The way we travel is changing more rapidly than ever before.

Our choice of destination is influenced by different things, we book in completely different ways and we share our experiences with the world in a way that was completely unthinkable only 20 years ago.

We have become more adventurous and now travel to new and exotic destinations more than ever before. We are also more demanding; we expect more from our trips away than we did in the past. Yes, we want to relax but we also want to create memories that will always stay with us.

But while we know the travel industry rarely stands still, what will be the key trends in travel in 2019? And how will they affect the way we book, experience and share?

Social inspiration

A survey of UK millennials found that 40% of young people book their holiday based on how much wow factor the photos will carry on social media. White sand, blue sky, crystal-clear waters and destinations that make your friends jealous all rate extremely highly with the new generation of travellers.

Instagram, the social media platform, has had a huge impact on the choice of destination, with influencers increasingly doing what their name suggests and inspiring our choices when it comes to booking a trip. Some travellers are, as hard as it is to believe, hiring professional photographers to capture every moment of their trip abroad just so they can share the best possible pictures of their holiday.

You may not be ready for that just yet, but in 2019 social media will have an increasing impact on how we travel, where we go and what we do when we get there. The digital world has transformed how we book and choose our holidays, but it has also allowed travellers to seek out discounts, coupons and deals like never before. So, expect social media to play a key part in travel in 2019 with 48% of smartphone users in the US now saying they are comfortable researching and then booking their trip using their mobile. 

Experience is everything

Holidays were once about getting away with a good book and lying down on a sunbed for a fortnight. These days, travellers are looking for much more. People, more than ever before, want to feel alive and throw themselves into new and exciting experiences that make them feel more present and mindful.

In 2019, we will see holidays that involve an experience – climbing Kilimanjaro, swimming with dolphins, hiking to see rare animals, being part of the Rio Carnival – become more popular than ever. Travellers still want to relax, of course, but now they also want to see things that they will never forget. New destinations and more adventurous, active holidays are sure to come to the fore.

Food, glorious food

Food and drink are increasingly playing a key role in deciding where travellers go on holiday. Much of it is, once again, social media-inspired and in 2018 travel companies realised that travellers were planning their overseas trips around world-famous food markets, renowned Michelin-starred restaurants and extravagant wine tours.

In recent years we have seen tour companies spring up in Rome, for example, which specialise in taking tourists around all the best ice cream places. Dubai is also increasingly a destination for foodies; with many of the world’s most famous chefs now opening restaurants there.

Wine tours to Northern California or the Marlborough region of New Zealand are becoming increasingly popular as travellers look to drink in new experiences. Sri Lanka is another foodie destination, with Intrepid Travel reporting a 40% increase in bookings for 2019. So, pack your elasticated-waist trousers and get ready to indulge!

Photo credit: unsplash