With the New Year having just kicked off, it’s time to look ahead to what 2017 has in store. At Cheapflights, that means it’s time for our annual forecast of travel trends and key destinations for the next 12 months and beyond.
Travel trends for 2017
Pack light to take flight – Travellers have voted with their wallets, fuelling the growth of low-cost carriers and their “no-frills approach” and signalling the beginning of the end for all-inclusive airlines. They are becoming increasingly savvy about how to save money and how to choose the “perks” that matter enough to fork out added cash for. Base airfares, already at a five-year low in 2016, will continue to drop as more airlines, like Delta airlines in the US, offer budget flight options on more and more routes. Locally, FlySafair travellers are offered well-priced flights, but are charged for extras such as checking in bags and selecting their preferred seat pre-flight. While such travel is still not for everyone, nostalgia for the “good old days” when airfares were all-inclusive will largely fade away, as people focus on getting where they want to go for less. For travellers looking to save on flight bookings in 2017, aim to travel with only hand luggage, or be open to being allocated a seat on arrival instead of ahead of time.
International travel on the rise – With both domestic and international airlines offering budget options even for overseas flights, international travel will be more accessible than ever. Airlines such as Norwegian Air have introduced a narrow-body plane with greater fuel efficiency. Lower fuel costs help to keep airline costs low and, paired with concepts such as BYO entertainment, keep airfares in check. With the help of major currency fluctuations, there is increased purchasing power in many popular markets for South Africans. Of course, there are some potential headwinds for South African travellers, such as the continuing effect of Brexit and uncertain political climates in major markets such as the US. A top tip for South Africans for international travel – check out the non-direct routes to destinations. A few layovers not only allow a chance to explore more destinations the bucket list, but often result in cheaper fares.
More airport innovation and investment – Airport innovation and investment will continue globally, driven by increased complications at airports. Last year the US saw record-setting security and immigration lines at airports, and this is likely to increase once Donald Trump is inaugurated as President and implements further visa restrictions. Globally, much of the short-term improvements are funded by the airlines themselves, with United rolling out automated security screening lanes at hub airports to keep lines moving quicker and British Airways investing millions in its top US airports to refurbish check-in areas and lounges for a better passenger experience. Other improvements to watch out for include the rise in biometric-powered fast-tracked security screenings and personalised services, like food delivery to departure gates or print-your-own luggage tags. South Africa also saw several air traffic navigation system and baggage delivery system issues, and increased flight delays at international airports around the country. This will be addressed at Cape Town International and OR Tambo International, both of which will be expanding passenger terminals and upgrading facilities. Locals can also look forward to cheaper local travel after the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced that they will be reducing passenger service charges, landing fees and aircraft parking from April this year.
Portable travel search – Mobile technology has changed the face of travel planning and search. Globally, Cheapflights already receives 60 percent of demand and over 40 percent of revenue from mobile, and this is only set to increase. At the most basic, it’s the simple step of pulling out your phone for impromptu vacation planning over dinner, but increasingly, expect text alerts for sales, or to get a price from your favourite voice-based Internet device or through Facebook Messenger. Coming soon: drag an article about a sporting team, festival or concert into a search window and get the flight options from Cheapflights for attending upcoming events back right away.
The decline of the generic vacation – Travel as an experience increasingly eclipses just the basics of getting away. Next year will see an uptick in people looking to travel with purpose:
Living like a local – Thanks to the popularity of homestay services like Airbnb, travellers can easily take up residence in a new city or a remote bit of countryside for a few days, weeks or even months. This is giving rise to the search for a more personalised and authentic experience.
Working holiday – While total immersion is one increasingly popular option, there is also a trend for combining work and travel in new ways. One is the so-called ‘bleisure’ trip, where you tack on time and possibly an added destination or two to work travel. Done right, this is the ultimate in multitasking – add another outfit or two to your bag and have work pick up the bulk of your travel tab. Another spin is the ‘have laptop, will travel’ habit. If you can work wherever you are (an increasing phenomenon in today’s tech-driven, remote employee world), there’s no reason not to take your job with you on the road.
Ecotourism – The ticking clocks of climate change and overdevelopment are getting louder for many people, driving an added sense of urgency to see destinations that are endangered and supporting tourism services that sustain vulnerable lands and species.
The other “green” tourism – With marijuana now legal or at least decriminalised in a growing number of places, expect to see a rise in this kind of “green” travel as well. The boom in pot tourism in Colorado, after the sale of recreational marijuana was legalised in 2012, underscores the pent-up demand. With places like Massachusetts, California and Maine voting to legalise it later this year, and with Canada eyeing such a law at the national level, we can expect to see travel in this segment light up even more.
Hot 2017 international destinations
Cork, Ireland
Whether you prefer churches, castles and old-world architecture, a scenic waterfront, or popping into pubs and fish and chips shops, the charming spot of County Cork has you covered. A visit to Cork’s English Market, which dates back to 1788, is a feast for the senses. Acclaimed as one of the finest covered markets in Europe, Queen Elizabeth insisted on a stop here during her historic visit to Ireland in 2011. The most recent proof of the region’s allure: West Cork’s Clonakilty claimed the 2017 Great Town Award, naming it the best town in Britain and Ireland.
Finland
With saunas, snow and the Northern Lights in the winter, and hiking, beaches and cultured cities (as well as endless sunshine to enjoy it all) in the summer, Finland should be on everyone’s travel to-do list. 2017 may well be the best year to visit too, with 100th birthday celebrations kicking off on New Year’s Eve, and building through the summer, right up to the country’s Independence Day on 6 December. Celebration spots include a giant SnowCastle, housing a SnowRestaurant, SnowHotel and even a SnowChapel for those with marriage in mind (cold feet understandable!). There’s also a wine festival with five 100th anniversary wines and, of course, a grand ball to mark the birthday itself.
Polynesia
After Disney brought the winter wonderland of Scandinavia to life in Frozen, visits to Norway have increased by 20 percent. Now, the recently released Moana shines the spotlight on the picturesque South Pacific, with visits anticipated from a swelling tide of fans and those discovering Polynesia from the media attention. While this may not be the most accessible destination for many travellers, for Aussies, these islands are only a short flight away.
Canada
In 2017, Canada’s no-holds-barred plans for celebrating its 150th birthday will be the draw. This is a year when every event, from New Year’s Eve to the Calgary Stampede, will be bigger and better, with all cities and towns getting in on the festivities and celebrations.
Best 2017 local destinations
Mauritius
South African Airways increased the capacity of flights travelling from South Africa to Mauritius towards the end of last year. Mauritius remains one of the most popular island destinations for locals and internationals, and the island are refurbishing venues around the island, to meet the needs of the influx of visitors.
Cape Town
The Mother City is set to be the location for the filming of the film adaption of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, featuring actor Matthew McConaughey. It’s no surprise then, that there is set to an influx of tourists, looking to see the filming locations.
Feeling inspired? Start your 2017 adventure by visiting Cheapflights.co.za and using our smart travel tools to find the best flight, hotel and car hire deals.
