TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022

Boy, was last year a doozy!  Just when we thought life as we knew it was going back to “normal” (or our “new normal”), new strains of the coronavirus popped up and cases began spiking again all over the world.

One of the biggest issues related to COVID last year was airline passenger incidents mainly caused by mask rules. Passengers disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior against other passengers as well as members of the flight crew. As a result, the FAA initiate a zero-tolerance policy for passengers who don’t follow flight crew instructions and thousands of dollars in fines were imposed.

As we get further into the year, we’re still facing uncertainty in when it comes to travel (amond other things) in 2022. Knowing what to expect will help you as you make – or considering making – travel plans this year.

FLEXIBILITY IN TRAVEL PLANNING

The need for flexibility when making travel plans will be very important in 2022. Constantly evolving travel restrictions, flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling can derail plans at any moment.

Travelers will be paying very close attention to change and cancellation policies (which we should all do anytime we make travel plans) and should avoid nonrefundable bookings at all costs. The purchase of trip cancellation travel insurance will also become a regular part of travel planning.

STAFFING SHORTAGES

Due to the negative impact COVID continues to have on the travel industry, many travel- and hospitality-related companies have had to reduce their workforce.

As a result of these staffing shortages, travelers can expect longer wait times, delayed or cancelled flights, and more. All of these factors can add up to more agitated travelers. Ticket agents have reported being spit on by angry travelers and more.

The moral of the story: If you plan to travel in 2022, make sure you pack your patience because you’re going to need it (at least for the first half of the year).

VACCINATION MANDATES

As the situation with the percentage of vaccinated U.S. citizens and the impact of the coronavirus variants continue to evolve, so will the COVID protocols.  

• • Airlines – As of the beginning of the year, those traveling domestically do not need to be vaccinated. However, the TSA will require that they do need to show proof of a negative COVID test. International travelers 
     
  • Business Establishments – Individual businesses such as restaurants, bars, and music venues will begin or continue to take measures to ease the health concerns of their customers and employees. Patrons who wish to dine or drink indoors or attend a concert will be required to show proof of vaccination or be turned away. 

POPULARITY OF TRAVEL ADVISORS

As in 2021, travel advisors will be in high demand again this year.  Pre-COVID, it seemed like the profession was dying since the internet has made it so much easier for travelers to book their own trips.

However, the increased complexity of planning a trip during a pandemic has given travelers a new appreciation for the vast amount of knowledge and expertise travel advisors possess.

Travel advisors can travelers plan complex itineraries; tell them what to expect; save them money; and help them make last-minute changes, rebook or cancel reservations, and follow up on refunds. 

LONGER VACATIONS

After two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are feeling burned out and ready for a change of scenery. The pent-up demand to get away from the same four walls many of us have been stuck within is at an all-time high.

Since planning travel has become more complicated, travelers will be taking longer trips to make the most of their time off. 

A recent survey by Destination Analysts found that:⁠

• 68% of American workers feel at least moderately burned out⁠
• 71% of Americans are prioritizing a change of scenery in 2022
• 64% of Americans feel they desperately need a vacation⁠

Why is taking time off to travel important?  There are many (often unexpected) benefits of travel.

To encourage U.S. citizens to use their time and inspire them to use those days to travel, the USTA celebrates National Plan for Vacation Day on the last Tuesday of January each year (this year, it will be celebrated on January 25th).

INCREASED DOMESTIC TRAVEL

With the constantly evolving entry requirements and COVID protocols for many international destinations, domestic travel will be a popular option again this year. 

If you are like most people, there are probably many places in and around your home state that you’ve yet to explore. 2022 will be the perfect time to do so.

For example, I live in northern Virginia and last year, I traveled every month to destinations within 3 hours from my home. Despite the close proximity, I visited places I’d never been and really enjoyed my adventures.  

Two websites I enjoy using to find out about fun things to do and see around where I live are Only In Your State and Groupon.

CONTINUED POPULARITY OF ROAD TRIPS

Many travelers who opt to travel domestically will be doing so by hitting the open road, making road trips a popular option again this year. The freedom they represent has definitely made them more alluring. 

To plan the best trip possible, refer to these helpful articles:

• Road Trips (Pt. 1): How to Plan an Awesome Adventure
• Road Trips (Pt. 2): All the Planning Tools & Apps You’ll Need for Your Trip
• Road Trips (Pt. 3): How to Entertain Yourself on the Road
• Road Trip Safety: 15 Must-Have Items for an Emergency Road Kit

Although many people will still prefer to travel by car, RVs will be also be a top transportation option again this year.

DESIRE TO GET BACK TO NATURE

Outdoor destinations will be popular this year this year since outdoor activities are proven to be safer than indoor activities during these uncertain times. Getting aware from technology and back to nature and fresh air can be rejuvenating.

Camping is a popular and affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts. One of my go-to tools for finding good camping options is Hipcamp. It features tent and RV sites as well as glamping options. 

If visiting one of the U.S.’s 423 National Parks is of interest to you, learn what you need to know before you go.

SINGLE-DESTINATION INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

While it’s possible to travel internationally, doing so will require advance planning and research.

With the constantly evolving entry requirements and COVID protocols for international destinations, there’s a chance that the requirements could change mid-trip potentially leaving the traveler stranded abroad indefinitely.

As a result, travelers who usually include multiple countries in their trip plans will opt to travel to just one destination and take more time to explore it.

Did any of these predicted trends surprise you? Are there any you think I missed? 
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.