Winter Resorts, New York and Brazil Are Orbitz Travel Hotspots in 2014

The 2014 travel hotspots will reflect interest in major sporting events that will drive visitors to winter resorts inspired by the Winter Olympics as well as destinations like New York and Brazil, hosting the Super Bowl and World Cup, respectively. Additionally, the bright outlook for the economy will spur more luxury-style vacations, according to this year’s Orbitz Look Ahead Insider Index, compiled by Orbitz global team of travel experts and editors.

2014 TRAVEL HOTSPOTS

North America Ski Destinations: 

The 2014 Winter Games are rapidly approaching and some travelers will be looking to have the Olympic experience closer to home. “There will be a ton of interest to winter sport destinations that are more accessible and far less expensive than traveling to Sochi,” said David De Lalio, ski region senior market manager for Orbitz. “There are resorts in Whistler, Lake Placid, Lake Tahoe and Park City that that have previously hosted the Games and have venues and great lodging where travelers can have a personalized experience.”

World Cup Fever South of the Equator: 

Brazil has always allured travelers, and as the host for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, its popularity is only growing. The FIFA World Cup (June 12-July 13) is considered the “biggest single-event sporting competition in the world” and will energize the South American continent with athletic matchups for a month. As one of the most exotic locations in the world, Brazil has more than 2,000 beaches and over 1,000 islands for travelers to soak up the warm, relaxing weather. Visitors can also experience the pinnacle of Brazilian culture during the Carnaval of Brazil (March 1-4), showcasing some of the most vibrant costumes, exhilarating Samba routines and sensational music that defines the enthusiastic Brazilian culture. Sao Paolo plays host to the world’s largest Pride Parade in June and Grand Prix Formula 1 on Nov. 9.

“Brazil will be the place to be in 2014,” said Yumi Nakayama, Brazil’s market manager at Orbitz. “From their annual festivals to international icons such as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, travelers will be welcomed by friendly locals and pristine weather to experience all Brazil has to offer.”

Experiencing the “Big Game” in the Big Apple: New York will be the focus for football fans everywhere as the Big Game is played at MetLife Stadium this February. Leading up to the “Big Game,” New York’s famed Broadway (between 34th and 47th Streets) will transform into “Super Bowl Boulevard” – a free, interactive football-themed experience where visitors can score autographs, take themed photos, and ride down a wintery slide in honor of the first, cold-weather open-air Super Bowl. Those traveling to experience the fanfare should book early – Orbitz is showing room prices up 44 percent over the previous weekend. “This is the first Big Game to be hosted by two states,” said John Israel, regional director for the Northeast region of Orbitz Worldwide. “During this year’s game New York will be filled with more than sports fans, people will be traveling just to experience the city and all of the parties and nightlife that will be taking place during the weekend.”

2014 also marks the historic opening of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building, One World Trade Center, commemorating the 9/11 tragedy and symbolizing the perseverance of America’s largest city. New York is prepared to welcome more than 54.3 million visitors this year1 – domestic and international – looking to experience one of the world’s most diverse and exciting cities.