If you’re already starting to think about your next big adventure in 2023, you’re not alone. We aim to keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to tracking current travel trends, so we keep delivering incredible, award-winning adventures to our customers. And there’s never been a better time to start planning ahead as we’ve just released our new departure dates for next year, so don’t miss out and book your place before your favourite trip fills up! If you need some inspiration, take a look at the top 5 travel trends we believe are going to shape your 2023 adventures.
1. Premium Adventures
After two years of recurring lockdowns and international restrictions, research shows that travellers are prepared to “go big” on their next trip in 2023. And that doesn’t just mean the length of the trip, or the distance travelled, but it also means upping the ante when it comes to the quality of their experiences and accommodations too. Travellers are now looking to make up for lost time with Premium trips that will help them tick off their bucket list adventures.
This is why we’ve launched our brand-new collection of Premium Adventures. On our new itineraries, you can enjoy all the quality of our highly-rated Exodus trips, but with the added extra of premium accommodations, extraordinary included experiences and expert-named leaders that are designed to heighten your adventure. With us, you can enjoy a unique night stargazing from your own Wadi Rum UFO dome pod on our Kingdoms of Jordan Premium Adventure, unwind in your hotel’s natural hot springs during our Pura Vida in Costa Rica trip and stylish premium tents under ancient acai trees in the Kicheche camps on our Kenya Photographic Safari Premium Adventure. And it doesn’t end there. There’s also an incredible host of included experiences too, like enjoying a hot air balloon ride and champagne toast in Turkey, mastering the art of Khmer Noodle making in Cambodia and savouring a local wine tasting in the world-famous Stellenbosch Estate in South Africa. If this doesn’t get your 2023 adventures off to a great start, we don’t know what will.
2. Wildlife-spotting Adventures
There’s no denying that covid has changed our relationship with nature. Over the past two years, getting out in nature has been a source of solace for many, heightening our appreciation for local parks, green spaces and even wildlife spotting. So, it doesn’t surprise us that some of our most loved wildlife adventures are becoming increasingly popular now that international borders are opening.
If you’re drawn to destinations boasting rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, you can snorkel with curious Sea lions off the coast of San Cristobal on a Galapagos voyage or spot Pink dolphins and Scarlet macaws on our brand new Premium cruise in the Amazon. As your guide to 2023 adventures, we’d also recommend Discover Costa Rica.
This adventure is one of our firm favourites for a reason, as it offers unrivalled wildlife viewing opportunities where you can, spot three-toed sloths, Blue morpho butterflies and Toucans in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, see baby green turtles hatch along the beaches of Tortuguero National Park (in November to January) and hear the distinctive calls of Howler monkeys on waterfall hikes near the base of the Arenal Volcano.
3. Sustainable travel
Sustainable travel has been a growing trend for years, but after the impact of the pandemic and actions that came from the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) back in November 2021, travellers feel even more compelled to choose tour operators and trips that support local communities, preserve destinations’ cultural heritage and protect the planet.
We create incredible adventures, run responsibly and in January 2020, we were one of the first travel companies to ‘declare a climate emergency’. Becoming a signatory to the COP26 Glasgow Declaration means we’re also committing ourselves to accelerate our own emission reductions in line with IPPC’s advice to cut global carbon emissions to 55% (below 2017 levels) by 2030. Taking a big step further, we are aiming to become Nature Net Positive’ at the end of 2024, by putting Nature First. And we strive to do this by halving our carbon footprint by 2030, rewilding 100 square metres per passenger, and compensating for all trip and flight emissions, by encouraging our customers to travel by train.
Not only does train travel allow you to extend the adventure, but it also has a far lower carbon impact than other modes of travelling. We’re in the process of expanding the places you can travel to by train across Europe.
If you’re looking to explore one of France’s most iconic waterways on our Dordogne River Walk trip in just under 4 hours, just head to St Pancras International, London and take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. From here, make the quick connection to Paris Austerlitz, which runs every six minutes. Afterwards, you can take the high-speed SNCF train to Souillac-sur-Dordogne, an old abbey town in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. When you’ve taken the time to explore the town it’s just a 25-minute taxi to the medieval village of Rocamadour, where your Dordogne River Walk trip begins.
Another adventure that’s easily accessible by train is our Pearls of Holland Cycling trip. You can get direct daily trains from London St Pancras International straight to the Netherlands in 3 hours and 52 minutes. As soon as you arrive, you can visit the Anne Frank or Van Gogh museums, or enjoy a peaceful cycle along the beautiful Brouwersgracht canals before your trip starts.
4. E-Biking holidays
During the pandemic, cycling became more popular than it has been in decades, with people in their thousands taking to the streets and their local parks to explore on two wheels. Bike sales soared so much that bike shops across the UK reported that they were running low on stock! But of course, not everyone relishes the challenge of constant uphill climbs, and this is where climate-friendly electric bikes (e-bikes) come in. Offering a winning compromise between effort and reward, E-Bike Holidays have been increasing in popularity, and we think they’re going to be big for 2023.
E-bikes provide all the benefits of a normal bike – but with the added bonus of a battery-powered pedal assist electric switch that makes light work of long rides and hard ascents. It also allows you to be in control when you want to use it. Simply flick the power on when you need it, and you’re on your way! With a great selection of trips where you can add an e-bike to your cycling adventures you can; enjoy that extra boost on challenging rides through tea estates on our Cycling the Backroads of Sri Lanka trip; catch your breath by letting your e-bike do some of the work along the 225km section of our Cycling the Camino de Santiago route or gain some added momentum while climbing up Hellshoogte’ (Hell’s Heights) during our Cycling the Cape and Winelands adventure.
5. Solo Travel
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a rise in demand for solo travel. Our research shows that over 50% of our Exodus travellers were choosing to travel solo before the pandemic, and since international borders have opened for travel once more, we’ve seen solo participation increase by 9%!
The great thing about travelling solo with us is that you’re never alone, you’re exploring with like-minded travellers from across the world and you also can relax as all the details are taken care of by your expert local guide. You also have the flexibility of choosing single-room supplements and will always have a certain amount of free time to explore on your own if you like. It’s the best of both worlds. And with over 500 itineraries across more than 90 countries to choose from, there’s never been a better time to start planning your 2023 adventure. Take a look at our top trips for solo travellers here.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on planning your next big trip, we’re Your Guide to 2023 Adventures.