CC+L Explores The Rise of Revenge Travel and the Trends That Are Set to Replace It Soon
In the world of travel trends and buzzwords, the term “revenge travel” was coined in 2021, shortly after the peak of the COVD-19 pandemic in many parts of the world. After having travel plans (and all plans, for that matter) put on hold for almost two years, many people sought to travel more frequently, and they planned to do so with a much bigger budget.
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- Photo courtesy Belize Tourism Board
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- Photo courtesy Maya Island Air
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- Image via Meritt Thomas on Unsplash
Come late 2022, the travel industry certainly rebounded with a vengeance. Arrivals in many tourism destinations, including Belize, far surpassed pre-pandemic levels. And this is owed in no small part to people from all corners of the world getting their revenge travel on. But as once strictly imposed travel restrictions and COVID-19 regulations quickly become nothing more than much maligned memories, are people still taking revenge trips?
Similar: Belize’s Tourism Industry Is Set to Grow Even More in 2023
Here’s why you might soon be hearing less about revenge travel, and why that doesn’t necessarily mean people will be traveling any less in 2023 and beyond.
The Rise of Revenge Travel
Image courtesy Duarte Dellarole
In spring of 2022, CNN reported that trip booking sites like Expedia saw the “single highest increase in average travel search traffic” in May of the previous year. Since then, most people have taken their revenge trips: their first big vacation (whether overseas or not) since the start of the pandemic. And if not, they’re quite likely to do so this summer, says CBS News.
But while the restrictions that prompted the emergence of revenge travel dwindle alongside the use of the phrase, the sentiments inspired by the pandemic remain.
In an interview with CNN, Erika Richter, vice president of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) noted that “revenge travel” is just another way of saying “life is short. I want to book that trip…to spend more time with family. I want to connect with humanity and with nature….to explore the world and seek experiences that make me feel alive.”
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why, even if the era of revenge travel begins to wane, a majority of people are still planning to travel more in the coming months and years.
One survey by Forbes found that, despite there being plenty of reasons for travel demand to slow down this year (inflation, labor shortages, crowds, high flight prices, and more) 49% of polled Americans are still making plans to travel. As for what kind of travel they will be doing, well, there are quite a few trends expected to replace revenge travel pretty soon.
Similar: Travel Trends 2023: From Off-Grid Escapes to Mindfulness Meditation
Travel Trends to Come
Set-Jetting
These days, more and more travelers find themselves getting a case of wanderlust after seeing a destination featured in a movie or TV series. Think binge-worthy shows like The White Lotus or movies like Lost in Translation.
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- Sofia Coppola in Belize. Image by Andrew Durham
Where to go in Belize: The small but beautiful island of Caye Caulker was recently the setting of the newly released indie thriller film Let Us Make Eve. Also, while Lost in Translation is a comedy-drama set in Tokyo, Japan, director Sofia Coppola often escapes to Belize. Turtle Inn in Placencia is one of three Coppola Family Hideaways in the country.
Pursuing Wellness
With the fall of revenge travel comes the rise of wellness travel. From yoga retreats to “do nothing” vacations, this travel trend has self-care at its heart.
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- Ride Gaia’s tram down to the Five Sisters Waterfall. Photo courtesy of property.
Where to go in Belize: Celebrate Global Wellness Day this June in the wilds of Belize. Gaia Riverlodge is hosting a yoga retreat set in the dreamy and verdant Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
Responsible or “Slow” Travel
From supporting the local community to spending more time actually getting to know a country’s culture and customs, responsible travel is no longer niche, says Forbes Magazine. Environmentally sustainable travel continues to be a top priority for an increasing number of travelers.
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- Photo by Kevin W. Quischan
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- Mayflower Bocawina National Park in Southern Belize. Photo courtesy Quilz Tamay Photography
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- Photo by @BelizeMyTravels
Where to go in Belize: Embrace culture and tradition in the village of Hopkins. This southern community on the coast of the Stann Creek District is home to Belize’s Garifuna people. Consider a stay at Hamanasi, the regenerative resort that is leading the way in responsible travel in Belize.
“If 2022 was the year of wading back into travel, then 2023 is the year of diving in head first.”
Featured Photo by Duarte Dellarole
