“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ~ Gustave Flaubert, French Novelist
As the world grows smaller in size due to faster, affordable and more convenient transportation, the public’s appetite for travel experiences grows. Once considered the privilege of royalty and the wealthy, travel is now available for any budget. All you need to figure out is what is important to you, how you want to get there, the type of experience you would like to walk away with, and how much you want to spend. Hopefully, the journey and destination will be humbling while most memorable, even as it gives a broader perspective on the world.
Here’s my list of ten travel trends for the year 2016:
1. Play and stay in U.S. National Parks.
The U.S. National Park Service will see an increase in attendance while introducing a new generation to the outdoors as they celebrate their 100th anniversary system-wide. Look for special savings associated with annual passes, senior passes, and special admittance days.
2. New bucket list destinations.
As travelers mature in their choice of destinations by seeking new experiences, exotic as well as once forbidden destinations are now topping the list of international “bucket list” destinations. They include: Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Russia. (My personal favorite is Madagascar, an island teeming with some of the world’s greatest biodiversity but presenting with a difficult infrastructure).
3. River-cruising is hot!
There is more demand for river-cruising with India as the hottest 2016 destination. People prefer to unpack only once and are looking for cultural experiences beyond their own backyard. To meet the demand, there is an influx of new boats that can only help make prices more competitive. In 2015 alone, over 40 new river boats were launched and added to inventory according to Cruise Critic. Leading river cruise companies include Viking, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Avalon, Uniworld, Tauck, Vantage, Pandaw and American Queen Steamboat Company.
4. It’s all about the food.
Food tourism is a destination draw. In the Global Report on Food Tourism by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the organization remarks how the growth of food tourism worldwide is an obvious fact. “It is one of the most dynamic segments within the tourism market.”
Whether the focus is Kosher, organic, ethnic, regional, natural foods, crop-to-table or fine dining, travelers more than ever are wanting to connect with their food: Where it’s from, how it’s grown, and how it’s prepared. What are the regional specialties and how do they reflect the culture?
Food connects a traveler to place by engaging all senses, giving intimate insights on culture and providing authentic experiences specific to the destination. Dan Peltier with Skift says: “Learning about a particular food, or even better a regional food culture is the big draw. Vacations and trips revolve around distinct foods and flavors, not restaurants.”
5. Have camera, will travel.
Photo tours/expeditions/workshops are on the rise as baby boomers with discretionary income and time explore their creative side while seeking the road less traveled. Surprisingly, this trend is under the radar of most travel trend analysts and the market is huge. Plus, it’s a trend within a trend as many participants are solo. Outdoor Photographer Magazine provides a list for many of these photography tours. (A word to the wise: Many trips fill up over a year in advance.)
6. Keeping it real.
Travelers are seeking authentic experiences, with an emphasis on active travel and experiential engagement. This can range from cultural experiences, off-the-beaten path, and wildlife safaris to expedition yachting, walking and bicycling tours. In particular, adventure-based ecological tours are hot in areas such as Alaska, the Galapagos, and Australia.
7. The trend to carry-on luggage.
We are traveling lighter and more efficiently. I remember the days of airline travel when it was not uncommon to see passengers check as many as 4-5 over-sized suitcases to their destination. Usually, there was no extra charge, or it was minimal at best. Not so anymore. Nowadays, the consumer traveling model has changed, with incentives going towards those who travel leaner and lighter: Think carry-on.
But this is easier than you think as technology has given us a new generation of ultra-light luggage with telescoping handles and multi-directional spinner wheels along with a plethora of travel products to help us become more efficient. The rest is up to you to sort through “needs” and “wants” for packing. For example, most seasoned travelers only pack one pair of shoes with the other pair on their traveling feet.
8. Free Wi-Fi please.
We demand more connectivity while traveling and expect Wi-Fi to be provided for free at our lodging choices. According to Fortune Magazine, 43% of Boomer’s stays are based on the availability of Wi-Fi.
9. Disabled on the move.
There is increased awareness in accommodating disabled travelers. “Access has certainly improved for wheelchair-users and slow walkers over the years,” according to Candy Harrington, author of Barrier-Free Travel – A Nuts & Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers.
Harrington adds this is largely because of the aging Baby Boomer population. She notes that this group has the desire and time to travel along with the money, prompting the tourism industry to recognize this audience. “I’ve seen everything from wheelchair-accessible hot air balloons to zip lines and bungee jumping, as well as accessible lodging options that include everything from yurts and cabins to a luxurious houseboat. The national parks are improving access too; in fact, just in this past year a five-mile accssible multiuse trail was added at Bryce Canyon, and the trail out to Double Arch in Arches National Park was upgraded to be wheelchair-accessible.”
10. Travel with conscience.
More than ever before, we are traveling with conscience, giving rise to the conscientious traveler. For example, though Paris tourism may initially be affected by traveler’s safety concerns associated with terrorism, nevertheless I am expecting that travelers will intentionally visit Paris to show the world a sign of support and solidarity this next year. I plan on being there.
All photos © Karin Leperi, All Rights Reserved with following exceptions: Viking Freya Longship courtesy of Viking River Cruises, Disability photo courtesy of © Charles Pannell and Eiffel Tower courtesy of Flickr.
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