From FOMO to JOMO
Forecast 2020
JULIANO LOPEZ
Head of Research and
Insights Skyscanner
At Skyscanner, we’re on a mission to change how the world travels.
But we’re not just a travel company; we’re a global leader in travel that understands and meets the needs of modern travellers better than anyone else. How do we do it? By analyzing travel data, we look at where travellers have been to determine where they’ll go next and what’s driving their sense of adventure.
So with 2019 coming to an end, what’s new and hot in travel? Here’s a look at the popular trends Skyscanner has uncovered for 2020.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
One of fastest growing travel trend in 2020 is Sustainable Tourism, and to help travellers book lower-emission flights, Skyscanner has introduced eco-labelling as part of our mission to lead a global transformation to modern and sustainable travel. The sustainable traveller is spearheading a new wave of modern travel by choosing eco flights, offsetting carbon emissions, selecting sustainable travel products, or visiting destinations that are culturally and environmentally responsible.
JOMO TRIPS
If you think it sounds familiar, that’s because you might have heard of its cousin, FOMO. JOMO (or the Joy Of Missing Out) is choosing to enjoy your trip instead of worrying about how it looks on social media. The JOMO traveller is looking to escape the hustle, opting to travel off-season to alternative destinations to avoid crowds. They often look out for second or third cities to visit over the popular and crowded places.
SLOW TRAVEL
Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling tired and in need of another? Slow travel emphasizes connecting with the location, your travel mates and a more leisurely way of living. Whether it’s one week or once-budget-runs-out, slow travel welcomes long walks, naps, and non-scheduled activities. If you’re not in a hurry and want to prioritize rest over sightseeing, Slow Travel could be for you.
MICRO ESCAPES
It’s in the name: short, quick, achievable breaks for those that say they’re too busy. For travellers into micro escapes, it’s about peppering short trips throughout the year to take a breather without having to sacrifice family time or work commitments. From hiking and camping trips to short weekend getaways to domestic destinations, a micro escape is a great way to fit in a break without upheaving your entire schedule.
LOCAL GASTRONOMY
The quickest way to get to know a place and bond with locals is through food. Before travelling to a destination, the local gastronomist would have researched online, watched every foodie show, and asked everyone for recommendations. From 3-star restaurants with a dress code to roadside hawker stalls with broken plastic stools, the local gastronomist isn’t picky with where the best eats are… as long as every bite is life-changing.
TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEYS
Travel truly has the power to change us in so many ways and no one understands this more than the transformative Traveller. To them, travel is more than getting to know a place; it’s also a chance for them to get to know themselves. Whether it is about self-improvement like yoga and meditation retreats, or helping to build houses for the less fortunate, transformative journeys take many forms – but they must all have meaning.
Where to next?
The Road Less Travelled: Emerging Destinations
Forget crowded city squares and tourist traps – in 2020, Canadians are opting to take the road less travelled. These are the emerging travel destinations in 2020:
1. Fort-de-France, Martinique
2. Málaga, Spain
3. Kahului, Hawaii, United States
4. Porto, Portugal
5. Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Spend a Little, Save a Lot: Best Value Destinations
With fares decreasing up to 30% from 2019 prices, these are the best value destinations from Canada in 2020:
1. Havana, Cuba
2. Fort-de-France, Martinique
3. Lisbon, Portugal
4. Miami, Florida
5. Athens, Greece
Go to www.Skyscanner.ca for more.