What does the future of travel look like? TPG consults 8 industry experts

In April 2020, nearly a month into the COVID-19 pandemic, Dinogo surveyed 16 travel industry professionals about the future of travel.

During that period, airlines had grounded many of their planes, cruise ships were anchored, popular attractions were closed, and there was no immediate vaccine in sight. The U.S. government subsequently injected $54 billion into the airline sector alone from March 2020 to March 2021.

Nearly two years later, the travel industry has experienced a rollercoaster ride. Airlines have resumed more flights, hired additional staff, and retrieved planes from long-term storage. Countries and beloved tourist spots like Disneyland have reopened, though with COVID-19 safety measures. Cruise ships began departing from U.S. ports again in March 2021.

However, the industry has faced challenges from the delta variant of the coronavirus this summer and, as the holiday travel season approaches, it grapples with new concerns surrounding the omicron variant.

In light of this situation, TPG decided to survey industry experts once more to gauge their predictions for the future of travel in 2022 and beyond.

Top destinations to consider as travel makes a comeback

Audrey Hendley, president, Global Travel & Lifestyle Services at American Express: The hottest destination is wherever you wish to go. Our cardmembers have a strong desire to travel, but their comfort levels vary. The perfect trip is unique to each individual. While some are eager for that once-in-a-lifetime experience, like a safari or a luxury cruise, others prefer to stay local and enjoy time with family and friends they haven't seen in a while. The positive takeaway is that there’s no right or wrong choice.

Michael J. Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power: That's a challenging question. The top priority is to find a destination that welcomes travelers with your profile: vaccinated, negative test results, quarantine requirements, etc. If you're willing to meet those conditions, consider locations that offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as Norway, Ireland, Belize, or the Maldives—perfect for shaking off the COVID-19 blues. Personally, I plan to enjoy the Idaho ski slopes in February and hit several golf courses in the Scottish Highlands over the summer.

Tim Hentschel, founder and CEO at HotelPlanner: For those wanting to stay outdoors and avoid crowds, a ski trip with friends or family is a great winter idea, or you could embark on a road trip to visit some of our iconic national parks, which have seen record numbers this year. Looking internationally, there are now 110 countries welcoming vaccinated Americans, offering limitless options. Warm-weather beach destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean are experiencing a surge in searches and bookings. If you're comfortable in larger crowds, millions are now returning to New York City and Las Vegas for Broadway shows, concerts, holiday shopping, and fall weddings. Orlando is also attracting many visitors due to Disney World's 50th anniversary.

Debbie Flynn, managing partner, global travel practice leader, Finn Partners: I spent much of lockdown reflecting on why I hadn’t visited so many places, and I know many of my friends felt the same. I believe future hot spots will include both long-desired bucket-list locations and those now elevated in priority. I hope travelers will focus on destinations whose communities have suffered from the pandemic due to a lack of visitors. There are also countries taking sustainability seriously and recognized for their handling of COVID-19, like Singapore. The recent COP26 climate summit highlighted the vulnerabilities of island nations—I've never been to the Maldives and it’s now higher on my list than ever.

Nitya Chambers, senior vice president of digital content, Lonely Planet: I see this as a moment for reflection, for understanding what feels right for you and your loved ones as we all (re)learn to navigate an uncertain world. It’s an opportunity to align what brings you joy in travel with your comfort levels regarding personal and public health. Whether you’re ready for an intricately planned adventure far away or prefer a local road trip or a weekend rediscovering your surroundings, both are valid options. Just remember to take a mask, a sense of humor, and empathy for the countless others navigating this journey alongside you.

Angela Gittens, retired director-general, Airports Council International: I’ve always wanted to visit Russia, Scandinavia, and various locations in South America. I’d love to revisit Italy, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. I recently traveled to Greece and could return any day. I also had a wonderful experience in Malaysia, staying at a camp outside Kuala Lumpur. There are so many places I wish to explore, and I can’t think of a single country I've visited that I wouldn’t want to revisit.

Jack Anderson, president, Crystal Cruises: We are particularly thrilled about our inaugural expedition cruises to Antarctica aboard the Crystal Endeavor, our newest and most luxurious expedition vessel, taking place through February. Antarctica presents a stunning blend of remote, rugged landscapes, fascinating marine and wildlife, and unique icy polar scenery found nowhere else in the world. Next year, Crystal Endeavor will also journey to Greenland and Iceland—where it made its debut this summer—offering guests the chance to explore breathtaking glaciers, icebergs, fjords, hot springs, and more.

Places you might overlook in 2022 — and the reasons why

Chambers: Not at all. In fact, the last two restricted years have made me more eager to see all the places I've always wanted to visit. I’m planning with potential changes in mind—opting for flexible booking options, staying updated on entry requirements and local regulations, and approaching my plans with immense gratitude.

Hentschel: I would steer clear of Kabul for safety reasons unless your visit involves humanitarian or diplomatic efforts. Aside from State Department-approved countries, most other destinations globally are worth exploring if COVID-19 measures and travel restrictions permit. Now is an ideal time to consider unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations. For instance, many millennials and Next-Gen travelers are embracing 'revenge travel,' seeking out photogenic spots anywhere they can find them.

Anderson: At Crystal, we explore the world, visiting hundreds of destinations across all seven continents. We collaborate closely with global tourism officials and health authorities, and unfortunately, some places are currently not prepared for cruise travel. We will follow scientific guidance. We hope to soon showcase these destinations for our guests, offering immersive experiences that allow them to explore the globe in luxury, one voyage at a time.

Balram Bheodari, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: There are regions around the world that are unstable, and I have no desire to visit them due to their precarious conditions, especially areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities amid COVID-19.

Taylor: I believe that if you are not in a high-risk health category and have been vaccinated, you should feel free to travel anywhere you wish. For over a year, I've been saying that 'all epidemics come to an end — all of them.' This pandemic will eventually be behind us, and if you can travel safely, you should do it.

Gittens: I prefer not to travel to places where I would have to quarantine or where new restrictions might be imposed unexpectedly. I don’t see countries coming together to agree on travel regulations, which adds to the uncertainty for travelers. However, airports and airlines are effectively ensuring the travel process remains safe and relatively convenient, even as they navigate the shifting landscape of rules and practices.

How will your travel habits change compared to before the pandemic?

Flynn: Absolutely, I plan to extend my stays whenever possible. A recent business trip to Washington, D.C. for a conference exemplified this; instead of just two nights like I would have done previously, I stayed for almost a week. Thanks to the flexibility of Zoom, I could handle daily meetings while immersing myself in the destination. I explored new museums and lesser-known neighborhoods, feeling less guilty about my carbon footprint as I maximized my time there. I'll also incorporate 'wellness' into my travels; having taken up yoga during the pandemic, I aim to find experiences that help me maintain my well-being.

Anderson: We're steadily moving towards normalcy, with five of our eight ships resuming operations this year and the entire fleet expected to return by spring 2022. We've introduced a comprehensive set of shipboard protocols that have proven effective and will continue into 2022. Our operations team has curated itineraries that highlight the world's wonders while adapting to current needs, featuring more local embarkation points, a variety of short cruises, an expanded 132-day Grand Voyage, and overnight stays in vibrant cities. Many guests are avid collectors of travel experiences, and the launch of our expedition ship offers new adventures and perspectives. Crystal ships are inherently designed for social distancing, accommodating half the number of guests as similar-sized vessels, ensuring a personalized and intimate cruise experience.

Chambers: The past two years have fueled my desire to travel like never before; I want to experience everything I've dreamed of and seek profound adventures. As someone who cherishes the details and anticipation of planning, I must be prepared for the unexpected and manage any disappointments that arise. However, those surprise moments often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.

Hendley: Prioritizing a stress-free travel experience is essential for me, so I’ll be planning thoroughly regardless of the destination. I’ll allow ample time for airport processes, understand all logistics between cities, and rely on my travel counselor team for the perfect itinerary. Looking ahead to next year, we’re noticing a rise in niche travel trends, indicating that ‘one-size-fits-all’ vacations are a thing of the past. Travelers now seek personalized itineraries tailored to their interests, whether it’s a quick two-day getaway from New York City to the Catskills or embracing ‘slow travel’ to truly savor a location, like a recent customer who booked an impressive 75-day stay in a penthouse suite on a cruise.

Hentschel: As an American CEO living in Singapore, my travel has been quite limited this year due to restrictions and quarantine rules. However, I’m about to spend a week at our headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, and enjoy South Beach in Miami for the 7th annual American Group Travel Awards. I also plan to relocate back to London by next summer, which should make it easier for my family and me to enjoy long weekend trips across the EU.

Taylor: My golf trip to Scotland has been postponed since 2020. I've had to re-book my reservations and tee times four times. I'm committed to maximizing this long-awaited trip. I plan to indulge in pricier hotels I typically wouldn't choose, splurge on whiskies I’ve hesitated to buy, and play a second round of golf whenever possible. For the Idaho ski trip, it’s all about family time, and the kids and I are excited to ski for long hours and dine at some fantastic restaurants. My Platinum Card® from American Express will definitely see some action this year.

Bheodari: You need to stay aware of your surroundings and follow public health advice. Be ready to adopt any extra health precautions necessary to protect yourself during your travels.