From foraging for food to prepping for an apocalypse: Here are the strangest holidays people are looking forward to in 2023
From foraging for food to prepping for an apocalypse, holidaying in the metaverse and bondage retreats: You’ll never believe the holidays Aussies are most excited for in 2023.
Almost half of all Aussies are on the hunt for a culture shock in 2023 - and are opting for unique holiday destinations after the Covid pandemic threw travel plans out the window.
Booking.com offers unforgettable experiences for every holidaymaker - from doomsdayers wanting to prepare for an apocalypse to ‘eat, pray, love’ style pleasure pilgrimages.
Asia Pacific managing director Laura Houldsworth revealed there was a “very different perspective” towards travel across Australia going into next year.
“People really want to go back to basics - they want to learn how to light a fire, go camping - there’s this desire for something really unique,” she explained.
“Whether that’s searching for food experiences, or UFO exploring... travellers want to do something completely out of their culture and comfort zone.”
Ms Houldsworth revealed that the emphasis had shifted from selecting travel destinations in familiar cities with large, comfortable hotels to a desire to explore “somewhere completely unique”.
Here, news.com.au looks at the holidays Aussies have already set their sights on for 2023.
Preppers in paradise
Going off-grid is going to be one of the biggest trends for 2023. Increasingly, Aussie jetsetters are searching for holidays where they can switch off and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Further to that, holidaymakers are keen to learn more survival skills, and Booking.com predicts these two sentiments will combine next year.
Some 47 per cent of travellers surveyed have indicated a desire to learn to light a fire from scratch, while 39 per cent want to prepare for an apocalypse and 36 per cent want to forage for food in the wild.
The data indicates more eco-friendly, self-sufficient holidays are on the cards for 2023.
But Booking.com said this does not by any means indicate people want to be ‘roughing it’. In fact, people are increasingly searching for luxury off-grid stays, like this stunning eco retreat in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
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Virtual Voyagers
Another unusual trend which is expected to really take off in 2023 is virtual travelling.
This is the process of entering the Metaverse for holidays. Over a third have indicated they’d be willing to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience.
Booking.com analysts say this will likely be used as a ‘try before you buy’ option - and could inspire bolder real-life holiday choices.
Peace and Pleasure Pilgrimages
The eat, pray, love style holiday has been around forever. But next year, Booking.com is anticipating it’ll be busier than ever after two years cooped up in our own cities.
45 per cent of Aussie travelers indicated mindfulness and meditation getaways would be their ultimate trip, while 39 per cent are keen for a transformative health journey.
Now that travel is on the cards again, travellers can find some of the world’s most rejuvenating yoga treats in Bali - including this highly-rated estate nestled in a small village outside of Ubud’s city cenre.
39 per cent have also said they’d be keen to ‘stir the soul’ with ‘alternative substances such as cannabis or plant-based psychedelics like ayahuasca or mushrooms’ - in destinations where it’s legal to experiment.
The booking platform also predicted travellers are becoming more interested in exploring their sexual desires away from the home, and are expecting a rise in polyamorous retreats, bondage camps and resorts dedicated to exploring kinks and fetishes.
Discomfort zone
Forget the usual comforts, Aussie travellers want holidays that will push them beyond their comfort zone after two years of the same-old.
Nearly half (42%) are on the hunt for the world’s most exotic delicacy such as the hottest chilli pepper, while 37% want to use their holiday for extra-terrestrial exploration on UFO or alien spotting tours.
Over a quarter (26%) indicated they’d be happy with a one way ticket in 2023 and following wherever takes them.
Australia’s travel desires for 2023
Melissa Ellison, Area Manager Australia at Booking.com said: “If the last few years have taught us anything it’s that travel should not be taken for granted. This year’s travel predictions research shows the undercurrent of intentional paradoxical behaviours that will put us all more comfortably in the driving seat amid relentless instability.
“It also demonstrates a desire for travel to be a way to seek unapologetic moments of happiness and escapism to counteract the heavy realities of our news feeds.
“As such, at Booking.com our aim will continue to be to make it easier for everyone to seek their unique travel bliss in a more personalised and connected way in the year ahead and beyond.”
News.com.au got to experience one of the many ‘unforgettable experiences’ Booking.com has on offer at the Unforgettable Legends Lounge.
With 6.6 million listings to choose from in over 900 cities around the world, Booking.com guarantees there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for every traveller.
‘It all starts with a booking,’ Ms Ellison said.
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