6 Travel Trends For 2022

Simpler Travel

“Holidaymakers are looking for destinations where travel is at the simpler end of the scale. Destinations that have fewer testing requirements, or have less unpredictable entry rules and restrictions, will attract the crowds. Dubai for example has remained opened, testing requirements have been easy to understand, and there haven’t been too policy changes, making it a favourite for Brits. Dubai will continue to ride the popularity wave because of this, along with the guaranteed sunshine and wide variety of hotels and activities for every type of traveller.” – Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK

Wellness

“We predict the overall wellness focus will span beyond the gym and there will be a continued emphasis on holistic wellness and transformational travel. Travel is often perceived to be the perfect way to go beyond the boundaries of the everyday, which is why there will be particular demand for experiences that help travellers looking for a rejuvenating experience. Clients are on a quest for self-improvement and inspirational travel experiences that will evoke personal change. We can see travellers seeking both physical and mental self-betterment through travel in 2022. We’ve partnered with high-end wellbeing brand Bodyism to bring our clients the ultimate wellness escape for Autumn 2022. Taking place on the island of Capraia in the Tuscan archipelago, the island is an untouched eco-paradise, known for its peacefulness and areas of natural outstanding beauty. Capraia’s setting allows visitors to break free from the daily cycle and reconnect with themselves and nature - an ideal setting for a transformational retreat.” – Huw & Rossella Beaugié, founders of The Thinking Traveller

Sustainable Travel

“Sustainable travel is increasingly important to travellers who are keen to see the world without hurting it in the process. Not only does that mean avoiding the use of planes wherever possible, but paying more attention to where you are staying and spending once you arrive. Forget about big brands, this is all about focusing on local businesses and giving back to the community. With this in mind, many solo travellers are exploring multiple destinations at the same location – what we’re calling the rise of ‘half and half hols’. This helps them get the most out of their time away and experience the best of both worlds, like the beach and the city – think a couple of nights in Brighton followed by a retreat to the surrounding Sussex countryside. It’s a great way to travel more sustainably and avoid multiple flights, especially if you’re staying in Europe.” – Neena Jivraj Stevenson, chief culture officer at Point A Hotels

“We expect to see a more eco-conscious mindset in 2022, as people become more aware of their environmental impact and look to reduce their carbon footprint – consumers will expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable options. Many travellers will also visit alternative destinations they might not have previously considered in a bid to avoid travelling during peak season.” – Ryan Pearson, regional manager at Booking.com.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Trips 

“Many of us missed out on key milestone moments last year, as well as bucket-list trips, so in a bid to make up for lost time, we will see ‘once in a lifetime’ trips taking precedent. People will want to put in the miles to reconnect and we’ll see big reunion trips with loved ones as people revaluate what’s important.” – Huw & Rossella 

“Cancelled holidays over the last few years will likely see more UK travellers looking further afield. Our latest customer survey and booking patterns for summer indicate the British public are looking forward to future holidays even more so, as they may have been unable to take one this year. People are searching for four or five-star hotels or luxury options in exotic destinations with private pools.” – Richard Sofer, commercial & business development director at TUI

“After two years of uncertainty, the travel landscape is starting to feel a little safer, and with that comes more confidence for would-be explorers to take the trip they have always dreamed of. Bucket-list destinations like the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights, or Peru to trek to Machu Picchu, will be particularly popular now they are finally accessible again. With that in mind, many of us will want to splurge and celebrate freedom.” – Nicky

Pet-Friendly Holidays

“Bringing a pet along on holiday is now a common occurrence, with owners more reluctant than ever to leave them at home, having spent so much time together during lockdown. Google searches for dog-friendly staycations are up 143% compared to last year. This is something we expect to continue. Staycations are perfect for bringing pets along to experience the holiday and lockdown has only amplified that. Next year we’ll be seeing more and more options for pet-friendly holidays, and we don’t expect that to change any time soon.” – Lisa Williams, marketing director & holiday sales at Park Leisure

The Great Outdoors

“All-inclusive retreats can be great, but after two years of lockdowns and more time at home than ever, holidaymakers want to make the most of the great outdoors. Many of us made a habit of getting out for walks and, as a result, developed a strong affinity to escaping into nature. In the UK, coastal areas are always popular hotspots, but we predict countryside escapes will be increasingly popular this year. For some, we imagine these holidays also provide a bit more of a break from the bustle of everyday life than coastal locations, as people tend to visit beaches in droves during summer. Opting for a countryside location is a way to evade that.” – Lisa 

Feeling Inspired? The Experts Share Their Top Destinations For 2022…

Best For: Simpler Travel

• Dubai 

• Canary Islands

• Greece

• Portugal & Madeira 

• Slovenia 

• Mexico

• Jamaica

Best For: Wellness

• Italy

• Switzerland

• Japan

• India

• Thailand

• Croatia

• Israel

Best For: Sustainable Travel

• Costa Rica

• Dominica

• Sweden

• Bhutan

• Madagascar

• Iceland

• Sri Lanka

*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice before you book. For more information visit Gov.org.uk