Agent to Agent: What's Trending for 2019 Travel?

Dear Tammy: Now that we’re already one month into the new year, can you let me know what you think the trends for 2019 will be for the travel industry? Thanks!

Tammy: Great question! It’s always a good idea for you to know what’s currently trending in the travel industry as this can definitely help you be a better travel agent. 2019 is going to be an exciting year for travel, as many travelers are looking to take trips that are both unique and exciting, as well as have a purpose to them. When you know what the top travel trends are at any particular moment, you’re giving yourself the edge you need to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Many travelers this year are looking to take mini vacations, also known as micro-trips. Many of these bite-sized travel trips are perfect for busy people who want to squeeze in as much as they can do in a weekend’s time. Their overall goal is to seek new adventures and have lots of fun doing them!

Exploring uncharted territories is another top trend for 2019. This type of traveler is looking to discover new and exciting adventures, like riding horses through the Nepal mountains, rafting on some of China’s most famous rivers and traveling to Antarctica. Some are less extreme, like wanting to explore small towns that are off the beaten path.

More families will be traveling this year. And instead of vacationing in the traditional family vacation spots like Hawaii and Disneyland, they're choosing to vacation in spots that are considered to be a little more unconventional so they can spend more time together learning and exploring in new locations that offer them this ability.

Traveling groups will be looking for more relaxed accommodations, and for that reason are wanting to rent personal homes and villas vs. hotels. On the other end of the spectrum, solo travel is a trend that continues into this year.

Green travel is still trending. Also known as sustainable travel and ecotourism, many travelers are still booking trips to explore wildlife refuges, national parks and more. And they want to do it in a way that’s as great as possible, essentially reducing their carbon footprint.

And foodie trips and tours! This is a trend that began not long ago and is why I predict that foodie tours will continue to increase in their popularity over the next few years, at least.

Current travel hotspots that are trending include Peru, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Ecuador, Turkey, Ethiopia and Vietnam.