Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/796044
Top U.S. Destinations for 2017 Travelers Orlando is once again the most popular U.S. vacation destination for 2017, the second year in a row that the Florida city has captured the top spot, according to a new nationwide poll of travel experts. As part of its annual Travel Trends Survey, Travel Lead- ers Group polled 1,775 of its U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and front-line agents about the top domestic destinations they've booked for 2017. As the number one destination in the United States, Orlando was cited by 37.0 percent of respondents, fol- lowed by (2) Maui, Hawaii, 36.2 percent; (3) New York City, 34.1 percent; (4) Las Vegas, 32 percent; (5) Alaska cruises, 29.4 percent; (6) Honolulu, 20 percent; (7) Los Angeles, 17.8 percent; (8) Washington, DC, 14.9 percent; (9) San Francisco, 14.2 percent; and (10) Miami/Miami Beach, 12.9 percent. is summer, visitors to Orlando can step into Pandora – e World of Avatar at Disney World's Animal King- dom. ey'll experience the mythical realm of mountains and rainforests inspired by the movie "Avatar" through two excursions: the family-friendly Na'vi River Journey and Flight of Passage, a ride above Pandora on bird-like banshees. Lahaina, on Maui's west coast, was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. A walking tour is a great way to see its historic buildings. Lahaina is also the gateway to the beaches of Kaanapali and Kapalua. Maui's newest resort, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, opens this summer in Kaanapali, promising relaxation and an authentic Hawaiian experience. Millions of Americans can trace their ancestry to someone who passed through New York City's Ellis Island, which served as an immigration station from 1892 to 1954. On the 125th anniversary of those first arrivals in search of a better life, take a ferry from Lower Manhattan, past the Statue of Liberty, to tour the island and learn about its history. e stars will shine brightly on Las Vegas in 2017, with new acts and familiar faces. In February and May, Cher returns with a new show. Country music super- stars Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn extend their residency with multiple dates and for fans of 1990s boy bands, the Backstreet Boys will be in town in March. From coastal towns to majestic glaciers, Alaska cruises combine the best of land and sea. In 2017, Holland America celebrates its 70th year exploring Alaska by adding a seventh ship to its fleet that sails from April through September. Passengers on Princess Cruises can have chefs prepare their fresh catch aer fishing excursions, while Puppies in the Piazza brings sled dogs onboard. Art lovers should head to Honolulu this year for a major cultural event. e Honolulu Biennial takes place from March 8 to May 8 and will showcase the diversity of ideas, art and culture in all of the places connected by the Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii to Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Los Angeles has an ambitious cultural undertaking of its own in 2017. Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA runs from September 2017 to January 2018, and will explore Latin American and Latino culture from the perspec- tives of visual art, music, performance, literature and food. For help planning a trip anywhere across the United States, contact your travel agent. ~ Courtesy of Travel Leaders 16 Aerial photo of Lahaina Town, HI. Aloha-Hawaii.com