The traveller of 2015 is seeking a genuine experience and will look for holidays that deliver on the authentic, according to a 2014 World Travel Market Global trends Report. According to the report last year the ‘peer to peer’ accommodation trend picked up in a big way with the success of such online sites as Airbnb and HomeAway. The success can be attributed to the fact that the modern traveller does not look to stay in star class luxury away from reality, but to spend less on accommodation and more on experiences. By staying with locals the adventurous traveller is able to immerse him or herself in the culture of that country. So what has 2015 travel in store for us?
It is all about the food
Looking for even more ways to truly understanding a country you visit? Then you will appreciate the new trend of food playing a prominent role. Home-cooks is a new trend where tourists can stay with home hosts or even restaurants for a fee and learn about the region through the cooking. Of course you also get to dine on amazing dishes that represent the region to the core. According WTM experts, travellers have come to appreciate that eating and sampling local food is the way to truly get an authentic travel experience of the region you are visiting. People love to take home memories that are unique and not in the normal guidebooks and feel the joy of having been part of the culture.
Hotels to hostels
2015 will also, according to travel experts see more travellers moving away from star class hotel stays and looking for more affordable hotels, hostels and homestays. This again in keeping with the need for an authentic travel experience, as people look for the best travel deals so that they can spend more on truly experiencing their travel destination. When you spend less on accommodation you have more to spend on proper exploring. Sampling the local food, using the local transportation methods and staying with a local family are a great way to enjoy an affordable and truly satisfying holiday.
Using their mobiles as travel tools
To be honest this trend has been growing over the past few years. 2015 will see more people making bookings via mobile with the WTM predicting that in 2018 this will reach a growth level of 35% using their mobiles for online travel research and to make online travel bookings. It is easy to download the latest travel apps on to your smart phone, so that you can plan your holiday while on the go. New trends also show that your phone may well indeed become your travel wallet as it reduces the hassle of currency exchange.
Smarter travellers
Travellers of today are smart and do plenty of online research before making a decision. Owing to this they are more aware of ways to make their money stretch for longer. They have come to appreciate budget travel and all its benefits. So in 2015 always look for the best airline deals which today are a great travel option, opening up new travel destination across the world for people that would otherwise limit travel owing to the expense.
New travel destination
People are definitely going off the beaten track. The world is vast and offers so much for the adventurous traveller to do and see. Thanks to the now available budget flights and accommodation and travel deals travellers are able to literally broaden their horizons and experience new destinations. Destinations such as Colombia which were once feared owing to the internal strife are now proving to be amazing holiday destinations. With more and more airlines offering flights to these once forgotten destinations such as Cuba, Bahamas, South Africa and Iceland to mention just a very few, you are now able to explore this amazing planet and all its hidden wonders.
WiFi for the modern tourist
WiFi facilities have now become part and parcel of modern travelling. It is one of the first things tourists look for when searching for places to stay. While all other facilities can be basic WiFi has now become essential for the modern tourist. This is not really surprising when you take the world of today into consideration. Gone are the tools of yesteryear, notebooks and pens and instead nowadays we keep travel blogs. We keep in touch with loves ones instantly through social media such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And let’s not forget about Google Maps that has become essential for travellers today as they find their own way around new destinations. 2015 shows a shift towards more places offering this service free or at a very affordable rate.
Wellness travel
Actually we saw this trend in 2014 as well. After the toll of a fast paced life, tourists are coming to appreciate holidays that help promote good mental and physical health. This does not mean simply relaxing but really taking care of yourself with professional help to get you on the path to complete rejuvenation. This is why people seek Ayurvedha holidays that use ancient treatments to rid the body of toxins, help people detox and eat well. The therapeutic massages work wonders on healing the body. In the same way tourists now opt for weight loss retreats, yoga and meditation camps as holiday options.
Holidays which give back
As humans we are becoming more and more aware of the impact we have on our planet. Modern tourists love to go on holidays they know will help them reduce their carbon imprint or benefit the destination of their choice. Many look for options where they can bike around the region or for hotels that use solar power. Better still many look for holiday options that give back to the community, where proceeds and profits are shared with the locals.
2015 has just started and you can get a head start on planning your holiday. There is so much to look forward to and so much to see and do, so start planning your off the beaten track holiday today.
