17 Travel Trends You’ll See in 2023, According to our Editors and Contributors

Why will it matter in 2023?  

The impact Covid has had on the way we think about and approach work has been huge. “The traditional thinking was work, potentially paired with a holiday; now, it’s an intentional holiday-first mindset with work in-and around-it” explains Marchant. “Leading hotel groups and tour operators in turn need to adapt services and experiences to accommodate this pattern, where the value of strong wifi and flexible time zones are more important than ever. It’s about taking more time in situ, often in destinations which benefit from longer stays leading to remarkable travel experiences over a longer period, with more impact, such as Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala.” —Sarah Allard

16. Ultra long-term planning

What’s the trend? 

During the intra-pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, it was impossible to plan more than a few weeks ahead for trips abroad because governments were always changing entry requirements, closing borders and forcing airlines to cancel flights. In 2022 travelers were getting their confidence back but from 2023, demand will be dialed up to the max, especially if China finally reopens to international tourism. With competition for stays in the best suites and hotels already fierce, only those that book well ahead will be guaranteed what they want.

Why will it matter in 2023? 

There will be lots of new hotels and experiences launching in 2023 but with jet setters already thinking beyond the current year, sights will be set on options for 2024 and beyond. Itineraries will include the likes of the first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, in Rome, cruises aboard MSC Group’s new ship Explora II (arriving summer 2024), the Six Senses Svart in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, Accor’s Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge in Kenya, the Rosewood Miyakojima in Japan, and Aman’s Amanvari on the Sea of Cortés in Mexico (all in 2024). The Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills, Edition Lake Como, and Park Hyatt Riyadh Diriyah Gate in Saudi Arabia will be on the 2025 must-visit list. —Jenny Southan

17. Educational itineraries  

What’s the trend? Instead of visiting a destination and barely scratching the surface, travelers want to ensure their experiences are deeper and more meaningful than ever before, learning something new in the process. 

Why will it matter in 2023? 

“Following a spate of post-pandemic revenge spending, we can now expect travelers to be more selective, placing higher value on fulfilling experiences that fuel their thirst for knowledge and personal growth in 2023,” says Adam Sebba, CEO and founder of The Luminaire. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by the luxury travel provider, almost 90% of respondents ranked the appeal of ‘luxury educational travel experiences’ at 8, 9, or 10 out of 10. According to Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, this is a trend we can expect to see a lot more of next year. “We’ve seen demand for itineraries designed with a purpose to acquire knowledge surge in 2022, and see this trend only picking up further pace next year,” he says. Their immersive and educative journeys in 2023 include gaining a deep understanding of Japan’s traditional architectural style by spending time with one of the country’s leading architects and taking part in the fight to protect the rare Black Rhino in Kenya with inside access to a team of vets and rangers to learn more about conservation efforts. —Sarah Allard

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.