New York

Travel trends: 2022 trip plans for North American travellers

 | Save
Discover the future travel plans that are on the horizon for North American travellers in the year ahead

Travel is back on the cards again, but what destinations and types of trips are travellers across North America packing for? 

In a recent Booking.com survey, we asked 3,864 travellers from the USA and Canada about their future travel agendas. Here, we reveal their answers. 

Quality family time takes top spot

When it comes to travel companions, over half (56%) of respondents in North America plan to take a future trip with a partner or spouse, and 27% plan to spend time away with their children. 

It’s hardly surprising given the restrictions in place during the pandemic that visiting family and friends is a popular motivator across the board – but particularly for the North American market, where 41% of respondents are planning to take a trip for that reason alone, compared with 29% globally. 

Travel companions - NORAM

 

Understanding who bookers are travelling with and why can help you market your property accordingly. Do you offer family-friendly facilities, such as a kids’ club, playground or kid meals? If so, keeping these features up-to-date in the extranet could make your listing stand out. Child rates and transparent pricing can also sway those travelling as a family to book your property. 

Insider knowledge counts

Seeing family might be important for North American travellers, but they want to see the sights, too. In fact, 67% of those surveyed strongly agreed that they research activities and attractions before deciding to visit a destination, while 46% like to have the lowdown on the food and nightlife scene. 

Trip types - NORAM

 

Destinations that are enjoyable for both children and adults is another deciding factor (44%) as is selecting somewhere based on its romantic atmosphere (39%). 

No doubt you already know all the unmissable locations in your neighbourhood – from the candle lit restaurants to the cultural hotspots. Sharing this insider knowledge with your guests, as well as tips to help them avoid the tourist traps, can add to their stay experience and boost overall guest satisfaction. 

Positive past experiences guide future stays

Travellers can be creatures of habit, as our findings show. Asked about the type of trips they’d like to book, 64% of respondents strongly agreed that they plan to return to an accommodation they enjoyed. 

Making a positive impression on your guests doesn’t just make for happy customers but repeat ones. It might sound obvious, but reviews are invaluable to help you improve on these experiences – and keep guests coming back. Want to get more reviews? These helpful tips are a good starting point. 

Accommodation decision makers

 

But while travellers might value familiarity, that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to trying something new. Of those surveyed, 35% plan to pick their next destination based on the availability of unique accommodation options, while 30% are considering more casual choices such as hostels and homestays. 

Whatever quirks your property offers, making it as photogenic as possible won’t hurt, especially given that almost a quarter of people (24%) want to stay somewhere that’s ‘Instagrammable’.

 

Summer
Discover more trends and insights

Find out how to capture demand and tap into traveller preferences with our 2022 summer guide.

Take me there

What do you think of this page?

Takeaway
  • We surveyed 3,864 North American travellers to uncover their future trip plans
  • 67% of respondents like to have the low-down on activities and attractions before choosing a destination
  • This year 64% are planning to return to an accommodation they’ve enjoyed in the past
  • 41% are travelling to visit friends and family – and 27% plan to spend time away with their children