Travel Made a Major Comeback in 2022

This year has been a banner one for travel, with traffic nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. Whether Americans traveled by car, flew across the globe, or explored new neighborhoods, it was evident that travelers were eager to experience the world. Experts noted that vacationers embraced the concept of “revenge travel,” planning trips to previously-closed destinations, vibrant cities, and sun-soaked beaches.

1. Overview of Travel Trends in 2022

“Travel came back with a vengeance in 2022, driven by pent-up demand following the pandemic,” said Hayley Berg, the lead economist at Hopper. Americans showed a strong preference for visiting major cities post-pandemic. Moreover, as international destinations, especially in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand reopened, demand for transpacific trips surged during the latter half of 2022. This trend is likely to extend into 2023, with cities like Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok emerging among the top trending travel destinations.

2. Popular Travel Destinations

Airport travel steadily increased over the past year. In November, the Transportation Security Administration reported screening the highest number of passengers in a single day since before the pandemic.

According to Hopper, New York City emerged as the top domestic destination for flights in 2022, followed closely by Las Vegas and Orlando. For international travel, Mexico dominated choices, with Cancun recognized as the top preferred spot throughout the year.

3. Airport Dynamics and Road Trips

Among U.S. airports, Los Angeles International had the highest number of drop-offs, with Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport and New York’s LaGuardia Airport rounding out the top three. However, flying wasn’t the only option. Road trips also maintained their popularity in 2022. Data from AAA highlighted that travelers frequently drove to Orlando, Las Vegas, and Nashville, with preferences shifting throughout the year.

“Americans prioritize leisure travel, and for many, hitting the open road is both an economical and picturesque way to connect with family and friends,” said Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA. Despite fluctuations in gas prices, drivers adapted by adjusting their budgets to accommodate anticipated trips.

4. Future Predictions for 2023

The popularity of road trips grew notably over the summer while airlines faced cancellations and delays due to various factors, including air traffic control issues and staffing shortages. Fortunately, conditions improved in the latter half of the year.

While the Department of Transportation acknowledged potential challenges for end-of-year travel, there was optimism for a smoother experience compared to the tumultuous summer months.

Flight prices experienced significant spikes in 2022, rising over 42% from September 2021 to September 2022. Nonetheless, expectations for 2023 indicate that airfare may stabilize as competition increases among airlines. “Airfare appears to be aligning with pre-pandemic rates, projecting a trend of competitive pricing moving into 2023,” noted Katy Nastro, a travel expert.

Furthermore, last-minute trips remained a popular option, though experts cautioned travelers about potentially high costs associated with such decisions. “Travelers today tend to book flights closer to their departure dates, which may lead to missing out on the best deals,” said Berg. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor flight prices well in advance to secure optimal rates.

As we anticipate 2023, Hopper predicts a continued rebound in international travel, particularly to Asian destinations that have reopened to tourists.

In fact, 62% of flight searches on Hopper for 2023 are directed toward international locations, surpassing the 55% recorded at the same point last year.