Caribbean cruises, Cancun and London are popular vacation destinations for Americans – NRToday.com

Caribbean cruises and Cancun are the top two international vacation destinations for Americans in 2017 just as they were last year, but with the value of the U.S. Dollar at near record highs, London moves up a notch to number three in a new survey of travel professionals.

As part of its annual Travel Trends Survey, Travel Leaders Group polled 1,689 of its U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline agents about the international destinations theyve booked for 2017.

A Caribbean cruise is the number one international destination for 2017, as cited by 37.6 percent of respondents. Caribbean cruises are followed by (2) Cancun, Mexico, 31.2 percent; (3) London, 26.9 percent; (4) European river cruises, 21.8 percent; (5) Rome, 20.5 percent; (6) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 17.3 percent; (7) Paris, 15.4 percent; (8) Mediterranean cruises, 15.1%; (9) Montego Bay, Jamaica, 14.4%; and (10) Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Mexico, 12.5%.

Fans of Caribbean cruises will have more options in 2017, with several new ships setting sail from South Florida including Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship. Highlights include 20 dining options, a full-service spa, seven iconic neighborhoods to stroll through, a kids water park and the tallest slide at sea.

Pristine beaches make Cancun one of Mexicos top tourist destinations. But theres plenty of entertainment to go with the sand and sun.

The Brexit decision by British voters to leave the European Union has sent the pound plummeting, making a London vacation significantly less expensive than its been in years. Among the years must-see events will be a tribute to Princess Diana on the 20th anniversary of her death.

Kensington Palace opens Diana: Her Fashion Story opened last week, with some of her most iconic outfits on display.

European river cruises continue to find exciting ways to tempt travelers.

Avalon Waterways is offering a new 9-day trip along the Danube from Linz, Austria, to Budapest, Hungary. The journey includes excursions for passengers who want to maintain an active pace, from a running tour of Vienna to canoeing, hiking and biking.

The city of Rome celebrates its birthday on April 21, and the Natale di Roma is a fun time to be in the Italian capital, with street performers, historic reenactments, parades and live music spread out across the city. Therell be special events in the week leading up to the celebration, too.

Travelers seeking relief from the winters cold will find a haven in sunny Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. A highlight is the Punta Cana Carnival on the second Saturday in March, featuring a parade of dancers and musicians that offers a showcase for the countrys rich culture.

More Americans are booking trips to Paris in 2017, as the City of Light moves up to 7th place in the survey, from 11th in 2016. Iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame will be joined by a new museum dedicated to designer Yves Saint Laurent.

To plan a vacation anywhere in the world, contact Travel Leaders/Fly Away Travel 541-672-5701.

Reporter Dan Bain can be reached at 541-957-4221 or e-mail at dbain@nrtoday.com.

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Caribbean cruises, Cancun and London are popular vacation destinations for Americans - NRToday.com