Travel predictions 2023

We recently revealed the emerging vacation rental trends of 2022 using Travelnest booking data and findings from Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia. Following a difficult time for travel due to the pandemic, 2022 was the year travel experienced a comeback. Going in to 2023, the industry will face more challenges as a result of the cost of living increasing. Despite this, Expedia found that 79% of people ‘still plan to take a leisure trip’ in the next year. Almost half of these people also agreed that travel is ‘more important to them now than it was pre-pandemic’, and 43% will be upping their travel budget for 2023. Travel remains one of the most important things for many, here is how you can expect travellers to spend their budget in 2023.

Hidden gem destinations

2023 will be all about embracing the unfamiliar for many travellers. This is the first opportunity for several years for most to travel more freely with less restrictions. Booking.com quote ‘as the world adapts to “the new normal” following a period of limited international travel and national lockdowns, travellers are eager to get out and see the world in earnest’. This is also backed by the Expedia Group who say 2023 will be the year of ‘no-normal’ and predict that travellers will ‘ditch the conventional and veering off course for all-new experiences’. Be sure to recommend hidden gems in your local area, such as where to eat and drink, and highlight what makes your place unique. Expect unassuming locations – such as our top destinations to have on your radar in 2023!

Wellness retreats

After almost two years of being indoors and many people working from home, more and more travellers are choosing to go off-grid and focus on their health and wellness. Booking.com found that in 2023, 55% of travellers want to go off-grid and 36% would choose to spend no time using WiFi. A further 42% of guests want to go on a break which focuses on their mental and physical health, which could include retreats such as meditation and cookery courses. Hotels.com also revealed that whilst almost half of global travellers are ‘more open to wellness breaks than ever before’ – the quirkier the better going forward. The booking site experienced a 30% increase in demand for wellness trips in 2022, with alternative getaways such as forest bathing, chakra sessions, food boot camps, and fruit harvesting becoming increasingly more popular. Be sure to let guests know about wellness experiences in your area, making guests aware of local attractions and information in your listing can help to attract more bookings. 

Sustainable travel

A need to be more environmentally friendly and protect the planet means it comes as no surprise that sustainable travel will be at the forefront of guests minds in 2023. According to the Expedia Sustainable Travel Study, 90% of guests are looking for sustainable options when travelling; and half of these guests are further willing to pay more for transportation, activities, and accommodation if the option was more sustainable. Guests comment that they would most like to see local, independent business recommendations as well as public transport suggestions; something we recommend adding to your vacation rental in the form of a welcome pack when guests arrive. You can also take a look at the Travelnest sustainable travel guide, as well as our tips for becoming a more sustainable host. 

As well as the four booking sites referenced, Travelnest is partnered with almost 30 other top channels including Airbnb and Tripadvisor. Vacation rental hosts can use the Travelnest channel management software to advertise a holiday home for free using only the one account. Keep up to date with our blog to gain more insight on the vacation rental and travel industry in the coming year.