There’s no denying that travel has become a far more important part of modern society than it’s ever been before. The rise of travel blogs in the early 2000s as well as the more democratic spread of information through the Internet has made adventuring both overseas and at home easier than ever. Sure, it may take a toll on your savings, but the benefits of travel go far beyond a checkmark on your bucket list. According to an article by seasoned traveler Jonathan Look, Jr., traveling helps people from diverse cultures find common ground, challenges preconceptions, and broadens your horizons. It’s the best way to see the most of what the world has to offer, which is why we’ve compiled a list of travel-related news that you can look forward to in 2020.
Growing Potential for Space Flight
Travelers may soon be able to reach for the stars in the next few years, if developments in technology and science hold out. Outer space looks to be the next hottest destination for adventurers all over the globe. An article by Aviation JobNet suggests that space flight may soon become a possibility, as companies like Virgin Galactic begin to refine and develop their space-worthy aircraft. Virgin Galactic already offers tickets for suborbital spaceflight at USD$ 250,000 a pop, and travelers may expect more airline companies to jump on the trend in 2020 and beyond.
The Rise in Eco Travel
The growing conversation around climate consciousness has permeated not only the ways we go about our daily lives, but the ways we travel as well. The popularity of eco-friendly adventuring is on an upward climb, with more and more tourists voicing concerns about sustainability and impact. From concepts like the Swedish “flygskam” or “flight shame” which motivates more people to take fewer flights, to guides like Condé Nast urging travelers to choose green destinations and offsetting their travel impacts, environmentally-conscious travel is definitely something to look out for in 2020.
New Travel Destinations
While there are definitely old favorites when it comes to travel and tourism, the beauty of the Internet and blogging means that lesser-known destinations are finding their time in the spotlight too. A trip to Paris might still be as popular as ever, but now the myriad guides and how-to’s allow for more tourists to wander off the beaten path. Airbnb analyzed their internal booking data to put together a list of the top 20 destinations travelers will want to head to in 2020, which includes places like Tokyo and Luxembourg, as well as lesser-known cities like Bilbao and Milwaukee.
Tourists Learn that Less is More
For many tourists around the world, the philosophy of less is more is growing in popularity. CNBC reports that more Americans are taking what’s called the ‘microbreak’, a one- or two-night getaway that stands in sharp contrast to the standard fortnight-long vacations. These microbreaks allow people to take more vacations on a budget, and truncated trips allow travelers to feel rested and recharged without the heavy expenses usually associated with longer holidays.
