Travel Trends: A Decade of Changes

People are traveling now more than ever before. With a computer in hand, consumers have control over what they want to see, where they want to go, and how they choose to get there. Airline travel is close to the cheapest it’s ever been. And the massive rise of social media means travel inspiration is right at our fingertips. As we continue to explore the world, we’re changing the way we do it. Here are five ways travel has changed this decade.

1) When the website Airbedandbreakfast.com first launched, 800 people signed up to host and there were 80 guest arrivals. Fast-forward 11 years and over 6 million listings later, Airbnb has made it possible for the everyday traveler to spend a night in a tree house, tiny house, or luxury mansion, all with a personal touch. The company has expanded rapidly, with its listings growing 100% every year and a foray into local-led tours and experiences as well as lodging. 2) Since Instagram’s launch in 2010, the rise of travel bloggers and photographers with mass followings has transformed the way the average person experiences travel. If you follow a travel influencer who constantly posts pictures of their perfect vacations, chances are you’re scrolling through their page and thinking, “How soon can I get there?” 3) With such a massive increase in overall travel over the past decade, jet travel and development have caused some environmental issues. It’s important, then, that some people are putting more of an emphasis on visiting countries responsibly. Sustainable tourism means a traveler respects the environment, cultural heritage, and people in the destination they are visiting. Ecotourism is one element of sustainable travel that brings in a lot of revenue. 4) On the other hand, now, with more awareness on environmental issues like climate change, some travelers and companies are pushing for more sustainable methods of transportation and opting for slower travel, such as by train, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Using the railroad is one way to travel long distances without releasing as many emissions, and slower travel like this allows people to spend more time in places and really be able to enjoy their experiences. 5) More people are now traveling during the winter months. Instead of flocking from the cold weather to warmer destinations, winter travelers are more interested in experiencing other countries during the cold months. Another reason to travel during the winter is because it’s considered “off-season” in many destinations, which means travelers can avoid high prices and large crowds. A recent survey found that about 80% of Americans would consider traveling during the winter, because of smaller crowds and potential savings.