Six Trends Changing How We Travel in 2023

While February evokes exciting events and holidays, it also appears to be the best time to think leisure. If you're already begun dreaming about your next expedition, some of the year's biggest trends could be worth considering. The Related Life analyzed forecasts from top brands and guides to bring you some of the most transformative travel trends of 2023. Keep reading and be inspired!

 

Vacation like a Local

 

Travelers in 2023 will crave authenticity, according to travel platform GetYourGuide. About 62% of travelers surveyed said they considered a trip to be wasted if they didn't experience local culture, and 98% said they saw benefit to having a local guide. Similarly, 51% of travelers surveyed by booking.com report they want experience different culture and language. Taking it even further, 73% want travel that takes them outside of their comfort zone and 50% want to experience complete culture shock in 2023.

 

Seeking Silence

 

While last year's travel resurgence prioritized fun, this year it's all about peace. Two in five, or 40% of travelers, told Booking.com they wanted to escape to a silent treatment. More than 42% of respondents said they wanted a health hiatus for mental or transformative health. In fact, CN Traveler cites "transformation retreats" as its top trend to watch in 2023. Pinterest search data agrees: "outdoor meditation" searched jumped 38% and "beach yoga poses" rose 55%.

More Travel via Train

 

Trains are cool again. Driven in part by the Sustainable Travel and Nostalgia Travel trends, trains are expected to see their popularity spike as a mode of transport in 2023. Searches for "train trip aesthetic" are up 203%, according to Pinterest. Quicker boarding time, lower carbon footprint, scenic views and more legroom are among the reasons Gen Z and Millennials are opting for trains.

 

Hotels Embracing Pets

 

The pandemic's end left us many of us with furry friends, and it seems the majority of us won't leave home without them. More than 42% of travelers told Hosteller that they would not leave without their pets. More than 25% of travelers said they want to be accommodated on their personal needs, including pets, Hilton found in its study.

 

“Set-Jetting” – TV Inspiring Travel

 

"Get ready for the Set Effect." Expedia proclaims in its 2023 Travel Trends report. About two-thirds of travelers have considered booking trips after seeing them in streamed shows or movies. Nearly 40% actually booked them. Of the most influential sources for travel, streaming services were behind advice from friends and family by only 2%.

CN Traveler also calls out the rise of set-jetting. Recent data from Netflix revealed that 70 percent of programs watched by a typical Netflix user were filmed in a foreign setting, and the locations of chosen shows were frequently their favorite holiday spots. Simon Lynch, global sales and product director of Scott Dunn, told the publication that: “We’ve noticed this trend accelerating among our guests, with bookings for France in 2023 already 20 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels, thanks to the halo effect of hit shows such as Emily in Paris. The idyllic sun-drenched filming locations of HBO sensation The White Lotus also look to have inspired our guests seeking ultra-luxurious winter-sun escapes, with over 80 percent of Scott Dunn Private members traveling to warm destinations this winter including Mexico, the Maldives, Oman, Australia, and Barbados to name a few."

 

A Top Destination: Japan

 

The New York Times recently named the northeast Japanese city of Morioka as the #2 recommendation for travel in its roundup "52 Places to Go in 2023," citing the abundance of natural beauty in its mountains and rivers. International travelers appear to be flocking to Japan this year as well. Insurance provider World Nomads reported a 533% increase in searches for policies for Japan.

 

 

 

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.