A Mindful Return: How an Open Mindset, Personal Growth, and Meaningful Connection are Shaping Travel Trends
By Megan Giedraitis
There is a powerful human desire to travel and the pandemic has made us realize not to take this form of escapism for granted.
As a twenty-something year-old, seeing the world is a priority. From detailed spreadsheet travel itineraries to doubling down on vacation savings, planning trips is a favorite pastime. After a recent weekend away in Nashville, I was humbled by the transition to “normalcy” still occurring in the travel industry―long lines at the airport, ride share price surges, booked-up restaurant reservations, odd business hours, and attraction closures.
With pandemic restrictions loosening, there’s an obvious buzz in the air for travel and many consumers are optimistic. Recent travel industry research shows consumers are opting for more mindful travel.
Open-Mindedness
According to Pinterest insights, there's been a clear shift in how users start their travel searches compared to pre-COVID trip research. Travelers are showing openness to exploring new places and activities that bring them joy. Expedia's 2022 Travel Trends Report suggests travelers are seeking excitement and making the most out of their trip by pushing their limits mentally, spiritually, and culturally.
Keeping an open mind can look different for various consumers, but ultimately, this means, travelers are more amenable to splurging, exploring new cultures, or choosing to expand their horizons by doing something out of the ordinary. A repeat trip to the beach or mountains is perhaps not on the top of the list as many are gearing up to “go big or go home.”
It's important to note that the trend here is the mindset and not the destination. Travelers are content to “stretch” their budgets, attitudes, and experience thresholds both near and far from home. With less emphasis on choosing specific destinations, it’s important to influence travelers with getaways that fuel their passions and goals.
Luxe Services
Another key trend, as previously mentioned, is the willingness to splurge. The importance of this trend cannot be understated as consumers are playing catch-up and are ready to go all out on their 2022 vacation plans!
In the U.S., Expedia's 2022 Travel Trends Report indicates that 40% travelers are willing to expand their budgets for their next trip. This includes upgrading flights, rooms, and car rentals or finally visiting that bucket list destination. Insights from the report also revealed travelers age 18 to 34 are the most likely to splurge on future vacation plans.
To tap into this treat yourself mentality, travelers are turning to resorts and all-inclusive packages for hassle-free getaways. In addition to knowing prices upfront, customizable package options, convenient amenities, and culture-focused excursions, all-inclusive resorts have clear COVID protocols to help guests feel safe as they get back to traveling.
Still not sold on the package vacation option? Check out these all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. that might change your mind.
Educational Experiences
Wunderman Thompson’s The Future 100: 2022, an annual report with trends to keep on your radar, predicts travelers will be seeking out academic-centric adventures to connect with local cultures and ecosystems.
Hospitality and tourism companies are offering off the beaten path experiences for more meaningful travel. The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) revealed design plans for their new Desert Rock mountain resort, a development offering guests a range of luxury amenities, while connecting with Saudi Arabia’s dramatic mountain landscape through site activities like hiking, riding dune buggies, and star gazing.
Travelers can also join other curious consumers on immersive trips to explore the Atacama Desert, learn about the powerful energy of Iceland, or discover the ever-changing face of London with experts from NPR travels.
Planet-First Offerings
There’s a growing awareness of the negative impact travel can have on the environment and finding eco-conscious ways to travel will be top of mind for consumers and travel companies in 2022.
Wunderman Thompson’s The Future 100: 2022 shared some travel brands offering experiences to help consumers make more sustainable plans and activities as they explore new destinations. Book with the Wild Nectar Immersive Travel Collection for nature-filled, vibrant travel experiences or stay in one of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection properties dedicated to increasing biodiversity and improving the wellbeing of local communities.
While all these trends are going to shape travel decisions in 2022, consumers are still gun shy about pulling the trigger and need flexible bookings to give them confidence as they navigate changing travel requirements.
Brands can lean into this increase in travel by offering well-curated experiences committed to protecting consumers’ sense of adventure and peace of mind in a sustainable, authentic way.