Travel is finally back, and the industry is making a rapid recovery after being forced to shut down due to government restrictions. However, many aspects of the travel landscape have changed over the past few years, with new trends and ways of travel emerging.
These are the top travel trends that will change the way you travel in 2023 and beyond, according to the results of a survey conducted by booking engine Booking.com.
During the pandemic, many people re-evaluated and re-prioritized what’s important to them in life, and that includes travel.
While most of the world was accessible due to government restrictions in 2020 and 2021, this year has finally seen a true resurgence in travel as more countries around the world drop all COVID-related travel restrictions.
Booking.com surveyed more than 24,000 travelers, identifying the following trends for 2023 as travel continues to be reimagined.
1. Off-Grid Travel
It’s no surprise that off-grid experiences are one of the top trends for 2023. Many travelers are ready to disconnect from the constant distraction of their devices and get back to nature.
Nearly 60% of travelers surveyed are looking for vacations that allow them to escape reality and totally unplug. A similar number responded that they are even interested in learning survival skills on their off-grid vacation, like building a fire or foraging for food.
Camping will continue to grow in popularity, along with guided eco-tours and luxury “glamping” experiences.
2. Cultural Experiences
More travelers than ever are ready to experience new cultures and experiences on their 2023 travels.
Rather than kicking back at an all-inclusive resort, nearly three-quarters of U.S. travelers want to be pushed out of their comfort zone on their next trip, with many saying they want to experience new cultures, food, and languages, and travel to underrated destinations around the world.
Next year will be a great time to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world with burgeoning tourism industries.
3. Nostalgic Travel
Out of 24,000 travelers surveyed, 90% said they are interested in nostalgic getaways, making this one of the top travel trends of 2023.
What does nostalgic travel look like? More than 60% of travelers are interested in visiting theme parks like Disney World, whose rapidly growing demographic of adult fans love visiting the parks of their childhood memories (or starting a new tradition as adults.)
More than half of travelers are also interested in “family reunion” trips and multi-generational trips, which is no surprise given the importance of spending time with family after many were kept apart for so long.
4. Wellness Retreats
Wellness travel is a niche within the industry that is experiencing explosive growth.
Nearly half of travelers are interested in getaways that focus on mindfulness and meditation next year, while others are interested in retreats that focus on health or spirituality.
Wellness getaways that are restorative for the mind, body, and spirit are one of the biggest trends for 2023 and beyond. Rather than coming back from a vacation feeling worn out and exhausted from trying to do as much as possible, wellness getaways allow you to come home feeling refreshed.
5. Bucket List Trips
Finally, travelers are prepared to splurge on their bucket list trips in 2023. Many people have realized that life is too short to put off those dream destinations for “someday” and are ready to make their travel dreams a reality now.
Close to half of travelers admitted they are willing to spend more to maximize their vacation and make sure every experience is worth it.
But they’re going about it in a budget-savvy way: Two-thirds of travelers said they will focus on travel hacking, deals, and timing to get the most bang for their buck, while even more said that budget is an important consideration when planning travel.
