Erol Ahmed. Unsplash.
The travel industry is changing, and we have seen huge shifts in the places we go, the trips we book and even how we book them. With discount airfares and packages, affordable accommodation and flexible working on the rise, there are more options for travellers than ever before. We are seeing rapid growth in the number of people exploring the world, so what crazy things are happening in the travel industry now?
Travel comes first
Julian Gentilezza. Unsplash.
One of the most noticeable changes we can see in the travel industry is the new importance it is taking in people’s lives. Travel is no longer seen as a luxury; it’s being viewed as a necessity. This is most obvious in younger generations, who are travelling further and more often than their parents ever did.
It is being found that a massive 39% of millennial and Generation Z workers will not accept a job which doesn’t allow for travel. Furthermore, 30% of workers say that they will take a lower salary in exchange for more business trips. We are seeing a dramatic shift in the value that workers are placing on travel, with it coming above income and career opportunities for a growing number of people. Travelling for work is a growing priority, with jobs that offer travel opportunities seen as far more desirable for new workers.
The travel industry is booming
Erik Odiin. Unsplash.
The huge rise in the importance of travel to so many people means that the travel industry is booming in the U.S. and around the world. In 2017, travel contributed a record $8.27 trillion to the global economy, up from $6.32 trillion ten years earlier. This record growth has seen the travel industry become one of the major players in the global economy, and it looks set to continue too. From booking agents and travel bloggers, to local restaurants and airlines, almost every sector of the travel industry is booming. This also includes niche travel sectors like family travel, luxury, adventure and of course, solo travel.
Solo travel is on the rise
Asoggetti. Unsplash.
Another significant change in the travel industry is a massive increase in the number of solo travellers. You no longer need to be in a relationship or be with your family to travel. In fact, recent research into solo travel shows that (according to one travel provider) over 80% of millennial travellers are going solo. It is not just millennials who are travelling alone, either: 40% of global baby boomers took a solo trip in the past year, too.
Smartphones are a travel essential
Clem Onojeghuo. Unsplash.
Recent research from Google and Phocuswright shows unique insights into the way people travel, and how they are using their mobile phones to do it. With the rise of social media, GPS navigation, smartphone photography and greater connectivity, majority of travellers now regard their smartphone as an essential part of their trip.
The research shows that more than 70% of American travellers always use their smartphones when travelling, compared to just 41% in 2015. A huge 61% of smartphone users use their mobile devices to seek direction, enabling travellers to explore new destinations with confidence.
Mobile travel bookings are rising
Nordwood Themes. Unsplash.
Not only are smartphones essential during the trip, but they are also quickly becoming the way we book trips, too. Google’s research finds that 45% of participants think that researching airfares on smartphones is easy, and 46% think researching hotels on their smartphones is easy as well.
Booking holidays used to be done at a travel agent’s office, but now you can book a trip anywhere through a vast variety of providers and booking platforms. Smartphones continue to play a more significant role in the world, with big transactions, like plane tickets and holiday bookings, now increasingly taking place on mobile phones and other smart devices.
34 Comments
Talamay
May 21, 2019 at 3:15 amThese are all true. Smartphones are your key to any new city and traveling alone allows for more spontaneity.
Alexandra Cook
May 22, 2019 at 1:51 amI agree that smartphones are now traveling essentials. This helps me a lot whenever I have trip. Maps, hotel finder, a restaurant finder, and even culture research and so much more.
Monidipa
May 22, 2019 at 6:40 amYeah, These r true because now whenever I kothin to my instagram or twitter I mostly see people putting pictures of their travels. Being a frequent traveller it really feels great!
Laura Dove
May 22, 2019 at 9:34 amWow this was really interesting! I think solo travelling is becoming way more popular, at one point it was such a scary thing to do but now more and more people are going alone and teaming up!
Momi Berlin
May 22, 2019 at 1:33 pmI agree in all of that! People started to use technology in everything! Since it makes many thing very easy and convinient.
bee
May 23, 2019 at 6:09 amSolo travelling is definitely on the rise and travel mobile apps are making money. I hope this won’t come to an end because I love how more people are travelling.
Jen
May 23, 2019 at 2:18 pmAmen to this. I am a traveling bug. I love to travel local or international. And I have seen an incredible increase of travelers, specially of solo traveling women. I think this is amazing as traveling not only changes your perspective but changes your life.
Dalene Ekirapa
May 25, 2019 at 2:19 pmCan’t agree more! It’s so inspiring to see that right now, travel is considered an essential for better living. It is definitely booking and good enough, all has been made easy with smart phone and easy booking.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
May 27, 2019 at 9:54 pmSmartphones are as essential for travel as a toothbrush! Other than the uses mentioned above, I also use my smartphone to contact my bank’s website if I encounter any problem using my ATM card when I am out traveling.
Michael
May 28, 2019 at 4:08 amSolo traveling is yet to be done by me. I am scared to do it but I think it is really an experience to have.
Tescha Chetty
May 28, 2019 at 11:32 amThis is so true. It is easier for us to get around these days. Traveling solo is still on my bucket list and it sure will be made much easier with a dedicated smartphone device
Mijia Eggers
May 28, 2019 at 1:33 pmSmartphones are a must already for me. If one day I forget to carry it, I feel like being disable.
Geraline Batarra
May 28, 2019 at 1:50 pmWhen I was young until now, I always dreamt about solo traveling alone. Though it scary to think that something may go wrong. Lmao.
Gena
May 28, 2019 at 4:28 pmI really enjoyed reading your post! Being a traveler myself, I am always interested in learning about the industry, and these facts are really fun to know! And I couldn’t agree more with everything you said here: just by having a smartphone with useful apps we make our lives easier during the trips
Anagha
May 28, 2019 at 5:14 pmI could not agree more with you. These are all true points. Yes, travel industry is boosting in every aspects.
melissa major
May 28, 2019 at 8:05 pmThese are all so very true! It’s been ages since I last travelled but hopefully so il go on holiday
pooja Malkani
May 29, 2019 at 6:34 amI completely agree! Travelling is a must and Solo travelers are increasing. It is so much fun and relaxing to travel alone.
Lyosha
May 29, 2019 at 5:40 pmI can only relate to this. For me traveling is a must, it is a huge part of my lie I can not say ‘no’ to. The things you pointed here are so real to me too!
fashionandstylepolice
May 29, 2019 at 9:15 pmSolo travelling is definitely on the rise. I plan to travel solo one of these days.
Ivan Jose
May 30, 2019 at 12:46 pmI sometimes feel that travel has lost its romance because it has been commercialized too much. On the other hand, it’s still great to see people wanting to explore the world.
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
September 4, 2019 at 4:02 amWhen I was younger, travel was indeed seen as a luxury. We were lucky to have grown up with this luxury because my mom worked for Philippine Airlines and we had free tickets. In the last years travelling boomed and it’s a good thing because it really broadens one’s horizon.
admin
September 5, 2019 at 2:51 amIt certainly does broaden one’s horizons and you meet real people that you see in skewed news on TV.
Viano Dee
September 4, 2019 at 6:46 amThis is so true. People these days travel more than their parents did or have. Also, smartphones are really essential, partly because of social media. 😀
admin
September 5, 2019 at 2:50 amGuilty! Lol. Social media…omg! We all wanna show off where we are or have been but I never give my exact location when abroad. The country and city are enough.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
September 4, 2019 at 6:48 amI wish I had done some solo traveling when I was younger. It sure sounds like an exciting experience. But now that I am a lot older and dealing with a chronic illness, I think solo travel is now out of the equation. I agree with smartphones though. My children find it very convenient to have their phones with them when they go on their adventures.
Samantha Donnelly
September 4, 2019 at 10:10 amVery true, we use our smartphones all the time when travelling, as everything is there at our finger tips, and saves having books, maps etc to carry
Autumn
September 5, 2019 at 12:09 amI’ve been solo traveling for years and I absolutely love it. I love traveling with friends and family too – it is just a different experience when you are by yourself. I definitely don’t leave home without my smartphone!
admin
September 5, 2019 at 2:49 amI’m addicted to solo travel lol. As much as I love being with friends and family, they don’t exactly share my enthusiasm for walking and “getting lost” or for experiencing quirky and unique museums or trying local foods. I always have to compromise.
Tianas lens
September 5, 2019 at 1:05 amSolo travelling really is a thing now and a good one, because with the help of your smartphone, you are bound to have a fun adventure!!
Smartphones really cannot be overemphasized in their role in the smooth execution of travelling now
admin
September 5, 2019 at 2:47 amSo agree! I’ve solo travelled thrice now and my smartphone plus Google maps were so invaluable.
Karla
September 5, 2019 at 5:15 amSolo traveling is really great. It’s liberating to explore different places at your own pace. I hope more people will have the courage to do it.
Teamryce
September 5, 2019 at 8:15 amSooooo true! When our family travels our basic essentials are our smartphones, we actually don’t bring SLRs anymore, but we still do it DIY we dont book thru travel agencies cause you’ll only see very limited places when booked thru agencies
Gena
September 5, 2019 at 11:39 pmI couldn’t agree more! Every point is really interesting but so true! Smartphones are becoming more and more essential, but I am always surprised by the way I use less phone during the trips than when I am at home hahaha
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