Joy Of Missing Out: 'Digital Detoxes' take lead in travel, Black Tomato reveals
As we enter a new decade, Tom Marchant, co-founder of the bespoke luxury travel company, Black Tomato, shares his insight on the trends that will be shaping global travel experiences of tomorrow and partners with Euromonitor International research, who provide further research and insight into consumer's travel preferences in Black Tomato's Travel Report
The report recognizes that the definition of "luxury" is evolving, and the "experience" phenomenon is becoming ubiquitous, something consumers are becoming increasingly de-sensitised to. The report instead charters a deeper course, where experience is synonymous with "personal fulfillment" and creating lasting change is seen as the new currency for the luxury travel market.
Disconnection & Detoxing
Travellers are embracing JOMO (the joy of missing out) rather than falling victim to nomophobia (the irrational fear of being without your cell phone). They're letting curiosity guide the way and relishing each moment as it happens - even if that means going joyfully off-piste. You cannot stage-manage a moment of emergent beauty, but you can create the conditions for its ripening.
According to the report, travellers aren't looking for total disconnection, rather, windows of connectivity, especially when nearly 70% of consumers admit to staying connected to work on their holiday1.
Therefore we are talking about a realistic digital detox; people are hoping to find time for themselves allowing for more breathing and thinking space within their itineraries.
Tom says; "Part of travel should be about learning and engaging with a place you are inspired by. Whilst technology may help inform us, I don't believe it will be central in how, or where, we travel. We're likely to start seeing places and experiences encouraging people to put technology to one side. When you're there in the moment, you have room to properly think."
Ultimately, there is a growing appreciation for personal reflection and finding a breathing space in a world that is always on and never off. Opportunity to switch off and renew your mind can be rare and sporadic, trips such as 'Get Lost' help you to disconnect and engage in the moment.
Pursuit of Purity
When it comes to finding breathing space, travelers don't just mean metaphorically.
80% of the global population lives under light-polluted skies1. Taking time outside of densely populated areas to enjoy some breathing room is likely to be a growing movement, especially with research finding 34% of people want nature and outdoor activities on their holiday1.
Black Tomato have seen an appetite for experiences and destinations that help to achieve calmness, clean air and nature unbound, in which you can find out more about these idyllic places here.
Next year, some travellers will surround themselves in deep woodland (forest bathing), while others will turn their eyes to the sky at night (astrotourism). Tom Marchant explains; "Astrotourism, and the pursuit of natural silence, allows us to take a step back and find clarity in our thoughts, and is slowly becoming a huge world movement."
Detox Destinations
Padar Island, Indonesia
Black Tomato reveal that a digital detox destination with incredibly dramatic scenery, this small island in the jewel of Indonesia is a must-see in the Komodo National Park. A trek to the top of the hill will provide incredibly picturesque panoramas of the landscape between two bays of turquoise water.
Tien Shan Mountains, Kazakhstan
With impressive views from any height, this range of mountains provides a perfect destination for truly appreciating the magnitude of Earth's natural beauty. Sleeping in snow caves is just one way you can feel at one in this dramatic landscape, and feel far removed from the stresses of home.
Ibiza, Spain
Famed as a European party destination, there's a much quieter side to Ibiza that is growing in popularity. Luxury wellness retreats, yoga, fitness and body and soul cleansing are just some of the offerings this idyllic Mediterranean island have to offer. Perfect for dropping off the grid, clearing headspace and reconnecting with yourself.
To find out more on Black Tomato's trends and how the shape of travel is changing, you can to read the full report here: https://www.blacktomato.com/travel-trends/.
Referenced Source
- Euromonitor International Research provided to Black Tomato. You can find more information here: https://blog.euromonitor.com/category/travel-and-tourism/?utm_source=Black_Tomato&utm_medium=newsletter.
About Black Tomato
Black Tomato is the UK and US-based award-winning, bespoke luxury travel company that delivers imaginative and cutting-edge travel experiences around the world for a discerning and global clientele. They are well recognised for handcrafting inspiring, immersive, and deeply personal itineraries for clients.
Further information can be found here: www.blacktomato.com.
