Among my many hats over the past 50 years, has been travel agent. I have been a travel agent since 1988, and continue to book tours, cruises and FIT's
today. I love to travel, and love the travel business. Over the past 20 years, the industry has changed, and travel has changed. The latest data shows that experiential travel is a growing trend for luxury travelers and includes eco-travel as well as adventure activities. Just what is experiential travel, you ask? Here is a list of key points about experiential travel:
1. It is a journey away from home, involving a truly memorable and powerful experience (active, cultural, natural, social or spiritual) that will enrich a person's life.
2. 48% of people are seeking meaningful experiences while traveling. Being immersed in local culture rather than following a standard tourist itinerary is an example of experiential travel.
3. 88% of households with income of $250,000 plan to travel next year, which means that there is a large market for experiential travel.
4. Older and more financially secure groups are interested in experiential travel, as well as younger travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
5. The definition of "luxury" is changing. While the term used to mean black-tie dinners and elaborate suites, now it can also refer to once-in-a-lifetime trips.
6. Prices for experiential travel trips vary.
Some things that might be included in experiential travel are: small tour groups, unscripted itineraries, visits to less-traveled towns and sights, plenty of opportunity to converse with locals, less focus on hitting destination highlights, and more emphasis on taking home great stories, focus on food and culture, off-the-beaten-path destinations, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, eco-travel, living like a local/and/or adrenaline-inducing experiences. Look for experiential travel to continue to grow. My trip to Cuba in 2000 was experiential travel, although we didn't call it that at the time. We visited the homes of several local (well known) artists, met their families, and had dinner with them. This was a great way to learn what Cubans think and feel. It was so much better than seeing a lot of monuments. Look for experiential travel in your next adventure, for a truly memorable experience.
Friday, January 3, 2014
What To Know About Experiential Travel
Among my many hats over the past 50 years, has been travel agent. I have been a travel agent since 1988, and continue to book tours, cruises and FIT's
today. I love to travel, and love the travel business. Over the past 20 years, the industry has changed, and travel has changed. The latest data shows that experiential travel is a growing trend for luxury travelers and includes eco-travel as well as adventure activities. Just what is experiential travel, you ask? Here is a list of key points about experiential travel:
1. It is a journey away from home, involving a truly memorable and powerful experience (active, cultural, natural, social or spiritual) that will enrich a person's life.
2. 48% of people are seeking meaningful experiences while traveling. Being immersed in local culture rather than following a standard tourist itinerary is an example of experiential travel.
3. 88% of households with income of $250,000 plan to travel next year, which means that there is a large market for experiential travel.
4. Older and more financially secure groups are interested in experiential travel, as well as younger travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
5. The definition of "luxury" is changing. While the term used to mean black-tie dinners and elaborate suites, now it can also refer to once-in-a-lifetime trips.
6. Prices for experiential travel trips vary.
Some things that might be included in experiential travel are: small tour groups, unscripted itineraries, visits to less-traveled towns and sights, plenty of opportunity to converse with locals, less focus on hitting destination highlights, and more emphasis on taking home great stories, focus on food and culture, off-the-beaten-path destinations, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, eco-travel, living like a local/and/or adrenaline-inducing experiences. Look for experiential travel to continue to grow. My trip to Cuba in 2000 was experiential travel, although we didn't call it that at the time. We visited the homes of several local (well known) artists, met their families, and had dinner with them. This was a great way to learn what Cubans think and feel. It was so much better than seeing a lot of monuments. Look for experiential travel in your next adventure, for a truly memorable experience.
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