What does 2012 hold for the travel industry and how people book travel? As one of the leading online travel agencies, Orbitz definitely knows a thing or two on what people want. Their in-house travel agents have identified three big travel booking trends for 2012. These three trends reflect the increased use of smartphones and the recession, which has made people realize the value of money and experiences more. According to Orbitz, the top three travel booking trends for 2012 are:
Booking with mobile apps: Travel companies are responding to people's increased use of smartphones and hectic lives by developing apps and sites that allow them to book on the go. While some people have the time to plan their trips months beforehand, many others do not or simply let procrastination get the better of them. “65% of hotel reservations made via our mobile channels are for same-day stays compared to 14% via traditional desktop browsers,” said Chris Brown, vice president of product development for Orbitz Worldwide. Orbitz's "Mobile Steals" lets users book on the road and take advantage of mobile-only hotel deals. Their free apps for iPhone, Android and iPad means instant access at your fingertips.
Another site that you need to know of if you're a frequent last-minute traveler or procrastinator is Hotel Tonight, which lets you book a hotel the day or night you arrive at a city for a steep discount. Once you've booked your travel, go on Gogobot to let fellow travelers direct you to the best restaurants, attractions and activities.
Taking advantage of discounts with flash sales: Is your e-mail inbox clogged with offers from flash sale sites yet? It should be. Flash sale sites, sites that offer big discounts on a select number of hotels for a limited time, are one of the best ways to indulge in a bit of luxury that you otherwise would not be able to afford. Orbitz launched their weekly, members-only "Insider Steals" this summer to provide you with discounts up to 50% for 72 hours. Other flash sale sites that I love are Jetsetter, LivingSocial Escapes, Bloomspot Travel Getaways, and Groupon Getaways.
Giving the gift of travel: Gone are boxes of crystal stemware and photo frames. The recession seems to have made people realize that experiences, and not things, are what truly matters. According to Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel editor for Orbitz, parents are "gifting travel for graduations and birthdays and more engaged couples are opting to register for activities for their honeymoons instead of a set of towels." Almost all of the major online travel agencies have the option to gift someone a gift card. myTab lets you gift a friend or family member travel cash and create a gift registry of your own.
With increased access and value, traveling is as easy as ever.
Want instant notification of travel deals and news? Subscribe to be alerted when there is a new article.
