• Image Credit KAYAK   

  • KAYAK, in partnership with The Future Laboratory, predicts major shifts in global travel trends by 2030, including the emergence of AI travel agents, city jumping, wellness travel, and social media bookings.
  • The predictions are based on comprehensive research, including surveys of over 9,100 people in nine countries and an in-depth analysis of user behavior on KAYAK.

According to Kayak, AI agents will become a significant aspect of travel planning, with 17% of modern travelers already valuing AI tools. The report predicts that by 2030, virtual AI assistants will handle a variety of travel arrangements, offer customized trips and secure the best deals.

City jumping, or multi-destination trips, will precede single-destination vacations by 2030, propelled by relaxed visa regulations worldwide. Another predicted trend is the rise of wellness travel, with 60% of travelers prioritizing relaxation.

The report also forecasts a shift in how social media is used in travel planning. Currently, 36% of travelers find trip inspiration on social platforms, a trend expected to grow by 2030 with social media shifting from inspiration to a full-fledged travel booking platform.

As for the future of travel, KAYAK predicts the advent of holographic concierges and automatic airfare refunds. The report also anticipates a shift towards low-intensity travel, with concerns over overtourism and carbon footprint influencing future travel decisions.

In Gen-Z terms, here's the ins and outs of future travel:

Out

In

DIYing every part of the journey

Letting your AI Agents handle it

(Over)Spending 10 days in one city

Stuffing in as many stops as possible

Taking off for a quick fix

Holidaying for longevity

Only buying tickets on the big screens

Booking flights from Instagram

Resigning to less-than-perfect rooms

Virtually touring your room

Flocking to tourist traps

Visiting hidden gems

Travelling to the clout

Putting self-discovery on a map

Committing to one airline

Dating around for the best deal

Lastly, the report highlights the expectation for loyalty programs to adapt to meet the demands of price-conscious travelers, with 29% of travelers wanting personalized loyalty rewards. Moreover, more travelers are expected to pair exploring a destination with exploring their inner self for personal growth and healing.

Discover more at KAYAK.