Words by Bronwen Batey

At the start of the year, our screens and inboxes bubble over with travel trends and forecasts of what to focus on. Stories on ‘bleisure’, multi-generational family holidays, sleep tourism, digital detoxing, and nostalgic vacationing come around on a regular flight pattern.

As content curators, we know travel is a sensory experience; it’s how it makes you feel. The anticipation of a holiday, the culture shock of being somewhere new; that tingling frisson where your senses come alive as you dig your toes into warm powder sand, your screen a multi-coloured blue sea.

Let’s allow our emotions to set this year’s travel trends.

JOY – whether it’s the excitement of seeing family again on a multi-generational holiday, slowing down, finishing a book, dancing to the beat of the waves, meeting people, it’s the pure, unconditional joy of travel we yearn for now.

PURPOSE – celebrating nature, nurturing the planet, being more mindful of our travel impact, taking a slower, greener approach to getting there. We crave real stories by real people, written with empathy.

BALANCE – the see-saw of work and play is now a blend of both; we are digital but need escape, it’s about finding the time to stop and stay in one place for just a little longer, moderation and indulgence. It’s all about balance.

CURIOSITY – travel is playful, inquisitive. It’s about trying new things, expanding our minds. Opt for the lesser known, not the bright lights. Go solo and find yourself.

MODERATION – holidays can be light and shade; a luxury hotel followed by a homestay. Michelin for lunch, street food for dinner. Going behind the scenes of your favourite art museum, and losing time at a local flea market. The little things are just as exciting as a milestone tick box.

At Hg2,we believe in original content where storytelling paints an image, unfurls a scent and reverberates with a sound. Where the sensory power of words takes you on your own personal journey of discovery without a travel trend in sight.