What will travel hold in store for consumers in 2023? We spoke to three top companies in the industry to find out which destinations will be the most popular, along with tips for booking and saving money from CheapAir, Kayak and eviivo.
CheapAir CEO Jeff Klee’s 2023 Travel Predictions
“For travelers prioritizing getting the best deals for 2023 travel, it is important to book early. Generally, booking around 21 days to three months in advance of your departure will yield the best airfare prices. Simply put, booking early saves money.”
“Booking with multiple airlines is another great way to get the best airfare deals in 2023. If travelers are open to mixing and matching airlines, they can get a better value when it comes to the itinerary, amenities, and price.”
“One travel tip for 2023 is to reconsider checking bags. Carry-on luggage will not only save travelers from checked baggage fees, but there is the peace of mind of knowing their luggage will reach its destination.”
“As 2023 nears, we are hearing more and more talk about an upcoming recession, however this news does not seem to be limiting travelers desire for vacations. We always encourage travelers to be flexible, as this is a key part of getting the best airfare, hotel and car rental deals. A travel booking site, like CheapAir.com, is a great resource for travelers looking to build a flexible travel itinerary due its innovative, easy-to-use travel search and booking interface.”
Spring Break is right around the corner and deciding where to go is one of the hardest parts of planning. Check out the top 5 fun and affordable destinations according to CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee.
Washington DC: “D.C. has a great transit system and is extremely walkable, so travelers won’t have to worry about spending money on transportation once they have arrived. Travelers can also take in the Smithsonian Complex of 19 museums and the National Zoo. With many of its iconic sights being outside and free to visit, this is a great Spring Break location.”
Myrtle Beach, SC: “This is s a classic beach destination, and perfect for a relaxing vacation. With beachfront accommodations from budget motels to 5-star luxury, Myrtle Beach also has a booming vacation rental scene leaving you with endless options for lodging.
Destin, FL: “From the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, to the lively golf scene, there is no shortage of activity in this great vacation spot. There’s a reason Destin is one of the most popular Spring Break destinations.”
Orange County, CA: “For those looking for a classic Spring Break getaway, Orange County is a great choice. Home to the iconic Disneyland, it’s best to start planning early as the Disney Theme Parks are as popular as ever, and tickets are limited.”
New York, NY: “New York City has plenty of low-cost, family-friendly attractions to check out. A great way to experience the life of the city is through its parks system, including the High Line and Central Park. Many hotels also offer discounted stays in the spring, and travelers can also take advantage of the NYC Arts free and Pay What You Wish days at the top museums in the city.”
For more information on top picks for Spring Break 2023, check out CheapAir.com’s Spring Break Flights page.
KAYAK is revealing its 2023 Travel Trends Forecast, and data is showing that despite rising prices for travel (prices are up 52% for domestic flights and up 29% for international), Americans aren’t letting that stand between them and their dream trip.
As for 2023 trending destinations, for the first time, 9 of the top 10 spots are in Asia-Pacific. The best news? KAYAK is seeing price drops next year in Melbourne, Fiji and Tahiti. Travelers with Bora Bora on their bucket lists should book in 2023, with prices down 9%.
What else is in store for travel in 2023?
KAYAK’s 2023 predictions and hacks:
More last-minute international trips: Search windows for international trips have decreased 11% compared to 2019*, showing interest in last-minute trip planning is on the rise.
Demand for rental cars will ease up: Finally, searches for car rentals are leveling out (down 3% vs. last year.)
Cities are not only hot-spot destinations, but cheap! Some of the lowest fares are being seen in big cities like New York, Chicago, Austin, and Atlanta. (But rates will rise throughout the year, so travelers should book soon.)
The best day to fly will be Thursday or Friday. KAYAK historical data shows the lowest flight prices on these days.
EV road trips are trending. KAYAK data is showing a strong increase in searches for electric car rentals
7 Most Significant Travel Trends to Expect in 2023
Through internal data, research and surveys with global partners and customers, as well as key data from industry experts, eviivo, a leading travel tech company that works with over 20,000 unique, notable and luxury accommodation providers globally – from boutique hotels to Airbnbs and vacation rentals – released 7 key insights to determine the top travel trends for 2023.
2022 marked a return to form for travel and tourism – and while there may be rising costs globally, it’s not stopping travelers from taking vacations and exploring the world. In fact, 2023 is promising, with millions of travelers already planning trips, and a projected 20% increase in earnings for the global tourism sector.
1. Travelers will continue to prefer short-term rentals over big chain hotels.
According to American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), chain hotel rates will significantly rise in 2023. In fact, this price surge has been predicted by CNBC as far back as June 2022, primarily since the hotel industry needs to compensate for losses during Covid-19, and stay competitive with current inflation costs.
Meanwhile, the short-term rental market, offering more affordable properties in the same locations as chain hotels, is seeing explosive growth in independent accommodations, including Airbnbs, vacation rentals, inns, boutique hotels, B&Bs and unique privately owned properties such as castles and yurts.
Further, Expedia’s 2021 Q4 Travel Recovery Trend Report showed vacation rentals edged out hotels in popularity for future bookings.
This trend affects both travelers and property owners. More people are renting out their private spaces and buying second homes to turn into vacation rentals to supplement their income, according to The Wall Street Journal. Airbnb also released data indicating 2022 saw a significant increase in new listings, and new hosts in the US earned over $1.8 billion, up 34% from the previous year.
With the rise in travel costs, short-term rental bookings will continue to benefit both the traveler and independent accommodation owners through 2023.
2. No, inflation is not forcing travelers to pinch pennies — many are actually splurging.
While inflation feels like a mountain, travelers are climbing it and won’t be intimated. In fact, according to Booking.com’s Travel in 2023 report, nearly half of travelers admitted they will be more indulgent in their vacation spending habits to make up for the lack of travel in the past two years. The main reason? A whopping 72% report traveling will always be worth it with the mood of travelers shifting to “bold adaptability” for 2023.
“We’ve seen a surge in bookings in many of our most luxurious properties across Europe,” says Michele Fitzpatrick, eviivo CEO. “After two years of lockdown, quarantine and a stream of change in tourism infrastructure, travelers are ready to treat themselves no matter the cost, even if it means booking a higher-tier room category from what they normally book. They’re also seeing the added value of staying in a wonderful independent property that offers more space, amenities and privacy versus a chain hotel room, which gives them plenty of reason to splurge.”
According to the U.S Travel Association, travel spending is 6% above 2019 levels as of December 2022.
It’s not to say travelers won’t consider budget as they travel in 2023, but they will be smarter when booking, including taking advantage of never-before-seen travel deals, participating in loyalty programs, and booking directly on an accommodation’s website to get the best rate. In fact, according to an eviivo survey conducted in August 2022, over 53% global travelers prefer to book their stays directly with the accommodation.
3. The top 5 destinations for 2023 are all about relaxation, exploration and inspiration.
Most major travel publications have released their top travel destinations for 2023. These five destinations below overlapped the most in the reports, indicating they are high on the best places to visit in 2023.
“From our own data, we’ve seen a strong rise in interest and bookings in these picture-perfect, relaxing destinations,” says Jill Walker, Director of Distribution at eviivo, “so, of course, there is proof in the pudding.”
FRANCE. From Paris to Marseille, France is the most sought-after destination for 2023, having appeared in almost all the top lists for 2023 travel.
UNITED KINGDOM. We can thank Ted Lasso, The Crown, Enola Holmes, Bridgerton and many other popular British series that have inspired travelers to seek out the UK, as TV-themed itineraries are on the rise, according to The New York Times.
In Expedia Group’s Traveler Value Index 2023, among travelers surveyed from the US, 68% said they considered visiting a destination after seeing it in a show or movie on a streaming platform – and 61% of those travelers booked a trip based on this viewing alone.
PORTUGAL. Portugal is hot for 2023. Conde Nast Traveler US named Melides, Portugal; CN Traveller UK named Lisbon and Madeira; American Express named Lisbon; and Alentejo by Forbes.
NEW MEXICO. Known for its stunning desert landscapes and national parks, New Mexico was named by Lonely Planet as a top 2023 destination, as well as Travel Lemming, a reputable travel website with 6 million unique monthly visitors.
GERMANY. Munich is seeing explosive growth in travel, according to Expedia Group’s Traveler Value Index 2023, and Lonely Planet named Dresden as a top 2023 destination.
4. Travelers will return to nature – but without being completely unplugged.
Sustainable, responsible and rural travel will continue to gain momentum in 2023, with travelers more inclined to lighten their luggage, choose trains over planes to reduce their carbon footprint and opt for an “off grid” vacation experience.
Almost half of global travelers want their 2023 getaway to have a more “back-to-basics” feel – think eco-friendly cabins, huts and yurts – but 53% still want phone and internet connection at their destination.
We also found in our internal data that travelers are increasingly seeking a combination of city and nature. For example, NYC Glamping, a trending, unique property right on the East River in Brooklyn, New York, offers the one-of-a-kind experience of staying in a well-appointed (and of course, Instagrammable) industrial shipping container with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
“We’ve noticed a trend of travelers wanting to get back to nature, but not being completely unplugged or too far away from city life,” says NYC Glamping manager Lana Surzhivoka. “The general feedback is a sense of relief… they get to experience something new and they don’t even need to leave NYC!”
5. Wellness and improving quality of life is fueling 2023 travel.
In 2023 will see the rise of the “culture shook” vacationer, as more people are embracing completely new and novel experiences in their travel journeys — but they still want wellness as the main driver for their trip, especially post Covid-19. This includes overall wellness, spa, relaxation and spiritual journeys.
It’s why solo travel has been on the rise for solitude and soul searching, and the number of solo travelers reserving trips for 2023 is up 24% compared to 2019. According to RateGain, a global expert in hospitality data and forecasting and eviivo partner, “solo” travelers were just as high as “couples” over “family” traveler profiles for the busiest days at London Airports in December 2022.
Global travelers are seeking silent retreats and experimental wellness experiences for 2023, with more than two-fifths wanting a “health hiatus,” so accommodations offering meditation, yoga or just the promise of simplicity with a beautiful view will continue to trend.
“Guests crave a curated, framed experience that helps them slow down, sign-off, breathe deeply, listen, know again from one’s own sense,” says Raymond Linam, owner of Desert Harbor Retreat in New Mexico and eviivo customer. “In a world of seemingly unlimited options, we find guests repeatedly – and surprisingly to them – find nurture in the narrowing.”
6. Hospitality technology will be prioritized — and ubiquitous.
We’d be remiss not to mention the rise of virtual reality and the Metaverse as it pertains to travel in 2023 and beyond. While most people say virtual-only trips leave too much to be desired at present, 46% admit they would be more likely to travel to new places after visiting them virtually.
As virtual touch points are now expected on vacations, travelers should be able to book, preview and manage their trips through elevated, enhanced technology, such as easy-to-use apps, but also on-premises, like automated check-in at a property.
Future-forward tech is not only crucial for guests, but also for hoteliers, B&B owners and vacation rental hosts who want a clean virtual throughline for their property management system (PMS) to manage remotely. In eviivo’s mobile survey, 84% of respondents said they want to be able to monitor and access their business anytime, anywhere, and always at their fingertips.
7. “Work from roam” is the new work from home.
Between 2019 and 2021, work from home tripled from 5.7% to 17.9%, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, and in the UK, remote workers skyrocketed in the past two years. As of the second quarter of 2022, Airbnb saw long-term stays (28 days or more) increase nearly 25 percent from 2021 and nearly 90 percent from 2019.
Remote work gave people the possibility to “work from roam,” where they could virtually work from anywhere in the world. This not only allows them to work remotely, but continue to explore the world, meet new people, and get inspired.
“‘Work from roam’ is not a trend; it’s a new normal that’s here to stay,” says Michele Fitzpatrick, eviivo CEO. “Our customers are seeing much longer stays and bookings from guests who are toting laptops and setting up their ‘office’ in their room, balcony or by the pool, wherever they feel inspired. Travelers are increasingly working outside their actual homes since they have the freedom, and it’s become a lot easier to do so.”
