She Strengthens

Travel in 2022: A New Era of Exploration

As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, travelers are eager to explore new destinations and revisit old favorites. We spoke with experts from Lonely Planet and The Points Guy to get the inside scoop on the state of travel in 2022.

International Travel on the Rise

After two years of restrictions and uncertainty, international travel is finally gaining momentum. With vaccination rates on the rise and travel restrictions easing, experts predict a surge in transatlantic travel this summer. “If we don’t see another variant, cases continue to drop, and vaccination rates climb, I expect summer 2022 to be big for international travel,” says Melissa Yeager, senior news editor at Lonely Planet.

Snag Those Deals Before Prices Skyrocket

If you’re ready to jet set this year, now is the time to book your flight. Prices are still below pre-pandemic peaks, but they won’t stay that way for long. “Right now, prices are still relatively low, but it’s not going to last,” warns Clint Henderson, senior news editor at The Points Guy. With airfare expected to climb by 7% per month, it’s essential to book those spring break flights and summer trips ASAP.

Flexibility is Key

Travel can still be stressful, especially with the ongoing pandemic. Be prepared for cancellations, delays, and changes in travel restrictions. “This summer, we’ll see airlines try to operate as many flights as they did in 2019, but without the staffing and back-end support, flyers will likely need to pack their patience more than ever,” says Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy.

Comfort and Convenience Take Center Stage

After two years of uncertainty, travelers are willing to pay more for comfort and convenience. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen that people are comfortable spending more on travel,” says Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy. From upgrading to business-class seats to investing in travel insurance, travelers are prioritizing peace of mind.

Backup Vacations: The New Normal

To mitigate the risk of cancellations, travelers are booking backup vacations – just in case. “There is a trend right now of people booking what I would call ‘backup vacations’ in case their destination closes to travel due to COVID,” says Melissa Yeager, senior news editor at Lonely Planet.

National Parks Remain a Top Destination

Nature-based travel continues to thrive, with national parks remaining a popular choice for travelers. “Nature will definitely continue to be big this year,” says Yeager from Lonely Planet. From California’s Channel Islands to Utah’s Capitol Reef, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore.

Spend Those Travel Vouchers

If you’ve been hoarding travel vouchers or miles, now is the time to use them. With flexible cancellation policies and affordable airfare, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip. “I’d probably do a big trip to Ireland or Colombia, where it’s easy for Americans to visit,” says Henderson from The Points Guy.

COVID-19 Protocols Here to Stay

While travel restrictions may ease, COVID-19 protocols are here to stay. From mask mandates to hand sanitizer, travelers must remain vigilant to prevent the spread of the virus. “I think the biggest one is getting vaccinated,” says Yeager from Lonely Planet. “Aside from the health benefits, you’ll find your destinations limited and a number of hoops to jump through in order to enter if you are not vaccinated.”