Macy MaxsonWe have undoubtedly experienced some of the toughest times the travel industry has ever seen in the last couple of years. But 2022 is our year. We’ve gotten smarter, demanded more from our travel partners, and truly understand the entire travel experience from first booking to fifth schedule change. We’ve done it all and now we’re ready for travel to emerge from the ashes.
New travel trends to look forward to in 2022
The emergence of the new type of traveler
These new travelers have money. They’re saving gas on the commute, not paying for lunches, office attire, etc. They can work from anywhere in the world as long as they have a good desk set up and they’re anxious to get out of their home where they live and work all day long. They’re ready to book an unforgettable experience. Which might mean longer stays from two weeks to three months.
Multigenerational travel
Family gatherings have been limited the last couple of years and families are ready to get together again–and for even longer trips together. These trips are a two-week minimum. These travelers need support from travel advisors for organizing and choosing the best destination to fit every generation of their family.
High volume to lower regulated countries
The countries with lesser regulations to enter will be the hot travel destinations. After all, the biggest headache for travelers is the testing requirements. Naturally, some of the most visited countries in 2021 are Mexico and the Caribbean. We see these numbers increasing to these destinations and other countries as they drop their regulations.
Domestic travel still rising
Domestic travel is much easier for travelers with fewer restrictions to travel from state to state. Some of the most popular U.S. destinations that remain on traveler’s lists include Miami, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and NYC. If your traveler is not comfortable traveling internationally, try having your east coast traveler book a stay on the west coast, or your west coast traveler book a trip on the east coast. This gives the feel of a long trip without all the restrictions of international travel.
Cruises
If there is one thing we know, it’s that cruisers love their cruises and will do anything to get back to them. The Cruise industry has been resilient in being singled out as a scapegoat for COVID, but they have developed high policies and procedures to make sure everyone is safe on board. They’re coming back stronger than ever.
All-inclusive resorts
With the travel restrictions, travelers do not want to deal with the planning and organizing so they’re opting for an all-inclusive resort. Most of these resorts are also offering expense-paid quarantines if you test on their property for your departure trip. This is a big appeal for international travelers. People are flocking to resorts in Cancun, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
Travel insurance is King
More than ever, travelers are buying travel insurance to cover them in case of COVID. Make sure you are earning commissions on those policies sold to each traveler.
The slow European comeback
Travelers are anxious to get to Europe again with a lot of interest in Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, and Croatia. Many of these bookings may be made for 2023 travel, however, travelers are anxious to get back to transatlantic.
Shawna Levet
