Diary /
Travel trends
Date /
October 03, 2023
As it turned out, 2022 has so far exceeded expectations. Travelers were raring to go places back in 2021 and when the bolt was released at the starting gate, a ready-to travel mindset surged forward. The world was finally given the opportunity to act out those amassed travel desires!
Far off places now appeared closer; the unknown needed to be knowledge, and adventure was part of our DNA again.
Tricky terrain
Although the terrain wasn’t all easy going… Airports were overwhelmed with a steep increase in air traffic, all factions of societal issues were exacerbated by staff shortages, and ever-changing restrictions throughout the world pervaded mindsets. Yet, it was not enough to deter the desire of vacation travel.
Further challenges were thrown into the mix as US travelers made Europe their preferred destination which culminated in multiple bids for the limited flights and lodgings available at any given time. The scramble for these few spots created a demanding situation which, in turn, meant our solid reputation became the swaying factor to assure reservations and creative offerings be set in place.
It can be said that only a well-prepared and skillful travel advisor with considerable knowledge, resourcefulness, and a honed experience base could comply with the traveler’s request fully and timely. The challenge continues…
Tail winds
2023 will see the travel industry consolidate the return to normality and beyond…perhaps? A few good reasons are the increase in the number of vacation travelers desiring new experiences, new flight routes to more destinations being available (i.e. Newark to Madeira), and for the North American market, the current strength of the dollar.
Satisfying this continued travel fervor will require travel agent professionals to make an additional effort. For Italy and France, high-end destinations and lodgings are already proving difficult to find space for next summer. Countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Botswana have little left to offer when it comes to finding space for more than two. Furthermore, forward planning for large groups and families for 2023/24 is urged as demand continues to outstrip suitable localities.
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The next level
Reflection of the recent Covid experience now equates to a need of being more mindful of what satisfies our mind, body, and soul. Next year, travelers are wanting to be filled with big moments and exceptional encounters: Once-in-a-lifetime travel which epitomizes unforgettable moments in destinations with environmentally-friendly notions and consciousness. Specifically, travel is now about making time for quality time for oneself, engaging in wellness activities, experiencing deep cultural immersion, and exploring the options of ecological expeditions.
Another inclination in ascendance is for larger groups of friends - namely couples who seek to spend quality time together and revitalize moments of kinship and relive past memories.
For KAX Travel, it will not be a question of reinventing our philosophy since this is precisely what we do - it is who we are.
Knowledge and experience tested
All that said, travel advisors will need more than just sufficient knowledge and experience to provide travelers with travel moments that are more personalized than ever before: Offering truly unique, thoughtful, custom-made experiences which add meaning to one’s travel will require passion and cohesion to accomplish all the traveler’s prerequisites. The uninitiated, unprepared, or unprofessional travel advisor will discover the task beyond their knowledge and ability when seeking destinations and experiences that gratify the 2023 and 2024 bucket list!
