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If you thought travel was back with a vengeance this year, you’re not wrong. Air traffic has reached around 70% of pre-pandemic levels globally, an impressive feat considering there were still operational and staffing constraints, not to mention border closures at some destinations.
While we’re thrilled to see tourism return to normal and a rebound, in some ways travel was crazy in 2022. Rental car shortages, crowded European capitals and sky-high airfares were just the beginning. Will travel in 2023 be so overwhelming? We’ve sifted through the data to give you an inside look at what travel trends to expect in the coming year.
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Travel Is Still a Priority
Inflation is hitting everyone’s bottom line, but so far it’s not enough to dissuade anyone from skipping their travel plans. See the article : The 10 Best Suitcases For All Types Of Travel. The US Travel Foundation expects travel spending to increase in 2023 compared to 2022 (or 2019, for that matter).
As a traveler, this means you should still expect completely full flights and lots of other visitors to popular travel spots. Deals may be harder to find as demand remains high, but there are still ways to save on travel in 2023.
Luxury Travel Is Here To Stay
For some, skipping travel in the midst of the pandemic meant travel budgets were higher once the world reopened. Read also : Philidelphians are traveling again, even if they feel it’s “inevitable” they’ll come back with COVID. Five-star hotels, flight upgrades and bespoke experiences are all on the table.
A Booking.com survey found that nearly half (49%) of respondents said they are likely to spend more on their next trip to make up for lost time. Perhaps more significantly, 43% of respondents are willing to go all out when it comes to cost. Younger travelers, in particular, intend to splurge. An Expedia study found that 80% of respondents aged 18-34 are willing to pay to improve their experience.
Here at Forbes Advisor, we’re not surprised. Mid-range hotels are cutting back on standard offerings by removing breakfast perks and housekeeping services, which makes true luxury hotels stand out even more than before. Similarly, airlines, rental cars, and attractions may be understaffed, which may mean you have to pay for a comfortable and convenient experience.
Currency Arbitrage Puts New Destinations on the Map
The US dollar is stronger than it has been in a long time, making international travel particularly attractive. At the beginning of December 2022, the dollar and the euro are almost 1 to 1, and currency exchange rates to many other popular destinations are also favourable. Read also : Travel’s Bumpy Covid Recovery Sees Best-ever Revenue, Lessons And Long Hurdles. Travelers have been heading to low-cost countries for years as a way to get more bang for their buck, but suddenly it’s not just Vietnam and Colombia that seem affordable. It’s almost everywhere.
We guarantee you won’t be the only one who can suddenly afford a trip to Japan, so you should expect some crowds in countries that are barely reachable. However, sharing the experience may be worth it if it means you can travel somewhere you otherwise couldn’t. You can also push that trip farther into the future in hopes that an initial surge will dampen but still maintain a strong dollar. Prepaying international travel expenses like hotel stays gives you today’s exchange rate, assuming you can fluctuate the cost.
U.S. Continues To Get Domestic Traffic
While international travel may seem convenient, the reality is that many travelers will stay in the United States. An Expedia survey found that 59% of respondents plan to plan travel within the United States, in lieu of or in addition to travel abroad.
Though the country is vast, the mentality of the travelers is not. The most sought-after destinations all had warm climates in common. If you’re looking to zig while others are zigzagging in 2023, put more temperate locations on your radar. If it’s all about the beach, plan to book early to lock in reservations while they’re still available.
Travelers Are Planning Ahead Again
Speaking of booking in advance, travelers are finally feeling comfortable locking in travel in advance. With ever-changing travel rules and restrictions, it often made sense to wait until the 11th hour to book a trip rather than face disappointment or last-minute attempts to adjust to new policies. Now, stability is relatively common again.
A study by Virtuoso found that travelers, on average, are booking trips earlier for 2023 than for 2019. Along the same lines, a survey by American Express Travel found that 50% of respondents were already thinking about where to go in the it’s summer 2023 .
What this means to you: If you’re going somewhere popular, book ahead. However, we’re optimistic that more spontaneous travelers won’t be out of luck as long as they remain flexible and open to opportunistic deals and packages.
“Hush” Trips Let Remote Workers Dip Their Toes Into Digital Nomadism
Digital nomadism was catching on even before remote working became commonplace. But for some individuals, full digital nomadism is too extreme. This is exactly why “quiet” travel has the potential to be the new travel trend in 2023. Remote workers pack their bags and head somewhere new for a limited amount of time (think a week or so). two, rather than all year) without ever telling the employer. So log in, get to work, and save some time to explore.
Vacation rentals make it easy for someone to set up a workspace away from home, but we’re seeing hotels jump on this bandwagon as well. Traditional properties cater to remote workers by offering discounts on extended stays. Other perks include having on-site pools, bars, and fitness centers so you can make the most of your workstation.
Regardless of Where or How You Go, Experiences Reign Supreme
The days of nothing but rest and relaxation are changing. According to a GetYourGuide survey, nearly all travelers want to spend at least part of their trip experiencing new or unique activities. In fact, 90% of respondents want to experience a destination “like a local,” and two-thirds of millennial respondents are especially concerned about whether it’s an authentic experience.
Even if everyone seems to be pursuing the same goal, there are a hundred different approaches to learning about the culture or trying something new. The internet can make it easier to find special tours and local events, but this could also be the year to go old school – put down top 10 lists and your phone and be willing to venture out on your own to see what you discover about your own .
Responsible Travel Is No Longer Niche
Hand in hand with the desire to see a destination the way the locals do, travelers are placing more emphasis on traveling responsibly. When you close the gap between tourist and local and create human connections, your impact as a traveler is more evident. A survey by Virtuoso found that customers want to benefit local people and the economy and are willing to pay more as a result.
Green travel, which has progressively gained more attention for a few years running, is just as important to some travellers. In the same Virtuoso survey, 70% of respondents said that traveling sustainably improves their experience. Meanwhile, travel and tourism practice YouGov believes we are at a major inflection point. They’ve already found that 44% of consumers try to make purchases (including travel) from socially and environmentally conscious companies.
These are also not difficult goals to achieve. More and more brands are making a commitment to deliver green and ethical travel experiences and sharing exactly how they’re making a difference so travelers can book with companies they align with.
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Bottom Line
For the most part, travel is returning to pre-pandemic levels, despite inflation and, at times, significant operational challenges in 2022. We expect travelers to travel to all corners of the globe, even if that means sometimes splurging and planning ahead seems to be a common theme. Plus, we’ll see even more emphasis on experiences once you’re at your destination and a renewed focus on responsible and sustainable travel throughout 2023.
