Four friends on holiday together. They're enjoying a drink in an outdoor bar

In 2022, our social lives and our celebrations are bigger and better than ever. We can go pretty much anywhere we like and we’re definitely making the most of it.

According to an ABTA survey, 49% of us say holidays are more important to us than ever, and a similar percentage (46%) expect to spend more on holidays than usual this year.

Travel company The Thinking Traveller has predicted once-in-a-lifetime trips to dominate this summer’s holiday season. As we missed out on celebrating key milestones in our lives, we’re looking to rectify that with blowout celebrations.

Here, we’ll cover why taking your celebrations on holiday is the thing to do in 2022 and beyond.

 

The family celebration holiday makes a return

Family holidays were probably a mainstay of your childhood. As you grew into a teenager and young adult, chances are you started to drift towards holidays with your friends. If you have your own family now, you might be doing a mix of both. And if you’re considering a celebration holiday with your family, you’re not alone – this was a leading holiday trend in 2021 and it has continued into this year.

Destinations near a body of water are proving to be the most popular for family celebration holidays, as well as places with outdoor locations to explore. Family holidays are a great way to explore new places – young, energetic children will love the mentally stimulating new environments. What’s more, outdoor holidays can strengthen our bonds with our families and even boost our physical health. Just don’t forget to pack energy-boosting drinks and snacks into your crossbody bag.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other event that’s special to your family, taking a holiday is the best way to do it. The memories we make on family holidays are some of our happiest, and they can even make us more mentally resilient during challenging times.

 

A big birthday blowout

So many of us have reached milestone birthdays in the past two years without being able to celebrate them properly. As a result, we’re looking at celebrations that are bigger and bolder than we’d have originally dreamed to make up for it – whether that’s a destination even further afield or a luxury hotel experience.

According to the founders of The Thinking Traveller, “people will want to put in the miles to reconnect and we’ll see big reunion trips with loved ones as people reevaluate what’s important”. So what better way to spend some quality time with the people you’ve missed the most than with a belated birthday holiday?

Choose a destination based on what you want out of the holiday. Looking for a party vacation to blow off some steam? Consider classic holiday destinations like Ibiza and Ayia Napa or look to some hidden gems like Varna or Gili Trawangan. For the adventurers, consider trekking across New Zealand or visiting Nepal’s holy mountains. Culture vultures will love exploring Greece’s ancient monuments. Want a bit of everything? Destinations like Italy, Germany, and Cyprus can satisfy all of your holiday wishes. It’s your (belated) milestone birthday celebration – do what you love with the people you love.

 

Getting married on holiday

We’re certain that celebration holidays will last far beyond 2022, so you might want to consider next year’s holiday too – especially if you’ve recently gotten engaged. Marriages abroad have always been a bit like Marmite. Some people love the opportunity to go abroad to watch their loved ones get married in an unforgettable setting. Others think it’s a lot to ask of guests.

Depending on your location, getting married abroad could surprisingly be a lot more affordable than weddings in the UK. Marriages in breathtaking locations including Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka are almost half the price of the average UK wedding, so that’s definitely an added bonus if you’ve been considering a destination wedding.

However, it’s also important to consider your guests. A destination wedding with your nearest and dearest could be an amazing option because it allows them to share in your special day and also take an intimate and relaxing break away with you. Get ahead of the game and plan your 2023 destination wedding now so that you’ve got something to look forward to beyond this year’s summer holiday.

 

2022 is the year of the celebration holiday – and it’s a trend we expect to see continue into next year too. We’re more determined than ever to make the most of our life milestones, from birthdays to weddings and everything in-between. Getting away with your loved ones is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond. Combine this with glorious weather, new experiences, and a chance to relax, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable trip.