Raissa Frenkel On How Travel Is Changing

It seems that, in a myriad of industries, there is at least one claim that Millennials have caused irreparable damage. From tangible things like jewelry and golf, to concepts that are impossible to define, like the American Dream, the generation has been accused of “killing” a great many things.

While any of these painfully broad claims should be taken with a grain of salt, statistics show that Millennials are, at the very least, willing to pay for travel. It makes a lot of sense; the current trends amongst the age group seem to indicate that they’re more willing to pay for experiences than material possessions. As a result, the tourism industry is booming. New technology has helped travel become more affordable and easier to plan; some tourists even embrace the unknown, traveling without an itinerary and making their agenda as they go.

The reason that things like this are even possible is through apps like AirBnB. I’m not going to get into details, given how popular of a platform it is, but cutting expensive hotels and resorts out of the budget allows for tourism to focus on other cost considerations instead. With AirBnB comes a slew of review sites, travel offers, and social media promotions for tourism. Now, there are no unknowns when it comes to travel; what may have been a gamble decades ago can now be thoroughly researched and compared to other options. Social sharing has led to an environment where “try before you fly” is in full effect; endorsements from peers are worth more than those from tourism boards.

Planning tools go beyond just the booking options available on AirBnB. Trip itineraries are not what they used to be and are often improvised on the fly. Gone is the market for guidebooks about specific areas; many travelers would rather find their own way. The future of travel likely includes more apps that will allow tourists to find attractions near them and “hidden gems” in the places that they explore.

An unconventional approach to planning may be because modern travelers are often looking for a unique experience. Resorts are no longer safe in offering gourmet meals or room service; they are now starting to offer the chance to see or do things, often as part of a premium vacation package. Many are seeking an “authentic” local experience, which can mean trying new food, making friends, or experiencing cultures. Expect to see tourism companies to offer expanded options for errant travelers.

The actual travelling has changed as well, with airlines and other transportation services looking to keep up with the needs of their customers. In-flight wifi has become increasingly common, for instance. What was once considered a luxury is now a necessity for many, with people requiring internet access to do work on their flights. In addition, this also opens the door for live updates, both from the airline about the flight and from the passengers. Free publicity can be a smart business strategy for airlines.

Airlines have also taken steps to streamline the process necessary to actually get on the plane. While increased security, particularly in the US, may impede travelers on the way to flights, online boarding passes make it easier for travelers to check in even before they enter the airport. Flight delays will never go away as long as there’s bad weather, but many of the concerns that used to plague air travel have been rectified through better logistics.

Travel has become easier—and we’re seeing more people latching onto technology to take better trips. It is likely that technology will provide for deeper experiences and easier ways to plan the minutiae of travel. We live in an increasingly interconnected world, so get out there and see what can await you!