5 Travel Trends Coast Hotels Anticipates for 2022

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, travel was either put on hold or re-configured for the past two years — and now, people are ready to "go big or go home." Literally.

A recent study by Travel Pulse found that travelers will have a renewed sense of optimism and will embrace a new year of possibilities in 2022.

What exactly does that mean, though? Not only did travel come to a screeching halt for a while there, but the way people travel has also changed significantly — and it looks as if we'll see even more of these changes over the next year. As more and more destinations open their borders and begin to welcome travellers back, let's take a look at some of the biggest predictions for travel trends in 2022.

Travel Trend 1: Splurge-cations

That "go big or go home" mentality translates to splurging on premium experiences and dining, booking bucket list-worthy trips, and simply not holding back overall. It also entails travellers more frequently pushing themselves past their comfort zones — in some cases way past their comfort zones. This means trying new things and visiting new destinations, including some they may have never so much as considered before.

Expedia coined a cheeky term for this no-holds-barred attitude about travel: the GOAT mindset, or the "Greatest of All Trips" mindset. Based on findings from its 2022 Travel Trends Report, Expedia goes on to explain, "With a newfound appreciation that each trip in the current travel environment is a privilege, travellers are now in pursuit of more transformative and fulfilling journeys, without holding back."

Travel Trend 2: Living in the Moment

Another side effect of living through a pandemic is learning to appreciate the little things all around us and being more present. In terms of travel, this will mean adopting more of a "slow travel" mindset: ditching schedules and rigid itineraries, more spontaneity and less planning. People will truly embrace "going with the flow" — at least, when it comes to travelling.

There are numerous benefits of slow travel, including preventing "travel fatigue." This is that burnt-out feeling that results from trying to see and cram in as much as possible into one trip. travelling is supposed to be relaxing and refreshing, after all, so this shift back is a very positive thing.

Travel Trend 3: Wellness Trips

For most people, travelling and going on vacation is relaxing and enjoyable. In 2022, many travellers are taking that a step further and booking wellness trips that will benefit their overall health, both mentally and physically.

These "wellness trips" can include many different elements, but typically involve immersive, renewing experiences in nature-focused destinations. Think weekends by the beach or mountain getaways, or even staying in the city but simply vowing to unplug from phones and other technology (a break we probably all need!). 

Coast Hotels has several properties that would be perfect backdrops for wellness getaways. A few that come to mind include:

• Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai - What could possibly be more relaxing and recharging than staying in a secluded resort on the Garden Isle? How about a private historic plantation cottage, complete with its own lanai and well-equipped kitchen? On property, spend your time basking in the sun on the private black sand beach, napping in hammocks around the grounds, swimming in the oceanfront pool, or playing lawn games. Paradise indeed!
• Coast Hillcrest Hotel - If the mountains are more your scene, it's difficult to top the awe-inspiring views of Revelstoke, BC. Located only a few moments from the iconic Revelstoke Mountain Resort (home to the biggest vertical in North America), the Coast Hillcrest Hotel will provide you with the mountain getaway of your dreams. Enjoy close proximity to local breweries and distilleries, hot springs and other outdoor activities perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. Onsite you can sample locally-sourced cuisine from the Begbie Room and utilize other amenities such as the cozy fireplace at Guides Lunge, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a dry sauna.
• Coast Bastion Hotel - Want the best of both worlds — beach and mountains? Look no further than the Coast Bastion Hotel. Sitting on the waterfront in downtown Nanaimo on Vancouver Island's east side, the hotel offers sweeping views of the ocean, harbour, and Coast Mountains. Aptly nicknamed the "Harbour City," Nanaimo itself is notably laid-back and charming. So much so, that you may never want to return home!

Travel Trend 4: Connecting With Local Communities

The pandemic shined a whole new light on small businesses and shifted consumers' focus to shopping and supporting local. Industry experts predict this will carry over into travel, with consumers looking to connect on a deeper level with the communities they visit. This could mean people choosing to eat at locally-owned restaurants versus chains, shopping at small, independent boutiques and galleries instead of big-box stores, and generally being more intentional about where they spend their money while travelling.

It translates directly to the type of accommodations people choose, also. Instead of big cookie-cutter hotels that are the same whether you're in a city in the United States, Asia, or Africa, travellers are increasingly choosing to stay at properties with a bit more character.

Coast Hotels' Refreshingly Local™ program focuses on creating unique guest experiences by incorporating local elements into each property, all reflecting the destinations where they're located. To see what that looks like in real life, take a look at the Coast Bastion Hotel. The hotel maintains its own onsite beehives, then produces made-from-scratch honey to use in recipes in the onsite restaurant and lounge.

Travel Trend 5: Leaving Work-cations Behind

2020 and 2021 saw a significant rise in work-cations, or "bleisure" trips, hybrid business and leisure trips where people would work while travelling. This allowed travellers to take longer getaways, particularly while so many people around the world had the flexibility of remote work or schooling.

In 2022, however, it is predicted that consumers will shift their focus back to taking "real" vacations where they can actually take a break from work. Even if it means shorter vacations, travellers will increasingly leave their work at home in an effort to be more present during their trips. The focus here is quality over quantity.