Skyscanner trends study reveals the how, why and where travellers will be holidaying this year including the heightened appeal of holiday relaxation and trending destinations with wellbeing in mind*
Taking relaxation to a new level
The need to relax and reset has perhaps never been greater. The latest trends research from Skyscanner can reveal that 41% of global travellers are dreaming the most about ‘ultimate relaxation’ trips in 2022 with over a quarter (27%) dreaming of ‘wellness holidays.’ When asked what would be top of the agenda for travel in 2022, almost half of respondents (48%) said that relaxation was key, followed by food (35%) and cultural exploration (31%). Just under half of respondents (47%) use holidays to disconnect from day-to-day life.
The art of travelling mindfully
The pandemic has made us all want to be better tourists with 83% of respondents agreeing that travel broadens our understanding of other cultures and demographics. Travel also brings a host of wellbeing benefits with 51% of respondents sharing that travel has a positive impact on both their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Rest and relaxation begin before take-off!
Getting to the airport can feel stressful. But R&R doesn’t have to wait until you get to your destination as more and more airports around the world are helping travellers find their zen before even departing. Singapore Changi Airport is home to an indoor rainforest, with rooftop pool and jacuzzi, Amsterdam’s Schipol airport has a green oasis with loungers to chill and read a book and San Francisco International has a calm yoga centre terminal side.
Trending wellbeing destinations for UAE travellers**
Skyscanner can reveal the most relaxing destinations trending above pre-pandemic levels:
Mexico +388%
For seemingly endless sunshine, pristine beaches and Mayan ruins, Mexico offers a relaxing escape. Alongside well-known coastal destinations like Cancún and Cabo, Mexico also offers miles of virgin coastline. The ultimate spot to get away from it all.
Malta +273%
Malta is the perfect place to restore and rejuvenate your mind and body with indulgent spas and serene spots for outdoor yoga including Buskett Woodlands and Dingli Cliffs. For the more adventurous, SUP (stand up paddleboarding) meditation has taken off around the islands.
Austria + 166%
Famous for its natural hot springs, fresh Alpine air and relaxing spas, Austria is one of the ultimate European wellness destinations. For a truly modern spa experience, head to Therme Wien, just south of Vienna and for a taste of tradition, Burgenland boasts a host of thermal spas with healing spring waters.
Mauritius + 45%
With its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, alongside world-class wellness retreats, Mauritius offers visitors a slice of paradise. For restorative activities, try forest bathing at Biosphere Nature Reserve or a hike or swim at the canyon at Domaine de Chazal.
Trending wellbeing destinations for KSA travellers***:
Thailand +200%
From holistic health resorts to yoga retreats, Thailand has long been considered a top wellness destination. With a winning combination of warm weather, luscious landscapes, delicious food and wonderful Thai hospitality, Thailand offers the perfect environment to properly relax.
Albania + 113%
Delight in the paradise beaches in Ksamil and unique historical sites in Gjirokastra and feel like you’re getting away from it all. If in Saranda, a trip to the Blue Eye, a natural spring over 50 metres dip, is well worth a visit.
Maldives + 50%
With its private beaches and indulgent wellness resorts, the Maldives offers maximum relaxation, and with ocean view massage treatments, hydrotherapy facilities and sunrise yoga on offer, let these islands restore both mind and body.
Portugal +50%
Portugal’s sunny Algarve is home to a host of wellness retreats offering yoga, mindfulness and surfing. With a flourishing veggie and vegan food scene in Lisbon and Porto and stunning natural parks and reserves- try Peneda-Gerês for rugged mountains and wild Garrano horses or Arrábida for green hills and the turquoise ocean- Portugal is the perfect destination to relax and unwind.
Skyscanner’s VP Strategy and Global Travel Expert Naomi Hahn comments: “It’s clear that the pandemic, and its associated lockdowns, continue to have a ripple effect on how travellers want to spend their holidays with relaxation the activity highest on the agenda for 41% of global travellers.
“The holistic benefits of travel are well documented with over half of global travellers (51%) sharing that travel had a positive impact on both their mental and emotional wellbeing. The destinations trending for UAE travellers in 2022, including Mexico, Malta and Austria, and Thailand and the Maldives for KSA travellers, reflect that heightened demand for destinations with relaxation at heart.
“Travelling responsibly is key to travelling mindfully and Skyscanner’s ‘Greener Choices’ flight label allows travellers to filter and search for flights on Skyscanner that emit less C02 compared to the average for their chosen route. It’s one of the ways we’re helping travellers make informed decisions. Building on this, Skyscanner has recently launched a new electric and hybrid car hire search feature to meet growing traveller demand for environmentally friendly car hire options.
“Travellers also have the ability to carbon offset flights booked on Skyscanner via a partnership with CHOOOSE. When travellers book a flight with Skyscanner, they’ll see the option to carbon offset for a small cost. Their contributions help to balance out the impact of their flight’s emissions by funding carbon-reducing projects. CHOOOSE ensures the money goes directly to climate-protecting initiatives around the world.”
* Survey data from Skyscanner and OnePoll survey of over 4000 global respondents conducted in April 2022
**% increase in year-to-date bookings on Skyscanner, 9 August 2022 versus 9 August 2019
***% increase in year-to-date bookings on Skyscanner, 9 August 2022 versus 9 August 2019