Wondering “Where are the travel trends going this year?” is normal since the lockdown changed many individuals’ expectations of vacations. Some appreciate spending time outdoors more, while others seek to immerse themselves in genuine, unique experiences. 

If last year was about the triumphant comeback or travel, this year is about creatively reinterpreting it amidst the chaos. People worldwide are more optimistic about their holidays, with 72% reporting that the journey will always be worthwhile, despite some current global insecurity. Bold adaptability is hot nowadays, and everyone wants to strike the right balance in a world of contradictions. 

If you also want to make a change and create more profound, fun, and memorable memories, here are some helpful considerations. Booking.com revealed a comprehensive study of more than 24.000 travellers in 32 countries to understand how travel will be reimagined. 

Saying “au revoir” to their comfort zone 

Welcoming the discomfort zone is all the hype. Whether it’s a fresh start, pent-up frustration, or bottled-up energy, the world is excited to understand new cultures and have new experiences. 48% of Singapore travellers seek complete culture shock this year, be it exploring more unpopular places with hidden gems yet to be discovered or travelling somewhere with different languages and cultural experiences. Kota Kinabalu is an excellent example of immersing oneself in wildlife, nature, and the city’s local culture. 

Forget the usual favourites and seek unique vacations that delight, thrill, and shock—this seems to be the mantra. 79% want to push their boundaries by leaving their “comfort zone” at home, with 49% going on the hunt for the most exotic delicacies worldwide, like the hottest chilli pepper, and 38% planning to spend their vacation going on alien spotting tours or extra-terrestrially exploring on UFOs. 

However, when seeking the new and being adventurous, it’s crucial to be careful of your surroundings. Visiting Rome is one thing; going to an entirely new place is another. 

Exploring in advance 

It’s normal to feel anxious about visiting new, wild sites, especially if they’re rarely visited. Therefore, Singaporean tourists prefer to explore a place in advance by taking advantage of Virtual Reality. Because you don’t know what to expect from the culture and local laws and regulations, even shopping can be overwhelming. Are the stores managed carefully, and are there safety practices in place? In the United Kingdom, someone who suffers physical or mental harm due to third-party negligence might be eligible to make a claim, so it’s comforting to know that there are experts to help when someone’s safety is compromised.

However, this isn’t the case with any state, so if you turn to virtual reality to see if a place would make a friendly new residence, getting in touch with their laws and protection at the state level would be great. After all, why not take advantage and experience a place beforehand, since Metaverse allows you?

50% of Singaporean travellers say they’d look to VR to inspire their trip this year, with over 39% eager to engage with a multi-day VR or AR travel experience. The Metaverse won’t only be a “try before you buy”; it will entertain and educate people, creating room for infinite adventure.

Searching for the lost time

Amid global instability, people seek to reproduce the enjoyment of the good, old, simple times, with nostalgic getaways on top of the wishlist for 90% of travellers. There’s a desire to fade into the romanticism of the pre-digital age, even for Gen-Zs and millennials who never lived the glory days, with 21% of travellers seeking experiences that generate, even if not genuine, emotional memories of bygone days. An example would be choosing the bus as a transportation mode to experience the group spirit of school trips or visit landmarks featured in iconic retro films. 

Singaporeans are sacrificing play for relaxation, with 60% favouring the theme parks’ adrenaline and activities like scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and building fortresses with giant construction blocks. 

Millennials are now parents, so there will be an increase in the popularity of destinations that were hot in the 80s and 90s, like Bolzano in Italy or Budva in Montenegro. Millennials seem to seek emerging-era-themed accommodation that takes them back to a time they cherish, and probably they’ll have their family by their side.

Travelling smart without depriving oneself 

In 2023, travellers in Singapore will keep prioritising travel, despite global economic uncertainty. However, they’ll make more mindful choices to make the most of their travel budget. 

68% of travellers prioritise travel while seeking more value for their spending, and 50% state that investing in their vacation remains a top priority. 

In 2023, creating financially savvy itineraries will be paramount. 63% of travellers will manage their budget more strictly by taking advantage of timely travel, offers, and tips, while 60% will focus on value for money through loyalty schemes and discounts. 

For instance, 61% may plan their vacation further in advance, hoping to get a better deal, while 53% want longer itineraries or off-season destinations. Over 50% of respondents think one or two more extra trip days are better than several short breaks. 

In this context, many also consider spending more money, which is surprising. However, the details of their vacation matter the most to them. 

Finally, 49% say they will be more permissive with their spending habits to make up for the time spent in lockdown, and 43% have no problem spending lavishly to make every experience worthwhile and maximise their trip.

Conclusion 

People aren’t taking travel for granted, especially after it was off the table for the last two years. Besides virtual voyagers, welcoming the discomfort zone, smart travel, and glamorising the good old days, Singaporean travellers expect to see more eco-friendly and earthy stays on their lookout for simplicity and that “back-to-basics” feel. 

Going off-grid will never be as hot as in 2023, with campfire cuisine, camouflaged cabins, and sourcing and preparing meals by oneself expected to mark the following months.