Exclusive Feature: Digital tools and resources have launched the travel experience leagues forward; specifically, mobile use has given individuals more control and choice as they embark on their journeys.

Now, the path to a destination, including accommodations and transportation, largely takes place on a smartphone or tablet.

As travelers contemplate their getaways, they use their mobile devices along the way. From scrolling through dream spots to booking a room, each step is an opportunity for the hospitality industry to engage consumers.

Airlines, hoteliers and tourist spots can appeal to customers via streamlined booking options, organizational tools and attraction suggestions. Let's look at the five top mobile trends in the decision-making process.

1. Wishful-Thinking Plans

Even if travelers wait until right before a trip to book, they're dreaming about vacation time often. Once a month, 37 percent of travelers in America consider their vacation planning, while another 17 percent consider it around once a week. This leads to preemptive research as they let themselves weigh their options.

When they're imagining the possibilities, they look to several mobile platforms for ideas. YouTube is a significant source that mobile users visit to inform their travel choices. Hospitality businesses that steer customers to the potential of their location are reeling in a crowd early.

Displaying the interests of your business and area in a video format can pull in curious daydreamers. Out of regular tablet users, 33 percent watch one hour of video per day on their mobile device. Video marketing for mobile platforms is a valuable strategy for attracting customers.

2. Narrowing Logistics

As customers more seriously plan, they continue to give their attention to mobile devices to find when and how they should make their trip. Comparing hotels and flights on mobile-friendly websites or apps is a major part of this decision-making moment.

Appearing in effortless comparison tools is one way this trend is affecting travel and tourism touchpoints. A strong online presence entices customers because they're weeding out the best brands and services.

3. Last-Minute Bookings

Because immediacy is what travelers are increasingly geared toward, fast booking down to the last moment is on the rise. Searches for "same-day" or "next-day" check-in make up 30 percent of those on online travel agency mobile websites and 25 percent for hotel mobile sites.

Impromptu plans cause travelers to find exciting pursuits and places to stay. In a survey, 39 percent of participants reported that their business had seen a trend of last-minute bookings. Flexible options on mobile devices offer a convenient way to sort out plans in a rush.

Same-day or next-day endeavors are more possible than ever with mobile-friendly searches and booking capabilities. Apps like HotelTonight provide last minute deals for spontaneous travelers.

4. First-Time Visitors

Familiarity is what many look for in a vacation, but first-time visitors are starting to gain ground in travel. A desire to check places off their bucket list is sweeping through the travel industry, and mobile devices act as a map, translator and research tool.

On-the-go research capabilities aid visitors as they acquaint themselves with the area. Location-based apps can act as a reference as travelers investigate shops and markets. Voice search within hotel apps can help customers as they get their bearings. In-app voice guidance can boost the chance a guest will download and use an app to navigate around their destination.

5. Profound Experiences

During a trip, travelers are seeking memorable activities and captivating surroundings. However, they are waiting until they've arrived on-site to explore, and they look to their smartphone to guide them.

Particularly in millennial travelers, experiences hold more value than products. Unique vacations that mobile-inclined customers want include getting into the local culture, social media worthy moments and adrenaline-inducing opportunities.
Many big name hotels are looking into adding virtual reality experiences for guests, and most of these will function on customers' mobile gadgets.

Maximize on Mobile Decision Making

Each stage of the choices that travelers go through is a point that hotels, resorts and travel businesses can interact with customers. Mobile technology is the primary way travelers research their vacation destination before and during their trip, so tap into this platform through advertising, brand exposure and mobile tools.

This is strictly an exclusive feature, reprints of this article in any shape or form without prior written approval from 4Hoteliers.com is not permitted.

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

www.driftercollective.com