Over the past few years, eco-friendly travel has gone from being an unknown to leading the way in the tourism market.
Data from travel website wearebamboo.com, reveals four particular trends that are set to be key to eco-travel growth in the coming months.
Responsible tourism:
Over the past five years, Bamboo has seen a significant rise in the number of people interested in responsible tourism.
The term refers to travellers being aware of the effects their travel will have on things such as climate change, marine conservation, and animal welfare.
In 2020 Bamboo expects a five-fold increase in the number of people who will seek out more responsible travel options.
Self-care travel:
Self-care travel is all about making sure your trip is a journey of self-discovery and development. For example, you could push the limits of your comfort zone, or immerse yourself in a totally different culture. Although there are some resorts that offer rejuvenation experiences, many are going a step further and taking themselves well outside of their day-to-day life.
Rise of over 50yo travellers:
Bamboo says there's been massive growth in the over 50-year-old travellers market, and it's not just cruise ships benefitting from this.
The company says those 50 and over travellers who have booked through them work hard and party harder with their mantra "we're not old, we're just getting started!"
And they don't necessarily want to travel just as couples or as part of 50 and over tour groups either.
A survey into the habits of older travellers released by Booking.com last year showed 72 percent of grandparents agree that spending time with their grandkids keeps them feeling young and 71 percent believe that parents need alone time, without their children.
Pair that with the fact that today's older generation is generally healthier, more adventurous and more keen to stay young and active than ever before.
Choosing experiences over luxury:
There are two extremes when it comes to travel. One is five-star luxury such-as sipping cocktails by the pool in glamorous restaurants.
And, at the other end of the scale, there's hiking around the city and bunking down in a backpackers for the night.
But, no matter where you fit in on the scale, more and more people are wanting to sample more of a city's local culture than simply having some traditional food served up on a plate for dinner.
This means getting out and seeing where the food comes from and the people who make it rather than just waiting for the end result.
For example, someone who wants a taste of French culture may choose a smaller town rather than Paris, allowing them to experience the food, wine, and lifestyle.
What better way to experience a new town or city than by partying with the locals. Just make sure you are a tidy Kiwi and leave the town just as tidy as how you found it.
