Travel trends for Arizonans in 2017 to include cruises, Cuba and cocktails

PHOENIX — If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, then you’re in luck. Triple-A of Arizona has predicted the five top travel trends for 2017 — and they include getting far, far away from the Valley of the Sun.

Among the top predicted travel trends in the new year are taking European cruises, visiting Cuba, traveling to Iceland, exploring Belize or adventuring to Alaska.

Amy Moreno, senior travel manager for AAA Arizona, said in a press release that the travel theme of 2017 is “exploring places that are less traveled.”

“Travelers are looking for unique experiences and want to be among the first to explore and share these up-and-coming destinations,” the press release read.

The organization predicts that cruising will become more popular in 2017 because it is “one of the best ways to take advantage of big savings and see some unique places in the world.”

Alaskan cruises are predicted to be a hot commodity, with several cruise lines expanding trips to the state to keep up with demand. Cruises to the 49th state run from May to September, so there’s plenty of time to escape the heat and see some beautiful scenery.

Cuba could be a hot travel spot in the new year, since President Barack Obama worked to lift travel restrictions to the country earlier this year. Obama himself even took a trip to Havana with his family in March, making him the first sitting president to visit the country in nine decades.

If you’re looking to escape the warm Arizona heat this summer, think about visiting Iceland or Alaska. Triple-A of Arizona predicts that Iceland will top the list of unusual destinations due to its “breathtaking scenery, the famous Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights.”

But for those who don’t mind the sun, Triple-A suggests taking a trek over to Belize and endulging in its “beaches and countryside, fantastic water sports and ancient Mayan ruins, making it both a relaxing and adventurous place to visit.”

No matter where you go in the new year, even if you stay in Arizona, pledge to make 2017 memorable.