Getting back on the road might be a daunting thought for some, as regulations and protocols keep changing, demanding a newfound level of flexibility and creativity when it comes to planning your next journey. Identifying the travel trends to come is the first step to dusting off your passport, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience. 

Travel Trend Predictions for 2022 by Naya Traveler

• Vaccinations will open doors: countries are more eager to welcome fully vaccinated travelers than unvaccinated ones. And increasingly, countries are adding an extra requirement: even if you are vaccinated, you may need a negative covid test and/or a booster shot unless your final vaccine dose is from within six or nine months, depending on the country.

• Emerging destinations: both popular and off-the-radar destinations have economically suffered from the lack of tourism in the last two years. Now, as the world begins to reopen, every country has become an emerging tourism destination, with thrilling new offers and experiences that adapt to the post-pandemic context. 

• Longer Journeys: Beyond the desire for longer and more immersive journeys, there is also a necessity to account for a few extra days on the road to meet each country’s entry and exit protocols. Furthermore, increased flexibility regarding remote work allows travelers to bookend a vacation with working, or vice versa.

• Planning ahead comes with rewards: The eagerness to travel again means it might be challenging to secure accommodation and unique experiences last minute. Planning a trip in advance will help guarantee that the quality of your journey remains unaffected by such limitations, while taking advance of flexible booking and cancellation policies safeguards your plans should they change.

• Private stays: Stays in fully catered private properties are on the rise, as this option can offer a level of safety and privacy that can add value to your travels. Boutique hotels are also offering buyouts as an alternative for bigger groups seeking privacy and space.

• Wellness journeys are here to stay: Wellness has been a strong trend for the last decade, yet now, more than ever, the desire to prioritize self-care and health means wellness experiences can become an integral part of every journey. 

Regenerative Travel are at the forefront of destinations

Whether it is by addressing environmental challenges or investing in social impact initiatives, these destinations embody the spirit of regeneration—improving people’s lives, our communities, and the world around us, giving new-found meaning to our desire to travel. 

Ecuador

Leading the way as an example of eco-conscious tourism and regenerative travel initiatives, Ecuador packs a wide range of biodiversity, from the last bastion of the cloud forest to prehistoric volcanoes along the tip of the Andes range. 

Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi Natural Reserve

Just a 3-hour drive from Quito, Mashpi Lodge is a unique luxury hotel that doubles as a research station, sitting in the heart of a 3,000-acre private Reserve made up of 70% primary forest. Mashpi’s accommodation and orientation towards families, wellness and scientific research offer a perfect environment for sophisticated and inquisitive travelers to experience the refuge and biodiversity of Ecuador.

Evolve Cruise, The Galapagos

Ecoventura’s cruise journeys distinguish themselves both for their design-forward 20-passenger luxury yachts and knowledgeable naturalist guides. In 2022, the company will welcome a brand-new vessel, aptly named Evolve, into its Relais & Chateaux fleet, which will reduce fossil fuel consumption by more than 30% and feature an advanced water treatment plan that prevents untreated greywater and blackwater from being disposed of into the ocean.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s commitment to the protection and regeneration of the environment is a way of life. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the local saying ‘Pure Vida’ with which locals greet each other as well as visitors, means ‘Full of Life.’ The small Central American nation has consistently made the headlines for its ground-breaking movements to protect the environment, without forsaking its people’s happiness in the process. This year, Costa Rica launched the ‘Pura Vida Pledge,’ a promise to educate visitors about meaning of responsible tourism and the actions that they, as travelers to the destination, can do to make a true difference to the local communities in the post Covid-19 world.

Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park

Oone of the first luxury camps in Central America, Nayara’s Tented Camp sits within the Arenal Volcano National Park and is inspired by the luxury canvas lodges of Africa and Asia. The indoor/outdoor design of the Camp blends contemporary, barefoot-luxe touches and unique-to-location design. Suites, created in a traditional African safari style tents fused with a Costa Rican sense of place, feature canopy beds with a botanical headboard mural, private plunge pools fed by natural mineral hot springs, and double-head outdoor showers.

Kasiiya Papagayo, Papagayo Peninsula

Located on the North Pacific coast, Kasiiya Papagayo’s estate includes 123 acres of untamed forest and exotic wildlife yet has only seven suites for ultimate privacy. As a unique eco build, Kasiiya was created with strict, sustainable practices; for example, no trees were felled, nor cement used. The elegant rooms are in the forest, on the beach or on the clifftop.

Resident healer Yamuna leads the wellness program in the spa, an enchanting traditional structure set away from the hotel. His restorative treatments combine Reiki, chakra and energy-flow work alongside traditional massage therapy using volcanic stones, mud, and essential oils. 

Contributor:

Naya Traveler offers highly personalized, bespoke journeys, dedicated to unveiling the beauty of the world. Now, more than ever, the safety and well-being of those who yearn to travel again is front and center. Every itinerary is made from scratch, tailored to traveler’s particular interests and preferences. Naya Traveler remains  present behind the scenes, providing 24-hour assistance and support every step of the way. 

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted trends and stories. Yvon also published a journal and fast track guide to learning unconditional self-care while claiming your peace and happiness. The Best Friend Journal is available on Amazon now.

As an entrepreneur and influencer, she has been featured in Thrive Global, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and various other media outlets. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel!