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After being cooped up for nearly two years, many families are itching to get back on the road again for new travel experiences. While the world is beginning to open up to travelers, there is still no doubt that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is the driving influence in the latest travel trends. Here are 10 of the top travel trends for the year 2022.
Last-Minute Travel
With the pandemic still disrupting travel, many travelers are shying away from booking trips far into the future. There is still a great amount of uncertainty surrounding travel in the coming months, making people hesitant about putting down a significant amount of money on trips that may be disrupted by COVID-19. This is making last-minute travel bookings a more attractive option to travelers who may have normally preferred to book far in advance. The most popular online travel portals are reporting an increase in the number of last-minute travel bookings, signaling that people are leaning into this way of travel.
Splurge-cations
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A new term is floating around the travel industry. Splurge-cations is being used to describe the lavish trips that people are now taking after two years of vacations being sidelined due to the pandemic. Not only do families have loads of vacation time to burn, but they have also had more time to save up and splurge. Maybe this means upgrading to the club-level suite or springing for first-class airfare? It could also mean being able to take a longer trip to a destination farther than you would normally travel.
Hobby Travel
You are not alone if you discovered a new hobby during this downtime over the last few years. Recognizing this, travel outfitters are offering a variety of vacation packages that encourage you to dive into this passion. Maybe this means booking a trip that incorporates cooking classes? Or perhaps you want to look into the options that combine travel with fashion show experiences? Sports fans may want to book a package that includes tickets to a major sporting event. The possibilities are endless when it comes to booking travel that supports your passion for a hobby.
All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts are also expected to see an uptick in business in the coming year. This is particularly true for the classic all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean or in Mexico. Rather than going at it on their own, travelers are choosing a more structured experience that does not require that they hunt for restaurant reservations and plan activities. Many all-inclusive resorts also offer an additional layer of protection from COVID-19 because the facilities are limited to registered guests. In this time of great uncertainty, this is an attractive option for those travelers wanting to limit their potential exposure to the virus.
National Parks Explosion
As travelers look to practice safe social distancing, it is no wonder that travel to the national parks is also still a popular vacation option. Travel to national parks has exploded in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. If you think you might want to hit the national park circuit this summer, you would be advised to nail down your lodging reservations now. A road trip to a national park also has the advantage of allowing you to be more flexible, something that travelers are looking for before booking that next trip.
Pet Travel
You are in luck if you want to travel with your pet. There is a growing trend in pet-friendly travel. More and more lodging accommodations are allowing you to bring your furry friend along for the fun. You may also find hotels that offer special amenities for your dog or cat through the use of a pet concierge service. This may include services such as pet sitting, dog walking, special pet bedding, on-site dog play areas, and more.
Road Trip Vlogging
It is not just enough to take a road trip these days. The latest trend in road trip vacations is to vlog your experience. Creating the perfect road trip aesthetic involves making a great playlist, finding the best graffiti walls and murals for your Instagram photos, and stopping at iconic roadside diners to document your culinary adventures. TikTok is the most popular platform to publish your vlog, however, you can find the option that works the best for your style.
Mindful Travel
It seems as if some travelers are finally learning to let go of their addiction to their devices. Mindful travel is making a comeback in 2022, encouraging travelers to find destinations and experiences to unplug from their phones. An overwhelming number of travelers are reporting that they want to spend less time on their devices so that they are fully immersed in their travel experience. This desire is in line with the need to find more contentment and mental peace as a result of travel. Mindful travel is forecast to continue to be a big trend in the months to come as people look to be more in the present.
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
If there is anything that the last few years have taught us, it is that life is short and should be enjoyed to the fullest. This has translated to travelers being more willing to step out of their comfort zone and dive into new experiences. Many travelers report wanting to try something new and exciting on their next trip. Travel companies are responding by increasing the number and variety of adventure travel packages. Maybe that is heading to Iceland to chase the Northern Lights or finally going on that African safari that you have been dreaming about.
Extended Travel
One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the shift to a more virtual workforce. This ability to work from anywhere has made it possible for travelers to indulge in longer trips. Now that you can take your work with you on the road, it is easy to take that extended trip so that you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. This is also making home shares an increasingly attractive option for those who want to become a part of a community on their travels.
These 10 trends will guide travelers in the year 2022. Find the trend that works for you and get started on satisfying your sense of wanderlust.
