• Away from Europe: The weak dollar is cutting into western European travel. According to a U.S. Tour Operators Association survey, bookings have dropped significantly — for some companies by as much as 20 percent. A lot of travelers are shifting to Asia and South and Central America.

China bookings are up by 21 percent, says Morris Murdock's Potts. Workman has also noticed more China bookings — but before or after, not during, the Olympics. People are going to other parts of Asia, as well: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand. "People seem to be filling in parts of Asia they haven't seen."

According to AP, the Commerce Department reported that travel to Central America was up by 8 percent and South America 7.6 percent last year. Those trends are expected to continue.

• On the river: Cruising in general is up, but many tour companies report that river cruising is the hottest thing going in that area right now. Pick a major river anywhere, and you can likely find a cruise. They seem to be especially popular in Europe and Eastern Europe, where staying on the boat can offset some of the euro's strength, but China and Egypt are also popular. On most rivers, the boats are smaller and the ports easily accessible, adding to the appeal.

• Adventures galore: According to one travel analyst, more and more of today's travelers are "sight-doing, not just sightseeing." Everything from cooking classes to bicycle tours to trekking to quilting retreats are attracting interest.

• Climate travel: Eco-travel — visiting nature at its unspoiled best — has seen increasing growth for the past decade or more. Experts say that will continue. But the most recent trend is visiting places threatened by climate change. People want to see glaciers before they melt and polar bears and penguins before they become too threatened.

• Beaches: Americans love beaches, always have and always will, travel analysts say. According to the Travel Industry Association, "American beach travelers take longer vacations and spend more money on their trips." Those beaches may be on the East Coast, the West Coast or the Gulf Coast; they may be in Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. They may even be in more exotic locations. But they will continue to draw visitors.

• Specialty groups: The travel industry continues to cater to various groups: the single traveler, the couples-only travelers, the traveler who shares a common interest, such as bird-watching or shopping.

"The big thing we're seeing now is girlfriend getaways," Potts said. A group of women may take off for a weekend at a spa or a shopping expedition in New York.