In 2022, travel returned and the world welcomed it with open arms! Following two years of travel being pretty much on pause, throughout the year we watched restrictions lift across the globe. Millions of people experienced the joy of travel once again. We’d call it a comeback year of note! Last year, popular travel trends, included workcations, extreme adventures, getaways inspired by film and TV and more. It was the time of “revenge travel” – the act of travelling to make up for lost time during travel restrictions.
So what can you expect from travel in 2023? Expat Explore has put together a list of the top travel trends to look out for in 2023. Read on to find out more!
Here are the top 8 travel trends for 2023:
1. Health and wellness
In 2023, you can expect health and wellness to take centre stage for many travellers. Imagine yoga retreats, soul-stirring spiritual sojourns, eco-friendly getaways and revitalising spa breaks. Health and wellness travel allows travellers to turn the focus inwards to become more in tune with their bodies and minds. After an unprecedented two years, which increased levels of stress and anxiety among many, it’s no wonder that a health and wellness retreat is an appealing holiday idea for the upcoming year!
Related: Take a look at these top activities for wellness travel.
2. Travel and Technology are becoming more connected than ever
From 2020 to 2022, humans spent a lot of time using technology. Whether it was binge-watching tv shows, working from home on laptops or staying connected on our cell phones, technology has increasingly become a part of everyday life. In fact, this has been the case for many years! The case is no different for travel and in 2023, we’ll feel the impact of technology on travel. You’ll see many destinations and travel companies becoming more tech-focused from 2023 onwards.
Whether it is through apps, Artificial Intelligence, the promotion of the digital nomad lifestyle or virtual reality, the use of technology will be about connecting people and making travel more efficient and enjoyable, both on the road and behind the scenes.
One interesting development is the Metaverse and virtual travel. The concept of virtually visiting a travel destination to “try before you buy” could truly revolutionise the travel game!
3. The rise of solo travel
Solo travel is a trend that we see year in and year out. People venture out on their own to discover new parts of the world, either completely solo or by joining a group tour with like-minded travellers. In 2023, solo travel will be one of the most popular trends! Solo travel is a great way to meet new people and offers a host of other benefits including being more budget-friendly and helping you grow as a person.
Solo travel has no age limit – from young backpackers to wise older travellers engaging with new destinations. There’s also no limit to where you can go! As a solo traveller, you have the freedom to choose your next adventure. Keen to try solo travel but hesitant to go it completely alone? Join a group tour with Expat Explore and enjoy the benefits of a hassle-free planned trip and meet great new people while you’re at it!
Related: Check out these helpful tips for solo travellers, straight from the travel experts!
4. But we’ll also be travelling to gather, together!
This next trend is all about gathering. The lockdown years kept us separate from many of the people and the places that we love. It also put a pause on meeting new people and making new friends. For this reason, travel in 2023 travel will also be about bringing people together!
You’ll see a rise in families, friends and interest groups (sports groups, school groups, hobby groups, university groups etc.) travelling together. In fact, a few of our Expat Explore travellers shared with us why travelling with family is the best!
For families, multi-generational travel will be another trend to enjoy. Look for destinations that offer something for people of all ages. Think beach holidays, African safari adventures and cultural experiences that will keep the whole family captivated!
Travel tip: South Africa is one of the most family-friendly, multi-generational vacation destinations. Take a look at our South African Escape tour for trip inspiration.
5. Embrace the off-season
In 2022, Europe experienced eye-wateringly high numbers of tourists during the summer season. Considering how excited people were to get back to travel, this comes as no surprise. However, many travellers are still keen to avoid huge crowds and enjoy slightly quieter vacations. Therefore, 2023 will be the time to embrace the off-season and the shoulder season. These travel periods offer fewer people, smaller crowds at attractions and cheaper tickets and accommodation options in general. It’s a win-win for travellers who enjoy the benefits of off-season travel and for destinations who enjoy the additional business.
Planning ahead is always a great idea when travelling at any time of year especially for sticking to a budget. However, when it comes to off-season and shoulder season travel, you’ll often come across great last-minute deals! You can take a look at Expat Explore’s upcoming departures here and keep an eye on our social media channels and emails for promo codes that can help you save BIG!
Related: Find out everything you need to know about travelling in the shoulder season.
6. “Work from roam”
Workcation, work from home, digital nomad, hybrid working… all phrases we have come to know over the past few years! Our working environments have transformed and the traditional 9 – 5 office set-up is increasingly becoming a thing of the past. This is great for those of us with wanderlust as it gives us the opportunity to work and travel.
It’s not simply a new trend; remote work in its many forms is swiftly becoming the new normal.
In 2023, the “work from roam” concept will grow in popularity. You’ll likely see destinations promoting long-term stays, fast internet connections and environments that offer ideal work-life balances.
Remote work and workcations come with a number of benefits including re-energising and inspiring travellers. See the world and sign in from somewhere new! Whether you’re working on a hybrid model or completely remote, in 2023 make the most of the “work from roam” trend and enjoy your job while embracing short city breaks, long-term single-country stays or multi-country adventures.
7. Get out into the great outdoors
Ah, another trend that consistently makes appearances on trend lists. Escaping into nature is a perennial favourite for travellers with natural wonders topping bucket lists around the world. In 2023, you’ll see many travellers who are keen to spend time in the great outdoors. Rustic retreats, active holidays and off-the-beaten-path destinations will be popular. Embracing nature is all about exploration, relaxation and inspiration!
It will be a return to nature without being completely cut off or unplugged from technology. However, travellers will still seek new and novel travel experiences. Try something different and enjoy the beauty of nature with our tours to South America, Japan, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Vietnam and Cambodia.
8. Treat yourself in 2023!
Finally, 2023 will be the year to treat yourself! Concepts such as revenge travel (mentioned above) gained popularity in 2022. This will continue into 2023 to make up for missing out during the past two years. Recent studies show that travellers are also more likely to invest in value-added services such as expert travel advice, upgraded flight features and accommodation options and planned group tours. Getting guidance from the experts is priceless while splurging on value-added items can truly make a trip unforgettable! This all points to us embracing the “treat yourself” mentality!
2023 is right around the corner and we are more than ready to embrace the joy of travel! Whether you’re keen on an escape into nature, a family vacation or are planning your next workcation, add travel to your “must-do” list for 2023. Start planning your next adventure with Expat Explore today.