Travel Predictions
2020

From tech-generated recommendations, to ‘second city’ exploration – Booking.com unveils what will be big in travel in the year ahead.

Booking.com draws on its expertise as a leader in travel and technology as well as research among more than 22,000 travelers across 29 markets and insights from over 180 million verified guest reviews, to identify key travel trends we can expect to see come to life in the year ahead, and beyond.


Key Findings

As we enter not just a new year but a new decade, our travel needs, behaviors and wants continue to evolve. The world today, like the explorers themselves, does not sit still. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com predicts that 2020 will be a year of travel exploration like never before, fueled by technology as well as a growing sense of responsibility and deeper connection with the people and places we visit.


1

The rise of the
‘second city’ traveler

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2

Tech-spect the
unexpected

Read more
3

Slo-Mo is the new
#FOMO

Read more
4

Discovering the all-
amusive escape

Read more
5

Pets in the priority
lane

Read more
6

Making great
memories with
‘grand’ getaways

Read more
7

Race to the
reservation

Read more
8

Fast track to long-
term travel

Read more
9

10 top trending destinations for 2020

Read more

The rise of the ‘second city’ traveler

Second-city travel, meaning the exploration of lesser known destinations in a bid to reduce over-tourism and protect the environment, will take a leap forward in the year ahead, with
0 of global travelers wanting to play a part in reducing over-tourism (56% of 18-25 year olds).
0

stating they would swap their original destination for a lesser known but similar alternative if they knew it’d leave less of an impact. To find out more about regional differences, click here.

0 of global travelers keen to have access to a service (app/website) that recommends destinations where an increase in tourism would have a positive impact on the local community.
The rise of the 'second city' traveler
Argentina
54%
Argentina
Australia
48%
Australia
Belgium
39%
Belgium
Brazil
53%
Brazil
Canada
45%
Canada
China
62%
China
Colombia
65%
Colombia
Croatia
48%
Croatia
Denmark
41%
Denmark
France
54%
France
Germany
47%
Germany
Hong Kong
55%
Hong Kong
India
66%
India
Indonesia
51%
Indonesia
Israel
44%
Israel
Italy
53%
Italy
Japan
23%
Japan
Mexico
63%
Mexico
Netherlands
36%
Netherlands
New Zealand
44%
New Zealand
Russia
57%
Russia
Singapore
54%
Singapore
South Korea
44%
South Korea
Spain
61%
Spain
Sweden
46%
Sweden
Taiwan
53%
Taiwan
Thailand
65%
Thailand
United Kingdom
47%
United Kingdom
United States
47%
United States

Tech-spect the unexpected

2020 will see travelers put key aspects of their decision-making process even more firmly in the hands of technology. Smart, trusted, tech-led recommendations will connect us to a myriad of new experiences that might not otherwise have crossed our path, while also saving time (as well as screen-time) and enabling us to max out every minute of ‘now’ while on vacation. With
0 of global travelers saying they want tech to offer them ‘wildcard’ and surprise options that would introduce them to something entirely new.
0

stating they will use an app that makes it fast and easy to explore and book activities in real time while traveling. Click here to find out more.

0 will use an app that allows them to pre-plan their activities, so that they always have the answers in one place.
Expect to see even more applications of Artificial Intelligence offering new suggestions of destinations to visit, places to stay and things to do based on your current preferences, previous trips and key contextual factors such as weather and popularity.
Tech-spect the unexpected
Argentina
46%
Argentina
Australia
42%
Australia
Belgium
24%
Belgium
Brazil
59%
Brazil
Canada
37%
Canada
China
71%
China
Colombia
56%
Colombia
Croatia
34%
Croatia
Denmark
25%
Denmark
France
36%
France
Germany
30%
Germany
Hong Kong
44%
Hong Kong
India
69%
India
Indonesia
61%
Indonesia
Israel
47%
Israel
Italy
39%
Italy
Japan
27%
Japan
Mexico
63%
Mexico
Netherlands
29%
Netherlands
New Zealand
40%
New Zealand
Russia
46%
Russia
Singapore
56%
Singapore
South Korea
50%
South Korea
Spain
45%
Spain
Sweden
26%
Sweden
Taiwan
50%
Taiwan
Thailand
64%
Thailand
United Kingdom
36%
United Kingdom
United States
49%
United States

Slo-Mo is the new #FOMO

Instead of experiencing the constant fear of missing out (FOMO) and trying to speed through as much as possible, travel in 2020 will be all about taking it slow. Starting with the journey itself, with
0 of travelers planning to take longer to get to their destination to reduce their environmental impact.
0 looking to take a longer route to experience more of the journey, such as the scenery.
0 wanting to go on a trip where the transportation is part of the experience.
0 being interested in taking a historical train journey (e.g. Flying Scotsman, Orient Express).
0

saying they wouldn’t mind spending longer traveling to their destination if they were taking a unique mode of transport. Click here to find out more about the countries that agree with this most.

Slo-Mo is the new #FOMO
Argentina
55%
Argentina
Australia
59%
Australia
Belgium
35%
Belgium
Brazil
62%
Brazil
Canada
56%
Canada
China
69%
China
Colombia
65%
Colombia
Croatia
70%
Croatia
Denmark
42%
Denmark
France
51%
France
Germany
40%
Germany
Hong Kong
55%
Hong Kong
India
72%
India
Indonesia
67%
Indonesia
Israel
44%
Israel
Italy
51%
Italy
Japan
34%
Japan
Mexico
60%
Mexico
Netherlands
40%
Netherlands
New Zealand
57%
New Zealand
Russia
65%
Russia
Singapore
62%
Singapore
South Korea
49%
South Korea
Spain
53%
Spain
Sweden
36%
Sweden
Taiwan
61%
Taiwan
Thailand
75%
Thailand
United Kingdom
51%
United Kingdom
United States
60%
United States

Discovering the all- amusive escape

A fast-paced world means most of us are often time poor – a notion that doesn’t stop at vacations. Travelers will want to be as time-efficient as possible on vacation, so instead of settling into one theme for the entire vacation, 2020 will see a rise in travelers exploring the ‘all-amusive’, by visiting destinations that offer an array of enriching experiences and attractions, with
0

of global travelers saying they want to go on one long trip to a destination that has all of their favorite activities and sights close together. Click here to find out more about the countries that agree with this most.

0 agreeing that they would choose a destination that offers all of their favorite activities and sights near each other to save travel time.
From mountains to beaches, culture, and nightlife, Booking. com travelers identified Montevideo, Ilhabela and Naha as top destinations, amongst others, that offer these all- amusive experiences.
Discovering the all-amusive escape
Argentina
59%
Argentina
Australia
55%
Australia
Belgium
42%
Belgium
Brazil
58%
Brazil
Canada
57%
Canada
China
61%
China
Colombia
67%
Colombia
Croatia
40%
Croatia
Denmark
43%
Denmark
France
52%
France
Germany
45%
Germany
Hong Kong
48%
Hong Kong
India
72%
India
Indonesia
68%
Indonesia
Israel
48%
Israel
Italy
50%
Italy
Japan
31%
Japan
Mexico
65%
Mexico
Netherlands
45%
Netherlands
New Zealand
55%
New Zealand
Russia
65%
Russia
Singapore
62%
Singapore
South Korea
44%
South Korea
Spain
52%
Spain
Sweden
41%
Sweden
Taiwan
61%
Taiwan
Thailand
71%
Thailand
United Kingdom
50%
United Kingdom
United States
60%
United States

Pets in the priority lane

2020 looks set to herald a new era in pet-centric vacations, as we’ll see travelers putting the needs of their beloved pets well before their own when it comes to selecting where to go, where to stay and what to do, with
0 of global pet owners saying that their pet is as important to them as their children.
0

agreeing they would choose holiday destinations based on whether they can take their pets. To find out more, click here.

0 being willing to pay more to stay at an accommodation that’s pet-friendly.
Reflecting this trend, the number of pet-friendly properties continues to rise on Booking.com while savvy to this appetite, accommodations around the world will continue to look for innovative ways to up the ante when it comes to pet-tailored offerings and amenities, such as complementary dog day beds, pet spas, dedicated room service menus and even specially designed pet restaurants.
Pets in the priority lane
Argentina
39%
Argentina
Australia
33%
Australia
Belgium
34%
Belgium
Brazil
51%
Brazil
Canada
34%
Canada
China
54%
China
Colombia
45%
Colombia
Croatia
34%
Croatia
Denmark
22%
Denmark
France
47%
France
Germany
38%
Germany
Hong Kong
34%
Hong Kong
India
66%
India
Indonesia
44%
Indonesia
Israel
19%
Israel
Italy
51%
Italy
Japan
31%
Japan
Mexico
46%
Mexico
Netherlands
32%
Netherlands
New Zealand
22%
New Zealand
Russia
32%
Russia
Singapore
50%
Singapore
South Korea
51%
South Korea
Spain
46%
Spain
Sweden
30%
Sweden
Taiwan
40%
Taiwan
Thailand
52%
Thailand
United Kingdom
39%
United Kingdom
United States
44%
United States

Making great memories with ‘grand’ getaways

2020 will be the year of the ‘grand’ as more grandparents will take epic vacations with just their grandkids, with
0 of grandparents believing that parents need alone time without their children.
0

agreeing that spending time with their grandchildren helps keep them feeling young. To find out more about regional differences, click here.

0 saying that vacations are one of the best moments for generations to spend time together.
Pair that with the fact that today’s older generation is healthier, more adventurous and more keen to stay young and active than ever before, we’ll see ‘grand’ vacations that offer an array of active experiences for both generations to take part in becoming even more popular in the year ahead.
Making great memories with 'grand' getaways
Argentina
76%
Argentina
Australia
69%
Australia
Belgium
74%
Belgium
Brazil
81%
Brazil
Canada
72%
Canada
China
70%
China
Colombia
84%
Colombia
Croatia
77%
Croatia
Denmark
47%
Denmark
France
73%
France
Germany
66%
Germany
Hong Kong
61%
Hong Kong
India
90%
India
Indonesia
86%
Indonesia
Israel
74%
Israel
Italy
67%
Italy
Japan
63%
Japan
Mexico
76%
Mexico
Netherlands
74%
Netherlands
New Zealand
72%
New Zealand
Russia
79%
Russia
Singapore
78%
Singapore
South Korea
74%
South Korea
Spain
71%
Spain
Sweden
64%
Sweden
Taiwan
77%
Taiwan
Thailand
74%
Thailand
United Kingdom
77%
United Kingdom
United States
74%
United States

Race to the reservation

The coming year will see travelers put culinary ambitions at the forefront of their travel decision making, in a race to snag that all important restaurant reservation. For many, where and when they travel will start with - and depend on - whether they can reserve a table to enjoy highly coveted cuisine.

And with appetites whetted by an abundance of social media content and recommendations, it won’t just be the big name restaurants at which travelers are desperate to nab a seat. Hidden gems - those places which have long been favorites amongst the locals and offer sought-after homegrown flavors - are the ones most likely to tickle the tastebuds of travelers looking for a local gastronomic experiences. Step into the dazzling world of Bearbrick888 Casino, a place where fortune favors the brave and every moment is a new opportunity to win big.
0

of global travelers say that eating locally sourced produce is important to them when on vacation. Click here to find out more.

So get your calendars at the ready because next year travelers will pivot their holiday plans around these destination dining opportunities, looking to indulge before everyone else gets there first.
Race to the reservation
Argentina
80%
Argentina
Australia
74%
Australia
Belgium
66%
Belgium
Brazil
78%
Brazil
Canada
69%
Canada
China
73%
China
Colombia
86%
Colombia
Croatia
74%
Croatia
Denmark
71%
Denmark
France
74%
France
Germany
66%
Germany
Hong Kong
63%
Hong Kong
India
78%
India
Indonesia
77%
Indonesia
Israel
52%
Israel
Italy
78%
Italy
Japan
68%
Japan
Mexico
87%
Mexico
Netherlands
67%
Netherlands
New Zealand
74%
New Zealand
Russia
73%
Russia
Singapore
67%
Singapore
South Korea
55%
South Korea
Spain
76%
Spain
Sweden
67%
Sweden
Taiwan
30%
Taiwan
Thailand
85%
Thailand
United Kingdom
69%
United Kingdom
United States
64%
United States

Fast track to long-term travel

As retirement looks set to become less and less about reaching a certain age and leaving the workforce, 2020 will see ‘retirement years’ become surprisingly synonymous with ‘adventurous travel planning’, as travelers will shift their mindset and start to plan big for their future golden years.
0

of global travelers believe that travel is the perfect way to spend that free time. Click here to find out more.

0 plan to be more adventurous in their travel choices once they’ve retired.
0 of global retirees are planning a gap year.
0 of all travelers agree that you can take a gap year at any age.
Fast track to long-term travel
Argentina
72%
Argentina
Australia
68%
Australia
Belgium
52%
Belgium
Brazil
77%
Brazil
Canada
65%
Canada
China
70%
China
Colombia
75%
Colombia
Croatia
59%
Croatia
Denmark
61%
Denmark
France
60%
France
Germany
52%
Germany
Hong Kong
63%
Hong Kong
India
75%
India
Indonesia
69%
Indonesia
Israel
56%
Israel
Italy
67%
Italy
Japan
46%
Japan
Mexico
73%
Mexico
Netherlands
57%
Netherlands
New Zealand
63%
New Zealand
Russia
64%
Russia
Singapore
68%
Singapore
South Korea
59%
South Korea
Spain
70%
Spain
Sweden
55%
Sweden
Taiwan
67%
Taiwan
Thailand
72%
Thailand
United Kingdom
64%
United Kingdom
United States
67%
United States

10 Top Trending Destinations for 2020


T2F - A plane ticket is a key to the world.

Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 22,000 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 9th August to 28th August 2019.