Wellness, bleisure and hunt for new deals: Expedia reveals travel outlook for 2022

Expedia Group has released a new report called Traveller Value Index: 2022 Outlook, based on a new study conducted in collaboration with Wakefield Research among 5,500 adults across eight countries, combined with Expedia Brands proprietary data. The findings suggest that after two years of enduring a global pandemic, people value travel and personal time more than ever.

Simultaneously, travellers have started to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, ranking flex travel at the top of their priorities and focusing intently on travelling for good, including taking steps such as tipping industry workers more and choosing less crowded destinations to limit the effects of over-tourism.

The report underscores the resilience of the industry and reveals how travel companies can adapt to achieve a competitive advantage in this rapidly evolving environment.

“Travel is about to experience a year unlike ever before as people plan purpose-driven trips, value vacation time more, and up their investment in unique experiences,” said Ariane Gorin, President, Expedia for Business. “Still, travellers are preparing themselves for possible trip changes as COVID-19 persists, and they want an array of options at their fingertips. Travel companies that prioritize safety and wellbeing, innovative solutions, and transparent communication will be the clear leaders as the entire industry shifts from survival mode into accelerated demand and growth.”

Findings from the report include:

Surge in travel for personal wellness

• The pandemic caused people to reflect on the importance of spending time with family and preserving their wellbeing. Most people (81%) plan to take at least one vacation with family and friends in the next six months, and the majority are seeking quick doses of adventure, with more than three quarters (78%) expressing an interest in frequent short trips.
• Similarly, the Expedia® 2022 Travel Trends Report found that nearly half of all UK travellers (42%) are searching for a relaxing holiday to help their mental wellbeing following a stark rise in mental health issues over the pandemic.

New world of work will alter traveller priorities

• As companies prepare to return to the office and evolve remote work policies, employees are looking to make greater use of their vacation time, and in some cases, combine work and play. More than half (56%) of those who often work remotely will take a “bleisure” style trip — extending a work trip for leisure, or vice versa.
• The 2022 Vrbo Trend Report also found that, compared to pre-COVID, 84% of U.S. families have a greater appreciation for vacation time and 77% have a greater appreciation for separating professional and personal life.

Investment in travel to boom compared to pre-pandemic

• More than half (54%) of respondents say they plan to spend more on trips than they did before the pandemic.
• Two in 5 (40%) plan to use loyalty points for at least part of a trip in 2022, with Gen Z in the lead.

People will travel more responsibly, with increased focus on sustainability

• Over half of people (59%) are willing to pay more fees to make a trip sustainable, and 49% would choose a less crowded destination to reduce the effects of over-tourism.
• Nearly half (43%) will add in extra time for services and transit, helping to minimize long lines, stress on workers, and missed flights.

Travellers will be on hunt for great deals and flexibility

• As we saw in What Travelers Want and Traveler Value Index is an absolute must in the eyes of travellers. Almost all (84%) respondents agree that a discounted fee is influential when booking a flight online.
• A nearly identical percentage (83%) say flexible fare options makes a world of difference.