Spring/summer travel trends for 2017
Looking into the future is always a challenge. The lens of a crystal ball isn’t always the clearest but it can often show us some things with startling clarity. Such as expected spring and summer travel trends for 2017. Going off previous years and including recent changes and innovations, we think we have a good idea of what to expect this year in the world of travel.
Rest is best
The single biggest travel trend of 2017 is likely to be traveling at all. Many employees forego vacations in favor of working more. However, increased understanding of the value of rest and relaxation is changing that attitude. More employers are getting on board and initiatives like Project: Time Off run last year have shown that workers who do take vacation time are more likely to get a raise. As travel perks go, a raise is a pretty good one!
Be your own travel agent
The advantage of sites such as HotelEngine.com is that we can save significant amounts of money compared to traditional travel agents. Very few of us still use a travel agent, preferring instead to build our own vacation. The freedom of choice and cash savings our hotel booking platform offers for business and leisure travel ensures you find exactly what you’re looking for at a price you can afford.
Social travel
According to Adweek, in 2015 over 52 percent of Facebook users said images of travel and vacation pages influenced their plans. We fully expect that to be higher during 2017. Social media is a massive influencer and more people are learning how to get more out of these networks than just sharing what they had for dinner last night.
Solo travel
There are signs of an increase in solo travel too. Singletons are becoming bolder and are more willing to make their own travel plans. Solo traveling options are increasing, with many hotels dropping single occupancy rates while offering other travel perks for solo travelers. Not having a partner or group to vacation with is no longer a barrier to travel.
Unplugging while on vacation
Leaving phones and tablets at home while traveling began gaining traction last year and we fully expect it to continue through 2017. Work has encroached into every aspect of our lives so leaving the phone at home is the only way to avoid checking work emails or answering work calls during a vacation.
As mentioned above, with more staff and employers waking up to the restorative powers of vacation time, more will be unplugging to preserve it. This can only be a good thing.
Experiences take precedence
Traditionally, a vacation has usually involved laying on a beach, taking a road trip or going to Disneyworld. Now vacations that include experiences are on the rise. They include immersion in a different culture, learning a new skill or adventure sports. Yoga and martial arts retreats in particular are gaining popularity.
While HotelEngine.com is primarily a business travel center, there is nothing wrong with booking your vacation stay through us too. With significant savings possible across the board, spending less on a hotel means more money for experiences!
