10 TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022
Travel is back and our desire to escape is greater than ever. We take stock of the trends that are influencing our decisions on how to holiday our way
PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES
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RECONNECTING WITH FAMILIAR PLACES
Travellers are longing to reconnect with holiday experiences that they know and love. Research by ABTA – The Travel Association indicates that only 32% of those questioned would visit a country they'd never been to before. The appeal of rediscovering a tried-and-trusted destination closer to home is trumping the call of trying out somewhere far-flung and new. Short-haul European destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece are cited as the most popular choices for a sure-fire, stress-free holiday. With a huge array of itineraries that take in fabulous European destinations, a P&O Cruises holiday will tick all the boxes for peace of mind and total relaxation in places you know and love.
Santorini, Greece
10 TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022
Travel is back and our desire to escape is greater than ever. We take stock of the trends that are influencing our decisions on how to holiday our way
PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES
1
RECONNECTING WITH FAMILIAR PLACES
Travellers are longing to reconnect with holiday experiences that they know and love. Research by ABTA – The Travel Association indicates that only 32% of those questioned would visit a country they'd never been to before. The appeal of rediscovering a tried-and-trusted destination closer to home is trumping the call of trying out somewhere far-flung and new. Short-haul European destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece are cited as the most popular choices for a sure-fire, stress-free holiday. With a huge array of itineraries that take in fabulous European destinations, a P&O Cruises holiday will tick all the boxes for peace of mind and total relaxation in places you know and love.
Santorini, Greece
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BUCKET-LIST REBOOT
All that pent-up wanderlust is behind some serious bucket-list planning. Booking.com reports that 95% of us have been looking for travel inspiration, with 42% wanting to travel more in the future to make up for lost time. From ticking off world wonders to days spent immersed in nature and outdoor activities, you’ll enjoy plenty of bucket-list action on our cruise holidays. Anyone for a high walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, a special forces hike into Norway's fjordic wilderness or a swim with turtles in Caribbean seas?
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
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SAFETY FIRST
When we plan our holidays, we're not leaving anything to chance. ABTA – The Travel Association reports that 20% more of us want to book through a travel professional than before the pandemic. Travellers are also seeking reassurance about health protocols and the cleanliness levels of accommodation. All P&O Cruises holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected, and our safety and health protocols are world-leading. See pocruises.com for the latest information on our protocols.
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FAMILY REUNIONS
An extended family holiday is the perfect way to enjoy quality catch-up time while getting a dose of sunshine and cultural enrichment. Our new ship Iona and family-friendly Britannia and Ventura provide the perfect package for everyone. Flexible accommodation, activities for all, children’s clubs and dining and entertainment are included in the price of your holiday – plus no cooking and cleaning for adults. Now that sounds like the kind of holiday we all need.
Britannia
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NATURE AND NURTURE
Never before has the natural world been so important to our physical and emotional well-being. Booking.com research points to travellers seeking simple outdoor pleasures for holiday happiness. Hiking (94%), clean air (50%), nature (44%) and relaxation (33%) are cited as much-desired experiences. Over two-thirds simply want to spend time outdoors with family when on holiday, while more than half (56%) want off-the-beaten-track experiences in the great outdoors. In all our destinations, it’s easy to find your happy place in nature with small groups or even a tailored shore experience just for you and your well-being.
Norwegian landscape
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FOODIE BONDS
The Mintel Global Food and Drink Trends 2021 report reveals that we’ve become more connected to each other over the past 18 months through the power of food. And foodie travel experiences help us bond with the people and places we visit – from Grenada’s chocolate and rum, and Gran Canaria’s coffee to Tuscany’s truffles and the wines of Provence. Foodie experiences unite and inform us on our ships, too. Local Food Heroes José Pizarro and Kjartan Skjelde share authentic flavours of Spain and Norway at The Glass House and Epicurean on Iona, while our new Local Food Hero Shivi Ramoutar will bring colourful Caribbean flavours to Arvia.
Provence, France
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ULTIMATE ESCAPES
While many want to stay closer to home, a cohort of more adventurous travellers is still looking for once-in-a-lifetime holidays. After missing out for so long, bookings for big adventures with higher spend thresholds are on the up. World Cruises are in big demand, as are long-haul holidays to exotic destinations such as the Far East and the Caribbean. We’ve got all bases covered, so take a look and we’ll help your travel dream come true.
The Bahamas, Caribbean
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The YouGov International Travel & Tourism Report 2021 reveals the sharp rise in responsible travel and the desire to ‘give back’ to local communities. Our Excel class ships are the most environmental yet and lots of our shore experiences support local projects: visit an NGO-run arts and crafts project for children in the Dominican Republic, take an eco-friendly tuk-tuk tour in Split, Croatia, or support a sanctuary for rescued sea turtles in the Caribbean.
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CULTURAL IMMERSIONS
It comes as no surprise that we’re craving the stimulation of cultural wanderings in historic cities. Our shore experiences let you lose yourself in a destination, soaking up its cultural riches, heritage and local life. Take in the canals and piazzas of Venice before retiring to watch the world go by, Aperol Spritz in hand. Discover the musical wonders of the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. Marvel at Valencia’s architectural gems before making your own traditional paella. Explore the Hermitage in St Petersburg in the evening after the crowds have gone... food for the soul indeed.
Palau de la Música, Barcelona, Spain
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FLEXIBILITY FIRST
For choice and flexibility, Iona and her sister ship Arvia offer a new class of ship with even more dining, entertainment, wellness and activities – and the flexibility to organise your day your way. With their incredible SkyDomes and Grand Atriums, multi-screen cinemas and high-tech theatres, no day or night will be the same with more scheduled and pop-up performances to enjoy. All dining on Iona and Arvia is also Freedom-style, so you can wine and dine at times that suit you.
Arvia's SkyDome
Search and book holidays at www.pocruises.com or call us on 0333 300 0108*
*Local call charges apply