What's trending for 2015 by Black Tomato

WHAT’S TRENDING FOR 2015 Black Tomato

INTroduction

Black Tomato’s Travel Trends for 2015

Hello.

Here at Black Tomato we’re fascinated by not only where, but how and why we choose to travel. With technology, cultures and communities constantly evolving across the globe these have a direct effect on the way we see and experience the world. We’ve been busy investigating the way we travel, through in-depth research and analysis, and crucially examining the patterns and trends that we’ve seen from our clients.

It’s through this research that we’ve discovered what’s on the travel horizon for us in 2015, from getting back to our roots with nostalgic travel to families seeking respite from the urban jungle, to using social media to connect to ultimately disconnect. Take a look through our trends forecast for 2015, and gather some inspiration for how we’ll be travelling in 2015 and beyond.

1 THE Heritage trend

Travelling back to your roots with your family

? the background As a society it is apparent that we’re becoming increasingly fascinated with where we come from.

In our ever-shrinking, fast-paced world where we’re constantly connected, we’re seeing a wave of travellers looking back to the past to discover their roots in a nostalgic and emotive way.

Thanks to social media, apps and ancestry websites it’s becoming easier for us to access the wealth of information about our family’s history.

The success of the television show ‘Who do you think you are’ in the UK and US has spurred a rise in people looking to retrace their genealogy, often resulting in travelling abroad to uncover where they’re from. It’s apparent that travel and lineage are intrinsically linked.

From studying ancient emigration patterns, to retracing our forbearer’s foot-prints through the generations; heritage travel is so poignant and nostalgic it can enrich our lives, answer questions, give us a sense of identity and help shape who we are.

1 the Heritage trend

Travelling back to your roots with your family

what we’re seeing

The majority of our clients looking to travel to retrace their roots have often already begun researching their lineage – and may have documents or stories passed down through generations that link to a specific destination.

We help our clients retrace the steps of their ancestors - to visit the villages they inhabited, gain insight into how they might have lived – and help create their own journey of discovery.

Multi-generational trips are already on the increase for 2015 and we also foresee a rise in the number of clients looking to take a trip to recover their past with their family in tow. These multi-generational heritage trips are pioneered by elder members of the family looking to connect the younger generations with their origins. These types of trips can be valuable bonding experiences for family groups – as well as a unique way to celebrate a family milestone.

With authentic travel experiences on the rise travellers are seeking out stories whilst abroad. Heritage travel is so emotive it allows travellers to connect with the past and weave a story around their journey.

Tom Marchant, co-founder at Bl ack Tomato

1 the Heritage trend

Travelling back to your roots with your family Ireland

experience it

We’re seeing a rise in travellers from the US looking to travel to destinations where their elders emigrated from. Whereas UK based family groups are travelling to countries with strong cultural and historical connections, or to visit relatives that still live overseas.

• The majority of heritage seeking travellers are choosing to travel to Ireland to visit cities such as Westport, that are rich with heritage. Many also take to the road to explore multiple stops. Popular routes include the Wild Atlantic Way – a 2,500 km driving route that opens the secrets of Ireland’s coastal towns, traditions and landscapes from Malin Head to the southern culinary hotspot of Kinsale in County Cork. Several hotels even offer genealogist services to help travellers connect with the country and their ancestors.

• Italy’s Amalfi Coast is another popular destination for US travellers with many heading to towns such as Naples and Amalfi. We’ve connected families to paper factories where their ancestors used to work and arranged cooking classes in Positano where they can experience eating as their families did.

• In comparison, travellers from the UK are seeking out experiences linked to their family’s colonial roots. Travellers have ventured to India or Sri Lanka where they’ve visited tea plantations and factories in Kandy and Assam that their families we’re connected to.

• Many families from the UK travel to destinations such as China and India to re-connect with relatives, and to introduce younger family members to their cultural roots that may have been diluted by living overseas. We’ve seen families taking long-haul 3 week immersive trips that introduce their children to the wonders of their heritage such as the temples and Great Wall of China, and grand palaces and Taj Mahal of India.

Italy

Sri Lanka

China

2 the PAGE TURNERS TREND

Travelling inspired by literature in 2015

?

THE BACKGROUND

Literature is a truly wonderful source of inspiration for travel, and with the rise of kindles and tablets becoming an increasingly popular travel companion, as well as the wave of travellers who prefer to reach for the nostalgic paperback - it’s clear to see that the strong link between travel and literature lives on.

Many of the most widely read books worldwide have been inspired by a journey – take Jack Kerouac’s On the Road for example. In turn literature provides us with the stimulation that fuels our desire to explore.

We’ve all experienced that feeling of being transported to another world by a book or a piece of writing. Vivid descriptions can immerse us in a completely different part of the world. Sometimes we travel to lose ourselves, sometimes we travel to find ourselves, often we do both. Escapism and discovery are two of the greatest charms of reading.

2 the PAGE TURNERS TREND

Travelling inspired by literature in 2015

WHAT WE’RE SEEING

Both literature old and new that can act as a catalyst for wanderlust. We’re predicting a rise in the number of our clients looking to create literature-inspired, tailor-made journeys around the world.

EXPERIENCE IT

Looking at the winner and nominations of the 2014 Man Booker Prize as well as novels tipped to be bestsellers in 2015, we’re seeing a large number of these titles having travel or a destination as a key theme to the narrative. Take Richard Flanagan’s book for example The Narrow Road to the Deep North which is set in mystical Burma; a destination with a turbulent past, Myanmar also offers intrepid explorers the chance to seek out ancient traditions and undiscovered lands barely touched by external influences. For India, Neel Mukherjee’s The Lives of Others transports readers to the rice fields and jungles of Bengal. Exotic and timeless, India itself offers remote tiger safari’s where guests can travel deep into the thick jungles of Bengal just as Mukherjee’s work painted it in his words.

Rice Fields of Bengal

Traditional Andean dress

Literature is a truly wonderful source of inspiration to travel, some of my favourite novels have provided me with the stimulation that fuels my desire to travel and explore.

Tom Marchant, co-founder at Bl ack Tomato Bengal Tiger

Mystical Burma

3 the EPIC TREND

Expeditions for the family escaping the urban jungle and swapping it for the real deal

?

the background

We’re noticing a rise in family trips with clients who were part of the ‘Gap Year Generation’. Those who are used to travelling extensively are now looking for the same long haul and immersive adventures that they can enjoy with their children. Before starting families, parents were used to embarking on authentic trips that introduced them to new destinations and communities that shaped and enriched their lives. Once this type of traveller reaches the age when they are starting families, we’re finding they do not want to comprise their experiences by taking one-dimensional package trips.

Experiences and adventure are now at the core of their family experiences. Despite the economic downturn the high-end holiday market has remained relatively unaffected. However whilst the luxury 5 star seeking traveller is still apparent, we’re also seeing an increase in the more affluent travellers and families looking to take simpler, more ethical and authentic journeys that are poles apart from their lives at home.

3 the EPIC TREND

Expeditions for the family escaping the urban jungle and swapping it for the real deal

WHAT WE’RE SEEING

Our clients are increasingly craving escapism, where they can embark on experiences that are far removed from the reality of their day to day lives. Since many children born in urban environments have limited access to a rural and natural settings we’re seeing a wave of metropolitan-based families who are looking to experience escapism whilst travelling. These types of trips often involve learning a new skill which adds value to the experience and sense of achievement and authenticity.

With free time becoming increasingly limited we’re seeing family groups taking more extensive and authentic adventures to create memories and make the most of their time-off together.

Tom Marchant, co-founder at Bl ack Tomato

3 the EPIC TREND

Expeditions for the family escaping the urban jungle and swapping it for the real deal

EXPERIENCE IT

Indonesia

We predict that in 2015 we’ll see a rise in families looking to embark on expedition-like adventures not only with their children, but even with grandparents and extended members of the family. Although aware of the physical limitations when travelling with a group of varied ages – families can still embark on authentic adventures that don’t involve extreme activities. Through encounters with tribes in remote locations and camping in vast terrains, families can connect with nature and with each other.

In Ecuador and Peru for example we can arrange cultural immersions with Andean villages where guests can experience a completely different way of life. Other popular destinations for families seeking adventure include the jungles of West Papua and the remote islands of Indonesia, where families can live out a Robinson Crusoe adventure.

Andean Village

West Papua

Peru

4 The Social media trend

Travellers who Connect to Disconnect

?

THE BACKGROUND

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the way we travel. However this hasn’t always been the case. In the past it was more common to ditch the phones and laptop, and rely on a dog-eared copy of a Lonely Planet book to guide us through a country. Travelling armed with heaps of devices was perceived as unnecessary.

We understand that travel is about sharing stories, tips and experiences so naturally in this information age sharing through the means of apps, travel curated websites, and social media travel and technology are becoming intrinsically linked. Whilst clients in the past were travelling in pursuit of the ‘digital detox’, we’re now seeing a rise in travellers looking to connect to ultimately lose themselves in a destination.

4 The Social media trend

Travellers who Connect to Disconnect

WHAT WE’RE SEEING

Our clients today are not simply looking to travel to one place where they can have one-dimensional experiences. They are seeking life enriching, authentic experiences through connecting with locals in a destination to uncover the many layers of a city or region through interacting with members of the community.

Through social media platforms such as Findery and Instagram, and apps such as Jetpac and Triptease, travellers are able to share a wealth of specific destination information that allows users to connect with the right crowds and who share common interests, whether that is art, music, or a niche style of architecture.

The trend of wearable technology has also helped to shape the way we’re travelling and connecting.

Incorporating advanced technology into portable wearable devices has allowed travellers to connect whilst on the move, and to delve into destinations on a deeper level. Devices such as Google Glass and smart watches will continue to aid travellers curiosities, and help them loose themselves and gain a greater understanding of a place.

Foreign travel is all about engaging with other people and other cultures.

Technology once thought to be detrimental to authentic travel experiences is now helping travellers connect and scout out local encounters.

Tom Marchant, co-founder at Bl ack Tomato

4 The Social media trend

Travellers who Connect to Disconnect

EXPERIENCE IT

In 2015 we’re predicting a rise of clients looking to ‘connect to disconnect’ whilst travelling. We’re already seeing an increase in those looking to connect with local influencers, using our contacts to find immersive experiences to suit their interests.

Perhaps it’s a pre-arranged meet-and-greet with a local photographer who takes them to his favourite insider spots or a food blogger touring their favourite market, these travel encounters go beyond the usual tour-guide experience to places you might not find in a guidebook.

Travellers are also harnessing information they’ve gained through using apps to meet people in the places they travel and pass on information to their peers. As well as using technology whilst they travel, even before booking their trips these types of travellers are researching and planning their trips using apps and social media to ensure they’re getting the most up to date knowledge to make the most of their time away.

5 THE EXPERT INSIGHTS TREND

Seeking out experts and professionals whilst travelling

? THE BACKGROUND In a quest for authenticity and real life experiences, we’re seeing our clients actively seeking out experiences with local experts and professionals in the destinations they visit. As Black Tomato cofounder Tom Marchant says “Foreign travel is all about engaging with other people and other cultures”.

Through meeting and interacting with locals, travellers can find out what it’s like to live in various destinations and see a country or city in its true state.

5 THE INSIGHTS TREND

Seeking out experts and professionals whilst travelling

WHAT WE’RE SEEING

We’re finding our clients have a wide range of interests, from general culture to the more niche pursuits. Whether its local photographers, musicians, fashion designers, chefs or historians with expertise in a specific era – we’re putting travellers in touch with locals on the ground who can give them a firsthand insight into a destination.

We’re also seeing clients looking to experience parallel lives to their own in the destinations that they visit. Connecting travellers to locals in similar professions to them is a unique and immersive way of seeing a new country and its culture.

Curiosity is something that fuels travellers in a quest for immersive experiences.

Allowing travellers to see a destination through the eyes of someone who lives there and shares similar interests is a wonderful way to see the world.

Tom Marchant, co-founder at Bl ack Tomato

5 THE INSIGHTS TREND

Seeking out experts and professionals whilst travelling

EXPERIENCE IT

In 2015 we’re predicting a rise in our clients looking to seek out local experiences in their chosen destinations that are somehow linked to their lives back home. Many of our clients are lawyers, doctors, artists, musicians or chefs and are increasingly interested in meeting locals who are in the same professions as themselves to see what a life is like in another part of the world.

In destinations such as Brazil we’ve arranged meetings with Bossa Nova musicians and arranged tours in Rio de Janiero with local fashion designers and graffiti artists. In India we’ve arranged meetings between lawyers and doctors in Delhi, who provide incredible insight into urban environments that many tour guides can’t.

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