Current travel inclinations and the impact of modern day influences

2021 was a tough year and it made all of us question, “Will the travel industry be the same after the pandemic?” Fast forward to 2022 and the travel industry has adapted well to the new normal.

The pandemic has been a pandora’s box that brought in some changes and prominent trends to resurrect the future of travel. Travelers across the globe are eager to go on new trips after the vaccines paved the road to recovery. Some travel inclinations and trends that re-ignited hope for travelers are:

Domestic Tourism

The biggest travel trend of 2022 is domestic tourism. With international travel remaining dicey, travelers flocked to local tourist destinations within their countries to escape the pandemic burnout. Additionally, short-haul travel is safe and hassle-free amidst complex border regulations.

Individual experiences

Now I can’t stress this enough - individual travel experiences provide an excellent opportunity to travel on your own terms without the worry of social distancing. Most travel enthusiasts are looking to combine work, play and stay to change their mundane routines back home. With staycations providing high-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces, the new age travelers are loving this altered dynamic of extended vacations.

Conscious travel

I, for one, believe that the pandemic has made us more conscious of our collective ecological impact on the planet. We all have seen the images of deserted beaches and empty tourist hotspots. They did make us realize the negative impacts of irresponsible travel. Travelers are mindful of places and properties that offer a holistic approach and consider their impact on the environment. Yoga and wellness retreats are also gaining popularity among mindful travelers. Conscious and sustainable travelers are usually in for a long haul to satiate their wanderlust while learning more about the local culture to savor the now.

Contactless technologies

Now that everyone is sanitizing or washing their hands all the time, contactless technology is here to stay. The hotel industry has already implemented keyless entries and digital menus to promote hygiene as the key selling point. Many travel companies are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital identity to manage reservations and provide seamless services. At airport check-ins and virtually everywhere, contactless technology has been adopted to reduce virus worries.

Group travel with family and friends

After spending excruciating time in lockdown and relying on messages or video calls, people are hankering for connecting with friends and family. That personal touch has been missing for months and people are looking to reunite and explore new destinations together in groups. Travel companies are organizing customized itineraries for large groups to help travelers navigate the complexity of travel in the pandemic. Dedicated visa assistance, vaccine proofs and other travel formalities are taken care of by travel providers to enhance the travel experience for their customers.