Culture capitals to be popular as Scots city tipped to be hit for travellers

CULTURE capitals are set to be a hit with travellers next year as a Scottish destination has been tipped to be a favourite.

Industry experts expect people to seek out historical places, with wellness retreats and outdoor getaways also in demand.

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Travellers will explore “unexpected trends” in the new year, according to Expedia.

The travel firm expects city breaks to make a comeback, after national parks and rural retreats proved popular over the past two years amid the Covid pandemic and lockdown.

Edinburgh and the iconic Fringe festival are tipped to see a surge in visitors along with other culture hubs, including Lisbon, Munich, New York and Tokyo.

Wellness retreats are also expected to prove a hit, as research has found around a quarter of Brits are more open to health breaks than ever before.

Wellbeing activities on offer include fruit harvesting, body therapies such cryotherapy, and sylvotherapy – or forest bathing.

Country getaways are on the rise, as travellers across the world crave private holiday homes with plenty of space and breath-taking views.

Travellers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in the countryside of Italy, Spain and France.

The data also uncovered Vrbo’s, which is also part of Expedia Group, top 10 ‘Hidden Gems’ in the UK, where the holiday homes site found searches have increased by 40 per cent or more in the last year.

These include East Lothian in Scotland, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire in England, and Monmouthshire in Wales.

Demand for private holiday homes in Ayrshire and Midlothian has also increased by 40 per cent or more since September last year.

 ‘Set-Jetters’  will also be on the rise, the travel giant said, as booking trips after binging a new TV series or film will become even more popular next year.

Expedia interviewed over 2,000 travellers and 44 per cent admitted TV has already influenced their travel decisions.

Forty six per cent have researched travelling to a destination from a show, while another 37 per cent have already booked a trip after seeing it featured on TV or in a movie on a streaming service.

The firm’s data found streamed movies and TV shows are now the top sources of travel inspiration – even greater than social media.

Travellers are also seeking smarter ways to see the world, without compromising on comfort or cool factor.

In the UK, more than a quarter (28 per cent) of travellers admit they are more concerned with value for money than ever before.

Hotels.com data shows interest is up more than 20 per cent globally in three-star and under hotels, emphasising the rise in the mighty lower-starred stays.

In 2023, 39 per cent of UK travellers plan to stay in 1–3-star hotels and 28 per cent want to book a stay with added value inclusions, such as toiletries or free breakfast.

There is a shift in mindset from the post-pandemic bucket-list mentality, with a move towards a more spontaneous approach, and almost a fifth would rather go on more trips in three-star properties than splurge on one big luxury getaway.

Fewer stars does not mean lower standards, however. Many properties, such as Wild Thyme & Honey in England, Una Vida in Mexico, or Mama Shelter in Paris, offer excellent amenities, stylish interiors and unique vibes.

Jon Gieselman, Expedia brands president, said: : “When we look at Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo data together, we see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023.

“We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains.

“Not a new normal but people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal’.”

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