A Preview of 2018’s Travel Trends

With a new year comes an onslaught of ideas for more enjoyable and meaningful travel. From volunteering abroad to experiential excursions, travel trends evolved to get the foreigner out of the big cities and resort towns and into the more stripped-down side of a location. Here’s a list of new trends travelers can look forward to in 2018.

Second Cities

Of course there is a lot to do and see in the big metropolises of New York, Paris and Rome, but this year more attention will be paid to the second- and third-largest cities in any given country. With growing interest in less-popular locations, travelers are more eager to explore new locations that may be underrepresented in tours and Instagram feeds. Bonus: Fewer crowds!

Dating Apps

Travelers turn to mobile apps such as Tinder and Bumble to meet people abroad, but not necessarily to form a relationship. Connections on these apps can be great tour guides and can show visitors a different side of a city. What’s more, resorts hope to cash in on singles who do want to travel to find love by building facilities and creating programs to foster romantic connections among guests.

Pre-Packaged, Carry-On Meals

As budget airlines begin to pare down services and only offer items à la carte, travelers purchase their meals in the airport before boarding. To prepare for this, delivery apps such as Ubereats and Deliveroo will let customers pre-book meals to pick up at the airport and carry on board.