After the challenges of 2021, travelers are rediscovering the joy of holidays with renewed purpose. In 2022, we're prioritizing bucket-list destinations and dream trips, but with a focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences, local impacts, and sustainability. Drawing from industry insights, here are the key travel trends shaping the year.
A recent Booking.com survey reveals how the pandemic shifted our perspectives, emphasizing positivity and spontaneity. Dutch travelers now value every budget-friendly holiday opportunity, with many saying 'yes' without hesitation. Amadeus research confirms travelers are more open than ever, seizing once-in-a-lifetime trips and living in the moment—no more waiting.
Priorities have realigned post-pandemic. Leisure travel now outpaces business trips, with Airbnb data showing 42% of travelers prioritizing family—higher than any other group. Amadeus echoes this, noting strengthened relationships drive friendcations. As restrictions lift, bookings for reunions with loved ones are surging across platforms.
Terms like 'digital nomads' and 'workations' have evolved with tools like Zoom, Teams, and Skype. Remote work's rise makes location-flexible employment seamless, whether domestic or international. Airbnb highlights easier long-term stays abroad, while UNWTO introduces 'ed-ventures'—blending vacations with online or in-person education for families.
Climate awareness is transforming choices: two-thirds of Amadeus survey respondents prioritize sustainability, a shift noted by UNWTO. Travelers opt for longer stays, wellness-focused itineraries, eco-friendly accommodations, and local sourcing to minimize footprints. Domestic 'slow travel' holidays are increasingly popular for relaxed escapes.
The pandemic fostered adaptability in searches, per Airbnb—many explore without fixed locations, favoring hidden gems over mass tourism. Lonely Planet's 2022 Best in Travel list spotlights emerging spots like Belize, Slovenia, and Anguilla, aligning with this trend toward undiscovered destinations.
