What's Trending For 2022

By Chris Ryall

Reignite your passion for travel in 2022. Whether your reason to travel is wellness, adventure, cruise, transformational or looking for a GOAT (Greatest of All Trips), destinations are ready to welcome back visitors with a smorgasbord of experiences to help you reconnect, relax and rejuvenate. Here are the trends reigniting a passion for travel in 2022.

1 CRUISE SHIPS GO DIGITAL

Your phone or RFID wristband will be a necessary companion for future cruises as a means of increasing a touchless onboard experience. Check-in online, then use your phone and the ship’s app to enter your cabin, turn off cabin lights, make reservations, pay for beverages and help you navigate around the ship. Some cruise lines will say bon voyage to printed menus and daily planners. Don’t worry. Towel animals are still on the housekeeping to-do list.

OCEAN MEDALLION, PRINCESS CRUISES

© PRINCESS CRUISES

2 TOURS GO PRIVATE

Who doesn’t like a tour? Large group tours are becoming a relic of the past due to social distancing concerns. Experience the difference with a private guided tour for your bubble of family or friends. Local guides can cater to the specific needs and requests of their guests rather than a set list of sites and attractions.

PRIVATE FAMILY TOUR IN ANDALUSIA, SPAIN

3 GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITIES

Travel is most fulfilling when both you and the community benefit. During the pandemic, we supported small businesses and restaurants. Regenerative travel takes this concept abroad by visiting destinations that place value on connections with community and is a catalyst for change. Expect to see more programs from hotels and tour operators offering guests an opportunity to actively participate in local projects.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER AT MONTEVERDE INSTITUTE TREE NURSERY IN COSTA RICA

© G ADVENTURES INC.

4 THE URGE TO SPLURGE

For almost two years, the travel dreams of many people have been just that – dreams. It’s time to venture tick off destinations from that bucket list and go big. As airlines ramp up their routes again, highly coveted destinations like French Polynesia, Italy, Greece, Australia, Dubai and Thailand are becoming more accessible. And these days, travellers aren’t hesitating to splurge on upgraded airline seats, hotel suites, top-tier resorts, world cruises, upscale restaurants and truly unique experiences.

PALM ISLAND, DUBAI

5 BIGGER THRILLS ON THE HIGH SEAS

Cruise lines are elevating their onboard thrills big time. Hop on BOLT, the first sea rollercoaster, for an exhilarating ride complete with a sea and ship view on Carnival’s Mardi Gras. Or check out the three-level go-kart racetrack on Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima. Escape rooms, climbing walls, skydiving and surfing simulators (available on many Royal Caribbean ships) will also keep thrill-seekers satisfied.

NORWEGIAN PRIMA AERIAL VIEW OF SPEEDWAY

© NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

6 EVOLVING TRAVEL TASTES

People are craving more adventurous foods and global cuisine after staying home and watching endless TV cooking shows, TikTok and YouTube videos showcasing dishes like onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and other international foods. Also watch for the rise of “reducetarianism,” an alternative for those not ready to fully leap to veganism, but who want to significantly reduce their intake animal-based products. And the flavour du jour? Expect hibiscus to pop up everywhere.

ONIGIRI (JAPANESE RICE BALLS)

7 SPAS GET SOCIAL

Forget meeting at a nightclub. Spas are the new social hub for couples, friends and multigenerational families. Nordic-style spas are opening up worldwide, including Canada’s own Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Que., Sensea in Chester, N.S. and Thermëa Spa Village in Whitby, Ont. (spring 2022). Expect to see spas enhancing the guest experience by adding on-site restaurants, bars and multiple relaxation areas.

HEALTHY PAUSE FOR THE BODY AND MIND AT NORDIK SPA-NATURE

© NORDIK SPA-NATURE