Travel Trends around the World

Every Winter, Elite Club Ltd. looks for exciting events around the world’s, so we can bring to our clients and readers fascinating stories, news and access to the most exclusive sport events, gala dinners, celebrations and art exhibits. So, what’s trending in travel for business & leisure in 2014?

Travel + Leisure Magazine says that the key travel trends in 2014 is that airports will become more enjoyable since there are number of new independent lounges and more intelligent architecture. Heathrow’s Queen’s Terminal (T2) will reset the bar for efficiency when it opens in June 2014 with its reconfigured checkpoints and central courtyard layout. The magazine also reports that tech gadgets will continue to shrink and get smarter, for example, digitally enabled glasses from Google and other gear will top travellers’ Wish Lists in 2014.

Resonance Consultancy’s President Chris Fair recently outlined his view on travel trends on luxury travel. According to Fair luxury travel continues to be a robust segment of the industry. ‘There are millions of millionaires, and the number of affluent U.S. households is projected to increase from 10.5 million in 2012 to 20.5 million in 2020’, Fair said. He also believes that Americans and Europeans will dominate the luxury travel space until 2020. Fair also highlights the growth of creative tourism ‘directed toward an engaged and authentic experience’. ‘It’s travel that provides a connection with those who reside in the destination.’ The creative tourist differs from a cultural tourist in that he or she is active and interacts with the locals.

Perin Post suggests that in 2014 we will see more families travelling to Africa. According to the blog safari operators are meeting the demand by creating more child-focused trips across African continent. The trend is popular; hotels and lodges across Southern and East Africa have been adding family suites. Another big trend for people travelling with kids and larger groups is choosing rental homes over hotels. Perin Post says that HomeAway introduced a new site focused on luxury villas rental, so hotels will need to find new ways to keep customers loyal.

Elite Club Ltd. did its own survey and we think that wellness type of holiday and SPA resorts will have a strong demand in 2014. China, Vietnam and India are becoming popular destinations for both American and European tourists. In regards to luxury vacation, South of France, Sardinia and Caribbean will dominate the market.

So, where are you heading this year? Elite Club Ltd. recommends:

January – Australian Open; Global Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland

February – Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia; Venice Carnival in Italy, Super Bowl in the US

March – Rio Carnival in Brazil & Rose Ball in Monaco

April – Perfect time to visit a SPA resort in Indian Ocean or Caribbean

May – Cannes Film Festival & Monaco Grand Prix in France and Kentucky Derby in the US

June – Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and Henley Regatta in the UK

July – It’s time to rent a boat on French Rivera

August – It’s time to enjoy private parties in Ibiza, St. Tropez and Sardinia, alternatively it’s time to watch US Open

September – It’s golf’s prestigious event Ryder Cup in Scotland

October –It’s Baseball World Series & October Fest in Munich, Germany

November – Red Cross Ball in Monaco

December – Art Basel Miami in the US