2022 Travel Outlook

Ker & Downey President David Marek shares his 2022 travel outlook.

I come to you from sunny Bleiblerville, Texas looking over a sun-drenched lake. I am dreaming of looking over a sun-drenched lagoon in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. 2021 is behind us — good riddance! Now 2022 has arrived like a bride on her wedding day — full of promise and hope for a great future. If I had a crystal ball, I’d look ahead to see what travel has in store for us this year to know for certain. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I do have 37 years in the travel industry. I’ve seen the industry crash numerous times, only to rise stronger and better for trials we’ve endured. I feel fairly certain I can predict what 2022 might look like for international travelers.

Some really good news out of South Africa is that the Omicron variant (I’ll be very happy for the day I do not have to write that phrase again) appears to have peaked and died off in a matter of weeks. Is this the last throes of the Covid virus? We hope so. In any event people are booked to travel this year and it looks to be a heavy international travel period.

I am traveling in April 2022 with a group of friends to Botswana. Then in May I am traveling with another group of friends on a small cruise ship in Russia. While testing will likely still be a requirement for some time, it has never been easier to obtain tests and receive fast results all around the world.

Even through the difficulties of travel in 2021, we still had amazing support from travelers. Fortunately we had very few issues with Covid-related travel issues. I credit this to our great team who takes care of your needs and concerns and to the fact that we have great support on the ground ready to deal with any issue. Traveling with the best has never proved its worth more than traveling with us through this pandemic.

After the May trip to Russia I’m considering a September trip to East Africa. I would love to see the migration again, especially if I could take a few friends with me. One thing to consider for 2022 travel is this — many trips from 2020 and 2021 have been delayed into 2022 which will make space hard to find this year. That’s why if you’re thinking of traveling in 2022, jump on the phone and discuss your desires with one of our designers as soon as you can. There is nothing worse for travelers than having to sit at home when they could be enjoying the world.

So, where do you want to travel? We can make it happen. We are like the duck on the lake. From above the water we make it look like it’s smooth sailing, but behind the scenes we are working our tails off to make sure you have a seamless travel experience.

Wherever it is in the world that you’d like to travel in 2022, Ker & Downey can take you there. Our team of designers are at their best when crafting a journey unique to you. Contact us today to start planning your next getaway. And for daily travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.