Unique Trips & Experiences to Watch in 2018

June 21, 2018

Whether you're traveling for personal enrichment, or in search of new and exciting destinations, what are the top travel experiences awaiting you on the other side of 2017? Read on as UNIGLOBE experts bring you a compilation of top trends to watch out for – right from extreme trips to far-flung destinations to the thrill of racing at top speed on-board your cruise liner.

Extreme Trips
According to UNIGLOBE experts, extreme experiences to go where few have gone before are piquing the interest of travellers like never before. These include visiting rapidly changing destinations impacted by the threat of global warming like Cuba, Antarctica, Venice and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Epic adventures, such as African safaris or over-the-top experiences, like a private tour of the Grand Canyon, and, are also at the top of the list and include destinations like South Africa, the Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica and New Zealand.

Extended Vacations Overseas
Known as "sojourns", these trips are based on the concept of extended two-three months’ stays at apartments when travelling overseas. Designed for people who have the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the world, these extended trips are more than just a vacation. They are truly immersive experiences. It’s like reliving that first summer abroad.

Art Quest
Those looking to soak in culture and trigger their creative side will find their perfect escape in the hubs of art around the world. These are cities where iconic design and classical concertos were born, and where the latest in creative experimentation is happening seemingly on every corner. Santa Fe, Vienna, Barcelona, Florence and Paris are among the favourites.

New Cruise Amenities
On the high seas, an increasing number of cruise lines are introducing innovative technology and state-of-the-art features. Some ships boast of race tracks that enable cruisers to navigate electric cars through hairpin turns and reach speeds up to 35 mph at 18 stories above the sea. Other cruise liners have created an inventive onboard experience with the launch of quarter-size wearable pieces for guests, to personalize everything from embarkation to ordering meals.

Emerging Destinations
"With the 2018 Winter Olympics just around the corner, South Korea is about to be thrust into the spotlight, " says a UNIGLOBE expert. Other top global destinations include Italy, South Africa, France, Iceland and Australia.

Multigenerational Travel
Multigenerational travel continues to be a leading industry-wide trend. By traveling together with younger and older relatives, families are able to reconnect. "Skip-gen" trips, where grandparents take grandchildren on a special adventure, leaving the parents behind to experience their own time off, are also becoming more popular. Japan is emerging as an untraditional multigenerational family travel destination.