Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Explore what's influencing travel trends in 2023



Individual interests are driving decisions

travel trends in 2023


Immediately following the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States, outdoor and drivable destinations were in big demand for domestic travelers. As the country has reopened, Americans embraced the idea of getting back to normal and began traveling much as they did prior to the pandemic.

However, travel trends on the horizon for 2023 suggest there is no normal when it comes to travel planning. Instead, individual interests are driving decisions about where to go and what to do.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

READ MORE: Conquer holiday travel with little ones

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show personal interests and pop culture are heavily influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from the experts at Expedia:

Set-Jetters
Booking a trip after bingeing a popular series will become serious business in 2023. Research confirms streamed movies and TV shows are now the top sources of travel inspiration (40%), outpacing the influence of social media (31%). Furthermore, the small screen is now considered on par with recommendations from friends and family when it comes to travel inspiration.

In the U.S., more than two-thirds (68%) of travelers considered visiting a destination after seeing it in a show or movie on a streaming platform, and a whopping 61% went ahead and booked a trip. Top set-jetter destinations include New Zealand, with its landscapes featured in one of this year’s most epic series, followed by the United Kingdom, Paris, New York and the beach resorts of Hawaii.

Culture Capitals
National parks and rural retreats had big moments the past couple of years. Now, cities are seeing a comeback. Based on traveler demand, most of the destinations seeing the largest increases are culture-rich cities where art and culture festivities are back in full swing. Examples include the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, WorldPride in Sydney and the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Culture capitals that are calling loudest include:

  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Tokyo
  • Dublin
  • New York
  • Sydney
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Montreal
  • Munich
  • Bangkok

Gather more ideas and inspiration to help plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Expedia.com or by downloading the app.

(Family Features) 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Resume tips for job seekers with disabilities

    Some of the most important things to keep in mind

    For the most part, writing a resume as a disabled worker involves the same best practices as writing any type of resume. Some of the most important things to keep in mind include: read more »
  • Five key tips to follow when turning the car keys over to your teen

    The clearer parents are in establishing driving rule, the safer teen drivers will be

    The key to letting teenagers drive solo is ensuring they know all that they’re getting into… as well as your fears. Boys Town of Nebraska lists 5 key tips to keep in mind when turning over the keys to your teen. read more »
  • Teaching your kids life skills

    Five suggestions for parents to try

    A balanced life requires practical skills, not just the academic learning kids get in school. Mothering.com suggests teaching children these five important life skills. They can be introduced slowly and adapted to any age level. read more »
  • Essential life skills every eight-year-old should have

    It's not to late to teach these, if you haven’t yet

    While it is amazing what kids can do on social media and with complex video games, it’s also sadly amazing what they often cannot do. Now’s the perfect time to remedy that. read more »
  • 4 ways students can develop entrepreneurial skills

    Give your child a head start

    Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Young people who aspire to become prominent business professionals can now get a head start on the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs before they ever leave high school. read more »
  • Why the first year behind the wheel is the most dangerous

    Data shows teen drivers 3 times more likely to be in fatal crash

    For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules and a new set of responsibilities. read more »
  • Connecting with careers in horticulture

    A perfect way to put STEM skills to work

    Imagine a career that fuels your passion for a cleaner world. One that fights climate change, helps communities grow food and powers innovation in countless ways. read more »
  • What are vernal pools?

    They are important habitats for many different animals

    Vernal pools are important habitats for many different animals, including a variety of frogs and salamanders, fingernail clams, and fairy shrimp. read more »
  • Letting kids fail. Is that okay?

    A child’s challenges should be met and not merely dismissed or avoided

    A child of obstacle-free parenting is not allowed to make any mistakes or face any challenges and this can prove to be very difficult later on. read more »
  • Reading as a family

    4 tips nurture kids' literacy and love for books

    To introduce smaller children to the written word and to encourage older kids to keep reading, try these four family literacy activities suggested by a librarian. read more »