The Future of Travel: What to Expect in 2023 & Beyond

Thinking about 2023 travel trends? Travelers today are looking for unique and personalized experiences when they go on a trip. From immersing themselves in local culture to recreating iconic movie scenes, there are endless sources of inspiration for those looking to explore the world. Despite the challenges of the past year, the demand for travel remains strong, and travel companies are finding new ways to meet the evolving needs of their customers. As experts in the industry, we are committed to creating customized travel experiences that exceed expectations and provide unforgettable memories for years to come.

So let’s dive into some popular 2023 travel trends, as well as share our predictions for what this means for future years of travel. All survey information comes from the American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report.

Exploring Unique Destinations

Travelers today are looking for unique experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in local cultures and explore hidden gems. They want to visit destinations that their friends back home might not know about, and they want to know that their travel decisions are having a positive impact on the places they visit.

According to a recent survey, 89% of respondents agreed that they want to travel to destinations they’ve never visited before. Additionally, 79% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents expressed a desire to experience a day in the life of locals in the destination they are visiting. Many travelers also pride themselves on finding lesser-known vacation spots before they become popular.

As purposeful travel becomes more important to travelers, supporting small businesses and local communities has become a priority. Around 86% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents and 83% of all surveyed respondents want to shop at small businesses when they travel to a new location. Furthermore, 69% of all respondents would be willing to spend more on a vacation if they knew it supported the local community. Dining and shopping at local small businesses is seen as a way to bring a more authentic experience to the trip.

As travel continues to evolve, we expect more and more travelers to prioritize unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow them to support local communities and create unforgettable memories.

The Growing Popularity of "Set-Jetting"

Travelers are increasingly seeking out destinations that have been featured in their favorite TV shows, movies, and social media. This trend, known as "set-jetting," has become especially popular among younger travelers.

According to a recent survey, 75% of respondents have been inspired by social media to travel to a specific destination, while 64% of respondents have been inspired by TV shows, news sources, or movies. Additionally, 48% of respondents said they want to travel somewhere they can show off on social media.

While recommendations from friends and family remain a strong influence on travel decisions, social media and pop culture are becoming increasingly important. 70% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents agreed that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured on TV, news, or a movie. 52% of Gen-Z and Millennials said TV shows or movies influenced their booking decisions, compared to only 43% of Gen-X respondents.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are also becoming important sources of travel inspiration. 46% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents said they have been inspired to travel by TikTok, while 34% were inspired by Instagram, and 22% were inspired by Facebook.

As set-jetting continues to rise in popularity, we can expect to see more travelers seeking out destinations that have been featured in their favorite media. Travel companies should be prepared to offer unique experiences that cater to these interests and provide opportunities for travelers to recreate their favorite scenes and moments.

Culinary Adventures: Exploring the World Through Food

One of our favorite 2023 travel trends is undoubtedly culinary-related. Food-driven travel is growing in popularity, and people are increasingly choosing their next travel destination based on what they'll eat. A recent survey found that 81% of respondents agreed that trying local foods and cuisines is what they look forward to most while traveling.

When it comes to dining out, 75% of respondents are most interested in eating at local restaurants when traveling this year. Furthermore, 66% of Gen-Z and Millennials agree that they get most of their inspiration for where to eat and what to eat from social media.

Younger travelers are particularly interested in food-related activities. 47% of Gen-Z and Millennials say they have planned an entire trip around visiting a specific restaurant -- compared to 37% of respondents overall. Additionally, 45% of Gen-Z and Millennials say they have planned a trip around attending a food festival, compared to just 35% of all respondents.

For 2023, travelers are most interested in the following culinary activities:

- Local restaurant scene (54%)
- Food festivals (46%)
- Local food tours (41%)
- Wine tastings (39%)
- Dining with live entertainment (38%)
- Brewery tours (34%)
- Chef tasting menus (31%)
- Cooking classes (22%)

When it comes to making dining reservations, not all travelers have the same approach. Solo travelers and couple travelers are more likely to make reservations before arriving at a destination, while friend groups and "bleisure" (business + leisure) travelers tend to make them upon arrival.

Reservation style by traveler type:

	Solo Travelers	Family Travelers	Friend Groups	Couple Travelers	"Bleisure" Travelers
Reservations before arrival	31%	36%	46%	31%	57%
Reservations upon arrival	39%	47%	39%	48%	38%

As food and travel continue to merge, we can expect even more travelers to prioritize dining experiences in their future trips.

Wellness Is The Wave

Travelers are increasingly prioritizing wellness and self-care when they go on vacation. They want to relax, unplug, and focus on their mental and physical health while also enjoying the sights and experiences of their destination.

According to a recent survey, 82% of respondents said that walking was their favorite activity to stay healthy while traveling. Additionally, 72% of respondents said that they were more focused on self-care than they were a year ago, and 57% of respondents plan to take extended vacations to focus on wellness.

Many travelers see leisure travel as a way to take a break from overstimulation and multitasking. As a result, 75% of respondents are planning to decrease their screen time while traveling to better their mental health. Furthermore, 68% of respondents said that they seek out nature to help them focus on mental clarity.

Travelers' preferences for wellness and self-care activities vary based on their country of residence. Some of the most popular activities include visiting a private beach, getting a massage or facial, detoxing from social media, visiting a premium spa, and practicing yoga and meditation.

Here are three international luxury resorts that provide the perfect environment to help restore a healthy mind and body:

Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos Islands

Ultra-secluded and activity-rich Amanyara, a Fine Hotels + Resorts® Property, is the perfect place to disconnect. Spa treatments incorporate organic cold-pressed coconut oil and other "island-inspired" ingredients to help brighten the skin, calm the mind, and relax the body. The hotel also welcomes rotating experts on stress-management and mindfulness to bolster the year-round wellness offerings.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Nestled into a natural rock formation, the spa at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, part of The Hotel Collection, features hot and cold plunge pools, outdoor treatment cabanas, and other amenities, all of which are close enough to the beach that you can listen to the waves crashing as you kick back. Select guest rooms also feature copper-leaf soaking tubs to improve skin moisturization and regeneration.

Cape Town, South Africa

The sprawling spa at the 131-room One&Only Cape Town, a Fine Hotels + Resorts® property, is more than just a part of the hotel. It's a leafy harborside oasis of private spaces and winding waterways called "Spa Island." For a more active option, guests can book a customized workout session with a personal trainer.

As wellness travel continues to rise in popularity, we can expect more and more travelers to seek out destinations and experiences that help them prioritize their physical and mental health.

The Future of Travel is Exciting and Full of Possibilities

In conclusion, the future of travel is exciting and full of possibilities. For 2023 travel trends, we learned:

Travelers are seeking out unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in local cultures, recreate their favorite movie scenes, and indulge in delicious food.
Additionally, wellness and self-care are becoming increasingly important to travelers who seek to relax and focus on their physical and mental health while exploring new destinations.

At U.S. Sedan Service Worldwide, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality luxury transportation and travel experiences. Our fleet of premium vehicles is meticulously maintained, and our professional chauffeurs are PAX-certified and trained to the highest industry standards. From executive transportation to private aviation and everything in between, we are your single source of transportation and can be an amazing compliment to your next travel adventure.