Whether you're focusing on domestic travel this year or getting ready to book an international travel experience, 2023 is proving to be a big travel year after several years of plans falling through due to COVID and other economic factors.
The travel industry is alight once again, and savvy travelers can find deals on hotels, flights, and more; save on premium experiences in some of North America's top destinations with CityPASS® tickets.
If you have any vacation time coming up, and you're not sure what kind of a trip you should book, consider these trends in travel that you should be aware of in 2023.
Why 2023 Is Your Year To Travel the World
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people have been forced to give up dreams of traveling to major foreign cities, distant mountain ranges, and tropical hideaways and instead opt for staying at home with a few shorter trips to nearby destinations if they were lucky.
However, as the pandemic is coming to an end, people are once again able to consider the possibility of traveling to far-off destinations, making human connections with family and friends living in other areas, and finally cashing in on their airline benefits.
If you've been waiting to check off some bucket list destinations, 2023 is the year to do it. Taking into account a few significant trends in the travel industry can help you understand which destinations are calling you and how you should go about getting there.
6 Top Travel Trends of 2023
Each year is defined by unique leisure and business travel trends that define how people move through the world, the types of transportation and accommodations they book, and who they travel with.
Consider the following 2023 trends to help create a purposeful travel itinerary for the upcoming year.
1. A Greater Emphasis on Sustainable Travel
In 2022, a study revealed that almost 75% of Americans stated that sustainability was essential when making travel decisions. This is no surprise, as young consumers prioritize a sustainable lifestyle that impacts virtually every buying decision they make, if they can afford to do so.
Sustainability can influence how you travel in various ways, from opting to avoid air travel to only staying at hotels, lodges, and other vacation property types that prioritize sustainability.
If you find yourself making decisions about where you plan to travel and the types of accommodations you plan to book once you get there based on what is good for the environment, then you're not alone. And it will likely be easier than ever to find information to aid you in making these decisions.
2. Going on Multi-Generational Vacations
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthy younger family members have been unable to spend quality time with their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents over the past few years.
In 2023, you can expect to see more multi-generational vacations occur as families look to spend time together once again and make meaningful memories. So if it's been a while since you've taken a road trip with your parents or rented a mountain lodge with the whole family, now's the time!
3. Making Personal Time on Business Trips
One of the biggest business travel trends taking hold in 2023 is prioritizing personal time. Because so many people were forced to work from home during the pandemic, crafting a better work-life balance became more normalized.
In addition, people began talking more about the importance of mental health and seeking mental health treatment, which has led to a cultural shift in prioritizing mental wellness.
Be sure to prioritize spending some time by yourself exploring the cities you're traveling to when you take business trips in 2023.
4. Flying Solo
Even though traveling solo can be anxiety-inducing for some, others are embracing the jet-setting freedom of traveling alone, and solo travel will be on the rise in 2023.
When traveling alone, prioritize researching and making plans ahead of time, sticking to a budget, and consistently checking in with loved ones to let them know where you are and that you're safe.
Once you overcome the initial fear of flying solo, you'll learn to love traveling alone, as it allows you to have precisely the experience you're looking for!
5. Striving for an Experiential Travel Experience
Although lounging on a beach at an all-inclusive resort can be the perfect way to relax and disconnect, many travelers are prioritizing experiential travel in 2023. Experiential travel means curating the experiences you want on your vacation and making the most of your time in any given destination.
Bundling tickets to save on admission prices for the top attractions in the city you're in is a great way to strive for an experiential vacation!
6. Exploring Hidden Gems in Popular Destinations
While a good cabin getaway is still a popular travel choice, major North American cities, including Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando, are more popular travel destinations than ever before.
However, because of the continued growth of tourism in 2023, visitors to these cities are increasingly searching for hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences than ever before. Do plenty of research ahead of time to maximize your time in these destination cities and ensure you have memorable and unique experiences.
Get the Most Out of Your Travels With CityPASS® Tickets
Travel industry trends in 2023 are shaping how people travel this year, including plenty of alone time and prioritizing making the most out of your trip.
Whether planning your first solo trip or a family reunion this year, you can save on the country's biggest tourist destinations with CityPASS® tickets, which can save you up to 50% on admission to attractions in North America’s biggest cities, including New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Toronto, Atlanta, and more!