by Jim Byers
Last updated: 5:59 PM ET, Mon August 9, 2021
Although the term 'revenge travel' - the urge to travel to make up for lost time in lockdown - gained popularity over the course of the pandemic, a recent G Adventures survey suggests Canadian travellers are now prioritizing 'reconnection travel' - reconnecting with the planet and its people - when they take their next adventure travel tour.
And with an overwhelming 94 per cent of travellers saying travel is important to their wellbeing and mental health, Canadians are also looking to take their next holiday in a way that not only helps them reconnect, but optimizes travel as a means of revitalization, too.
When it comes to reconnecting with people, 55 per cent of respondents want to take time out from their devices and social media, and a further 23 per cent say socializing and meeting new people is their top wellbeing priority when booking their next holiday.
In the most recent G Adventures' survey* of more than 1,500 Canadian travellers, reconnection travel was the top reason for travelling at 41 per cent, with revitalization travel - a desire for their next holiday to be about personal wellbeing - next at 18 per cent, and revenge travel - booking a trip to make up for lost time in lockdown - coming in third at just nine per cent.
Additionally, 66 per cent of travellers polled said their physical and mental wellbeing is a top consideration when booking a holiday, with 50 per cent citing that they need a holiday to help alleviate pandemic-related stress or burnout from work.
Apparently, balance is essential, with 71 per cent of Canadians wanting to be physically active on their next holiday, and 40 per cent also prioritizing rest and relaxation.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures, says the company's most recent research proves travellers are being more purposeful than ever when making their holiday decisions.
"What this new survey demonstrates is that travellers are being much more intentional with how they select their holidays - it's clear people want to reconnect with each other, and with the planet, when they travel again, and to ensure personal wellness is a focus as they do so.
"The term 'revenge travel' conjures up a negative sentiment which is maybe why it didn't land as it was intended to. I don't disagree with the concept of people fighting to reclaim something they have lost, I just think there is so much opportunity for tourism to be a positive force for change in the world, and it seems travellers agree," says Poon Tip.
Trips available for travellers to reconnect and revitalize this coming winter, with 10 per cent off when booked before August 31, 2021 (for travel between November 01, 2021 and 31 March, 2022) include:
Costa Rica Quest - This action-packed tour of Costa Rica's highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region's diversity. Get adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs, or relax on a beach. Was priced from $1,399pp**, now priced from $1,259pp for a nine-day trip from San José return.
Best of Southern Spain - This tour covers the major highlights of Andalucia (southern Spain): the ornate palace of Alhambra in Granada, Córdoba (an architectural mainstay of Islamic culture), and the Andalucian capital of Seville, home of flamenco dancing. Was priced from $1,999pp, now priced from $1,799pp for an eight-day trip from Madrid to Barcelona.
Classic Peru - This compact tour of the archaeological highlights and cultural treasures of the Andean highlands has it all. Cruise Lake Titicaca and immerse in rural life with a homestay in a small village. Wander the cobblestoned streets of Cusco before breaking a sweat hiking mountain passes along the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu. Was priced from $2,699pp, now priced from $2,429pp for a 12-day trip from Lima to Cusco.
For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com.
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