Like the rest of the world, travel stopped with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Famed destinations like Times Square and the Roman Colosseum sat empty as the world stopped right before our eyes. After COVID, there was a mad rush to travel as the world emerged from lockdown. The results were high prices, dense crowds, and lots of inconvenience. Things have settled down since then, and we’re starting to see some trends re-emerge from the before times.

At the heart of all travel trends is getting to know yourself by stepping outside of your ordinary world. Solo traveling and adventure travel are increasingly popular with those interested in entering the world’s stage and seeing what new part they can play. Plus, we’re seeing new trends emerge, including a general belt-tightening in response to inflation.

But there’s one trend that cuts across all the others, whether its domestic or international travel: being mindful, being responsible, and developing a greater appreciation for the world around us. It comes out of the desire to develop a greater appreciation for the world.

Solo Travel

Solo travel has become one of the most popular ways of experiencing the world in recent years. Whether you’re just looking for a chance to unwind and rediscover yourself or you cannot find a travel buddy interested in your preferred destination, solo travel has many distinct advantages. By far the most significant boon of traveling alone is that you have complete freedom of what you do during your vacation time. Whether you want to chill out at a New York City art museum or hang ten on the beaches of Maui, you can do so without worrying that your travel partner is bored or interested in doing something else. And, since you’re traveling as a single, solo travel also provides plenty of opportunities to meet people and make new friends.

Sustainable Travel

Vacationers and travel industry honchos alike have shown a strong interest in sustainable travel and eco-tourism. This commitment to doing right by the environment has led to a bloom of tourism packages dedicated to preservation and reduction of carbon emissions. Luxury resorts have stepped to the forefront of these endeavors by creating marine reserves that benefit both visitors and residents alike.

Other destinations encourage visitors to enjoy the splendor of the natural world by volunteering with local preservation groups, giving them the opportunity to not only experience the beauty of nature but to also ensure that it remains intact for future generations. Meanwhile, airlines and cruise lines are also exploring ways to minimize their carbon footprint. The Hurtigruten Group, a Norway-based cruise line, has recently begun converting many of its existing ships into vessels powered by hybrid batteries that reduce their carbon output by as much as 25 percent.

Adventure Travel

Outdoor and adventure travel are among the most fascinating new travel experiences for those with an interest in exploring the world. This trend has been buoyed by social media and heavy investment in infrastructure. Economic forecasters predict that adventure tourism will balloon into a $4 trillion-dollar industry over the next decade.

Although outdoor tourism might conjure images of hang-gliding or bungee jumping, adventure travel is far more nuanced than popular media depictions. Adventure travel is not necessarily focused on thrill seeking but on having a meaningful interaction with the natural world. Hiking and backpacking are among the most popular forms of adventure travel, while skiing and snowboarding are also excellent ways to experience the joys of outdoor travel. Activities involving animals are also common ways for tourists to have an outdoor adventure trip. Whether it’s whale watching or an African safari, entire industries have sprung up to help travelers make the most of their outdoor adventure plans.

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Slow Travel

One of the biggest complaints of travelers is that they never have enough time to see everything on their trip. This problem is remedied with slow travel, which involves longer trips focused on cultural immersion and getting to know a place from its very roots. Slow travel is best for people who want to know their destination at a most intimate level.

Rather than just following the itinerary of a travel brochure, slow travelers immerse themselves in the ways of local residents, learning their language, following their day-to-day routine, and experiencing all aspects of their cuisine. Usually encompassing a few weeks or even several months, slow travel trips have the added advantage of reducing the environmental impact of your trip. (After all, you won’t be jetting from location to location.) Along the way, you’ll be sure to make new friends and exchange the whirlwind of the modern vacation scene for a quieter, more mindful experience.

Unplugged Vacations

The dawn of the digital age has clearly been a mixed bag. While on the one hand technology has given us easy access to everything from hit movies to college calculus classes, it has also created new boundaries in getting to know ourselves and those closest to us. For this reason, many travelers go on digital detox trips, putting aside their smart phones and tablets for the simple joy that comes with visiting an amazing destination.

Travelers hoping to enjoy an unplugged vacation should consider several factors in their preferred destination, including its walkability and the number of interesting activities at the location. Aspects like this help keep visitors busy and off their phones during the day, while vibrant nightlife and evening tours ensure that visitors don’t abandon their detox at night. Travelers determined to sever their digital connection completely can book trips in places without any Wi-Fi hotspots, although admittedly those locations get rarer as the digital age progresses.

Do any of these trends inspire you? Tell us about it in the comments below!