Resurgence of vacation likely in 2022

During the pandemic, people were forced to make the most of what they had close to home. People have become more engaged with the community by supporting local businesses, and now travellers are looking to embrace this same community feeling through their vacations too

2022 will finally be the time to branch out and make new connections says Booking.com. 60 per cent 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 one is 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 per cent wanting to meet new people while away.

A resurgence of vacation romances is also likely, with 50 per cent 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.

The anticipation of the journey will be as exciting as the destination. 75 per cent 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.

73 per cent 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 per cent agreeing that their vacation time will be strictly work-free in the future.

Travel will become an essential form of self-care. 79 per cent 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.

Explore and discover: 60 per cent plan to use their next trip to explore new cultures and enjoy new places and experiences. Exploring sights you never thought you'd see and tasting new cuisines can form unforgettable experiences and help you appreciate the opportunities that life gives you.

Rest and recharge: 52 per cent want their next trip to help them get away from the routine of home life and escape the daily grind of work. Travel allows you to break the status quo of routines and switch off from daily updates and devices. Hitting reset also helps to gain a little perspective on your mental wellbeing.

Socialize with others: 40 per cent hope their next trip allows them to spend time with friends, family and to meet new people. Self-care for some isn't always a solitary activity. Socializing with friends, especially in a new environment can be both exciting and revitalizing, boosting your happiness levels and self-awareness.

Find romance: 50 per cent of singles are hoping for a vacation romance the next time they go away. Perhaps self-care for you means spending more time with your significant other? But for solo travellers, wanderlust and wellness could turn self-love into finding love.

Community first: Authentic connection with the local community will be a priority. 58 per cent of travellers agree it's important that their trip is beneficial to the local community at their destination

During the pandemic, people were forced to make the most of what they had close to home. People have become more engaged with the community by supporting local businesses, and now travellers are looking to embrace this same community feeling through their vacations too. 58 per cent of people agree that it's important that their trip is beneficial to the local community. While 29 per cent are going to do more research into how their tourism spend will affect or improve local communities.

After so long of sacrificing socializing, traveling, and fun, travellers will embrace a new, more positive, way of thinking for 2022 as the number of people who feel they need to make up for lost vacation time has grown from 42 per cent to 63 per cent. With any and all travel plans being put on hold due to the pandemic, 2022 will be the year of simply saying yes, with 72 per cent agreeing they'd say "yes" to any vacation so long as their budget allowed.