What to expect when traveling in 2023 – Forbes Advisor

2022 has been a crazy year when it comes to travel. After thousands of flight delays and cancellations due to what many saw last summer as ‘the global lost luggage crisis’, the travel industry’s post-Covid recovery has not been without some serious bumps along the way.

But armed with airline etiquette and a bad case of wanderlust, many Americans are eager for travel to return to normal. Here’s what we think it might look like – these are our best travel predictions for 2023.

The new normal is the “non-normal” when it comes to travel

According to a study by Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO, 2023 is the year of atypical travel, a year of travel “like no other”. After spending time post-pandemic traveling to see friends and family or exploring the great outdoors, 2023 is about travelers doing the unexpected, whatever they want.

Although some travel trends are emerging (which we’ll elaborate on in more detail below), when it comes to travel, people do what they really want to do, whether it’s nomadic digital, off-grid travel, wellness breaks, a focus on culture or making that dream trip off the to-do list.

What does this mean for your travel plans? The world gives you permission to do whatever your heart desires when it comes to travel, so do it (if you can afford it, which brings us to the next point).

Travel costs increase

Thanks to rising fuel prices, labor shortages and inflation, the cost of travel (like the cost of almost everything else) will be higher in 2023. But that doesn’t mean you need to become a budget backpacker to travel.

It’s all about travel savvy: knowing how and where to save and splurge. The concept of champagne on a beer budget definitely applies as prices rise, and travelers should be on the lookout for great deals, money-saving tips and shortcuts (see our points, miles and rewards below).

Travel expands amid industry struggles to keep up with demand

According to Economist Intelligence, global tourism will increase by 30% in 2023. However, airlines and hotels, still struggling with labor shortages, may not be equipped to handle this increase. We suggest that you be prepared for delays, cancellations, lost luggage, overbookings and other frustrating travel issues throughout 2023, especially if you are traveling at peak times.

Not checking baggage or traveling out of season are easy ways to avoid travel drama, which brings us to our next trend.

The off season may not be “closed” much longer

Off-season is the new high season (or is it?)

Traveling off-season, or off-peak, means avoiding peak times like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and summer and instead traveling in winter, late fall, or early spring.

Different destinations have distinct peak times: summer in most of Europe is high season, while high season in the Caribbean is winter. Generally, travelers can save money and avoid crowds by traveling off-season. But, travelers are starting to educate themselves, especially with rising prices, looking to save money and explore destinations without as many tourists during these quieter times of year.

It’s worth comparing prices to see if traveling in low season can save you money (or earn you a solid off-peak hotel or redeem flights using points). But, with so many people traveling out of season, you might find that these ‘quieter’ times of the year aren’t so quiet in 2023.

And, keep in mind that sometimes low season is “off season” for a reason – the lifts are snow-free, there’s a risk of hurricanes, or it’s extremely hot and humid – so book at your own risk and perils.

Travel rewards (and travel reward cards) will grow in popularity

As travel becomes more expensive, the benefits of travel rewards cards (think lounge access or free checked baggage) can help travelers experience luxury even on a budget. For example, credit cards like The Platinum Card® from American Expressthe Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® which offer access to Priority Pass lounges means cardholders can enjoy airport lounges even when traveling with low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit. Registration is mandatory.

And the more travel rewards you have, the more options you’ll have for travel in 2023. A survey by Hyatt showed that more than half of respondents said they would change their travel plans to earn or redeem rewards. points, proving that points and miles are valuable currency in today’s tourism sphere. A huge pool of points can get you those free hotel nights or plane tickets, allowing you to take that dream trip in 2023 that you otherwise couldn’t afford.

Sustainable travel rules for 2023 and beyond

Sustainable travel matters to travelers: A 2022 study from Expedia showed that 90% of respondents in 11 global markets look for sustainable options when travelling. And the travel industry continues to forge ahead when it comes to sustainability.

US airlines have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. But what about 2023? Airlines like Delta have revamped their amenity kits, in-flight catering equipment and bedding to reduce single-use plastic consumption by almost 5 million pounds a year. Some airlines are replacing their entire fleet with more environmentally friendly aircraft, such as Transavia. This company will receive its first A320neo in 2023, offering a 15% reduction in emissions.

And fully eco-friendly airlines could usher in a new era of sustainable travel. In 2023, Flying Green, a French airline, will launch, aiming to be the first net-zero (and quietest) airline in the sky.

Travelers and airlines are not the only ones to commit to environmentally friendly change in the years to come. Hotels, cities and attractions are also working on sustainability practices. At the end of 2022, Palma de Mallorca limited cruise ship arrivals to three per day. In 2023, visitors to Venice, Italy will need to book ahead online and pay a tourist tax to enter the city.

You may have noticed that major hotel chains are implementing changes, such as reducing single-use plastic and redistributing food waste. Big brands like Marriott have ambitious goals to reduce water use, landfill waste and carbon emissions by 2025. Many carbon-neutral hotels are being built around the world, including a Populus property in the Colorado which claims to be the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States. open in 2023.

But what does all this mean for travelers, anyway? While many lasting travel industry changes will happen slowly over time, in 2023 travelers will have a little more power to choose hotels, airlines, tours, attractions and destinations that fit. to their own personal sustainability commitments as more and more environmentally friendly policies are implemented.

Business travel is changing: remote work and “well-being”

Business travel is coming back, but it’s slowly changing. According to Skift, business travel may not fully return to normal until 2026.

Experts say remote work will continue to rise in 2023, and many may want to work from new and exciting destinations.

Countries are ready and waiting for these digital nomads and remote workers. Spain’s digital nomad visa is expected to launch in January 2023. Other countries have launched their digital nomad visas in the last two years, such as Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit, Curacao’s At Home Scheme, or Malta’s Welcome Stamp. Barbados, among others.

The concept of mixing business and leisure travel is a trend we don’t see slowing down any time soon, as many employees find the gap between remote work and vacation closing. There’s a name for it too – ‘bienisure’ travel or a ‘bizcation’ – where you combine business and leisure travel.

Expect hotels and home rentals to continue to cater to this hybrid style of travel in 2023. In 2022, Airbnb highlighted the importance of having fast WiFi and a dedicated workspace for hosts to attract remote workers and leisure travellers.

Hotels are also working hard to create spaces and amenities that cater to these types of travelers. Expect to see things like increased tech offerings, coworking spaces, and more in-room charging ports, as well as a focus on leisure amenities like spas, pools, and game rooms.

Be a smart traveler in 2023

Armed with these predictions, you can dive into 2023 ready to plan any trip that suits you. And if you have that reserve of points to combat rising costs, want to partake in leisure travel, or hope to travel sustainably, you’re in luck: the travel industry is ready for you.