- KAYAK, in partnership with The Future Laboratory, predicts major shifts in global travel trends by 2030, including the emergence of AI travel agents, city jumping, wellness travel, and social media bookings.
- The predictions are based on comprehensive research, including surveys of over 9,100 people in nine countries and an in-depth analysis of user behavior on KAYAK.
According to Kayak, AI agents will become a significant aspect of travel planning, with 17% of modern travelers already valuing AI tools. The report predicts that by 2030, virtual AI assistants will handle a variety of travel arrangements, offer customized trips and secure the best deals.
City jumping, or multi-destination trips, will precede single-destination vacations by 2030, propelled by relaxed visa regulations worldwide. Another predicted trend is the rise of wellness travel, with 60% of travelers prioritizing relaxation.
The report also forecasts a shift in how social media is used in travel planning. Currently, 36% of travelers find trip inspiration on social platforms, a trend expected to grow by 2030 with social media shifting from inspiration to a full-fledged travel booking platform.
As for the future of travel, KAYAK predicts the advent of holographic concierges and automatic airfare refunds. The report also anticipates a shift towards low-intensity travel, with concerns over overtourism and carbon footprint influencing future travel decisions.
In Gen-Z terms, here’s the ins and outs of future travel:
Out
|
In
|
DIYing every part of the journey
|
Letting your AI Agents handle it
|
(Over)Spending 10 days in one city
|
Stuffing in as many stops as possible
|
Taking off for a quick fix
|
Holidaying for longevity
|
Only buying tickets on the big screens
|
Booking flights from Instagram
|
Resigning to less-than-perfect rooms
|
Virtually touring your room
|
Flocking to tourist traps
|
Visiting hidden gems
|
Travelling to the clout
|
Putting self-discovery on a map
|
Committing to one airline
|
Dating around for the best deal
|
Lastly, the report highlights the expectation for loyalty programs to adapt to meet the demands of price-conscious travelers, with 29% of travelers wanting personalized loyalty rewards. Moreover, more travelers are expected to pair exploring a destination with exploring their inner self for personal growth and healing.
Discover more at KAYAK.