while traveling on their own.

Group tours provide an extra element of safety, and joining a group can give an individual confidence to travel to a destination that they may otherwise be nervous traveling to alone. The tour company has already mapped out the destination, and they provide transportation between the airport and the hotel, along with guided bus and walking tours throughout the destination.

Group tours are also a great way to meet like-minded people with shared interests. Many tour companies promote social media groups where travelers can meet their future traveling companions prior to the trip. At the same time, they usually build free time into the itinerary, providing opportunities to get away and do a bit of solo exploring.

Adelman Discoveries offers a variety of tours that allow guests to enjoy beautiful landscapes and experience vibrant cultures including tours to Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Pompeii and Amalfi, Tuscany, Argentina, river cruises and more. For additional information on these tours, visit www.adelmandiscoveries.com.

Adelman Discoveries’ river cruise partner, AMADEUS River Cruises

Adelman Discoveries’ river cruise partner, AMADEUS River Cruises, debuted their newest ship this month, the AMADEUS Nova. The Nova will begin sailing on the Rhine and Danube rivers, both celebrated for their beautiful scenery, rich history and unique cultural traditions.

AMADEUS River Cruises is renowned for their spacious and luxurious ships, premium amenities, modern design and commitment to sustainability. A recipient of the river cruise industry’s prestigious Green Award, AMADEUS is committed to protecting the environment, and they continuously set the bar by finding new ways to improve sustainable river travel. All of AMADEUS’ ships are equipped with state-of-the-art water treatment plants that recycle the water used onboard; disposable plastic containers are eschewed in favor of glass dispensers and water bottles; and many items used onboard are turned into raw material in order to be repurposed.

The AMADEUS Nova, with its innovative shipping technology, will set new environmental protection standards on rivers. Some of the newest sustainable innovations on the Nova include:

· A hybrid diesel-electric drive that significantly reduces emissions, a powerful battery that ensures maximum engine power, and main engines that almost completely eliminate the emission of air pollutants

· Solar panels that feed electric energy into the ship’s circuit and heat recovery systems that make the heat from the electric engine room and public areas reusable

· Highly insulated glass that minimizes heat loss in winter and heat penetration through windows and glazed areas in summer

With the dawn of their newest ship, AMADEUS is focused on elevating sustainable travel practices while at the same time providing a new style of luxury cruising. While the Nova borrows from the design of some of AMADEUS earlier new generation ships, it is unique in that it feels much more spacious with features such as:

· Four decks with elegant, wind-protected lounge areas

· A heated swimming pool on the sundeck and more open-air areas

· Comfortable and spacious staterooms and suites with panoramic windows, full dropdown windows, or walkout exterior balconies.

· More 5-star amenities that meets travelers’ demands for luxury and comfort

Previous Adelman Discoveries journeys with AMADEUS include cruises on the Rhine, Seine, and Danube rivers. Adelman Discoveries is currently planning a Christmas Markets cruise aboard the AMADEUS Nova. For additional information on the Christmas Markets cruise or any other Adelman Discoveries cruise, please visit www.adelmandiscoveries.com.

NDC Content and New Concur Travel

As communicated on April 22, we began offering NDC content, starting with American and United Airlines, to all Adelman customers on May 1st. With NDC now supported by 19 airlines worldwide, Adelman Travel is continuing to integrate fares from the remaining carriers through a phased strategy.

We are pleased to announce that Adelman’s travel agents have access to all NDC content for offline (full agent service) transactions via the Sabre GDS. This will be included in our regular fare search process to ensure we offer and book the best possible content for our customers.

For online transactions via the new Concur Travel booking tool, we are working with our corporate customers to transition their online booking tool to the new Concur travel user experience. All fares and NDC content will be available for travelers to view and purchase.

Your client success manager will provide additional details. Meanwhile, you can download and share the traveler communication and quick card training overview which highlights the changes in the new Concur Travel booking tool.

Updates about SAP Concur Travel’s new experience

Exciting Updates on SAP Concur Travel’s New Experience!

We’re delighted to see so many of our customers enjoying the new self-service features with SAP Concur EOT and NDC content. Our commitment to providing the latest capabilities and enhancements remains steadfast as we continue to roll out new updates.

In response to the questions from our recent webinar on May 7, we have put together a comprehensive Q&A document. You can access the FAQ here.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Adelman Client Success Manager.

Globus Choice Tours – Your Days. Your Way.

 

Globus Choice Tours feature an exciting menu of YourChoice excursions – personalized

experiences allowing you to customize your vacation in at least two ways on every YourChoice

day – no other touring company offers such flexibility. From serene nature walks to captivating

wine flights, the options are endless and included in the package price. With twelve Choice

Tours across Europe and North America, these special journeys are changing the way people

tour!

 

Here’s a selection of our Choice Tours in Europe:

On “Hot Tam!: Scotland By Design” you get to customize your experience amidst the rich

tapestry of haggis, history, Outlander landscapes, and whisky trails. This 9-day Scottish

adventure from Edinburgh to Glasgow offers a menu of complimentary YourChoice Excursions

in Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Inverness, and Glasgow empowering you to shape your journey

according to your preferences. Dive into the heart of Scotland’s culture and landscapes,

blending iconic destinations with off-the-beaten-path treasures throughout the Lowlands and

Highlands. Chill out as you relax and rejuvenate in the restorative waters of the Pitlochry Spa,

indulging in traditional afternoon tea amidst spectacular views. Or choose to gaze upon castle

stones and enjoy tea with scones in a Highland market town, or tee off for a round of golf

amidst sweeping views and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. The choice is yours.

 

The 7-day Italian tour, “That’s Amore!: Italy By Design,” is a journey that encapsulates La Dolce

Vita through captivating sights, delectable treats, and culinary wonders. Whether you’re

indulging in truffle hunting, immersing in the legacy of St. Francis, or savoring the essence of

olive oil, the itinerary offers an array of experiences. Trace the footsteps of a 16th-century

painter or traverse the enchanting streets of Trastevere; explore Florence by bike or through

the elegance of Salvatore Ferragamo’s creations. With the added bonus of YourChoice

Excursions, bid “Ciao, Italia” in your preferred style, be it admiring frescoes, embracing fashion,

or relishing fortresses and cuisine. Included excursions in Rome, Spoleto, and Florence add

depth to the journey, offering experiences like olive oil tastings in Spoleto, retracing the steps

of Saint Francis, and embarking on a truffle-hunting adventure in Umbria.

 

“Art & Soul: Portugal By Design,” takes you on an 8-day journey from Lisbon to Porto where

you’re invited to immerse yourself in a myriad of experiences, from savoring sparkling wine to

delving into soulful Fado music. Whether you choose to roll along the river on a bike or cruise

through the Ria de Aveiro by boat, the options are as diverse as the pastel-hued palaces of

Sintra or the bustling streets of Lisbon. With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you dictate

the rhythm of your adventure, embracing cinematic scenery, soul-stirring traditions, and

centuries-old history throughout northwestern Portugal. From medieval marvels to mellow

vintages, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration.

 

Perfect for travelers of all ages, from grandparents to grandkids!

Globus Choice Tours cater to multi-generational travel, ensuring that there’s something for

everyone, regardless of age or interest. With YourChoice Days, family members can select

excursions that align with their passions, adding a personalized touch to the journey. From

exploring ancient ruins with grandparents to indulging in culinary delights with parents or

embarking on outdoor adventures with children, these tours offer opportunities for shared

experiences and cherished memories across generations. With a minimum age requirement of

5 years old, Globus Choice Tours, foster an inclusive environment where families can embark on

European adventures together, creating unforgettable moments that will be treasured for years

to come.

 

Globus Choice Tours offer a captivating array of experiences, from the vibrant rhythms of

Portugal to the romantic allure of Italy and the cultural treasures of Scotland. With the

flexibility of YourChoice days, you can personalize your itinerary to suit your preferences,

ensuring a truly unforgettable journey through Europe. Whether traveling solo, with family, or

among friends, Globus Choice Tours promise to inspire, enrich, and delight at every turn

Important Updates from Adelman Travel about NDC

We’re excited to announce that starting May 1, 2024, Adelman Travel will begin offering NDC content to all our customers. Initially, this will include American and United Airlines exclusively, as part of our phased approach to integrating fares from a total of 19 airlines worldwide.

Our approach involves a careful rollout, both for agent-assisted bookings and online tools, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved.

For our corporate clients, enrollment into this program will be automatic. Our dedicated corporate agents will proactively seek out, present, and offer NDC fares, showcasing our commitment to providing the best airline pricing options available. These options will be included in the online booking tool, allowing travelers to find the content they are looking for in their preferred booking channel.

As NDC technology advances and the business travel landscape evolves, our focus remains steadfast on delivering a seamless end-to-end solution for managing NDC fares. We’re determined to maintain uninterrupted access to NDC airline content while reducing manual efforts on our end. Over the past year, we’ve conducted thorough testing and assessments, refining our processes to ensure efficiency.

Looking ahead, we’ll continue to refine and adapt our NDC processes, keeping our customers informed every step of the way. Our commitment to testing, implementing, and adjusting ensures that you’ll always receive the latest updates and enhancements to enhance your travel experience.

Marvin McDaniel and Adelman Discoveries lead travelers on an extraordinary trip to East Africa

In February, Adelman Discoveries’ Marvin McDaniel led a group of 14 intrepid travelers on a trip to Tanzania and Rwanda in East Africa.

 

Marvin has been planning and guiding extraordinary tours for the last five decades. After leaving the Navy in 1974, he joined his parents’ travel agency, which he bought from them nine years later. Marvin sold his business in 2003 and has spent the last 20 years designing unique vacation experiences that allow travelers to deeply experience the culture, history and beauty of the destinations they visit. Since entering the travel business 50 years ago, Marvin has traveled to over 100 countries and sailed on over 100 cruises.

 

Tanzania

The 10-night luxury tour of Tanzania included game drives in the Tarangire National Park; multiple days of safaris, where tour participants were treated to sightings of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, impalas, gazelles, lions, leopards, monkeys, baboons, and hundreds of species of birds; and a trip to the Serengeti National Park to take in the awe-inspiring migration of over one million wildebeest. The adventurers were also thrilled to have the opportunity to float over the Serengeti plains in a hot air balloon.

“During the time we visited Tanzania”, said Marvin, “the wildebeest and zebra herds were on their way going north into Kenya—millions of them. This is known as the Great Migration.” The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet, where more than two million animals migrate in an ever-moving circle across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

“Lions, cheetahs and leopards were in the area, and they would kill these animals for their food,” said Marvin.

A typical day for the group included driving in 8-seater safari vehicles driven by knowledgeable guides who were always on the lookout for animals.

“Driving in the Serengeti was not on proven roads but literally throughout the landscape wherever there were animals,” said Marvin. “The drivers watched for signs like buzzards flying or maybe safari vehicles congregating, which meant there were probably lions, cheetahs or leopards.”

During the trip, guests enjoyed a range of accommodations from deluxe hotels to both rustic and lavish tented safari camps. Though some of the lodgings were a bit sparse, the food was prepared by professional chefs and was always excellent.

 

Rwanda

Guests were also able to participate in an optional 4-night / 5-day pre-tour trip to Rwanda. The tour included a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center to learn about the Rwandan genocide of 1994, a tour of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund center, and treks for gorillas and the rare and brightly colored golden monkeys.

According to Marvin, a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a must. The actress and comedian is an avid supporter of gorilla conservation. The campus, which opened in February of 2022 and is located near the entrance to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, is a center for tourism, science and education.

The highlight of the pre-tour was the search for the magnificent gorillas. Gorillas are protected in Africa, so before hiking into the forest in search of these amazing animals, the tour participants learned the etiquette of gorilla trekking. The mountains where the troops of gorillas live span the three counties of Rwanda, Uganda and Republic of the Congo.

“I was surprised at the landscape where we trekked for gorillas and saw the golden monkeys,” said Marvin. “The elevation was 8,200 feet and the hike was similar to hiking in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. I was expecting to run into snakes, but at that height there were no snakes and minimal insects.”

Marvin was also pleasantly surprised by Rwanda itself. The country is very clean and progressive, with many new buildings, hotels and retail centers being built.

“Rwanda was exceptionally clean,” said Marvin. “The country dedicates one day a month that everyone is cleaning something in their community. During the trip, I regularly saw hundreds of residents sweeping the streets.”

Marvin’s next planned adventure is a trip to the Galapagos Islands and Peru and will include an Amazon River cruise. For more information on Marvin’s South America trip or your next vacation, contact Adelman Vacations at 800-749-7116 or 417-888-4488, or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Important Updates about American Airlines Loyalty Programs

As part of its revisions, American Airlines has implemented changes to how travelers can earn individual loyalty points through its Corporate Loyalty program.

Adelman is currently a preferred agency, and our commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with American Airlines remains steadfast. During this transition period, our priority is to ensure uninterrupted benefits for your travelers, allowing them to continue earning loyalty points and miles seamlessly.

To facilitate this, Adelman recommends that our clients enroll in American’s Advantage for Business program before May 1, 2024. Once your organization is enrolled, and you have registered your travelers with the program, please provide your corporate number to Adelman Travel. This will enable us to load it into your corporate profile and ensure your travelers receive their loyalty points.

Action Item: Once your company has enrolled in the AA Advantage for Business program, it is crucial to provide your AA Corporate Number to Adelman promptly to ensure travelers are credited with their loyalty points.

· Enclosed is a communication template designed to assist you in informing your travelers about these changes and outlining the necessary steps they need to take. You can access the template by clicking here. Please be advised that this communication should be disseminated only after your company has successfully signed up for the AA Advantage for Business program.

For questions or support, please contact your Adelman Client Success Manager.

Oceania’s Vista Offers Imaginative Dining Experiences

Oceania is proud to introduce Vista’s imaginative new dining concepts and her new epicurean delights, which honor and celebrate the cruise line’s passion for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Passengers will enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at treasured and iconic dining venues that have been elevated to new heights.

With a total of twelve culinary venues – four of which are brand new and exclusive to Vista – these are only the beginning of Vista’s dining experiences. Discover details on each venue below.

Ember is the signature addition to Oceania Cruises’ family of restaurants. Open for lunch and dinner, Ember is the ideal place to warm your culinary soul. Featuring a menu of inventive American creations blended with time-honored classics, this inviting dining spot will instantly charm you with its alluring ambiance and tantalizing menu. Whether you are looking forward to a leisurely evening of dining or a quick dinner before catching the headline show, Ember is where you want to be. Braised Short Ribs on Polenta, Grilled Swordfish with Asparagus, Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli and a Cobb Salad with Smoked Chicken are just a few of the delights designed to tempt the palate.

Aquamar Kitchen presents a decidedly fresh perspective on dining and the pursuit of wellness. Whether you are a dedicated flexitarian or a die-hard foodie, Aquamar Kitchen offers an abundance of indulgence with none of the guilt. Breakfast selections include cold-pressed raw juices and super-food smoothies, hearty homemade granolas and avocado toasts, organic power bowls, and savory breakfast wraps. For lunch, dozens of tempting, healthy dishes are offered such as Slow-Roasted Organic Salmon with quinoa tabouleh and lemon tahini, Yellowfin Tacos with white cabbage slaw or even a Crunchy Chicken Sandwich on a freshly baked whole grain bun.

The Grand Dining Room is the luxurious grand dame of Oceania Cruises’ culinary world. Here, guests will savor a leisurely dining experience in a truly magnificent and inspired room whose ambiance soars to equally lofty heights as the cuisine. This signature dining experience has always offered a bevy of delicious Continental dishes, and now a fresh and new array of options brings even more exciting possibilities. Every day presents a realm of choices, from signature Jacques Pépin classics to an incredible spectrum of global flavors and an all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. Menus change daily with an expansive choice of at least 10 appetizers, soups and salads, and 10 dinner entrées, along with healthy options such as Aquamar Vitality Cuisine.

Polo Grill delights diners with the ultimate classic steakhouse experience presented with timeless reverence. Richly layered decor and an abundance of custom millwork create an imaginative rendition of tradition set against crisp white linen tablecloths while a cadre of black jacketed servers set the tone for an evening of gracious dining. Each course stands as the very definition of time-honored favorites, most notably the beef dishes, all of which are 28-day dry aged certified Black Angus USDA Prime, while succulent seafood dishes such as grilled swordfish and whole Maine lobster gratinée are also classics in their own right.

Toscana presents an evolution of Tuscan cuisine in a truly Italian setting of rich Chianina leather, hand-blown Venetian glass and Carrara marble. Evolved from generational family traditions, many of our recipes originated with the mothers and grandmothers of our own Italian culinary staff. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion. Perhaps the evening begins with the octopus carpaccio with Champagne vinaigrette or the artichoke and parmesan cheese timbale with black truffle sauce, followed by classic dishes such as the hand-rolled gnocchi with pesto, a rich risotto with lobster medallions and shallots, or a pan-seared sea bass filet finished with Sorrento lemon, chardonnay and capers.

Red Ginger radiates harmony and tranquility while evoking the boldness and subtleties of the extraordinary Pan-Asian dishes our talented chefs have created. Much like the room itself, the Thai, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian rooted specialties are a mélange of spicy and soothing, savory and sweet to please virtually every palate. Begin with a salad of spicy roast duck and watermelon with cashews, mint and Thai basil. Savor a Malaysian beef penang with coconut rice and paratha roti. Or try Thai vegetable curry with sweet potatoes, aubergine, mushrooms and basil in green curry sauce. In Red Ginger, the gustatory pleasures are as striking as the visual ones.

Terrace Café is the ultimate informal dining experience any time of day, whether inside the plushily adorned dining room or alfresco at one of the shaded tables on the stylish terrace. At breakfast, Terrace Café features a seemingly never-ending selection of sumptuous savory and sweet temptations including made-to-order eggs, omelets, pancakes and waffles. Come lunch, an expansive menu of international-inspired dishes is complemented by flavorful roasted and rotisserie meats and the magic of the pizzeria’s oven. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in decidedly relaxed comfort as our chefs serve up an astounding array of dishes. Revel in a bounty of selections from grilled-to-order lobster tails, fish, filets and steaks to freshly made, hand-cut sushi and sashimi. A varied menu of hot and cold specialties changes daily along with our hallmark Chef’s Market Dinners featuring locally inspired specialties from the ports of call.

Waves Grill is a casual, colorful, and perhaps a bit playful setting for dining on all-American favorites. Located in a spacious, shaded area steps from the swimming pool and Terrace Café, Waves Grill offers an extensive and mouthwatering menu during lunch and late into the afternoon for that much-desired snack or meal after an adventurous day of touring ashore. Watch the chefs grill gourmet burgers, succulent seafood and sandwiches to order in the open galley, accompanying them with sides like fresh salads, coleslaw and crispy, hand-cut fries. There is always room for dessert and the selection here is too good to pass up. Try a homemade sorbet, made-to-order hot fudge sundae or a thick, hand-dipped milkshake.

The Culinary Center ascends to a new level of gustatory immersion as our passionate Chef Instructors share their enlightening perspectives on culture and cuisine through the lens of food and wine. Here, guests may not only partake in lively hands-on instruction – they may also indulge the pleasures of the palate in the new oceanview Culinary Center Dining Room with private group dinners or one of our many exclusive and highly acclaimed food and wine pairing experiences.

Priveé is our marquee venue for bespoke, intimate culinary celebrations for a maximum of 10 privileged guests. Dramatic backlit, debossed walls and a blooming flower petal ceiling from which a dramatic chandelier descends over the polished marble slab dining table set the stage for a memorable evening while a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass provides an exhilarating view to complement a most memorable private dinner party that can literally traverse continents.

Baristas offers the ultimate Vistas aboard Vista with its commanding 270-degree views over the sea while guests enjoy complimentary illy® espressos, cappuccinos and lattes prepared by our master baristas as well as the delicious pastries, finger sandwiches and homemade biscotti. Just steps away, the new Bakery, with its freshly baked French and Italian pastries, is certain to be an instant hit. As the delicate yet rich scents fill the air, you’ll be drawn from the adjacent coffee bar or Library for an indulgent chocolate-almond croissant or sinfully sweet bombolini while enjoying the lost art of people watching or simply gazing out at the azure blue sea.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Sonesta is proud to have rapidly established itself as the 8th largest hospitality group in the US, boasting 100,000+ rooms across 1,200+ properties and 17 brands. And it’s certainly not by chance.

From reliable, on-budget stays to home-away-from-home hospitality to the most memorable elevated experiences, Sonesta has a perfect fit for every traveler.

Sonesta’s acclaimed loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass quickly rewards loyalty across its portfolio of brands with free nights, savings and perks, starting with your very first stay.

Learn More: https://www.sonesta.com/