Over the past year and a half, every aspect of our lives has been redefined repeatedly, especially how we travel, while the pandemic isn’t over, a sense of hope for the future is beginning to emerge.

But what does this future look like for travel? We have commissioned extensive research with more than 24,000 travellers across 31 countries and territories to predict how travel will continue to be redefined in 2022.

New faces and places
2022 will finally be the time to branch out and make new connections.

• 60% of travellers are looking forward to meeting new people while on vacation

The pandemic has forced us to focus on what and who is a priority in our lives - and freedom has never been so valued. Now that we are able to get back to travel once again, 2022 will not only see people reconnecting with friends and family, but also seeking new connections with 60% wanting to meet new people while away.

A resurgence of vacation romances is also likely, with 50% hoping for one on their next trip, and thanks to video calls becoming part of our everyday lives, we expect to see more than a few of these romances continue when travellers return home.

First-time feelings
The anticipation of the journey will be as exciting as the destination.

• 75% of travellers find that the journey to a destination is more enjoyable when it feels like part of the trip itself.

The journey to a destination is one part of a trip that many of us often see as a necessity, rather than something to really savor and enjoy. But as trips have been few and far between for the past year and a half, the journey may actually be something that more of us are looking forward to than ever before in 2022.

Resetting work boundaries
Vacation time will be strictly work-free.

• 73% of travellers say vacation time will be strictly work-free in the future

When the pandemic hit, homes across the globe became our offices too, and the novelty of working remotely was realised. However, in 2022 we’ll see a significant rise in people wanting to firmly re-establish a healthy work-life balance with 73% agreeing that their vacation time will be strictly work-free in the future.

Planning a trip to switch off from work? Select your trip type below and copy and paste one of our Out of (Home) Office templates to let your colleagues know you’re logging off!

Travel as self-care
Travel will become an essential form of self-care

• 79% of travellers agree that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of self-care.

Move over yoga and mindful meditation, travel is set to become the self-care trend for 2022, with people not only valuing the opportunity to switch off more than ever before but also using their time spent traveling to fully immerse themselves in new places and cultures.

Whether it's spending time with family and friends, hearing new languages, or trying new food, travel will look different for everyone - what does it look like for you?

Read the report here