1. Bleisure Trips
A new buzz word that awkwardly combines business and pleasure. More and more business travellers are seeing the value in staying a few extra days, or flying out their spouses and families to join them. Not only do they save an air ticket, they can write-off expenses, and actually get a chance to experience the places they're traveling to.
2. Railcactions
Travelling by rail is set to continue its rise in popularity, an alternative to cruise ships for that little something different. Luxury trains like the Orient Express, South Africa's Blue Train and Canada's own magnificent Rocky Mountaineer pamper you with fine dining, interesting activities, and generous accommodation, while the world literally rolls before your eyes.
3. Glamping
The term for glamorous camping was coined to describe the trend of those who like their outdoor adventure with all the five star comforts. Luxury eco-tent lodges are on the rise, with their perched views, thick duvets and excellent catering. Wealthy travellers are forgoing big hotel chains for more exotic accommodation, allowing them to pursue passions like hiking, fishing, hunting or photography. Hardly roughing it, but then you're not paying those typical camping fees either.
4. Flashpacking
A trend that has quietly been growing for years may finally hit the tipping point. Backpacking with a higher budget is drawing those who seek the spontaneity and adventure of budget travel, without the packed dorm rooms or shared bathrooms. Like Glampers, flashpackers access the best of both worlds. A decent hotel, good food, money saved for activities, but the flexibility of having the world on your back. Particularly popular with young professional couples, flashpacking is also attracting more and more honeymooners.
5. Small Groups
Agencies are reporting a marked increase in clients requesting smaller tour groups, up to around 9 people. It appears a seat on a big bus is proving less popular in our customized age. Other specialized tours are becoming more popular, such as women-only groups, or interest-based excursions. Artists, salsa dancers, birders – people enjoy travelling in small groups of likeminded souls.
6. BRIC
The BRIC nations – Brazil, Russia, India and China - are exploding within the global economy, and within tourism too. Infrastructure, service and political stability have dramatically improved, opening up these vast countries for previously skittish tourists. Brazil is hosting both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. Luxury resorts are opening up all over India and China, India, and Russia. All offer fantastic attractions for Canadians travelling on a strong dollar.
7. Granny Chic
The past decade saw the rise of the minimalist, stark boutique hotels. The boutique trend is set to continue, but analysts are seeing a move towards more homely accommodation. Think plush couches, antique furniture, more paintings on the wall. More beige, less neon. More wood, less plastic.
8. Security
Full body scanners are about to enter our travel reality, even if they wouldn't have picked up the failed Detroit bomber who initiated their hasty introduction. While analysts argue the best deterrent is stopping plots before they get to the airport, a supremely cautious, overzealous security industry is determined to make your travel both intrusive and frustrating. Whether this will prove to be effective in the long run only time can tell. In the meantime, enjoy the line-up.
9. Learncations
With all these buzz words floating about, I thought I'd introduce one of my own. Yoga retreats, cooking classes, educational tours, fitness camps – people have always travelled to pursue their passion. There is a strong forecast of growth in companies set up to accommodate them.
10. Go Mobile
The world in your pocket. Airlines are already sending boarding passes to your mobile device, to join your guidebook, GPS, hotel booking app, music, movies, camera and phone. You can pack in dozens of books on your e-reader (Amazon reported that e-books outsold printed books over Xmas in 2009). Small, convenient netbooks continue to appeal to travellers, although the much-hyped tablet PC's might catch on quick. We can expect technology to continue the evolution of the 21st century tourist.
Catch up with Robin at www.moderngonzo.com, or see his global adventures weekly on Word Travels (OLN/City TV)