The GOAT mindset: Expedia reveals 2022’s biggest travel trends

Travellers are ready to shake up the status quo, according to Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report.

Top findings from the report, which leverage Expedia data and a global research study, revealed that more than two-thirds of Canadians (61 percent) plan to go big on their next trip. Many are eyeing international destinations like Maui, Rome and Bali in 2022. In other words, people are ready to take their GOAT trip, aka the Greatest of All Trips, in 2022.

Expedia’s research, which polled 12,000 travellers across 12 countries, uncovered Canadian travellers want to embrace the GOAT mindset by being more present and live in the moment, immersing themselves in culture, splurge on experiences and seek our excitement, as they crave the feelings of contentment/mental wellbeing (41 percent), gratification (35 percent) and excitement/exhilaration (36 percent).

EXPEDIA’S 2022 GOAT TRAVEL TRENDS, UNPACKED

Scrapping the Schedule

The pandemic made it difficult to travel (or do anything on a whim), with 41 percent of Canadians admitting to being less spontaneous since the onset of COVID-19. While travel advisories and guidelines will persist for the foreseeable future, travellers nonetheless are planning to embrace the impromptu and let loose on their future trips. More than a quarter (27 percent) of respondents said they are willing to be more spontaneous and live in the moment, and another 22 percent are aiming to be more flexible and go-with-the-flow this time around.

• How to get your GOAT:For travellers wanting to be more spontaneous, be on the lookout for last-minute deals and use the “free cancellation” filter on the Expedia app to find flexible rates.

The Splurge-cation

After cancelled trips and postponed celebrations, travellers are ready to make up for lost time and go big to put themselves first and get the GOAT they deserve. Over the next year, more than a third of travellers (36 percent) are more willing to treat themselves and spend money on their next trip. From booking a first-class flight or booking a 5-star hotel (11 percent), to dining at a Michelin star restaurant (21 percent) or going all out on the ultimate shopping spree (15 percent), 2022 will be all about splurging on the things that make a trip go from good to great.

• How to get your GOAT: Get treated like a VIP by staying at Expedia VIP Access properties, top-rated hotels that offer member perks like spa credits, late check-out, and more. And for those looking to treat themselves to luxe flying, now is the best time to upgrade. According to data from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), average premium economy ticket prices in 2021 were around 212 percent more expensive than economy tickets, whereas pre-pandemic, in 2019 they were a whopping 304 percent more expensive than economy³.

Immerse to Discover

Going big doesn’t just mean taking a bucket-list trip. In the coming year, Canadian travellers are going after their GOAT by stepping outside their comfort zone (20 percent) and immersing themselves in a destination, culture, and experiences entirely different from their day-to-day (25 percent).

From trying new foods (37 percent) and experimenting with local delicacies (36 percent), to seeking out off-the-beaten-track experiences and destinations (25 percent) or attending a local music event (12 percent), Canadian travellers have a renewed curiosity to learn and experience the world.

• How to get your GOAT:Expedia’s handy “Interest” filters will help narrow activity and experiences searches. Try filtering by history and culture, or food and drink to indulge in a food tour to get the very best the destination has to offer.

Sensation Seeking

In 2022, travellers aren’t just craving new tastes and places, they’re also yearning for the feeling of being excited and exhilarated once again (36 percent), with 9 percent willing to try daring or high adrenaline activities and experiences and 30 percent looking to have an unforgettable night out.

Additionally, when it comes to their next trip, one-quarter of travellers are most excited about doing things they wouldn’t usually do, including sleeping under the stars (15 percent), skinny-dipping (11 percent) or having a vacation romance (14 percent).

• How to get your GOAT: Whether it’s sky diving in Dubaior deep-sea diving in Oahu, Canadians are ready to feel wind in their hair again and the rush of exploring the unknown. Use Expedia’s “Adventure & Outdoor” filter to narrow down experiences that will get the blood rushing and adrenaline pumping.

Unfiltered Enjoyment

A successful trip is no longer defined by likes on social media. Traveller priorities are shifting to focus on staying present and mindful. Nearly half (41 percent) of Canadian travellers are searching for a sense of contentment and mental wellbeing on their next trip, and nearly a quarter (23 percent) plan to spend less time on their devices to be more present.

The trip experience Canadians are looking forward to most is the chance to relax and do nothing (38 percent). To reach this sense of contentment, more than a quarter of travellers (29 percent) aim to spend more time in their destination to ensure they fully experience all it has to offer. Travel in 2022 will be about quality, not quantity, with travellers embracing the simple pleasures to truly achieve their GOAT with more meaningful impact.

• How to get your GOAT: Whether it’s relaxing at a Mexico spa retreat, or staying at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa in Chile with zero reception or Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect time to discover unplugged getaways that are sure to recharge the batteries.

It’s important to stay up to date with the latest government and travel advisories. For the latest information visit Expedia’s COVID-19 Travel Guide.

¹ This study was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar Research Partners, a global strategic research firm. The survey was conducted online from August 27th–September 6, 2021, across North and South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific using an amalgamated group of best-in-class panels. The study was conducted among 12,000 respondents across 12 countries, amongst adults who are planning domestic or international travel in the next 18 months. 

² Based on lodging interest on Expedia.ca for travel between Jan, 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021 as of October 31, 2021.

³ Information is based on average premium and economy round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021 & for January through December 2020 and 2019, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database for 2021.