Trends that are changing how we travel include ‘buddymoons’, ‘multi-generational’ and ‘health and wellness’ travel

THERE’S never been a better time to travel but the reasons we’re taking holidays is changing

Two teenage couples enjoying their vacation in the summer sun by the pool

THERE’S never been a better time to travel with the world more accessible and affordable than ever before.

However the reasons we choose to travel are changing. We’re no longer taking just a holiday, instead we’re going on “buddymoons”, “multi-generational” trips and retreats that focus on our “health and wellness”.

Tom Walley, head of leisure brands at Flight Centre says the traditional holiday seeker is transforming as we look for more unique experiences.

“Airfares, accommodation and tours are all much more affordable which makes travel an even better value proposition. This is why I believe we’re seeing more trends emerging around travelling in groups, particularly buddymoons and multi-generational travel,” he says.

Here’s a look at some of the societal trends influencing how we travel.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL

If there’s one trend that has become noticeably apparent, it is multi-generational travel. It’s no longer surprising to see generations of families travelling together whether it’s on a cruise through the Pacific, a holiday in Europe or an African safari.

“Multi-generational travel is one area we are seeing a big surge in. Travel is a fantastic way for the whole family to come together, spend some quality time and create beautiful memories. It also takes the pressure off parents with children, with grandparents offering that extra set of hands to make sure the holiday runs smoothly,” Walley says.

Popular activities on multi-generational trips include cruising, beach holidays and sightseeing.

P & O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell says cruises are popular for their dining options, entertainment and pool areas.

“In the past two years we have seen an increase in extended families travelling together on P & O ships to celebrate special events while enjoying modern Australian cuisine and great entertainment on-board,” he says.

Michael Londregan, managing director of Virtuoso Asia Pacific, a luxury travel operator, says we’re dealing with a changing travel landscape.

“The notion of the grey market being incapable of travelling is well in the past. Grandparents are in great shape and are more than capable of joining the family on holidays. For the first time in living history we’ve got a bunch of generations capable of travelling together,” he says.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

As society focuses more on health and wellbeing, so do our holiday plans. Travellers increasingly look for getaways that allow them to get in shape and disconnect with outdoor experiences, healthy eating, yoga retreats and wellness activities are now popular reasons to go on holiday.

Santa Barbara in the US is one destination that has long embraced the health and wellness trend.

Karna Hughes, director of communications at Visit Santa Barbara says that in recent years, international travellers seeking to unplug from the pace and demands of contemporary life have rediscovered her city as a health and wellness escape.

“With an abundance of outdoor options, such as hiking to the Gaviota hot springs, ocean kayaking and bicycling along the waterfront, the region fosters active living,” she says. “Half a dozen yoga studios and two massage schools are located in the city alone, and natural foods restaurants and pressed juice bars are found throughout the area.”

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Sedentary travel is a thing of the past as people look for active, experiential and immersive holidays.

“One area that is growing is expedition cruising. People are going to the Galapagos with professors of science. They go to be part of an expedition rather than just sightseeing. This area is exploding,” Londregan says. “People want to understand global warming, to see the migration of penguins, so cruise ships offer three hour lecture series before jumping into zodiacs and seeing it for themselves.”

Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises Vice President, Australia and New Zealand, says travellers are looking for more engagement in travel.

“Destination immersion is becoming a key factor for travellers when choosing their next holiday as they increasingly want more enriching experiences and not just to see the sights when they travel. Our new Discovery partnership, Discovery At Sea, is just one initiative that helps deliver more meaningful travel experiences through a program of interactive on-board programs and exclusive shore excursions designed to bring our guests closer to the nature, wildlife and history of the regions we visit,” he says.

BUDDYMOON

Taking your friends with you on your honeymoon has coined the term “buddymoon”, with newly married couples shunning the traditional romantic honeymoon in favour of holidaying with friends.

“Travelling with your friends on a buddymoon is particularly popular for couples who choose to hold their wedding overseas because it means the celebrations can continue on,” says Walley.

A study by Travelex in the UK showed a fifth of people have honeymooned with friends with over half surveyed saying they would share a honeymoon to cut costs.

BLEISURE

With technology making it harder than ever to disconnect, there has been a noticeable blend of work trips with personal holidays.

“The business world is merging as we’re living more complicated lives,” Londregan says. “If we look for complete separation of business and leisure for quality time we’re not going to find it.”

A study by Skift, who provides travel industry intelligence, found that six in 10 business travellers are more likely to blend business and leisure when travelling by bringing family members or a significant other with them.