In a recent poll of 12,000 travelers from 12 countries, Expedia has discovered a number of emerging travel trends for 2022. The most noteworthy finding? Sixty-eight percent of Americans are ready to go big on their next trip.
Travelers with this “Greatest of All Trips” (GOAT) mindset, as Expedia is referring to the trend, are seeking out excitement/exhilaration (41%) and want to feel that they have made the most out of their vacation (40%). Importantly, 40% of respondents are also more willing than ever to splurge on their future travels in order to achieve these goals.
“Travel is no longer just about ‘going somewhere,’” said Christie Hudson, senior PR manager for Expedia. “Coming out of such a long period of constraints and limitations, 2022 will be the year we wring every bit of richness and meaning out of our experiences. Whether it’s going somewhere new, being more spontaneous or treating yourself, it’s clear that a new wave of excitement is bubbling as travelers chase travel greatness to get their GOAT.”
Top Travel Destinations for 2022
According to the survey, domestic travel will continue to be popular among American travelers next year, with 59% of U.S. respondents planning domestic-only trips for 2022. Warm weather and beaches, in particular, will be in high demand, with top-searched spots including Orlando, Destin and Panama City, Fla.; Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; and Maui.
Thirty-seven percent, however, are planning to take both domestic and international trips in the coming year. For those heading outside the U.S., top spots range from Mexico’s Rivera Maya, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum to Rome, Bali, London and Paris.
Flexibility Is Key
With travel restrictions, destinations closing and reopening and variant-related complications continuing to make trip planning a challenge, a flexible mindset is key for anyone who wants to hit the road during COVID-19 times. But some travelers are taking things a step further, embracing spontaneity as a main component of their next vacation — in fact, a quarter of those surveyed said they are willing to live in the moment as they travel, and another 26% are aiming to be more flexible and simply go with the flow.
Ready to Splurge
Expedia’s report found that travelers are looking to make up for canceled and postponed vacations by splurging on their next trip. Among U.S. respondents, 40% say they are more willing to treat themselves and spend money on upcoming travel by indulging in luxurious experiences (15%); upgrading rooms or flights (16%); or visiting a bucket-list destination (32%). Travelers between the ages of 18 and 34 are the most likely to spend more (80%, compared to 56% of those over 50).
Making Travel Meaningful
Travelers are also looking to make their vacations more meaningful in 2022, be it through immersion in a destination or culture that’s completely different from their own (19%) or searching for a sense of contentment and mental well-being (36%). They’re even willing to take longer trips (27%) to achieve their travel goals and fully experience all their chosen destination has to offer.
Other ways respondents are looking to enrich themselves through travel include stepping outside their comfort zone (22%), enjoying off-the-beaten-path experiences and destinations (23%), trying food they’ve never had before (40%) and spending less time on their devices (24%). More than ever, travelers are also willing to try new things — 21% are most excited about doing something they would never usually do on a trip, such as sleeping under the stars (19%) or traveling alone (17%).
The Details
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