KAYAK’s 2023 travel trend predictions

Kayak just released its ‘2023 Travel Trends Forecast’ and as someone who is easily influenced by nearly anything travel-related, I’ve already begun outlining my next trip based on their findings.

Using data-driven insights, Kayak’s report looked at consumer activity, searches, and sales related to future travel and experiences for the coming year. The analysis indicated that even amid an unstable economy, US travelers appear determined to see the world again, regardless of financial costs.

With the emergence of “revenge travel” after the pandemic, travelers were eager to return to get out there in 2022, and this trend looks set to continue in 2023. Based on Kayak’s data, they predict travelers will flock in droves to Asia and the South Pacific in the new year. 

Trending destinations for 2023:

1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: searches up 769% 

2. Taipei City, Taiwan: up 289% 

3. Auckland, New Zealand: up 272% 

4. Singapore: up 201%

5. Hong Kong: up 190% 

6. Melbourne, Australia: up 167% 

7. Bangkok, Thailand: up 166% 

8. Tokyo, Japan: up 150% 

9. Sydney, Australia: up 145% 

10. Tel Aviv, Israel: up 134% 

Compared to 2022, these destinations are trending cheaper:

1. Melbourne, Australia: 10% YoY (year over year) price decrease in airfare

2. Bora Bora: 9% decrease

3. Copenhagen, Denmark: 8% decrease

4. Sydney, Australia: 2% decrease

5. Fiji: 2% decrease

Kayak’s study of travel trends for 2023 also revealed that the best days for booking flights are now Thursdays and Fridays (we’re not so sure about that) and that passengers are looking for more legroom for comfort with an increase in seat upgrades. Searches for single-person flights have also increased by 36%, suggesting that passengers will take more solo trips in the year ahead.