Travel is set to change in the next five years, with people looking at new destinations and new ways to take a break, according to a report. KAYAK ‘s What the Future Travel Trend Report has eight predictions for travel by 2030.
In partnership with The Future Laboratory, one of the world’s leading futures consultancies, the WTF Report blends social and cultural research, interviews with KAYAK executives and external experts, survey insights from 9,100 people across 9 countries, and an in-depth analysis of KAYAK user behaviour.
AI Agents
A new wave of travel agents is emerging, focusing on personalised travel experiences. Modern travellers seek flexibility (38%), customised itineraries (37%), and value AI tools for planning (17%). By 2030, virtual AI Assistants will handle a variety of travel arrangements, offering tailored trips and securing the best deals effortlessly.
City Jumping
By 2030, travellers will prioritise multi-stop trips over single-destination vacations. For 66% of survey respondents, travel ranks as a top priority, signalling a growing desire to explore. As visa regulations relax worldwide, governments and destinations are gearing up for the rise of city-jumping travellers.
Vitamin T
By 2030, the value of a trip will hinge on wellness scores. KAYAK notes a surge in wellness travel, with pools as the top-searched hotel amenity globally, followed by hot tubs, spas, and fitness facilities. 60% of travellers prioritise relaxation, while 13% emphasise health and wellness. Destinations promoting longevity will become sought-after additions to travellers’ bucket lists.
Feedbooking
From browsing feeds to booking trips, travellers will use social media as a booking platform. Currently, 36% of travellers find trip inspiration on social platforms, a trend expected to grow by 2030. KAYAK predicts social media will shift from inspiration to a full-fledged travel shopping channel, with apps serving as travel storefronts.
Virtual Voyages
By 2030, travel will feature holographic concierges and automatic airfare refunds. Travellers anticipate virtual hotel room previews (35%) and almost 10% of air passengers expect in-flight VR entertainment for an immersive experience. The future of travel is set to exceed expectations with innovative technologies.
LIT – Low Intensity Travel
The shift toward unexplored destinations will challenge today’s top travel spots. Concerns over overtourism and carbon footprint (14%) will influence future travel decisions. The quest for unventured experiences will shift from adventurers to conscious travellers, becoming a mainstream travel priority.
Spiritual Sidequests
From silent retreats to genealogical investigations, Spiritual Sidequests will have their moment by 2030, with more and more travellers wanting to pair exploring a destination with exploring their inner-self to grow and heal.
Disloyalty Programme
Loyalty Programmes will adapt to meet the demands of price-conscious travellers. 29% of travellers want personalised loyalty rewards, such as receiving refunds when air ticket prices go down (32%). With 72% anticipating higher travel prices in the future, travellers are prioritising savings and will switch brands for better deals.