Sharing Travel Experiences

Reflecting on Travel from 2009 to 2010

by Andy Hayes

I have never understood the fascination with round-ups, predictions, and the other sort of array of content that comes out about this time of year.  But I’m never one to shy away from tradition (you can see for yourself how many of my 2009 predictions came true – several!), and there’s quite a few of you out there that love when I riff about ongoing topics in the industry.  So, with that, my thoughts looking back on 2009 and looking forward on 2010.

STE’s 2009 Year in Review

MSNBC calls 2009 the year of technology and terrorism.  I’d have to say I agree with them.  It has been a very interesting year:

• A global recession forced many big brands across the world (particularly in the UK) to close their doors.  However, a new workforce made up of ex-corporates who fled or were forced to go have opened up new small businesses.  The cycle ebbs and flows…
• Frugal and eco are the new black.  Just because it’s budget and green-friendly doesn’t mean it can’t be fabulous now.  And I’m all for that – travel more isn’t about big budgets, just big experiences.
• Further to that point, as you can see in this year end roundup from trendwatching.com, travel isn’t what you call it.  Travel is what you make it.

2009 marked a huge year for Sharing Travel Experiences too – everyone has to ‘grow up’ at some point in their lives, and STE is now an adult I’d say.  Consider all that’s happened in 2009:

• We moved to own pretty, shiny domain as well as our new slogan: travel more
• You probably didn’t notice, but we had to move to larger (read: more expensive!) servers to cope with the increased traffic to the site.
• We now have a team of writers to keep up with your inspiration needs
• We have an official editorial policy to ensure we have a clear guideline on commercial content
• And last but not least: our travel special offers are wildly popular, with travel wallpaper, recommendations, travel guides, travel concierge, and more.  We’ll be continuing to expand our offerings in 2010 based on your excellent feedback, but as always, everything listed will be hand-picked specials that are worthy of your time and ours.

If you haven’t had the chance to share with us your idea and feedback, please tell us what you think.  Most of the new ideas (from special offers to article series) come from you, our community.

STE’s Top 2010 Recommendations

So, I suppose at this point you’re wondering what we think will be hot destinations in 2010?  After all, Alex Fayle rightly said it, that 2010 is the year to travel more.  So, where are you going?  My view on top spots:

• Nepal:  Nobody is trying harder for tourism dollars than little ol’ Nepal.  But this is a can’t-miss stop – consider Shannon O’Donnell’s experiences in Nepal for an example of the amazing things to do there.
• Pecs (Hungary), Essen (Germany), and Istanbul (Turkey):  These are Europe’s 2010 Capitals of Culture and all outstanding places to visit in their own right.  Just because a place is bestowed this title doesn’t mean it’s any better or worse off than before, but I know these gems and they are must-sees.
• Cuba:  Every year that passes is a year closer to regime change in Cuba, and I’m not alone in the perspective that things will change drastically here when that happens.  When the American embargo collapses, the tourism business will change overnight.  So go now, while you can.  I know many Americans who are taking the risk (not naming any names of course) but think it is worth the effort.
• India:  I’d be remiss not to mention India in my 2010 recommendations, if for no other reason than nearly every single interviewee we meet each week mentions it.  The ones who don’t often haven’t been.  I’ve not been!  But there is something very very special about this place.
• Vancouver:  Vancouver is sporting a fresh coat of paint after preparation for the winter Olympics (going on in the next couple of months).  But the rest of the year it will be the same ol’ Vancouver, but if you  haven’t been, check it out.  I will be.    Everyone raves about it so there’s no excuses.

Tip:  If you get stuck, check out our free travel recommendation tool.  Short of that, send Donna, our travel concierge, an email.  She’s always got loads of ideas.  (Or hell, email me – we’re all here to help.)

Happy 2010!

Let me be one of many to wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010.  I hope it is everything you wanted – especially if you want it to be a travel more year.

Photos by alpha du centaure, Marina & Enrique