Top Ten Travel Trends

With so many places in the world to visit, it can be challenging to figure out where to go—and how to see the places you most want to visit—when you start planning your next vacation.

Rather than turning to the same-old itineraries, why not indulge in new types of travel? These experiences let you fully immerse yourself in a destination, focus more on your wellbeing, and embark on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Here are some top travel trends, including a few of our favorite ways to experience them firsthand.

A recent study found that 80 percent of travelers would spend more on trips that tailored their itineraries just for them. More than ever, people want to not only see the places off the beaten track but also participate in activities catered to their unique interests. VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers offer private tours in spectacular locations that’ll make you feel like your getaway was personally designed for you.

As remote work policies become the norm, vacationers don’t feel the same need to rush back into the office after a trip. In fact, more than a third of travelers are taking longer vacations than they would have pre-pandemic, according to research by Airbnb. This trend is finally giving people time to explore off-the-beaten path destinations, like the smaller islands of the Caribbean you’ll visit on the Windstar Cruises Star Collector: Grand Caribbean Adventure.

The past two years have given everyone the chance to re-evaluate their focus on their mental and physical health, and that trend has extended to travel plans. That’s why The Oasis at Death Valley, The Broadmoor, and Sea Island are ideal wellness destinations. Their wide open spaces in desert, mountain, and ocean environments, plus rejuvenating spa treatments, give guests the chance to truly unwind —and establish healthy-living habits they can take home with them and implement for good.

Today’s travelers continue to look for quality over quantity when it comes to the destinations they’re seeking out. Rather than pack in a handful of countries or cities, vacation planners are choosing one spot to explore more fully. The Windstar Cruises Tahiti trip lets travelers do just that, giving guests the chance to explore small harbors and take in the breathtaking beauty of many incredible island destinations

Travelers are seeking more active and personalized itineraries that cater to their own lifestyle interests. Combining various modes of transportation into one trip diversifies the experience and further immerses people in the destination. Bespoke tours like VBT’s Croatia Bike & Boat give visitors the chance to explore Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, and the Dalmatian Islands in the Adriatic Sea by traditional bicycle ore-bike—allowing for an up-close-and-personal look at olive oil farms, small fishing villages, and Mljet National Park, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.

More than 65 percent of travelers prioritize experiencing something new over feeling rested and recharged, according to one recent survey. Upscale mountain destinations like The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs let travelers indulge in both adventure and relaxation. The world’s longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards, the resort has no shortage of luxury amenities, including two swimming pools, a sprawling spa, 17 restaurants and cafes, and two golf courses. Yet The Broadmoor also offers site-specific adventures such as falconry, rock climbing, mountain hikes, and the Wild West Experience, which includes tomahawk throwing, archery, and pellet gun firing from an old stagecoach road

Travelers are more than ready to indulge in their long put-off vacations, and nowhere is that more apparent than the rise of all-encompassing vacations that offer a wealth of experiences and amenities within one pre-planned itinerary. Country Walkers’ New Zealand: The South Island Tour includes some of the country’s famed “Great Walks,” a private culinary cruise with local delicacies, shopping local artisans, and more. Wrap it all into one package and trust that your experience will be complete, without the stressful planning.

Plenty of people had to put off dream vacations during the pandemic, and even more realized the importance of seizing the moment and taking that bucket list trip now instead of filing it away as a “someday” adventure. In fact, 25 percent of baby boomers who expected to travel internationally said they were planning a trip, according to AARP. That has led to many more travelers booking “big trip” itineraries, like the 50-day Windstar Cruises Star Collector: The Grand Far East Adventure. During the voyage, guests can see ancient temples and jungle coastlines in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and more.

Authentic “experiential travel” is top of mind for travelers these days, with so many of us seeking real human connection. All Xanterra Travel Collection® brands have immersive experiences, and Grand Canyon Railway’s trip to the South Rim is no exception. This getaway gives visitors the chance to take the fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. The views are ever-changing—and they may very well change you.

Gone are the days of travelers jet setting from one destination to another back-to-back. Instead, they’re staying longer in one spot in order to really get to know a place like the locals do and slow way down. According to travel company Virtuoso, hotel guests have increased their average length of stay in a single hotel by 43 percent as compared to pre-pandemic data. These types of trips allow for more in-depth adventures, like the Summer Solstice in the North Sea cruise offered by Windstar Cruises. The 26-day trip lets visitors take advantage of the long summer days—perfect for visiting storied Scottish castles, riding Icelandic horses, and tasting homemade Norwegian goat cheese.