Travelling in 2021 was a headache for many. The traffic-light system changed all too regularly and with the complexity — and cost — of tests it was no surprise that staycations surged. Omicron permitting, could next year be when travel makes its true comeback? Many want to make up for lost time and reunite with family and friends, while some lucky travellers have saved more money and therefore want to splurge on that first big break. We asked experts from across the industry what their experience — and booking data — suggests will be trending.
Main photo: Fujikawaguchiko city and the bridge over Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the backdrop (Getty Images)
Far-flung destinations
Andrew Flintham, managing director at Tui UK
“We saw an immediate increase in bookings for our most popular long-haul destinations when travel restrictions were lifted. This includes the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but Mexico, which has always been a firm favourite for Brits, is definitely the standout hotspot this winter and next summer. Many of our customers haven’t had a holiday for a while, so are opting to holiday for longer where they can immerse themselves in a destination and make up for trips they may have missed in recent months. We’re also seeing that customers are booking more premium hotels and upgrading rooms to make their experience that extra bit special.
“Flexible working is also definitely having an impact on how our customers choose to holiday. They want to maximise their time and work-life balance, and can see the recuperative benefits of taking a ten-day trip where they relax for a week and work from their holiday hotel instead of home or the office for the last three days. There is a growing trend to spend accumulated savings on experiences with family and friends rather than material goods.”
Multi-stop travel
Helen Bailey, global head of communications, Mr & Mrs Smith
“We’re definitely seeing more people planning trips that rack up fewer air miles. Paris has been enormously popular, especially now we’re seeing its post-lockdown creative stirrings, with new hotels and new restaurants starting to draw crowds again. This idea of multi-stop travel, particularly with people less tied to their offices, is also likely to grow and grow in 2022.”
Big birthday trips
Amy Hope, chief operating officer at Artisan Travel Company
“A noticeable booking trend is people wanting to mark big birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other celebrations in style. Especially for those milestones that originally passed during lockdown. There is this huge pent-up demand for people wanting to make up for lost time, and what may have been marked with a short city break or a few nights in a hotel in the UK, they are now thinking much bigger and wanting to make some special memories together.”
Active adventures
Jim Eite, UK agency sales manager for Exodus
“The key trends we’re seeing are towards active travel, with clients choosing walking or cycling adventures over cultural journeys for 2022. Destinations like the Galapagos Islands, the polar regions and Kenya safaris have seen strong early bookings for next year, while Europe continues to be the best performer.”
Escapes to the Maldives
Darren Bien, commercial director at Designer Travel
“People are keen to book in their dream destination, and one of the areas we have seen a huge growth for is the Maldives, with more people than ever upgrading to the very best rooms. Our Maldives bookings are actually over 300 per cent up on pre-pandemic levels, and water villas are taking the largest share. After the last few years, people want to make the very most of their holidays now that they can again.”
Disconnection trips
Brian Young, managing director for EMEA at G Adventures
“The pandemic has led to many of us working from home, swapping face-to-face meetings for Zoom call after Zoom call and, with hours spent on our laptops interacting in this strange remote world, there’s no wonder so many of us are suffering from digital burnout. In a recent survey, we found that 94 per cent of travellers view travel as important to their mental and physical health and 58 per cent citing that they need a holiday to help alleviate pandemic-related stress of burnout from work.
“This ‘always on’ digital exposure has led to 53 per cent of travellers saying they are looking to take time out from their devices and social media during their next trip. Remote destinations, big hiking trips and lesser-connected destinations such as the Galapagos are proving popular for 2022 where travellers can disconnect from their remote worklife and reconnect with nature and the world.”
Cruising close to home
Robin Deller, Imagine Cruising
“The trend for summer 2022 is definitely Europe, with a vast array of cruise lines offering numerous itineraries to suit every taste and budget. It will be the first time since 2019 that customers truly feel comfortable exploring the wonders of Europe at sea. We also see a trend for longer holidays where customers are adding pre or post extensions and tours as well as booking further up the ship as an indication that 2022 is the year to treat themselves.
“As we head into winter 2022, we see very strong demand for regions such as Australia, Japan, the Caribbean and Asia in particular. Although we are always cautious with our outlooks, all signs lead to a very strong recovery for the industry.”
A US boom
Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA, Intrepid
“We’ve seen a significant rise in interest in the USA — bookings are up 80 per cent in the last month alone and I’d expect the momentum to continue into 2022. After an 18-month travel ban, people are excited to return to the US — not only to the iconic destinations, but they want to explore part of the country they’ve never visited before.”
An end to business-focused hotels
Michael Struck, founder and CEO of Ruby Hotels
“Now more than ever people want a better work-life balance. Next year a lot of hotels will be focusing on adapting and creating spaces that inspire digital nomads while they’re working; and act as sources of inspiration, as well as being comfortable places to stay when away from home.”
Luxury rail
Alex Bentley, head of product at Audley Travel
“Our specialists are seeing increased interest in luxury train travel from clients in destinations around the world, particularly for bookings in the second half of next year. These rail journeys are proving very popular as they give clients the chance to see a diverse range of scenery and places within the chosen destination and after so long not travelling this is very appealing.”
Caribbean getaways
James Bell, managing director at Turquoise Holidays
“In the past six weeks, we’ve seen bookings for the Caribbean rise by 80 per cent since last year, which is 20 per cent up on pre-pandemic levels.”
Take me there
Inspired to book your next trip? Here are the best Tui holidaysandBritish Airways breaks to pick from, as well as the best variety of tours from trusted operators.And if you’re still unsure of where you want to go or what type of holiday to book, get in touch with theDesigner Travel expertshereand one of the team will be in contact to help you arrange your perfect tailor-made break
