It’s only weeks into the new year and already you may feel like you are behind if you haven’t started planning your annual vacation! Industry experts predict the next 12 months will mark a worldwide return to travel. Those insiders say 2023 will be exciting and different – here are some of the trends to watch for:
SLOW TRAVEL: the doubling down on authentic, immersive experiences looks like a sure thing for this year. Instead of just checking off a box and visiting as many locations as possible, slow travel encourages us to engage with local communities and non-profit partners in the destinations we visit. Walking and bike tours, cooking classes, language classes are all ways to give vacationers more purposeful experiences.
Taking your time to smell the roses is certainly not a new concept – but one that will be gaining in popularity once again.
ACTIVE VACATIONS: Our activity levels picked up during the pandemic years. With the renewed focus on being outdoors to social distance, walking, hiking, biking (even if it was on a Peloton) became more popular. Now, an increased need for an active lifestyle is informing the choices travelers are making. Multi-sport trips (think of a variety of cycling, rafting, horseback riding) are growing in popularity. Travel is mirroring the need to create more of a healthy lifestyle for many and the trend doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon.
JAPAN AND ASIA: The continent was one of the last places to lift covid restrictions and now it is seeing a surge in interest from travelers everywhere. Japan, in particular, seems to be on everyone’s wish list. Whether you are interested in art, culture, food, outdoor adventure or cherry blossom viewing – Japan’s iconic nature makes it a very hot destination. Add Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore to the list of popular places and it puts Asia as a number one destination for 2023.
BLEISURE : The awkward word combining Business and Leisure Travel is gaining in momentum. Increasingly, business travelers are adding a few days at the finish of their trip to enjoy a destination. Remote work options have only made this more prevalent as staying extra time does not necessarily mean you have to take vacation time – instead you can work from wherever you are.
This flexibility in the work dynamic means longer stays – which means more immersive experiences – means slow travel. Which is where we started.
Enjoy your travel planning!