Travel Trends that Will Shape 2019

By Isabelle Labrosse

SLOW TRAVEL

Living like a local, soaking in your surroundings, and connecting to people, culture and food are the very essence of slow travel. For true, in-depth encounters, experience the nomadic lifestyle of North African Berbers in Morocco or treehouse-living in Vanuatu, or explore a less-travelled side of Greece by train in Peloponnese. If you prefer to let your palate guide you, consider cycling your way through Colchagua Valley’s emblematic wine route to sip some of Chile's best wines, awed by the majestic backdrop.

WELLNESS

Wellness-focused travel is on every lip. From spa resorts to nature getaways and fitness retreats, these experiences will leave your body rejuvenated and your soul enriched. Escape the stress of everyday life with a digital cleanse at Nayara Springs resort in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. Looking to sneak away even further? Try a Bali surf and yoga retreat for a week of clean eating, massages and holistic treatments.

SOLO TRAVEL

While we’ll continue to see travellers “going it alone” this year, many will opt for small-group tours allowing them to connect with like-minded globe-trotters. While Southeast Asia has long been a beacon destination for solo travel, cities like Stockholm and Melbourne offer endless sights and possibilities to mingle. More cruise lines are also responding to travellers’ rising demand for single cabins without full supplement.

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Perhaps not new, this travel style is still very popular among Canadian travellers, who have destinations such as the Baja Peninsula, Mazatlán, or the Keys’ very first all-inclusive resort in their sights. To maintain a fresh offering, many resorts are also scheduled to open in 2019, including the eco-chic Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, the modern Paradisus Playa Mujeres as well as the adults-only Hyatt Zilara and family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Want to take the all-inclusive experience to the next level? Book a small ship, luxury cruise with every amenity included!

UNCHARTED TERRITORIES

More and more travellers are overlooking high-profile destinations in favour of up-and-coming places which offer off-the-beaten-path experiences you often can’t find anywhere else. For an otherworldly feel, starry skies and protected parks, consider the remote lands of Patagonia, one of the world’s less populated regions. Many European destinations also offer plenty of history and charm without the crowds, like Romania’s mythical Transylvania or Slovenia’s picturesque Lake Bled.