Ten travel trends for 2022, including influencer getaways and 'splurgecations'

From TV-inspired trips to ‘splurgecations’, Tom Breathnach reveals our holiday wishlists for the year ahead

Northern Ireland is likely for a boom among Irish staycationers, particularly fans of ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Derry Girls’

Staycations…to stay!

Irish holiday makers may be getting a little itchy feet, given that we’re two years into the pandemic, but make no mistake: in 2022 staycations are here to stay. It seemed like an saol is a mháthair were holidaying at home last year, with strong campaigns by both Discover Ireland and Discover Northern Ireland resulting in a swell of home holidays in 2021. And you can expect that to continue in 2022. An overseas travel market which remains jittery this month due to the pandemic is likely to see some holiday-makers reconsider their travel plans, in the short term, at least. Last year’s summer swelter which sun-burst our coastlines into scenes from Mamma Mia! will give Irish consumers added confidence to take a punt on a domestic getaway this year, while new hotel openings and refurbs, as well as an ever-adapting outdoor leisure market and food scene will see renewed interest to keep discovering the island.