Amex Travel’s Trend forecast for 2018 has some classics and some newcomers in the realm of international travel; Bali, Costa Rica, Dubai and Vietnam to name a few. But how do the industry-wide trends line up with THIRDHOME users in 2018? It’s looking to be a strong year for cultural immersion trips paired with luxury experiences.
Several of these destinations come as no surprise. Costa Rican properties have been increasingly popular in the club as have Bali homes. The “United States Hot Spots” are longtime favorites of THIRDHOME members. But what sticks out within THIRDHOME’s membership for 2018?
Of our member bookings for 2018, here are THIRDHOME‘s Top 10 Destinations of 2018:
10. “United States Hot Spots”: Florida, California, Aspen, Park City, Vail, Truckee, San Francisco
It’s not difficult to guess why over 16% of 2018 bookings end up concentrating near the Rockies and West Coast. World-class ski resorts and mountain homes with stunning views are the main attractions. But year-round outdoor recreation opportunities make Western U.S. Hot Spot cities even more attractive for active travelers. Southeast bookings have unsurprisingly been dominated by Florida stays around the Gulf. These U.S. destinations are definitely worth a Saved Search, given how quickly and often they’re booked. If being more outdoorsy was one of your resolutions for the New Year, consider making a trip out West.
Click here to see available properties in the United States.
9. Mexico: Cabo San Lucas
Great weather, beautiful beaches and amazing golf. Mexico, particularly the Baja del Sur region, seems to have it all. With all the Affiliate resort properties available, making a trip to Mexico is just so easy. And even if you aren’t looking for a coastal resort town there are so many cultural experiences to be had in cities like San Miguel de Allende. Taking an estimated 11% of 2018 bookings, Mexico is very popular with many THIRDHOME users.
Click here to see available properties in Mexico.
8. France: Paris, French Alps and Provence
Who doesn’t dream of flying away to Paris for a week of relaxation and cultural immersion? Centrally located Parisian properties have always been popular for club members, but a few new French destinations are gaining popularity. The French Alps are drawing more adventurous skiers this year. Also, more members are exploring Provence and other pastoral Southern regions. Yes, landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport and not leaving Paris makes for a wonderful trip, but don’t be afraid to explore new areas of the French countryside, mountains and coast in 2018.
Click here to see available properties in France.
7. Costa Rica: Playa Flamingo and Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica has emerged as a must-go eco-travel destination over the last few years. With an abundance of luxurious villas available in gorgeous areas like Playa Flamingo and the Manuel Antonio Rainforest, it would be criminal not to make a quick stop in Costa Rica in 2018. Most destinations are easily accessible, usually only requiring one transfer flight when flying from the United States.
Click here to see available properties in Costa Rica.
6. The United Kingdom: London
Similar to Paris, a trip to London is an easy European adventure. The city is filled with endless activities and experiences, making the city one of our top destinations of 2018. But more members are also venturing out to different U.K. locales. Naturally, more golf enthusiasts have been booking properties in Scotland while others are venturing to smaller towns, such as Cornwall.
Click here to see available properties in The United Kingdom.
5. Italy: Rome and Venice
Holidays in Rome and Venice have remained fairly popular in the club. Historic properties with central access to attractions have kept bookings up in Italy for 2018. A wide range of rural Tuscan properties have also been popular. Smaller coastal cities like Trieste are making for a slightly different Italian experience, more akin to a Croatian holiday. The Italian Alps are also drawing more and more skiers into cozy mountainside chalets. Be sure to explore Italy’s diverse range of destinations this year.
Click here to see available properties in Italy.
4. Canada: Mont-Tremblant
2017 was a big year for Canadian travel and 2018 will probably see even more bookings in the great North. With urban centers like Quebec and Toronto anchoring huge swaths of national parkland, Canada has the best of city living and natural wonder. Not to mention some of the world’s best skiing at Mont-Tremblant and Whistler. Cozying up by the fire in a timber ski chalet alongside Lac Tremblant is something everyone should experience.
Click here to see available properties in Canada.
3. South Africa: Cape Town and Plettenberg
With a diversity of landscapes only paralleled by New Zealand, South Africa is a one-stop shop for coastal wonder, safari adventure and serene wine country. THIRDHOME members are mostly booking stays along the coastline in places like Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. In a country like South Africa, it’s easy to stay on the coast and make day trips to the Franschhoek Winelands or the safari lands alongside the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders. Or, just play with the penguins at Table Mountain National Park in Boulders Beach. South Africa is filled with out-of-this-world experiences.
Click here to see available properties in South Africa.
2. Spain: Marbella
Surprisingly, large urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona aren’t topping THIRDHOME‘s charts. Spain’s booking numbers are led largely by Marbella properties and other Costa del Sol homes. The Andalusia region’s rich history, Moorish influence and warm weather make Costa del Sol a prime location for a summer vacation with cultural immersion built-in. The luxurious private property selection in Costa del Sol is an attraction in itself. Some of these villas are to die for. If you haven’t already explored the land of Don Quixote, do yourself a favor in 2018 and book an Andalusian property.
Click here to see available properties in Spain.
1. The U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas
Demand for the U.S. Virgin Islands was hardly diminished despite Hurricane Irma. Private homes and resort properties, mostly The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club St. Thomas, have seen healthy bookings for 2018. Luckily, the Virgin Islands have rebounded from Hurricane season and have been tourist operational since this past November. St. Thomas has always been a THIRDHOME favorite and will most-likely make the Top 10 list for years to come.
Click here to see available properties in The U.S. Virgin Islands.
THIRDHOME’s Top 10 Destinations 2018
2018 should be a fresh year of discovery for members. So, we recommend trying something new. Whether it’s ecological exploration, cultural discovery or new outdoor recreation experiences, make 2018 a year to remember.
Now that you’ve seen what fellow club members are booking for 2018, where will you go? Click here to browse through all available properties. Remember, you must be logged in to see availability.
EOY THIRDHOME Booking data 2017: Top 10 Destinations 2018 accounts for 45% of 2018 bookings.
Canada was recently named Lonely Planet‘s Best Country to Travel to in 2017. In an interview, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked by Lonely Planet to summarize the country’s allure in one sentence:
“From dogsledding in the Northwest Territories to surfing in Tofino, from the history of Old Quebec to the vibrancy of multicultural Toronto, from breathtakingly empty prairie skies to the warm welcome on George St in St John’s, from the thrill of skiing in the Rockies to the serenity of paddling past a moose in Algonquin Park – there’s nowhere else on earth that offers the range of adventures that await you in Canada.” -Justin Trudeau
Canada’s travel accolade has come at the time of its 150th birthday as well. As a party of Canada’s celebration of its sesquicentennial national parks, marine conservation areas and national historic sites will be free to the public. Now is the time to travel to Canada, and THIRDHOME can help. Discover the natural wonders of Quebec and Ontario with these available properties.
Explore the melding of French, British, and American cultures in the lush and historic provinces of Quebec and Ontario with these THIRDHOME properties
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
About a 2-hour drive North West of Montreal, in the Laurentian Mountains, sits the city of Mont-Tremblant. A summer’s view from across Lake Tremblant is a pleasant combination of bright green forest shades, turquoise water-front and pastel-crowned rooftops. This view captures the village sector of Mont-Tremblant, home to famous ski resorts, Formula One races, golf, canoeing and a number of other outdoor activities. Music concerts and a brand new immersive illuminated night walk (in search of an elusive Canadian giant) called Tonga Lumina, have propelled this quaint mountain town to new levels of entertainment. Between Lake Tremblant and The Mont-Tremblant National Park is the Les Legendes property, a luxurious 3-story retreat with room to sleep 10 people. Between Les Legendes’ amenities, including an infinity pool and spa, and the activities of Mont-Tremblant Village you’ll have no shortage of things to do during your stay. Discover the hidden wonders of Mont-Tremblant today!
Click here to see all available Mont-Tremblant properties or click here to book your stay at Les Legendes.
Quebec City, Quebec
Perched on the Saint Lawrence River Valley looms the green-topped Chateau Frontenac along with the rest of Quebec City’s skyline. The historic district of Quebec City feels like a slice of Europe was placed in North America. The cobbled streets and fortifications remind visitors of the British siege of Quebec, and the battle on the Plains of Abraham near the end of the French and Indian War. Artisans, world-class restaurants, museums, and shopping are scattered throughout Old Quebec and make for a very walkable trip. Although, the stairs that connect the lower sections of town to Upper Town are quite steep. Gondola’s are available for those unable to navigate the steep escaliers. Boat tours on the St. Lawrence are a great way to take the whole city into perspective, and several offer drinks and dinner. Make a visit to Quebec City for fine dining and a walk through the past. You’re bound to be fascinated by Quebec’s antiquities and curiosities.
Click here to see all THIRDHOME Quebec City properties.
Stanstead, Quebec
Less than a stone’s throw from Derby Line, Vermont, is the township of Stanstead, Quebec. Stanstead isn’t just on the border, it straddles it. Sharing a U.S./Canadian border leaves for plenty of peculiarities in this small township of nearly 3,000 people. Your neighbor across the street could very well be an American or vice versa. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House was intentionally built on the border by a pair of dual citizens in 1905 to allow international neighbors to congregate. It was later used by Vietnam draft dodgers to visit with their families without reentering the United States. Besides its odd placement, Stanstead is also known for Bleu Lavande, a Provence-style lavender farm that rolls along the pastoral fields outside of the township. Explore Stanstead, one of Quebec’s Most Beautiful Villages from a Modern Lakeside Luxury retreat with THIRDHOME. Gaze out over Lake Lovering as you sail, fish, or kayak. With room for 8 guests, a beach, and a home theater this lake home is perfect for a family getaway, especially if you’re from Vermont. Seek peace, find Stanstead.
Click here to see all available Stanstead properties or click here to book your stay at Modern Lakeside Luxury.
St-Adolphe d’Howard, Quebec
Another village of the Laurentian Mountains, St-Adolphe d’Howard rests between Mont-Tremblant and Montreal. With plenty of lakes in the region and its very own ski resort at Mont Avalanche, St-Adolphe d’Howard stands out for its superb mountain trails. Year-round activities, like mountain biking, geocaching, hiking and skiing keep outdoor lovers coming back to this woodland community. Start your adventure to St-Adolphe d’Howard’s great outdoors from the comfort of the Aux Trois Girouettes cabin. Live in log-cabin luxury with easy access to Mont Tremblant, Montreal, and the great outdoor recreation offered in St-Adolphe d’Howard.
Click here to see all available St-Adolphe d’Howard properties.
St-Donat, Quebec
St. Donat is in the heart of the Laurentians, about 45 minutes Northeast of Mont-Tremblant. This scenic village looks out over two massive lakes, Lake Ouareau and Lake Archambault. Similar to other Laurentian villages, St. Donat offers many outdoor recreation opportunities: skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, golf and nautical sports. St. Donat’s lakes are large enough for larger boat activities, but beware, a monster is said to reside in Lake Archambault. So stay on the safe side at THIRDHOME‘s Lake Oureau property. With room for 10 guests and direct water access, this Northern retreat is sure to make for a wonderful summer vacation.
Click here to see all available St. Donat properties or click here to book your stay at Lake Ouareau Lakefront.
Lake Muskoka, Ontario
A National Geographic pick for Best Summer Trips, Lake Muskoka is Ontario’s “Cottage Country”. An aspiration for many, the lake cottage is Canada’s equivalent of the Florida beach house in the U.S. The remote cottage by the lake is an image that all Canadian’s associate with relaxation, water sports and summertime. The Lake Muskoka region is filled with events, art exhibitions and live music as a product of national tourism. THIRDHOME‘s Lake Muskoka Lake House is situated on small Browning Island, which sits in the middle of the lake. With an attached dock, this lake home is great for a summertime escape. Rent a boat for the week to hop around the various events that take place on Lake Muskoka’s shores such as wine tours, beer tastings and skiing shows. If you want to vacation like a Canadian, visit Lake Muskoka, and fall in love with “Cottage Country”.
Click here to see all available Lake Muskoka properties or click here to book your stay at Lake Muskoka Lake House.
Stratford, Ontario
Welcome to one of the best places to retire in Canada. Stratford is about 2 hours west of Niagra Falls and was named for Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s hometown in England. In honor of Shakespeare, Stratford holds the annual Stratford Festival where Shakespeare plays are still produced and performed from May to October. Alec Guinness famously spoke the first lines during Stratford’s first festival in 1953. Stratford is also famous for its beautiful white river swans. This wholesome and very walkable community can all be taken in from the vantage point of THIRDHOME‘s modern Tower House. Overlooking Lake Victoria, Tower House is a modernist structure inspired by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This 4-bedroom property’s interior is paneled with Douglas Fir making for a unique aesthetic. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare and small-town-charm, make Stratford a part of your plans next summer.
Click here to see all available Stratford properties or click here to book your stay at Tower House.
Toronto, Ontario
You can see why the idea of “Cottage Country” is romanticized in Ontario when most people living there reside in Toronto, North America’s fourth most populous metropolitan area behind Mexico City, New York City and Los Angeles. Toronto’s enormity has made it the tourist hub of Ontario. The Royal Ontario Museum of world culture and natural history, The Toronto Zoo, and several professional sports teams call Toronto home. The Eaton Center, a shopping mall, draws over 52 million tourists on its own annually. That’s more tourism than Disneyland and Disney World sees per year combined. You can experience the luxury shopping at Eaton Mall, and all of Toronto’s other tourist attractions from THIRDHOME‘s Rosedale Retreat. Found in Rosedale, one of Toronto’s most affluent neighborhoods, Rosedale Retreat offers upscale accommodations within walking distance of some of Toronto’s finest eateries. Discover The CN Tower and other Toronto marvels from this pristine location.
Click here to see all available Toronto properties or click here to book your stay at Rosedale Retreat.