International travel is back with a bang, however small-group tour operator Explore Worldwide has seen a significant shift in how people are travelling now with many adapting their travel habits, styles and preferences in a post-pandemic world.
Explore Global Sales Director Ben Ittensohn said the pandemic has definitely influenced the way their customers holiday now compared to 2019 booking data.
“Adventure travel has come back with such gusto this year. We’re seeing more European destinations and walking holidays, plus a higher percentage of solo travellers and people booking closer to the departure date.”
1. Going it alone (but in a group)
Solo travellers now make up 60 per cent of Explore bookings. Small-group holidays are an ideal option for singles where the capped number of like-minded travellers enables a more authentic travel experience. Popular options include Explore’s Jordan Discovery, Costa Rica Wildlife Tour and Amalfi Coast Walking trips.
2. Taking the slow route
More people have shown a greater interest in longer, more immersive holidays and are choosing rail travel tours as a more sustainable and authentic way to travel at a slower pace. New Explore rail tours include London to Marrakesh by Train and Fall Colours from Montreal to Boston.
3. Walking the walk
Walking holidays are up 55 per cent, particularly easy-graded walks and those in European destinations such as Portugal and the Azores, while longer hikes in New Zealand and Jordan also continue to be popular.
4. The waiting game
Explore reports that customers are also waiting to book tours closer to departure – last-minute Northern Hemisphere summer bookings in the past four weeks are up 23 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
5. Epic trips are trending
Travel wish-list destinations are in demand with locations such as the Maldives (+50%), Kilimanjaro (+80%) and the Inca Trail (+47%) and safari holidays and polar voyages all trending. After two years without overseas travel, customers are keen to tick off dream holidays and bucket-list adventures.
To find out more, head to exploreworldwide.com.au
