APAC Travel Trends 2020: From Solo to Slow

Travelers are focusing on slow travel and JOMO trips (or the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’) this year, with Vietnam topping the list of emerging destinations, according to Skyscanner APAC Travel Trends 2020 Report.

In 2019, Solo Travel was the most popular trip type (22%). This was followed by Slow Travel (18%) while 16% of travelers booked Micro Escapes, or a quick getaway to escape the daily grind.

However, when Skyscanner asked the same respondents about the types of trips they would likely take in 2020, Slow Travel was the most popular (24%). This was followed by a fast-growing category of travelers seeking trips to experience the JOMO, visiting destinations with fewer tourists (14%). Trips inspired by social media, which was among the top motivators for travel in 2018, recorded the biggest drop (-44%) this year. And despite lower numbers, more travelers have indicated that they would like to travel more sustainably in 2020, with 82% growth in this category.

Here’s an in-depth look at the six most popular travel trends in 2020 according to Skyscanner.

1. Slow Travel

Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling tired and in need of another? You’re not alone. At least a third of travelers from South Korea and a quarter of Japanese travelers felt the need to take as much time as they needed to fully immerse and explore.

But some are starting to prioritize quality over quantity. Originating from the Slow Food Movement, Slow Travel emphasizes on connecting with the location, your travel companions, and a more leisurely way of living.

Whether it’s one week or once-budget-runs-out, Slow Travel welcomes long walks and non-scheduled activities.

The growing popularity of Slow Travel and the presence of many beach destinations tell us that relaxation is of utmost importance.

Skyscanner

2. JOMO Trips

If you think it sounds familiar, that’s because you might have heard of its cousin, FOMO.

JOMO is choosing to enjoy your trip instead of worrying about how it looks on social media.

The JOMO Traveller is particular about escaping the hustle, opting to travel off-season to alternative destinations to avoid crowds.

JOMO Trips are the second most popular trip type in 2020. Representing 14% of all potential trips, this is a 50% increase from JOMO Trips taken in 2019.

Travelers from Japan (89% YoY) and Singapore (62% YoY) are more likely to travel to emerging destinations in 2020 over more popular and crowded places.

Social media’s drop as a travel inspiration source, coupled with the increase of trips to off-the-radar destinations allude to a need to disconnect from a high-engagement lifestyle to a more introspective and transformative one.

Skyscanner

3. Sustainable Tourism

The fastest-growing travel trend in 2020 is Sustainable Tourism, with 6% of trips in 2020 likely to be more eco-friendly. That’s an 82% increase from 2019.

The Sustainable Traveler is someone who lets their choices make a positive environmental impact. From selecting Greener Choice flights, offsetting carbon emissions, using sustainable travel products, to only visiting destinations that are culturally and environmentally responsible.

Sustainable Travelers support local establishments, uphold their own green practices such as reducing multiple towel/linen changes, only taking public transport, and walking or cycling to experience their destination better.

They are spearheading a new wave of modern travel.

4. Micro Escapes

It’s in the name: short, quick, achievable breaks for those that say they are too busy for a longer holiday.

Despite lesser travelers opting for Micro Escapes (-26% growth) next year, about a tenth of travelers (12%) across the region are still keen to go on one. Micro Escapes is the second most popular trip type for travelers from Singapore and Taiwan, making up 15% and 17% of all trips in 2020, respectively.

Travelers into Micro Escapes take short trips throughout the year for a breather without having to sacrifice family or work commitments.

From hiking, camping trips to short weekend getaways closer to home, a Micro Escape is a great way to fit in a break without upheaving your entire schedule.

5. Transformative Journeys

Travel has the power to change us in so many ways, and no one understands this more than the Transformative Traveler.

Recording a 42% increase in trips to be taken in 2020 versus trips taken in 2019, Transformative Journeys is the third highest growing travel trend in 2020, making up about 6% of all trips for travelers from Australia, India, Singapore and South Korea.

To the Transformative Traveller, travel is more than getting to know a place. It is also a chance for them to get to know themselves.

Whether it’s self-improvement like running a marathon, meditating at a yoga retreat, or helping others like teaching locals a new language or helping to plant trees and build houses for the less fortunate—Transformative Journeys take many forms, but they must all have meaning.

6. Local Gastronomy

The quickest way to get to know a place and bond with locals is through food.

Before traveling to a destination, the Local Gastronomist would have researched online, watched every foodie show, and asked everyone for recommendations. While they are there, they’d probably chat with local service staff with gusto to get their uniquely local picks.

From 3-Michelin-star restaurants to roadside food stalls, the Local Gastronomist isn’t picky about where the best eats are—as long as every bite is life-changing. And 11% of travelers in the region intend to travel for their taste buds, with Aussies the most fanatic about food (23% growth).

Inspired with these travel trends in 2020?

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