Travel Trends for 2023 – Travel Destinations in 2023

Observing tourism trends yields some very interesting conclusions, both regarding our approach to travel in 2023 and the destinations we want to visit. It turns out that whether we travel to the distant United Arab Emirates, the United States, nearby Great Britain, or other European countries for business or pleasure, we want to explore the world. How will we travel in 2023, and where do we plan to go?

How do we want to travel in 2023?

2023 is the first relatively peaceful year after the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. These are now almost completely lifted, and everyone is eager to travel, catching up on the times when it was impossible. We continue to grapple with challenges, this time related to the economic crisis, but it's clear that even this isn't diminishing our desire to travel. More and more people are having to consider their budget, choosing slightly cheaper destinations. It's worth noting that traveling is a break from everyday life, and when we go on vacation, we often crave a bit of luxury that will allow us to experience maximum pleasure during our vacation.

Research shows that Poles have come to love traveling abroad and, in tougher economic times, they don't want to give it up, trying various ways to save money. In addition to choosing cheaper destinations, we're starting to travel more often on our own, without the help of a travel agency, taking advantage of airline promotional offers, and shortening our travel time.

Where do we want to go on vacation? Anywhere!

A new study on tourism trends shows that Poles want to explore the world, and economic turmoil is pushing us to look for alternative solutions. One of these is cheap flights, meaning taking advantage of airline promotions. In this case, the destination, date, and length of the trip are secondary. Cost optimization is paramount. This way, you can travel both within Europe and further afield, to the United States, the United Arab Emirates, or anywhere else in the world where you can get a good deal. Flexibility regarding departure and return dates is a prerequisite. We often travel with carry-on luggage only to further optimize costs and avoid paying extra for a plane ticket. It turns out, then, that in 2023, the world is our oyster, and we want to take advantage of it!

The most popular global travel destinations

The most popular travel destinations for Poles don't align with travel trends worldwide. The global survey found that Brazil, India, Montenegro, Mexico, Italy, Malaysia, Greece, the United States, and Australia are the most popular. Most of these are long-distance destinations, less popular in Poland. However, they are eagerly visited by travelers from around the world. The lower popularity of these destinations in Poland stems from the higher costs of long-distance travel. However, it's worth emphasizing that while these aren't the most popular destinations, many of them are certainly on the bucket lists of a significant number of travelers.

The most popular travel destinations for Poles in 2023

Poles have become fascinated by traveling abroad and, despite the challenges, refuse to give it up. The unstable economic situation, rising currencies, and rising living costs mean most of us are choosing destinations closer to home and at attractive prices. Where will Poles most often travel in 2023?

• Greece is an incredibly interesting country, both culturally and historically, and full of everything we love about holidays abroad: sea, mountains, and beautiful weather. Poles are eager to visit Greek islands like Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and Kos, as well as mainland Greece. We appreciate the delicious cuisine and pleasant climate, as well as the diversity of the individual islands.
• Turkey is a bit exotic, with a strong Asian influence. It's beloved for its delicious cuisine, abundance, and affordable prices. In Turkey, you can visit ancient monuments and marvel at what nature has created. Its people and culture are certainly also fascinating.
• Egypt – close and warm, even when winter is still raging in Poland. This African country is popular with Poles for its affordable prices and reliable weather. A short flight is certainly convenient, and many Poles value Egypt for its culture and extraordinary monuments. Here, you can also feel exceptionally luxurious, at an affordable price. Egyptian hotels offer high standards, attractions, swimming pools, and aqua parks, all at much lower prices than in Europe. The value for money is excellent.
• Croatia is on the list of top places to visit. Its proximity encourages many people to forgo flights in favor of traveling by car. It's an incredibly picturesque country, and until recently, it was very affordable. Currently, travel costs to Croatia are comparable to those in countries like Italy.
• Tunisia is another affordable African destination that's popular in 2023. Its fascinating culture and historical sites are just some of the country's alluring attractions. Of course, the consistently good weather, beautiful beaches, and exotic charm of this place are also a significant factor.
• Italy is one of the favorite countries to visit. Poles travel to Italy not only in the summer but year-round, eagerly exploring not only Rome but also Venice and Naples, or seeking relaxation on Lake Como, Lake Garda, or the Adriatic Sea.

Where is the cheapest place to travel abroad?

Price often has the greatest impact on travel decisions. Choosing the most popular destinations in 2023 clearly shows that even in a difficult economic climate, we still want to go on vacation. Where to go if price is a factor? Turkey, Egypt, and Greece, as well as Bulgaria, are affordable destinations. However, it's also worth considering the travel date. Prices are highest in the summer, but prices are significantly lower from the end of April, when temperatures in Turkey and Greece begin to warm up, though not yet scorching hot. This is a great time for sightseeing. However, if we want to travel somewhere warm and affordable during our winter, Egypt is an irreplaceable choice, and Poles are certainly taking advantage of this destination when planning their 2023 vacations.

Maybe it is worth staying in Poland?

The United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, the Canary Islands, or maybe just Poland? Foreign travelers are increasingly appreciating our country, but we, too, are recognizing its advantages. Poland certainly has no shortage of places to relax – Masuria, the Baltic Sea, the Tatra Mountains, and the Sudetes are just a few of the interesting spots. However, it's clear that the rising prices associated with traveling within Poland are encouraging us to travel abroad, which sometimes turn out to be even more affordable.

The tourism industry is slowly recovering after the difficult period of the pandemic. We're hungry to travel and eager to take advantage of the opportunities we have, optimizing costs and investing in travel. It seems this trend will continue next year; as long as the economic situation allows, we'll keep traveling!