Holiday-going has been changing rapidly in the past few years, and in 2022 tourists can expect even more flexible travel arrangements. Travel providers have adapted by offering new innovative services influencing the habits of travellers globally. Here are the top travel trends in 2022 that you will see.
1. Long Stay Holidays
Due to the uncertainty of travel entry requirements, avid travellers are ditching multi-centre holidays in favour of longer stays at a single destination. Long stay trips come with many advantages — if you are going to stay for more than two weeks, spending two days flying to and back feels like less of a hassle. You also get to truly explore the area and make lasting connections within the local community. Tourists often use their accommodation as a base to go on day trips and visit nearby spots. This type of travel is especially popular during the winter months as many flock south to lap up the sunny weather.
2. ‘Philantourism’
Just like ‘voluntourism’, philantourism is for people who want authentic experiences in remote destinations. Instead of volunteering, philanthropy tourists support the local economy of less developed parts of the world by staying in family-owned guesthouses, meeting local guides, and getting to know local artisans and small-business owners. This form of travelling will leave you with a better understanding of a region’s culture and way of life. Touring with a guide from within the community is the best way to get to know the regional culture and history. Besides, locals always know which restaurant is worth a visit.
3. Travelling by Train
As travellers become more environmentally conscious, travelling by train has increased in popularity. From using trains as a means of transport to escorted rail tours, the journey has become the destination. Travelling through the rugged terrains of mountain ranges from the comfort of a luxury passenger coach brings the allure of Agatha Christie’s novels and their depiction of the iconic Orient Express. Services like these might have planned stops at scenic locations like chateaus and railway hotels, making them a more eco-conscious alternative to cruise trips.
4. 2022 FIFA World Cup
The major event in global sports attracting thousands of fans to Qatar is planned to take place from the 21st of November to the 18th of December. Thanks to the significant investments into building sports infrastructure, Qatar won the rights to host the event, making it the first World Cup to take place in an Arab country. With an entire Sports village and 10 stadiums just in the Capital, Doha, Qatar is ready to welcome the 1,5 million football fans estimated to attend. The 2022 FIFA World Cup promises to be carbon neutral as a part of Qatar’s mission for a sustainable future.
5. All-inclusive stay experiences
Long lockdowns and remote working brought back home-cooked meals but also made us caught up in the dullness of domestic chores. An all-inclusive stay is the only way to escape from these responsibilities and relax fully during your holiday. A full board meal basis means you won’t have to worry about cooking or finding good restaurants near your destination. Instead, you get a premium restaurant experience with a variety of options for each course. Depending on the hotel, an all-inclusive stay brings additional perks such as unlimited drinks, free daycare, free access to SPA and fitness facilities, or even tickets to nearby attractions.
6. Digital Nomad Visas
The rise of remote work has brought up the popularity of digital nomadism, a location-independent lifestyle combining digital work with travel. Young professionals seeking to explore different countries while developing their careers can now get digital nomad visas in over 12 European countries and 19 Non-European countries. This has to be one of the top travel trends in 2022 as these visas are easy to apply for and allow workers to stay longer than a tourist visa would permit. The digital nomad visa comes with perks such as the possibility to skip the tedious documentation process when bringing family members abroad as well as various incentives meant to attract remote workers. Possible destinations include Thailand, Greece, Costa Rica, Australia, the Bahamas, and many more.
7. Eco Holidays
A greater emphasis on sustainability has been reflected in travel trends in 2022. Eco-tours and environmentally friendly activities such as caving, climbing, hiking, and kayaking have risen in popularity. This we can attribute to a desire to be closer to nature and spend time outdoors. Try this type of tourism by choosing to stay at an eco-resort, a type of environmentally-friendly accommodation, or opt for exciting activities such as visiting natural parks and bird watching. Community development is another form of ecotourism aiming to offset the effects of mass tourism and transform travel for a sustainable future.
8. Offsetting your Air Miles
Did you know that flying can be environmentally friendly? Offsetting your air miles is a great way to reduce your individual carbon footprint. The way carbon offsetting works is by financially supporting projects that capture or reduce CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, helping make your holiday carbon neutral. Projects may include reforestation or renewable energy initiatives that also have long-term benefits to the environment. A flight from London to Greece might cost as little as £10 to offset. There are many websites helping you calculate and offset the carbon emissions from your flight — you might even find some airlines that give you this option upon booking.
9. Affordable PCR tests
Gone are the days when you had to pay hundreds of pounds for tests that cost less than £10 to make and £5 to post. Competition among test providers has brought the prices down, and a second-day PCR test kit can now be purchased for as little as £20. In March 2021, a family of 4 would have had to pay nearly £800 for tests just to get back from a holiday abroad. Depending on their destination, they would pay between £200 and £100 in 2022. This significant difference in the price can be spent on a meal in a 5-star restaurant, a shopping spree, or extending that long-awaited holiday by a few days.
10. Long Haul holidays in 2022
Have you found yourself stuck in a routine or needing a change of scenery? Long haul flights to faraway destinations are the key to breaking away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This type of travel can be time-saving in the case of overnight flights, which allow you to fall asleep in one country and wake up in another. To make passengers happy despite the longer flight times, airlines provide you with premium meal service, extra legroom, and entertainment options.
11. Staycations
Staycations rose in popularity in 2021 and are estimated to continue to be one of the leading travel trends in 2022 for Britons. Many reasons such as travel restrictions and rising costs influence tourists who choose to spend their holiday in the UK rather than abroad. Cornwall, the Lake District, and Scotland are the most sought after destinations, thanks to their many camping and glamping options. This travel trend is often combined with visits to National Trust properties or adventures in nature.
12. Outdoor Glamping
Whether it’s in a secluded treehouse, a snowy cabin, or a traditional yurt, glamping combines the joy of wild camping with the comfort of staying at a BnB. Now, you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about water getting into your sleeping bags. Most glamping spots are equipped with a kitchen, bathrooms, and sometimes even a hot tub or a sauna if you’re lucky!
With so many upcoming travel trends in 2022, this year is bound to be full of adventures. Whether you choose to stay local or go on your dream vacation, travelling has never been simpler. We hope this trend report has given you ideas and inspiration for the exciting year to come!
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Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article!