Next year's travel trends right around the corner
Traveling into 2008Wanna know what's hot in travel for 2008? We don't have a crystal ball, but we do follow the industry rags. Here's what travelers in the know think we'll see in 2008:
Most of us don't have time to step out of the office for a traditional 2-week vacation. But we're not giving up on the extra long weekend getaway - and most of us will get at least 3 of these in 2008.
Almost 50% of Americans plan to take some kind of vacation within the next 6 months and many are making sure their passports are in order. More Americans now hold passports now than ever before.
Despite our willingness to get passports, almost 20% of air travelers surveyed by Synovate say new security requirements will make them rethink their leisure travel plans. More than 10% of business travelers said it my even curtail travel they do for work.
Deloitte discovered in October that 83% respondents of their survey use the Internet to research and/or purchase travel. No kidding.
The flagging dollar is starting to affect travel and many people are sticking closer to home and staying with friends and relatives instead of hotels. Amish counties in the Northeast and Yosemite and Yellowknife in California are reaping the benefits of increased domestic travel.
TripAdvisor polled users to find out their phobias, peeves and personal quirks:
Germs: More than 80% of respondents say they're worried about getting sick while traveling. A lot of you are bringing your own disinfectant, towels and even bedding.
Cell phones: A whopping 78% say no to cell phones while in the air.
Outside Threats: 66% of Americans consider possible terrorist attacks, while 45% worry about natural disasters before traveling. We're surprised these numbers aren't higher, actually.
Lonely Planet picked the U.S. as its #1 destination for 2008, but other industry insiders say Beijing, Central America, Italy, Eastern Europe and Lisbon will be tough competition.
What are your travel plans for 2008?
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Comments
Count me in on the "NO" vote
But, I think the true test case will come as more airlines add wireless Internet. Someone with a Vonage or Skype account (internet-based phone systems), will undoubtedly try to use it on the plane.
All they'd need is a Vonage USB key, headphones, and a microphone (and of course my laptop). Voila, loud phone calls without a cell phone.
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