Culinary travel is on the rise, with 78% of travellers saying they crave new flavours and around 50% say they are planning trips that take in specific restaurants or dishes; 61% are aiming to learn about the origins of a destination’s iconic dishes.
This was revealed in a survey by online booking platform, Booking.com. It surveyed 27 000 travellers across 33 countries to compile the 2024 Travel Predictions report.
Other key findings included:
*As destinations grow warmer, 67% of travellers are focusing more on water-centric destinations; 36% reported that they craved the view of an ocean or lake and 75% say they find water relaxing.
*On the other hand, 18% of travellers are prioritising their well-being. Health retreats sparked the interest of 20% of respondents, psychedelic retreats attracted 14%, sleep-focused retreats attracted 58% and tantra retreats attracted 48%.
*Another trend is the desire for spontaneity and mystery – 52% of travellers say they would book trips where the destinations remain a mystery until their arrival; 56% are inclined to go off the beaten path and 34% are willing to travel with strangers.
*Authenticity and appreciation for new cultures also emerge as a theme, as 47% of travellers are eager to connect with locals in new countries and 44% are interested in venturing into less ‘touristy’ hotspots.
*Itineraries appear to be falling in popularity as 55% of the respondents said they preferred to embark on adventures without a set plan, while 69% opt for loose itineraries allowing for space to adapt and explore.
*Culinary travel is on the rise – apart from the 78% of travellers who crave new flavours, 61% are aiming to learn about the origins of a destination’s iconic dishes.
New technological culinary experiences, which include physical and digital elements such as VR or AR dining have attracted the attention of 46% of travellers. Other technologically innovative cuisine such as 3D-printed vegan steaks and vegan alternatives to popular dishes have awakened the interest of 63% of respondents.
*Deeper connections and self-discovery are a driving force behind two growing trends – solo and partner travel. According to the survey, 59% of travellers are looking to venture alone, of which 63% of the men and 54% of the women surveyed favoured solo travel; 39% of solo travellers would carve out time for a matchmaking trip and 35% would use a trip to recover from heartbreak.
However, partner travel is picking up as well – 24% of travellers want to travel with their partners to strengthen bonds and 58% of parents are organising children-free trips.
*Comfort and savings are key elements that travellers consider. Over half of the respondents (54%) would pay for accommodation upgrades, while 47% are willing to invest in reasonably affordable flight to train upgrades.
*At least 47% of respondents would take their children out of school to travel during off-peak seasons and 39% of pet owners would bring their pets along to avoid sitting costs.
*Sustainable travel is poised for an industry makeover; 53% of travellers are looking for accommodation that incorporates comfort and innovative sustainability, and 65% want green spaces and plants incorporated in their accommodation; 60% appreciate app rewards as acknowledgement for making sustainable travel decisions.
