Travel Trends for the Next Decade, Part 1

Since the onset of the Internet, travel planning has changed drastically. Online resources offer travelers many opportunities to plan their own amazing experiences. Utilizing popular travel sites like tripadvisor.com and lonelyplanet.com, travelers have the ability to not only book airfare and hotels at the best prices, they can also read reviews from fellow travelers and learn about out-of-the ordinary destinations. Travel advisers can easily learn about hot new properties, up-and-coming destinations around the globe, and unique adventures. Spending some time online can reveal travel opportunities and trends that travelers may have never discovered otherwise! Several of the emerging travel opportunities include these unique categories:

Transformational Travel

One of the hottest trends is transformational travel, defined as any travel experience that empowers people to make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. Evergreen X is the first travel company to be entirely built to support travelers in their pursuit of transformation.  Their itinerary called "Life in the Bush - An Immersion into the Communities and Conservation of Zimbabwe’s National Parks,” offers deep cultural experiences, active and remote excursions, and thought-provoking interactions.

Pure Life Experiences, a travel company focused on transformational travel, has won awards for its approach. Excursions include “Churchill Wild,” an arctic “glamping” trip, and a “Dientes Trek” through Tierra del Fuego, with virtually no trail infrastructure. Travelers seeking unique, life-changing experiences might consider going off-the-grid with a nomadic family in Morocco, or cruising Antarctica, a largely untouched continent. Tour operators, such as Peregrine Adventures, facilitate 11-day adventures that include visits to penguin rookeries, searches for humpback whales and leopard seals, and ice camping.

Sustainable Tourism

People are more focused on “being green” than ever before. This holds true while seeking travel opportunities, too; sustainable, eco-friendly hotels continue to trend at the top. In Africa, Bisate Lodge is a sustainable camp located in Rwanda next to Volcanoes National Park (home to mountain gorillas). The park provides more than 66 acres of habitat for the critically endangered animals, and is an easy drive from the lodge. 

Costa Rica, famous for its focus on the environment and strong sustainability practices, offers a wide array of  “green” accommodations, including the popular Lapa Rios. Lapa Rios is a hotel situated alongside 1,000 acres of private reserve in a lowland tropical rainforest. It has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence. The hotel offers guests opportunities to discover the area’s natural beauty, and employs four full-time, experienced naturalists to ensure visitors get the most out of their experiences.

    

Multigenerational Vacations

Multigenerational vacations, which are inclusive of all ages and pique all family members' interests, are more popular than ever. Forego the traditional Disney destination and try something new that will interest everyone from small kids to grandparents. Saddle up at a dude ranch, where the mature travelers can fish or line dance, while children can learn about horse care. Or, visit a US National Park, including Yellowstone or Bryce Canyon, where you can hike a trail or enjoy a unique wildlife sighting. Family campgrounds also offer a wide variety of activities that will entice all generations. You'll find lots of organized activities such as trout fishing derbies, bike-decorating parties and disc golf competitions, as well as plenty of amenities, including waterslides and mini-golf courses. 

If you’re seeking the sun, some all-inclusive resorts cater to extended families with diverse amenities and activities. Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, offers a daily activity schedule packed with activities ranging from knockout basketball tournaments to nightly bingo to "Family Feud"-style games. In between, plan on go-karts, zip lining, bumper car rides, pony rides, kayaking, swimming and family walks around the lake. 

Island trips also rank high in popularity for family getaways. Adults can get in their beach time while the kids can swim, play volleyball or hunt for shells. Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an exciting new, all-inclusive, sustainable resort, designed especially with families in mind. There are special suites to accommodate families, along with kids’ and teens’ clubs with an array of fun activities. Not to mention the hotel is located on the Xcaret Park property, a world-renown eco-park, packed full of unique, memorable experiences. You can spend multiple days exploring the park– watching traditional Mayan ceremonies, snorkeling crystal clear waters, and enjoying incredible local cuisine. Check out Sea TREK– a helmet diving tour for ages 8 and older– grandkids to grandparents can stroll the ocean floor in this sensational excursion.

Have you ever taken a transformational trip, or stayed at a sustainable resort? Share with us below!

Next week, we'll explore extraordinary cruising, volunteer vacations, extreme trips and emerging destinations in part 2 of Travel Trends for the Next Decade.

Terrie Carrozzella is the Web Designer & Social Media Manager for Sub Sea Systems. Want to contact Terrie about Sea TREK helmet diving, Clear Lounge underwater oxygen bar, or FunCat electric catamarans? Email her here!terrie@subseasystems.com