Out with one-and-done trips, in with multi-destination city jumping adventures planned by an AI travel agent. KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, is launching its WTF – What the Future Report – revealing eight predictions for travel by 2030. In partnership with The Future Laboratory, one of the world’s leading futures consultancies, the WTF Report blends social and cultural research, interviews with KAYAK executives and external experts, survey insights from 9,100 people across 9 countries, and an in-depth analysis of KAYAK user behaviour. Here’s a closer look at the top travel trends shaping the future, as predicted by leading experts.

KAYAK 2030: Travel Predictions

AI Agents

A new wave of travel agents is emerging, focusing on personalised travel experiences. Modern travellers seek flexibility (38%), customised itineraries (37%), and value AI tools for planning (17%). By 2030, virtual AI Assistants will handle a variety of travel arrangements, offering tailored trips and securing the best deals effortlessly.

“AI is already rapidly improving customer support for travel delays and itinerary changes. It’s also suggesting personalised recommendations of places to visit and things to do. The next big step forward will be automated bookings – and we’re already making KAYAK AI agent-friendly,”

– Steve Hafner, CEO of KAYAK.

What Will AI Agents Do?

• Personalized Recommendations: Tailored travel itineraries based on your preferences.
• Real-time Adjustments: seamless handling of last-minute changes, from rescheduling flights to booking alternative accommodations.
• Cost Optimization: Detecting hidden deals and offering cost-effective options.

AI agents will handle the logistics, leaving travelers free to enjoy their adventures stress-free.

City Jumping 

By 2030, travellers will prioritize multi-stop trips over single-destination vacations. For 66% of survey respondents, travel ranks as a top priority, signalling a growing desire to explore. As visa regulations relax worldwide, governments and destinations are gearing up for the rise of city-jumping travellers.

Key Benefits of City Jumping

• Cost-Effective: Multi-stop itineraries often prove cheaper than single-destination trips.
• Theme-Based Travel: Plan trips around specific interests, like food tours or historical landmarks.
• Maximized Experiences: Enjoy more cultural diversity in a single journey.

Vitamin T

By 2030, the value of a trip will hinge on wellness scores. KAYAK notes a surge in wellness travel, with pools as the top-searched hotel amenity globally, followed by hot tubs, spas, and fitness facilities. 60% of travellers prioritise relaxation, while 13% emphasise health and wellness. Destinations promoting longevity will become sought-after additions to travellers’ bucket lists.

The Rise of Wellness Travel

• Longevity Hotspots: Destinations known for promoting long, healthy lives.
• Holistic Retreats: Yoga, meditation, and rejuvenation packages.
• Nature Escapes: Immersive experiences in pristine environments.

Travelers will increasingly prioritize trips that boost both physical and mental well-being.

Feedbooking

From browsing feeds to booking trips, travellers will use social media as a booking platform. Currently, 36% of travellers find trip inspiration on social platforms, a trend expected to grow by 2030. KAYAK predicts social media will shift from inspiration to a full-fledged travel shopping channel, with apps serving as travel storefronts.

How Feedbooking Works

• Influencer Endorsements: Follow your favorite vloggers and book their recommended stays.
• One-Tap Bookings: Secure flights, accommodations, and tours in just a click.
• Interactive Inspiration: Real-time polls and live sessions to help you decide.

Booking a dream getaway will soon be as easy as scrolling through Instag

Virtual Voyages

By 2030, travel will feature holographic concierges and automatic airfare refunds. Travellers anticipate virtual hotel room previews (35%) and almost 10% of air passengers expect in-flight VR entertainment for an immersive experience. The future of travel is set to exceed expectations with innovative technologies.

Virtual Travel Innovations

• Holographic Concierges: Interact with lifelike virtual assistants.
• 4D Room Tours: Experience accommodations before you book.
• Simulated Trips: Explore digital replicas of iconic destinations.

These advances make travel accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or financial constraints.

LIT – Low-Intensity Travel

The shift toward unexplored destinations will challenge today’s top travel spots. Concerns over overtourism and carbon footprint (14%) will influence future travel decisions. The quest for unventured experiences will shift from adventurers to conscious travellers, becoming a mainstream travel priority.

LIT Travel Practices

• Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations: Discover hidden gems instead of crowded hotspots.
• Eco-Friendly Transport: Embrace trains, bikes, and other low-emission options.
• Cultural immersion: Engage deeply with local communities.

This trend benefits both travelers and the planet.

Spiritual Sidequests

From silent retreats to genealogical investigations, spiritual sidequests will have their moment by 2030, with more and more travellers wanting to pair exploring a destination with exploring their inner selves to grow and heal.

Popular Spiritual Retreats

• Silent Getaways: Disconnect from noise and reconnect with yourself.
• Genealogical Journeys: Trace your roots and discover your heritage.
• Meditative Escapes: Unwind in serene settings designed for introspection.

These experiences promise not just relaxation but transformation.

Disloyalty Programme

Loyalty Programmes will adapt to meet the demands of price-conscious travellers. 29% of travellers want personalised loyalty rewards, such as receiving refunds when air ticket prices go down (32%). With 72% anticipating higher travel prices in the future, travellers are prioritising savings and will switch brands for better deals.

What’s Changing?

• Gamified Rewards: Earn points through NFTs and interactive challenges.
• Cross-Brand Benefits: Accumulate rewards regardless of the provider.
• Enhanced Competitiveness: Airlines and hotels will up their game to attract “disloyal” customers.

In Gen-Z terms, here’s the ins and outs of future travel trends: