Imagine seeing the world, staying in luxury hotels and having every step of your itinerary planned for you so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your journey. It’s no surprise that guided vacations are becoming more and more popular, as they allow travelers to truly experience their destination without any worries or concerns.

“Imagine meeting a fifth generation Croatian oyster farmer and having this gentleman pull oysters out of the Adriatic Sea, shuck them in front of you and then enjoy them with local homemade wine,” said Anthony Rich, of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. “You’re talking about an experience - you’re taking part in local customs and eating local farm-to-table food - it’s a completely immersive experience.”

Rich says Croatia is an emerging destination, while the top three current destinations all begin with the letter I – Italy, Iceland and Ireland.

Along with Croatia, Rich says Egypt is making a comeback, while national parks are popular along with Spain and Portugal.

Guided holidays are very popular with baby boomers and are growing in popularity with millennials who want to experience new cultures. “Vacation is about the memories and the fun - it’s about the experience,” said Brian Murray, director of travel at AAA Western and Central New York. “With a guided vacation, no one has to drive or navigate, so everyone gets to enjoy the travel experience.”

The guided option is an alternative to FIT – fully independent travel. According to Rich, FIT can also mean fighting international travel!

“We offer an element of luxury. What we specialize in are experiences. We take you behind the scenes and immerse you in the culture,” Rich said. “At the Sistine Chapel, we enter before it opens to avoid the crowds. At the Vatican, we have after hours with a dinner in the Vatican.”

And if you’re looking to stay in luxurious worldwide hotels and enjoy fine dining and VIP access along the way, Luxury Gold has five star options where travelers don’t have to check in, open doors, or carry bags – it’s all done for them with a traveling concierge as well.

If that sounds like music to your ears, you’ll enjoy the musical aspect that comes with traveling with Insight Vacations since, according to Rich, “everything in life needs a soundtrack.” Travelers can find soundtracks for destinations on Spotify and once a trip is booked, travelers will receive a soundtrack as well. 

If you’d like more information about escorted vacations through Insight Vacations or Luxury Gold, simply call 1-855-862-6651 or stop into your AAA Travel & Insurance Center for more information.
 

Anthony was a special guest on AAA's Talking Travel on WECK Radio. Listen to the episode here.

AAA's Talking Travel airs on WECK Buffalo Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. Tune in at www.WECKBuffalo.com!