Rio de Janeiro, The Bahamas and Eight More Vacation Spots That Draw Hispanic Millennials
Latinos vacation and spend more liberally than non-Latinos. Affluent non-Hispanics spend about $7,000 on international vacations compared to affluent Latinos, who spend $8,700. About 48 percent of modestly paid Hispanics spend $5,000 or more on domestic vacations, and 9 percent spend more than $10,000.
Latinos are more likely to fly to their destinations, and they are more likely to travel with larger families that include four or more family members.
Urban areas with large Hispanic populations tend to draw more Hispanic vacationers, compared to other destinations in the U.S. And when traveling abroad, Hispanics like to go where they have a semblance of kinship and relative roots. Latinos often visit friends and family, who tend to live in Latino-heavy areas such as New York, Nevada, California, Texas and Florida. And Hispanic travelers are also more likely to visit casinos and theme parks in California (Disney Land), Florida (Disney World) and Nevada (The Vegas Strip).
The Caribbean, Mexico and South America are also ideal destinations. When there, Latinos are more likely to travel in groups, and they're more likely to be led by Spanish-speaking tour guides (even if they happen to speak English).
With all of the money being spent on travel, it's time to explore what destinations Latinos, particularly Latino millennials, are dying to visit.
1. New York City, New York
Worldwide, New York is known to have indisputable allure. Anyone familiar with American film, theater or television will recognize the iconic skyline and diverse crowds bustling through the wide-set streets. New York is an ideal vacation spot for Latinos because there's a huge and diverse Latino population, a variety of Latin American cuisine and a tourist industry that does not quit.
2. Puerto Escondido and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Mexico is where you're likely to find pristine sand lining some of the world's most luxurious beaches. The Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido has beginner-friendly waves for surfers, as well as a place for boogie boarding. Riviera Nayarit sits at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It has nearly 200 miles of sandy beaches, and vacationers love the whale watching tours in the Bay of Banderas.
3. Guyana
Guyana offers an incredible variety of experiences to be enjoyed. The Kaieteur Falls, the South Rupununi Brazilian border town and the House of Flavors (a Rastafarian restaurant that serves only one dish) are must-sees. Also, Shell Beach Adventures and the Iwokrama Rainforests are terrific places to visit.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The second largest city in Brazil, Rio is a city that has tourist-friendly elegance. The white-beach sands, deep blue bodies of water, massive mountains, rainforests and open-air cafes are unmatched.
5. Barahona and Ciudad Colonial de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Breathtaking sights and thought-provoking history make the Dominican Republic unlike anywhere else. The architecture, the electric city life, the welcoming people and the rich food entices visitors from all around the world.
6. Canouan, The Caribbean
Warm waters, white sands, floral scents and vibrant colors make Canouan an ideal tropical hideaway. The paradise offers visitors refined resorts, discreet wooded areas and plenty of posh restaurants.
7. Puerto Rico
The island's charm is undeniable. Despite the municipality's economic woes, its tourist economy continues to function with enthusiasm. Sand, water and fun are promised at Balneario de Carolina and Balneario de Luquillo. The "comida criolla" (traditional street meat) and "paradores" (inexpensive inns scattered throughout the island's countryside) makes Puerto Rico that much more affordable.
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The European-like city has amazing nightlife, terrific shopping and outstanding cuisine. The city is also alive with movement, in the forms of music and dance, and trendy establishments, stunning scenery and countless tours to help visitors explore.
9. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is stylish and artful. It has youthful vibrancy and an old world charm. The city is alive with theatres, cultural centers, dance and truly inspiring artwork. The masterful medieval cathedrals are only rivaled by the area's pulsating nightlife.
10. The Bahamas
Cable Beach, the Dolphin Experience and the Marine Habitat at Atlantic: the Bahamas has it all. The island beckons visitors with its duty-free shops, excursions, top-notch accommodations, wildlife preserves and endless collection of diverse resorts and activities.