Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky has noticed innovative travel trends beyond typical destination-focused trips. As travel evolves in the 21st century, travelers increasingly choose experiences that match their passions and preferences.
Gennady highlights five examples of these paradigm-shifting travel trends:
Eco-Friendly Dive Excursions
SCUBA divers are now choosing dive destinations based on the sustainability ratings of local operators. Surveys show almost 100% of divers prefer to book with eco-friendly businesses. However, finding a sustainable operator has only sometimes been possible.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) recently launched an “Eco Center” accreditation on Earth Day 2023 to meet demand. Businesses must prove they are reducing their environmental impact to become certified. As of 2024, over 100 dive centers worldwide have earned the Eco Center designation, with goals to expand rapidly by 2030.
Eco Centers offer divers opportunities to participate in conservation activities like coral restoration projects and citizen science data collection on whale migrations. PADI has also developed go-anywhere diver conservation courses, including training for the Global Shark and Ray Census in August 2024.
Astronomical Tourism
Also called “astro tourism,” astronomical tourism involves traveling to ideal locations worldwide to observe celestial events. Total solar eclipses, meteor showers, comets, the Northern Lights, and more spark interest from skywatchers seeking bucket list experiences. 2024, in particular, promises to offer prime night sky viewing opportunities.
Accommodations catering to astronomy buffs range from remote tent camps to refined wellness hotels offering stargazing workshops. High-demand destinations include Africa, the Middle East, and latitudes favorable for aurora sightings. Families and kids can benefit from the educational aspects as well.
Longevity-Focused Lodgings
On the heels of rising consumer interest in preventative health, Gennady Podolsky notes more luxury hotels and resorts are providing specialized longevity amenities and therapies. Guests can enjoy treatments like oxygen chambers, ozone therapy, infrared light therapy, and IV infusions. Travelers can either relax and focus on rejuvenation or use the offerings to complement nearby trip plans.
Standalone longevity retreats in serene natural settings also help guests reduce stress, adopt healthier lifestyles, and even receive high-tech personalized health assessments. Guidance on nutrition, gentle exercise, spa treatments, and mental/spiritual balance all promote optimal well-being.
Global Sporting Event Tourism
Devoted sports fans have long been willing to travel for significant competitions featuring their favorite teams or athletes. More than ever, fans are journeying across continents and structuring vacations around premier sporting events. In addition to the action, attendees relish the electric crowds and adrenaline.
In 2024 alone, over a million tourists will flood Paris for the Summer Olympics, Paralympics, and related festivities. Italy will also enjoy throngs celebrating the Tour de France’s first-ever Grand Depart on Italian soil, with special cycling tours and festivities planned.
Skip-Generation Vacations
Another distinctive trend involves grandparents treating their grandkids to exclusive, multigenerational “skip-generation” getaways. Common motivations include revisiting beloved destinations, checking off bucket list adventures, or bonding more deeply. Trips may range from African safaris to historical tours to small ship cruises.
With planning, skip-generation trips can produce priceless shared memories. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky recommends open conversations with all generations involved to align expectations. He also suggests connecting with specialized travel agents attuned to the latest industry developments. Their expertise and insights can uncover more prosperous, more meaningful travel opportunities.
