February travel patterns are revealing an intriguing picture of the changing tastes of contemporary adventurers as the year approaches a new chapter. Travellers are adopting a more thoughtful approach to wanderlust, putting meaningful experiences and sustainable habits ahead of the excitement of the next short journey. The days of frantic, frequent short getaways are over. This trend is being driven by rising expenses and environmental concerns, as eco-aware travellers look for longer, more immersive journeys that not only feed their souls but also treat the environment with care. As remote workers take advantage of off-season travel to find hidden gems in less crowded locales, all at a lower price point, flexible work arrangements are further driving this trend.
Furthermore, “destination dupes”—affordable substitutes for well-known locations that have a comparable appeal without the crowds—are growing in popularity among individuals who yearn for the charm of famous locations without the high cost. Pop culture-inspired travel is also flourishing, as fans travel to the actual locations of their favourite TV series and movies. The popularity of wellness-focused travel is still growing, with detox excursions, alcohol-free vacations and holistic retreats providing a break from the stresses of contemporary life. Platforms like Viacation are well-positioned to meet the changing tastes of tourists as these trends develop by highlighting eco-friendly getaways, highlighting lesser-known locations and matching their products with the ideals of today’s conscientious, inquisitive and tech-savvy traveller. And it is exactly in line with the intelligent ideas of our interviewee, Viacation’s co-founder and CEO, Jatinder Paul Singh.
“We arrange vacations with the ideal ratio of flexibility to structure. While leaving space for unforeseen, memorable moments, we handle the essentials, such as lodging, major attractions and easy transportation. Our tours let passengers enjoy the route without feeling constrained by a rigid timetable, whether it’s a local’s recommendation for a hidden gem, a picturesque stop along the way, or an unexpected cultural encounter,” shares the joint founder. He continues, “At the heart of my travel experiences is sustainability. The three main priorities are cultural preservation, community support and environmental protection! By collaborating with neighbourhood companies, we make sure that tourism boosts the local economy while highlighting lesser-known locations to avoid overtourism. The low-impact activities and eco-friendly lodgings enable visitors to make a positive rather than a negative impression.” Excessive tourism can degrade natural landscapes, increase pollution and threaten delicate ecosystems. However, community-based tourism enhances livelihoods and local economies. To make sure that travel continues to have meaning for both tourists and the places they visit, they incorporate these ethical standards.
“After the pandemic, people want more meaningful travel experiences instead of just sightseeing,” he continues. “According to studies, domestic travel currently accounts for 75% of all travel expenditures worldwide, indicating that tourists want more intimate and genuine experiences. By designing vacation experiences with an emphasis on culture, mindfulness and personal development, we continue this trend. We make sure that every trip is purposeful and enriching, whether it is by selecting wellness retreats, assisting with conservation projects, or visiting local craftsmen.”
Exploration has become much simpler and more responsible. The options are infinite, with an astounding 50,000+ multi-day activities spread across 160+ countries. A worry-free journey is guaranteed with a flawless booking process, knowledgeable advice from travel experts and round-the-clock assistance. Making a difference is more important than merely traveling.” More individuals are travelling to locations from their favourite shows and films, a trend known as pop culture tourism. For instance, Formula 1 locations have become more well-known thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive. We ensure that visitors respect local culture when visiting these well-known locations. In addition to leading tours of popular destinations, we also show visitors undiscovered treasures so they can experience the place in a way that goes beyond what is shown on screen.”
By promoting environmentally responsible tourism, collaborating with local operators and empowering travellers to offset their carbon footprint, a new standard for sustainable adventure travel is being set! With customisable options tailored to diverse interests, solo travelers, couples, families and groups can effortlessly discover their ideal adventure. As the travel landscape evolves, the vision remains clear: to expand sustainable offerings, amplify customer satisfaction and redefine the boundaries of organised adventure travel, guided by decades of industry expertise and a passion for innovation. He continues with more of his unique observations, saying, “Technology is making travel more convenient and intimate. AI tools are currently used by 22% of travellers to plan their journeys, a 40% increase since last September. People can save time, discover new destinations and consider additional possibilities with the use of these tools. However, if technology is used excessively, travel may become less intimate.”
This innovative travel start-up is reinventing the art of journey-making, driven by industry experts and born out of a passion for discovery. This forward-thinking company, which was founded in 2023 by this visionary leader, creates remarkable experiences by incorporating excellence into each journey. “Connecting with new people, learning about their viewpoints and uncovering aspects of ourselves while travelling is what travel is all about. I had a life-changing experience when I went to a tiny village and ate and chatted with the residents. It served as a reminder that the most memorable travel experiences involve more than just seeing a place; they involve actually experiencing it. Every journey ought to feel like a unique journey. These days, luxury travel is also about unique experiences rather than just upscale lodging. Nowadays, more individuals prefer unusual activities to pricey ones. For instance, 22% of tourists in the United States are wealthy, yet they spend 46% of their money on experiences. Travellers can do more than just stay at a good hotel; they can study a local trade, have a special meal prepared by a renowned chef, or have a private tour of a historic palace. A journey is genuinely unforgettable because of these moments!”
Jatinder concludes the interview by emphatically saying, “Leave space for the unexpected. While preparation is important, true adventure occurs when you embrace the unplanned. Some of the best travel experiences come from impromptu detours—a conversation with a local, an unplanned sunset stop, or a hidden gem found by chance.”
