Travel Trends 2023: The Top 10 Trends To Watch

The year 2023 is shaping up to be a big one for travel. With the world reopen, people are eager to get out and explore. But what does the future of travel hold? Here are some of the biggest travel trends to expect throughout 2023.

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel is one of the most popular travel trends in 2023. According to Skyscanner, more than 1 in 4 global respondents said travel-related sustainability is more important to them now compared to pre-pandemic.

In 2023, we can expect to see even more people choosing to travel in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. This could mean choosing to stay in eco-friendly hotels, using public transportation, eating local food and choosing destinations that promote sustainable tourism.

Some travel retailers like Booking.com, have a Sustainable filter - this shows hotels that take steps to make your stay more sustainable.

Travelling Solo

In 2023, we can expect to see even more people travelling by themselves. Solo travel can be a great way to meet new people, learn about yourself, and have some fun. Skyscanner has found that 51% of travellers from the UK, see travelling alone to be good for their mental health.

If you're thinking about taking a solo trip, here are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable:

Plan your trip carefully: Do your research and make sure that you have a good plan for your trip. This includes things like where you're going to stay, what you're going to do, and how you're going to get around.
Be open to new experiences: One of the best things about solo travel is that you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you need help with something, don't be afraid to ask for it. There are plenty of people who are willing to help solo travellers, and there are also a number of resources available to you.

Slow Travel

Slow travel is a travel trend that emphasises taking your time and savouring the experience of travel.

In 2023, more people will be staying in one place for longer periods of time, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and taking their time getting to their destination. Slow travel is a great way to connect with the places you visit and the people you meet.

Wellness Travel

As people continue to prioritise their health and well-being, wellness travel is becoming more popular. This means more people are choosing destinations and activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care.

Some popular types of wellness travel include:

Yoga/Meditation retreats: These retreats typically involve several days of yoga classes, as well as other activities such as meditation, hiking, and healthy eating. TDactive Holidays has many yoga holidays - perfect to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Spa retreats: These retreats focus on relaxation and pampering, and typically involve a variety of spa treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps. TUI has a wide range of spa and relaxation holidays for you to choose from.
Wellness tours: These tours combine travel with wellness activities, and typically involve visiting different wellness destinations such as yoga studios, meditation centres, and spas. G Adventures have a great selection of wellness tours from all over the globe.

Digital Nomadism

As more people work remotely, the concept of digital nomadism is becoming more popular. This means that people are travelling while they work, often staying in destinations for extended periods of time. This trend also leads to the rise of co-living and co-working spaces, where digital nomads can work and live together.

There has also been an increase in countries launching digital nomad visas this year including Barbados, Croatia, Greece, Mexico and Spain. Working while travelling has many benefits including more flexibility, extended breaks and globetrotting.

Local Travel

As people become more interested in exploring their own backyards, local travel is becoming more popular. This means that people are choosing to travel within their own country or region, rather than going abroad. This trend is also leading to an increased interest in rural destinations and small towns.

Here are some local travel trends that are popular in 2023:

Staycations: Staycations are a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Staycations can include activities such as visiting local attractions, trying new restaurants, or simply spending time in nature.
Road trips: Road trips are a great way to see the country and explore new places. They are also a more affordable option than flying. Road trips can be planned around specific destinations, or they can be more spontaneous, taking you wherever the open road leads.
Camping: Camping is a great way to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a more affordable option than staying in hotels or motels. Camping can be done in a variety of settings, from primitive campsites to RV parks. If you prefer glamping, check out our glamping guide.
Exploring local history: Exploring local history is a great way to learn about the past and connect with your community. Many towns and cities have museums, historical sites, and other places to learn about their history.

Technology Integration

As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming more integrated into the travel experience. This includes the use of virtual reality to preview destinations, and artificial intelligence to personalise travel recommendations.

The Metaverse will offer a new way to experience travel in the years to come with the ever-evolving 3D virtual space. According to Booking.com, 43% of global travellers have reported they will be using virtual reality to inspire their holiday choices going forward. While the Metaverse will offer new ways to experience travel, it won't stop people from travelling completely. 60% of travellers don't see virtual reality as fulfilling enough compared to travelling.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are always top of mind for travellers, and 2023 is no exception. Here are some safety and security travel trends expected throughout 2023:

Growing demand for travel insurance: Travel insurance can provide peace of mind for travellers and help protect them in unexpected events. In 2023, we can expect to see a growing demand for travel insurance, as travellers become more aware of the risks associated with travel.
Increased use of technology for safety and security: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the safety and security of travellers. For example, some airlines now use facial recognition technology to speed up the boarding process. Other airlines, like British Airways, use biometric data to create personalised recommendations for activities and accommodations.
Looking for destinations that prioritise safety: Travellers will be looking for accommodations that prioritise health and safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning protocols and contactless check-in.

Experience-based Travel

In 2023, we can expect to see even more people choosing to travel for experiences - this could mean taking cooking classes, learning a new language, or going on a safari. Experience-based travel is a great way to learn and grow while also having fun.

With companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX making significant progress in commercial space travel, it is expected that space tourism will become more accessible in the coming years. This will allow for a completely unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Micro-adventures

Micro-adventures are short, low-cost trips that are designed to give people a sense of adventure without having to travel far or spend a lot of money. These could be anything from hiking in a nearby forest to a day trip to a nearby town or city. Micro-adventures are a great way to explore and connect with nature.

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for travel, with new trends and challenges emerging daily. Whether you're a sustainability-minded traveller, a wellness enthusiast or a customisation-seeker, there are plenty of options to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today and raise FREE donations when you book through Give as you Live Online!

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