We've seen some interestingtravel patterns emerge since 9/11. Despite all the talk of how Americans arestaying home, Europe is almost as popular as ever. Italy is still by far thenumber one destination for Americans heading abroad--I suppose largely becausethe U.S. dollar goes so far there. The runners up are Britain and France,followed by Spain, Germany and Ireland.
Americans are into safetravel this summer, which may explain the increasing popularity of Australia,Hawaii and Canada. Tourism to Hawaii--to Maui in particular--is soaring.Canadian tourism is helped by the amazing weakness of the Canadian dollarcompared to its U.S. counterpoint. There are extraordinary deals to be hadhere. Judging by the sale of Frommer's guidebooks, tourism to Montreal andQuebec City is at a record high. That makes sense, because French Canada givesAmericans an opportunity to visit a foreign country without wandering too farfrom home.
California tourism is up as well, as Americans get intheir cars with their families and go in search of their own country. The #1and #2 destinations for Americans, though, are--no surprise--Walt Disney Worldand Las Vegas. Entertainment is the name of the game in travel today. I guess thatcoming home with a tan line is just not enough any more.