Celebration Vacations

Celebrate a Special Occasion on Vacation

We've all celebrated birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions by enjoying a night out with friends and family at a favorite restaurant; but, have you ever taken a vacation wrapped around a special event? If you have, then you're right in step with what is becoming an increasing trend in travel — Celebration Vacations.

Vacations That Celebrate Life Events

In a national survey, conducted by Ypartnership in June 2008, almost three-quarters of the almost 4,600 adults surveyed revealed they have taken a vacation primarily to celebrate a special occasion. Those adults less than 35 years of age were more likely to have taken such a vacation than adults over 55 years of age.

Peter C. Yesawich, whose marketing services firm authored the survey, said, "The motivations revealed in this fascinating piece of work suggest that vacations are increasingly viewed as an appropriate way to either recognize or reward the participants for some event of great significance in their lives. As such, we call them 'Celebration Vacations'."

What "life events" might qualify for such extravagance? Survey respondents were asked to rate the life events of greatest personal significance, then identify those they were most likely to celebrate by taking a special vacation. The respondents chose:

• A "milestone" anniversary. Milestone anniversaries included 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 50th and 75th.
• Honeymoon
• Family reunion
• First vacation with children
• Wedding
• Joining of families/family honeymoon
• A "milestone" birthday. Milestone birthdays might include 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90 and 100.
• Anniversary
• Retirement
• School or college reunion
• Quinceaneras
• School graduation
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah

The study also noted that leisure travelers with children in the household "were more likely than those without children to agree that 'rewarding performance' is an appropriate reason for taking a vacation.

Celebration Vacation 101

Exactly what constitutes a "Celebration Vacation?" Celebration Vacations are most likely to...

• ... be planned around and include the special event being celebrated.
• ... include more people in the traveling party than a traditional vacation.
• ... include a longer length of stay.
• ... be planned longer in advance.
• ... have a larger budget.

Motivations for taking Celebration Vacations vary, but approximately three-fourths did so to reconnect with family. A comparable percentage did so to mark a special moment for someone or create a special memory for someone.

Celebration Vacation Destinations

When those surveyed were asked about the destinations they would most like to visit with children on a Celebration Vacation, respondents cited Walt Disney World's theme parks, Hawaii, Florida other than Walt Disney World, Europe and the Caribbean.

Surprisingly, respondents without children in their household also mentioned Walt Disney World as the preferred destination with a comparable frequency to those with children. The same response came from those surveyed that were over 55 years of age versus those between 21 and 34 years of age.

Celebration Vacation Activities

When asked, respondents of the survey indicated they were most likely to participate in the following activities:

• Enjoy a special meal
• Buy souvenirs
• Do more photography/video
• Stay in nicer accommodations
• Dine in fancier restaurants
• Travel farther

What This Trend Means

This new trend comes on the heels of another well-advertised vacation experience with a catchy name — stay-cations. Stay-cations became popular over the summer as gasoline and other travel costs soared. Would-be vacationers that couldn't afford to travel became willing hometown tourists that stayed overnight in their own homes, but by day enjoyed fun things to do in their own cities or nearby attractions.

One has to wonder if the travel industry is simply inventing these trends to conjure up business. Even if that were true, travelers get the benefit by taking advantage of special offers and packages that might not otherwise materialize.

The implications of the Celebration Vacation trend is pretty clear. Look for airlines, attractions, hotels and resorts to begin promotions meant to lure celebrating families with special vacation packages and offerings. Already, Disney has launched its first-ever Celebration Vacation offer — in 2009, everyone who visits a Disney theme park, whether Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, on their birthday can get in free.

At an announcement in New York on September 18 and quoted in a Disney Company press release, Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said, "Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year. We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new 'celebration vacation' trend to Disney Parks."

Considering that Disney topped the list of Celebration Vacation destinations because it offered activities that adults and children can enjoy together, it isn't surprising that they might make memory-making experiences available to celebrating families.

Rasulo continued, "We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration. Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they'll never forget. And, when our cast members get involved, it feels as if the entire park is celebrating along with you."

Details are available by visiting www.disneyparks.com, where you can register for your free ticket. Simply bring along your photo ID (passport or driver's license) for adults or birth certificate for children and pick up your free ticket at the will call booth.

Competition is sure to demand that other popular theme parks follow with their versions of Celebration Vacation specials, so check your calendar for the next family milestone and start planning your own "celebration vacation."

Editor's Note: Survey results were provided by Ypartnership.