This article was published on May 31st, 2020

The fast-paced industry of tourism moves at such speeds that often times it is nearly impossible to stay abreast of the latest news and trends that are affecting the sector. But in 2020, there have been a myriad of changes – including but not limited to COVID-19 – that are changing the way people travel this year. HomoCulture takes a deep dive into what factors are determining the trajectory of travel in 2020 and some tips that the LGBTQ community can take into consideration to get the most out of the destinations they decide on. 

The Industry of Reinvention

Some industries are known for being able to transform quickly according to the needs of the general public, and tourism has done an excellent job adhering to customer’s demands for better regulations to protect the climate and elevate sustainability. The primary concern for travelers in 2020 is not only staying healthy while traveling, but also how to responsibly address demographic changes, technological advances, and shifting societal mores that influence the ways in which people travel. LGBTQ members are known for staying at the forefront of technology and travel companies have adopted and are incorporating new trends that are sure to revitalize and elevate the industry this year and for the foreseeable future. 

Traveling Solo

Gone are the days of going on vacations only with large groups or family members. This may be the norm for some people, but solo traveling has become quite popular for those that are looking to travel to destinations on their own. It is no longer a rarity to see people traveling without a companion and many businesses in the travel sector are doing their best to make these solo excursions as enjoyable as possible, with many instituting social activities where singles can meet a potential partner. From young LGBTQ singles to older widowed seniors, hotels and cruises are offering alternatives for those traveling alone as this trend continues to grow. 

Eco Travel

The state of the environment has become a hot button issue across generational and socioeconomic lines, and many travelers are voicing more concern about how their carbon footprint affects the environment. Some emerging trends that have popped up over the past few years have involved carbon credits when booking flights, renting electric over conventional vehicles, or even traveling to destinations to work on natural reserve farms or eco-parks. 

Living It Up Locally

Staycations have become increasingly popular, but for those that would like to venture out a bit, there are plenty of options available that allow you to live it up within a stone’s throw from home. No matter where you live, there is likely to be somewhere within driving range or by train or bus to participate in the local culture. Some possibilities include a regional food festival, a local vineyard, or camping facilities to enjoy. There are even some programs that allow travelers to meet up with other travelers nearby and learn a new trade or soak up other cultural trends in the area.  

Merging Business and Leisure

One big trend that is quite popular with the millennial set is ‘bleisure’ travel – the concept of combining business with leisure activities. As a natural progression between a staycation and business trip, bleisure travel has slowly ramped up its presence in the past few decades and encompasses many forms. Those interested in a bleisure jaunt may primarily work on company business, and then spend their free time checking out what the locals have to offer in terms of popular dining spots or entertainment venues. Another popular way to travel is the way of the digital nomad – online workers that work and travel at the same time. This phenomenon allows workers to be anywhere in the world as long as there is a wi-fi connection and is very appealing for many people as it can take you to exciting destinations that are off the beaten path. 

Where We Go from Here

The travel trends currently dominating the industry are popular options that allow all types of travelers to enjoy themselves as they desire. With so many ways to see the world around you, there is no reason why you cannot live your life to the fullest, whether near or far from home.