A new study has just revealed the biggest travel trends of the year so far.
According to Allianz Partners, a travel insurance company, these are the hottest trends that travelers are participating in this year.
The company has revealed its 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index, which surveys thousands of Americans about their upcoming travel plans.
Here are the results of this year’s study, including the top four trends of 2023 that travelers are interested in right now.
1. Wellness And Self-Care Travel
The biggest travel trend of the year is wellness and self-care travel. According to those surveyed, more than half of travelers (54%) in the 18 to 34 age group are interested in wellness and self-care while traveling, while 41% of travelers aged 35 to 54 make it a priority.
Wellness resorts and retreats focusing on wellness activities like yoga are very popular this year. Within the United States, popular wellness destinations include Arizona, California, and Hawaii.
Travelers are looking to relax, unwind, and unplug on wellness and self-care vacations. These types of trips often have an emphasis on spa treatments, wellness activities, and healthy eating. It’s all about using your time off to focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
2. Pay-cations
Another one of the biggest trends of the year is the “pay-cation.” Much like the concept of “bleisure” (combining business and leisure), “pay-cations” are a fairly new trend born out of the massive shift to remote work in the past few years.
Now that many employees have unprecedented flexibility when it comes to full-time or part-time remote work, they are taking full advantage of that and traveling while they work.
According to the Vacation Confidence Index, 43% of Americans aged 18 to 34 are interested in taking a pay-cation, while more than a quarter (26%) of travelers aged 35 to 54 have it on their radar.
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for a pay-cation due to its proximity to the U.S. (and being in the same time zones), fast Internet, and beautiful beaches.
3. Solo Travel
Solo travel is another travel trend that has been heating up. Gone are the days of postponing your dream trip because your significant other, friends, or family can’t make it. Travelers are now putting themselves first and making the journey solo.
Right now, 41% of travelers aged 18 to 34 said they are planning a solo trip this year, while 31% of those aged 35 to 54 are planning to travel solo.
Solo female travel is a major trend, and more women in relationships are now traveling solo. Traveling alone can be an empowering and fulfilling experience. Many travelers also enjoy the freedom and flexibility that traveling solo offers.
4. Traveling With Pets
Finally, a major trend right now is traveling with pets. While in the past, travelers have put their pets in the kennel or hired a pet sitter, it’s now becoming more and more common to travel with your furry friends.
Although it depends on the destination, many places, especially within the United States, have become more pet-friendly in recent years. Many hotels are pet-friendly and offer pet amenities at no extra fee, and many restaurants and other venues are also welcoming to pets.
Traveling with pets still comes with some challenges, but for many travelers, it’s worth it to experience a new destination with their furry friend.
According to the Vacation Confidence Index, 41% of travelers between the ages of 18 and 34 and 36% of travelers between the ages of 35 and 54 plan to travel with their pets this year.
