Updating you travel wish list? Here are our top travel trends for 2020.
Untouristed and Unexpected Destinations
With some favorite destinations seeing an untenable rise in demand, the well-traveled luxury set is seeking remote, unspoiled destinations to avoid crowds at over-touristed locales. Vision Travel Advisors reported a rise in requests for places ranging from the culturally distinct to those steeped in nature, including Borneo, Greenland, and Oman.
Country Coupling
Trips that mix multiple countries, even during shorter journeys, are trending, especially ones with surprising combinations. Travellers may pair a ski adventure with a beach finale, a city stay with a jungle adventure, or a well-travelled place followed by a little-known spot to mingle with locals. The focus is on varied experiences that enrich the trip with each stop.
Tasty Travels
Culinary travel has transcended “trend” to become its own niche, with amazing food and drink now considered essential to any trip. Cooking classes, dining in private homes, Michelin-starred restaurants, farm-to-table meals, truffle hunting, and other experiences allow foodies to go beyond just having a seat at the table. Dining has become such a focus that some travelers are requesting restaurant reservations at the same time they book their flights – sometimes even before.
EQ Encounters
Today’s traveller is seeking more profound experiences leading to increased emotional intelligence. Rather than ticking off attractions, travellers are instead opting to tap into their passions, such as a tasting with the owner of a local winery, a motorcycle tour, or a personal shopper to guide them through the latest pop-up stores. They also want accommodations that reflect the destination – inns full of character, small neighborhood hotels, and private homes.
Group Getaways
Gen X-ers, boomers, and older adults are travelling to bond with friends and others who share their passions or are at the same life stage. Women’s travel is on the rise as well, including soft-adventure trips and affluent girl getaways to unplug, relax, and play. Groups of couples are also traveling together, including buddymoons, where newlyweds bring pals along for the fun.
Enjoying the Journey
Embracing the philosophy that the journey is half the fun, upscale travellers are using exclusive services including meet-and-greets planeside to avoid the stress of changing terminals, locating gates, or waiting in customs lines. Consider the Private Suite at Los Angeles International Airport, which offers a members-only terminal where travelers are escorted through TSA screenings, driven to and from aircraft in BMW’s, and provided a room to relax in between flights.
Speak to your Vision Travel Advisor for more information.