4 Travel trends in 2017
Have you been taking the same vacation to Cuba every year since college? Now that Americans can visit Cuba a lot more easily, Cuba had a record year for tourists in 2016. This year, instead of being overrun by tourists, leave the winter behind with one of these 2017 travel trends.
Cruises
Cruises are like all-inclusive vacations that stop at different exotic locations. In Canada, unless you live in the Maritimes or Vancouver, cheap cruises are hard to come by. Fortunately, warm places that offer lots of cruises are only a short plane ride away. Florida and California have a plethora of cruise boats sailing throughout the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the luxuriousness of the cruise, it’s possible to buy a trip on a cruise boat for less than the cost of a hotel stay for a similar duration.
Low-Cost Airlines
Low oil prices during the past few years have led to an increase in the number of low-cost airlines that operate throughout the world. Today, East Coasters can fly to Iceland or Europe for unbelievably low prices and West Coasters can travel to China for several hundred dollars roundtrip.
In 2017, with taxes and utility costs increasing for almost all Canadians, a significant travel trend will be vacationing for as little money as possible.
Sustainable Travel
Climate change is already affecting Canadians, both in terms of weather and carbon taxes. A multi-year travel trend will be sustainable travel – taking trips close to home, staying in Airbnbs or couchsurfing instead of checking into hotels, camping in exotic locations instead of taking a day trip from a nearby city. All of these are ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still having a pretty cool vacation.
Slow Travel
Slow travel is a travel trend that aims to get vacationers to take it easy and relax while on vacation. The idea is this: instead of booking a two week vacation to visit three cities, complete with hotel bookings, train reservations and itineraries, just book a plane ticket and go.
The idea behind this travel trend is that it encourages travelers to move slowly and deliberately. You might find that Paris is a bore and can’t wait to get out. Or you might decide to never leave. Rather than be forced to stay at any destination longer than you want, slow travel allows you to book a ticket to your next destination whenever you feel the time is right. Slow travel is the ultimate way to experience luxury and relaxing travel.
Despite warnings of a slowing economy, Canadians are travelling more than ever. Not content with stay-cations, residents are taking advantage of the country’s many national parks and proximity to the United States. In addition, low-cost airlines are making international travel cheaper than ever for Canadians, despite a weaker dollar.
In 2017, don’t be satisfied with your same old vacation – do something new or something exciting after being inspired by these four travel trends.