Pay-cation Is One Of The New Travel Trends in 2023

Woman, travel solo.

Getty Images

Summer is the season for vacations for many of us and a new study reveals what the biggest travel trends of the year are so far. Travel insurance company Allianz Partners has just released their 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index, based on surveys of thousands of Americans.

This year’s research finds these are the top four trends that travelers are interested in for 2023:

Wellness and self-care travel - The biggest trend so far is wellness and self-care travel, with 54% of those in the 18 to 34 age group and 41% of those between 35 and 54 interested in this type of trip. Travelers looking to relax and unplug can find retreats focusing on wellness activities like yoga, healthy eating and of course, spa treatments.
Pay-cations - Thanks to those with flexible remote work policies, this new work-from-a-vacation-destination trend is becoming more popular. The survey finds that workers in the 18 to 34-year-old group are most likely to travel to a vacation destination to work remotely (42%), followed by those ages 35 to 54 (26%). Mexico is one of the most popular pay-cation destinations because it’s close to the U.S., in the same time zones, has fast Internet and beautiful beaches.
Solo travel - More travelers are putting themselves first and taking trips alone these days, with 41% of those ages 18 to 34 and 31% of those 35 to 54 planning a solo trip this year.
Traveling with pets - It’s becoming more popular to travel with your furry friends. Many hotels are pet-friendly and while traveling with pets does come with some limitations, 41% of travelers 18 to 34 and 36% of 35 to 54-year-olds plan to take a trip with their pet this year.

These North Carolina cities are some of America’s ‘Best Cheap Travel Destinations’

It seems like all of our Google searches are "best cheap travel destinations" and if you're in North Carolina then you don't have to travel too far from home to find it!

U.S. News & World Report ranked the best cheap vacations around the country. According to the website, "Whether you're seeking a fun national park adventure, a beach escape or a small-town getaway, you'll discover plenty of budget-friendly vacation options on this list."

Two North Carolina cities made the list.

Asheville came in at #7 on the list.

"Located in western North Carolina, Asheville appeals to nature lovers and adventure travelers. Take a drive along scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, hike to breathtaking waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest or learn about Southern Appalachian plant species at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Save money on lodging by opting for a hostel or vacation rental downtown or test your wilderness skills on a camping trip. You'll also want to time your visit for summer when the town holds several free music festivals."

Nags Head came in at #15 on the list.

"Spending time in the sun is the main reason to make the trip to Nags Head, part of the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. The beach town's sky-high sand dunes in Jockey's Ridge State Park and great fishing spots in the surrounding Gulf Stream waters attract travelers with varying interests. When visitors are not lounging on the sand, they can explore Nags Head lighthouses or look for birds, sea turtles and more at nearby Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit thanks to fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations."