“Active travel” does not have a single definition. It can mean point by point outing trips with luggage transferred between hotels, e-bikes across Europe on the new EuroVelo trails or taking advantage of Hotel Sassongher’s new flight in the Dolomites activity.
The unifying factor is the global desire for it active escapes after the pandemic.
Seismic shift towards working from home means millions of people are more sedentary in their daily lives. A survey by Statista shows that almost 30 percent of people wait remote work to become their permanent reality, while a further 36 percent foresee a hybrid work future.
With this new, home-bound work environment, there is no passing trend, remote and hybrid workers are looking for active holidays that allow them to exercise while immersing themselves in nature during their down time.
Here’s how this travel trend will shape up in 2023.
Adventure travel will suit the needs of many generations
RESERVATION adventure travel will become a logical way for home-connected professionals to inject exercise and movement into their lives in 2023.
“Travelers are looking for balance and being asset it’s part of that,” says Jimmy Carroll, co-founder of adventure travel company Pelorus. “Hotels are starting to cater to this mindset through yoga mats in your room and jogging paths or outing trails on properties, which helps encourage this growing trend.”
Pelorus specializes in travel and yachting expeditions. Jimmy and co-founder Geordie Mackay-Lewis are former British Army captains who use their military training to curate bespoke luxury adventure travel experiences.
With limited vacation pay, employees must balance their desire for active travel with other priorities, like seeing friends and family. This challenges adventure travel companies like Perolus to accommodate different ages and abilities.
“We’ve seen an increase in group travel, whether it’s that many generations families or groups of friends celebrating an occasion,” says Jimmy.
He notes that this requires activities and accommodations that appeal to all members of the of family. “[On our trips] every member of the family can do activities at their own pace with multiple guides that allow all fitness levels and interests to be met,” he says.
“Properties such as Deplar Farm in Puffin Island or Sweet Bocas in Panama are some of our favorites for action-packed vacations with kids in tow.”
“We’ve also seen a huge increase in ‘travel closer to home’, which includes domestic travel as well as Europe.”
He adds that interest in Iceland increased significantly during the pandemic, as it offers distance and adventure just a short flight from the UK and Europe.
New and exciting opportunities for active travel will emerge
As wide as possible adventure travel the market is already on an upward trajectory. Earlier this year, a report by market researcher Next Move Strategy Consulting estimated that the global adventure tourism market was worth $288 million (€290 million) in 2021, but predicted it would grow to $2.8 billion (2.8 billion euros) until 2030.
As travelers seek to push their limits emerging from the pandemic—both physically and mentally—new adventurous steps open up. Walking and cycling holidays will become more common. Focused on nature Itineraries with active elements are already appearing on the market.
“People are less and less interested in an all-inclusive vacation where they lie on the beach or in the pool for a week,” says Tim Geisler, Nautilus Sailing’s chief instructor. “They want to get out of them comfort zonegain a new skill or earn bragging rights for an outstanding achievement.”
Nautilus is waiting all week sailing holidays throughout the Caribbean, South Pacific and other international waters. These hands-on experiences do more than provide an offshore getaway—vacationers also learn how to sail and earn certifications throughout the trip.
Tim points out the sudden change in the average age of their clientele. Just five years ago, this was skewed into the high 60s.
“We are seeing professionals in the 35-55 age group flocking to the sport sailingand are welcoming many families who are excited to learn how to sail so they can embark on their sailing adventures.”
Their customers are usually either those who plan to buy theirs boats or those looking for the skills needed to make private renting in the future a more realistic possibility, adds Tim.
“The pandemic it has taught us to seize the moment”, he says. “As people strive to have more ‘authentic’ cultural experiences, they realize that cruising offers an opportunity to enter a destination in a truly unique way and connect on a whole different level with the locals in a way that it is not possible in cruise ship.”
Active travel will gain momentum throughout the coming year
Active travel will tighten its grip in 2023 – whether it dominates your journey or is woven into a more relaxing itinerary is up to you. Hotels and tour operators are likely to offer customizable experiences that benefit Outdoor activities on their doorsteps.
From diving in cold swimming to address Romania’s response to Road to Santiago to winged clothing on an active volcano, travelers of different ages, abilities and interest levels will seek new ways to actively explore the world.
The ‘impulse travel’ travel trend is explored in more detail in Expedia and Euronews Travel’s 2023 Trend Report.
