Low and slow travel, staycations, workcations, wellness and walking: here are the top travel trends to look out for in 2022.
Top Travel Trends in 2022
1. Low travel
People will still be nervous about flying and will choose ‘low travel’ – transport low to the ground. Road, train and ferry travel will all be popular. These modes of transport allow travellers to physically distance more so than on aeroplanes. They can open windows, get fresh air and move around more. Ferry travel will also allow people to bring their own cars so that they can enjoy a road trip and not have to use public transport or rent a car. Speaking of which, renting a car is going to get more expensive in 2022 due to the global microchip shortage making the supply of new vehicles very tight. Prices will surge due to high demand and low stock.
2. Staycations
Many people have realised that exploring their country can be just as rewarding as a foreign holiday, and less stressful too. Add to this continued travel restrictions, countries closed to tourists and the uncertainty surrounding international travel and staycations will continue to be a popular holiday option in 2022. But rather than hitting the holiday hotspots, holidaymakers will seek out less crowded spots and head to the coast and countryside. Staycations also allow people to bring their furry family members on holiday too. With lots of pandemic puppies looking to go on holiday, more and more accommodation options are becoming pet friendly – another travel trend for 2022.
3. 3G travel
3G travel stands for three-generation travel. One of the top travel trends in 2022 will be multi-generational travel where children, parents and grandparents all go on holiday together. Many families will have been separated for long periods – over two years for some – so 2022 will see lots of reunion holidays where the extended family can get together and spend quality time with each other. This also leads to another trend, that of villa and cottage rental especially properties with private pools. This type of self-contained accommodation provides space for all the family to holiday together, without the need for interconnecting rooms, and reduces contact with other holidaymakers providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
4. Slow travel
For those people with pent up wanderlust, long haul travel will be very tempting. However, trips will be for a longer period and travel will be slower as holidaymakers look to enjoy as much of their destination as possible. People will want to connect with, get under the skin of and become fully immersed in the places they visit. They will take things a little slower and go to fewer places on a trip. People will travel more meaningfully and consciously than ever before. So, instead of rushing around ticking everything off a sightseeing list, travel will be more about how you do things and less about how many things you do.
5. Bleisure travel
Bleisure travel is a blend of business and leisure travel. We used to associate this type of travel with young ‘digital nomads’ but now it’s becoming a trend with people of all ages in many different industries. Bleisure travellers are people who extend work trips into mini-vacations or take a business trip where friends and/or family tag along or join the traveller when the work part of their trip is finished. With work becoming a lot more flexible now, Bleisure travel is opening up to a lot more people. This travel trend will grow and become even more popular in 2022 as remote working becomes more prevalent. No doubt we’ll be hearing the phrase ‘workcation’ a lot more in the next 12 months.
6. Walking holidays
The past 19 months saw lots of people take up walking and running as part of their daily exercise regime, and mental health care. As a result, many people have discovered or rediscovered their love of the great outdoors. This trend is already making its way into the travel sphere with a surge in interest in walking holidays this year, and they seem poised for greater popularity in 2022. Walking holidays are a great way to become absorbed in a destination and a great way to avoid crowds. From walking in Italy, trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp, hiking the Inca Trail to self-guided trips, the outdoor revolution looks set to be another top travel trend in 2022.
7. Wellness
During the past 19 months, self-care and wellness were a priority and necessity for many. This is a trend that will continue into 2022 as people seek out holidays where they can relax, rejuvenate and recharge. During the pandemic sales and downloads of wellness, yoga and mindfulness apps and online classes boomed and now that these can be taken off-line and enjoyed in person, these are the types of holidays many will book. Spa hotels, relaxation and yoga retreats, fitness and camps – travel that increases a sense of wellbeing – will be big business in 2022.
The post 2022 Travel Trends: The 7 Top Things To Watch Out For appeared first on BN.
