If travel in 2023 was driven by a need to check off dream items and do it all, 2024 is going to be all about slowing down and spending time in nature, according to a survey conducted by Campspot, an online marketplace for family campgrounds, cabins, glamping, and RV spots.
The survey, which polled almost 3,000 Campspot customers across North America between June 27 to July 5, 2023, found that after a year of fast-paced, bucket-list-focused travel, travelers are “feeling drained and disconnected from the essence of the destinations they visit,” according to a Campspot press release shared with Travel + Leisure.
In addition, the survey found that one in three respondents are feeling stressed about the economic uncertainty in the year ahead, with nearly 70 percent of travelers craving “a sense of calm and relaxation on their trips in 2024.”
Enter, the “calm-cation,” a term coined by Campspot to describe a vacation that provides travelers with a refuge from the complexities and uncertainties of daily life. These camping-focused “calm-cations” are often closer to home, more affordable, and immersed in nature — three things Campspot customers are craving. In fact, the survey found that 93 percent of campers feel more relaxed or mentally refreshed after time spent camping versus other kinds of trips.
But we’re not talking about pitching your tent on a patch of dirt and sleeping on a camping mattress. Campspot found that their customers are sick of roughing it and want “waterfront locations, crystalline skies with views, and even high-speed connectivity to bolster their camping experience.” As a result, Campspot is expecting to see an increase in demand for glampsites, cabins, and amenity-rich campgrounds with a beachfront, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding, as well as destinations known for their fresh air and clear, starry skies.
“Fresh air was the number one element that travelers felt contributed to their feelings of relaxation while spending time outdoors, while more than half (63 percent) of campers are looking for amazing views as part of their 2024 camping trips,” reported Campspot in the press release.
And finally, 91 percent of campers report feeling more relaxed when they have internet access of some kind — even if they plan to “disconnect” on the trip.
Camping and glamping — even the Wi-Fi-boosted variety — seems to be the natural solution to what travelers are looking for. It is significantly cheaper than a European holiday, provides access to nature — including the water and fresh air — and naturally exudes a sense of calm and relaxation.
“Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the world of outdoor adventures, these experiences promise to rejuvenate the spirit and create incredible experiences without breaking the bank,” said Campspot in the press release.