10 travel trends for 2014

If you’re looking to travel in the new year, here are 10 trends to watch out for, from social media playing even more of a presence to, yes, space travel.

1. Mobile will continue to matter

Have mobile, will travel. That is the motto of travelers today, and more travel companies – from airlines and hotels to travel agencies and cruise lines —are focusing on mobile as a mainstream way to book travel. eMarketer reports that mobile search advertising will grow 52 percent in 2014, so you can expect more out of your mobile travel apps as hotels, airlines, agencies and others up their mobile efforts.

2. Outbound and around the world

Since the recession started to ease up, travel has been more prevalent, but mostly within the United States. Seems 2014 will change that. Next year will be a bigger year for international travel, the United Nations predicts. China, India and South America are the top travel markets for 2014. Get your passports ready!

3. Pinterest planning

Pinterest is fast becoming one of the most popular travel planning tools, and 2014 will see a huge boost in travel inspiration, thanks to these boards. Earlier this year, Four Seasons Hotels launched Pin.Pack.Go, using Pinterest as a tool for helping guests organize itineraries at their destinations — and this is just the beginning. Expect to see more Pinterest promotions from hotels and airlines, and customers using the Pinterest boards to help plan vacations and promote travel destinations.

4. Social media bookings

No question Twitter and Facebook offer huge travel advantages to customers and companies alike. We’ve seen everything from social media-specific promotions and discounts to hotels and airlines creating specific “social media hotlines” to address customer questions via these channels. But the one that has been noticeably absent on social media channels: booking. That’s all about to change in 2014. Loews Hotels was the first to launch a Twitter booking process, but 2014 will see more social media bookings. Get your hashtags ready!

5. TSA innovate

Yes, it is possible you’ll have an easier time getting through security in 2014. US Customs and Border Protection and the TSA continue to innovate new ways to make travel easier, and safer. TSA Precheck is just the beginning. Look for passport kiosks, more advanced online pre-check initiatives, and shorter security lines thanks to advanced screenings in 2014.

6. Space travel

We’ve been talking about it for a while, but this is the year: Virgin Galactic is primed to launch into space in 2014. If you have $250,000, you can secure yourself a seat on one of these soon-to-be industry-altering flights. So far, the consumer space flight program has more than 600 guests ready for training at Spaceport America in New Mexico (you can’t expect to hit zero gravity without a little bit of training).

7. More spacious travel

If grabbing a seat on board a space flight isn’t in your budget, you can experience more spacious travel in 2014. Airlines are looking at ways to upgrade their in-flight experience, starting with the seats. JetBlue is launching a new premium cabin with lie-flat seats, American Airlines is reconfiguring some of its business and first-class cabins, and more airlines are welcoming in-flight Wi-Fi and personal entertainment systems. That’s the good news. The bad news is that all this added “luxury” will come at a cost, so don’t be surprised to see some higher airfares in 2014 as these new amenities roll out.

8. Hotels up their high-tech

Don’t worry about losing the magnetic touch of your hotel room keycard because you put it next to your credit cards. The hotel room key of the future can be found on your phone. Aloft, Starwood’s trendy hotel chain, was the first hotel brand to let guests check-in to their rooms via text message and will soon allow those same mobile phones to act as a key to hotel rooms. Marriott International later rolled out mobile check-ins across their suite of hotels for Marriott Rewards customers. Expect to see more hotels follow suit in 2014.

9. In-room dining, at your discretion

2013 was a big year for hotel dining options. We saw everything from Hilton’s do-it-yourself room service to Kimpton’s grocery delivery service, all in an effort to make dining “easier” on hotel guests. The jury is still out on whether these initiatives are well-received by hotel guests, but you can expect more hotels to change up their room service and in-room dining options in 2014. Among other things, look for more organic grocery options, build-your-own mini bars and heart-healthy menus, as well as 24-hour on-site cafes to replace the all-night room service delivery options.

10. The Great Travel App

Above everything else, travel will be made easier thanks to more improved travel apps in 2014. Whether you use your mobile phone to find hotel rooms at the last minute or recommended restaurants, or you prefer your tablet to book the best flights, travel apps will get savvier this year. Expect the mobile concierge to also be available to you, as well as travel planning apps that help build itineraries and offer geo-targeted maps to help you get around your destination.