International travel is slowly but surely recovering after two years of the pandemic. Looking forward to 2022, it seems like the next year’s travel trends will be heavily influenced by this time of limited travel. Travellers want to get back out and see the world, albeit cautiously. Here are a few of our travel trend predictions for next year.
We’ll travel by train
As sustainability becomes even more of a buzzword, travellers will seek out more eco-friendly ways to see the world. Short haul flights across land will likely be replaced by more and more people choosing to travel by train. This also links in with the expansion of new lines and the addition of sleeper trains, especially within Europe. Not only is travelling by train better for the environment but people will also be lured in by the comfort and ease of rail travel.
We’ll take our work with us
The pandemic has normalised working remotely, allowing people to work from anywhere in the world. This gives travellers the opportunity to take longer holidays, bringing their laptops with them. If you take your work with you when you travel, you can still enjoy switching off but can stay in your destination longer, enjoying your new surroundings around your working hours.
We’ll say ‘yes’ to more things
After two years of travel disruptions, as the world opens back people will be more likely to say ‘yes’ to new experiences. People will be more spontaneous, last-minute trips will become more common and travellers will go out of their comfort zones. Everyone has been saying ‘no’ for the duration of the pandemic, and it’s time to be more positive and embrace new adventures.
We’ll focus more on wellness
Wellness retreats have already grown in popularity this year, as people have become more aware of both their physical and mental wellbeing. People are searching for holidays where they can relax, unwind and improve their health. Yoga retreats, hiking holidays, culinary getaways and spa breaks will all become more popular as we focus more on ourselves.
We’ll be more cautious
Many of us have had trips cancelled or have incurred large fees due to changes in our travels forced by the pandemic. Going forward, people will be much more cautious when they travel, especially for long haul destinations. Taking out adequate travel insurance will be more common, last-minute trips will be booked to avoid travel changes and itineraries will be more flexible.
We’ll book our bucket list trips
With travel being heavily restricted (and some countries not being able to travel internationally at all) many people have spent the past two years daydreaming of their bucket list adventures. 2022 will be the year that people take the plunge and book the holidays they have been thinking of while stuck at home, splurging on those long-considered once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Emma Lavelle is a UK based writer and photographer and has her own blog Field and Nest.
