At Discover Corps, we are absolutely, unabashedly in love with travel. Not only is it the center of our daily operations, each team member continues to live and breathe travel in their off hours. At any given moment, a quarter of our staff are scattered across the globe, exploring new territory or revisiting favorite haunts. Yes, it’s safe to say that travel defines us on every level!
With this passion comes a keen interest in the future of global travel: What destinations will boom this year? Will international tourism continue to grow, or will there be a resurgence in domestic exploration? How will things like AI and other technologies influence folks’ travel habits?
See below for some trends we’ve observed and what it means for the coming year:
#1: Off-the-Beaten-Track Destinations
This year, we saw many popular destinations completely overrun with American tourists, resulting in issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure overload and an overall negatively impacted experience for both locals and travelers alike. Last summer, traditional European destinations such as Barcelona, Copenhagen and Norway even went so far as to pull tourism ads and encourage visitors to keep their distance. (The BBC has an interesting article on the subject here.) According to Mckinsey, 80% of travelers still visit only 10% of the world. What a shame!
As a result, travelers are beginning to look further afield. Interest in destinations like Guatemala, Morocco and Alaska are growing as people look to escape the crowds in favor of a more authentic experience, free from throngs of Instagramers and long lines.
#2: Emergence of AI “Travel Agents”
People are using Chat GPT for everything from meal planning to wedding vow writing these days – and in the coming year, we’re going to be seeing even more AI-generated itineraries and travel bookings. Sites like Booking.com and Expedia are already integrating AI features into their search and booking functions, allowing folks to create and finalize an entire vacation without much effort at all.
However, experts warn that recommendations from an algorithm are beginning to create issues with over-tourism, funneling travelers to the same bucket of destinations. And isn’t that exactly what most travelers are hoping to avoid? (See #1 above!) In our experience, nothing can beat the person-to-person travel consultation, where a real person who has experienced the places and activities firsthand can offer guidance based on a family’s goals, interests and limitations. AI convenience just can’t compare!
#3: Rise of the Friend Trip
Family travel will always be a given, but we’re seeing more and more “friend trips” making it out of the group chat! These trips aren’t just for the 20s set: we’re seeing more groups in their 40s, 50s and beyond make the leap and experience something new together. People are embracing these relationships and working harder to maintain them; this includes spending dedicated time together to reconnect while doing something that invigorates them.
While couples vacations and family travel aren’t dying out anytime soon, we’ve loved seeing more “chosen families” embrace togetherness and nourish their connection!
#4: Human Connection Over Fleeting Experiences
In a world full of bots, AI and a general reliance on screens, human connections matter more than ever. People are increasingly utilizing travel as a means to return to our roots. Carving out time to disconnect from devices and connect (or reconnect) with others who share our interests, and with local communities across the globe, is becoming an important ritual for those looking to recharge, to be inspired, and to be reminded of our humanity. And we do not see that slowing down this year. ❤️