Every year, thanks to numerous studies of people’s preferences, choices and current changes in people’s lifestyles, we can learn about the hottest trends in different industries.

Want to learn how we’re going to travel in 2019? Here you are!

We’ve done some research and here are the conclusions that we came to.

Hope it will give you some travel ideas and inspiration.

1. “B-leisure” trips

Seems like classic business trips as we know them are history. No wonder: now, in the era of freelancers, influencers and growing entrepreneurship movement, the line between “personal” and “business” got blurred. And statistics confirm that: according to a recent survey by Avis, 87% of business travelers say that they are likely to mix business and leisure on the same trip. Moreover, more than half of them would like to include the family on business trips.

What it means is that you can combine your next business trip with some leisure activities: explore the city, learn something about the local culture, try authentic food. In case your next business trip destination is one of these 544 cities, you can easily request personal assistance services from our MeetnGreeters: no matter if you need help with business or leisure.

2. Micro trips

Today’s pace of life makes burnouts and stress pretty common elements of our daily routine. No wonder that we need to take a break more often! According to the Booking.com travel report, 53% of global travelers plan to take more weekends in 2019. This year is predicted to be all about shorter but more frequent vacations.

From my own experience, I can say that, for sure, taking a couple of days every now and then and change the city makes you more productive and happy. New experiences and change of scenery are now more accessible than ever: with technological advancements, an even more connected world, and available services that can take care of all of your travel needs and take over all the planning having a spontaneous vacation for a couple of days is not a big deal anymore.

3. Curated experiences

Highly personalized and curated experiences have been the world travelers’ priority since 2018 and, as the Booking.com study says, 2019 will take it even further. Almost 60 % of travelers value experiences higher than material possessions, and it means that this year travelers will be searching for authentic experiences more actively. Surprisingly, it’s not only about adventures: today’s travelers are interested in authentic everyday life – where to live, what to eat, who to spend time with.

That’s where the MeetnGreetMe service can be helpful. Verified local people around the world are ready to not only with travel planning, preparations, and arranging, but also tailor a personalized and authentic trip according to your needs and interests. Don’t waste such a chance!

4. Conscious travel

Human rights, equality, and zero discrimination are not empty words in 2019. Reflecting increased global interest in social issues, more and more travelers are making decisions about their potential trips based on the life and working conditions in the area – almost half of the travelers told Booking.com that they feel social issues in possible travel destinations are of real importance when choosing where to go. As well as safety, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation is also very important.

Environmental issues remain a priority, too: a staggering 86 % of world travelers reportedly told they would be willing to spend some time on activities that offset the environmental impact of their stay.

5. Lesser known Europe

Getting off the beaten track was the hugest trend of 2018, and this year it’s been transformed: in 2019 lesser known European cities will be on top. Eastern European and Scandinavian countries like Estonia, Finland, Ukraine, and Belarus are growing more and more popular and gaining more and more visitors than ever before.

Don’t know where to start? Try Minsk, Belarus! This is a perfect blend of post-soviet and European, with a bit of local charm, amazing cuisine, and colorful nightlife.

Moreover, Minsk has been named one of the Top 10 Destinations to visit in 2019 by The Independent. And in case you need any kind of assistance during your trip – you know what to do! ;)