The May 2016 travel trends reveal that companies are not only interested in changing the way consumers travel, but also where they are traveling to. Indeed, companies are increasingly working to make travel more comfortable, more accessible and more affordable for the average person.
While companies have been trying to make long-distance travel more comfortable for many years, the wellbeing of travelers remains a top priority. In terms of air travel this includes everything from more ergonomic headrests to jets that can travel faster than the speed of sound without suffering from dangerous sonic booms. In terms of more conventional forms of travel, such upgrades include train rides that now incorporate elements of VR technology.
Beyond the comfort of travelers, the May 2016 travel trends also reveal an emphasis on the overall travel experience. For instance, there is now a female-only capsule hotel in Japan that caters to women traveling alone. On the other end of the spectrum, the Generator Hostel Amsterdam is designed to promote social interaction between travelers. These examples demonstrate the growing demand for companies catering to different traveler needs and experiences.
Top 40 Travel Ideas in May
From Supportive Airplane Head Rests to Female-Only Capsule Hotels:
Katherine Pendrill — May 14, 2016 — World
40
Supportive Airplane Head Rests
The HeadRest is a Device That Could Make Flying More Comfortable
39
Tech-Centric Travel Packs
'Lifepack' Travel Backpacks Feature Anti-Theft and Solar Technology
38
Luxury Travel Pop-Ups
'The Carry-On' is Pop-Up Series from High-End Retailer Kit and Ace
37
Shared Home Designs
Airbnb-Styled Homes Shows How the Company is Shaping the Future of Housing
36
Space-Saving Baggage Compressors
The 'VAGO' Clothing Compression Device Saves Up to 50% of Space
35
Communicative Symbol Shirts
The IconSpeak T-Shirt Uses Symbols to Universally Exchange Information
34
Sporty Stadium Bedrooms
This Airbnb Rio De Janeiro Accommodation is Inside the Rio Olympic Arena
33
Shark-Infested Underwater Bedrooms
This Airbnb Aquarium Suite is the Brand's Latest Contest
32
Stylish Smart Luggage
RADEN Combines Suitcases with an App for Convenient Features
31
Educational Travel Websites
Icelandair Lets People Create Their Own Aurora Borealis
30
Economy Airline Beds
Geven Has Designed Lie-Flat Seats Geared to Economy Airplane Passengers
29
Interest-Based Navigation Apps
Walking App Sidekix Helps You Discover New Places En Route
28
Art Gallery Hotel Suites
The BnA Hotel Tokyo Immerses Travelers in Work by Local Artists
27
Eclectic Hostel Experiences
The Generator Hostel Amsterdam Exudes an Ultramodern Aesthetic
26
Marathon-Centric Hotel Packages
The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Offers a Package for Runners
25
Sonic Boom-Preventing Jets
The Quiet Supersonic Flight Could Help Reduce Noise Pollution
24
Simulated Aircraft Safety Apps
Prepare for Impact Readies Passengers for Potential Accidents
23
Salt-Based Posters
This Inventive Travel Poster Gives a Taste of the Region in Sea Salt
22
Conceptual Stingray Spacecrafts
This Disney's Tomorrowland Spaceship is Modelled After Sea Life
21
Shareable Travel Experience Platforms
Tripstir Allows Millenials to Exchange Tips and Travel Plans
20
Authentic Locale Travel Apps
Airbnb's Mobile Platform Provides Dining and Attraction Suggestions
19
Female-Only Capsule Hotels
Japan's Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya is a Hotel for Women
18
Home Rental Matchmaking Applications
Airbnb's New Matching Feature Helps Pair Travelers with Hosts
17
Paperless Passport Apps
De La Rue Let Consumers Keep Their Travel Documents on Their Smartphone
16
Interactive Map Videos
Online Platform TripGlimpse Helps Travellers Plan Their Next Vacation
15
Safe Navigation Apps
The RedZone App Safely Navigates Users Away From High Crime Locations
14
360-Degree Train Tours
Rocky Mountaineer's Virtual Reality Train Tour Showcases the Rockies
13
Scandinavian Tourism Hotlines
The Swedish Number Connects Callers to Swedes for Open Conversation
12
Social Media Boarding Passes
This Airline Now Uses Facebook Messenger to Send Flight Updates
11
Animated Travel Campaigns
Eurostar is Using Creative Instagram Posts to Drive Engagement
10
Offline Navigation Maps
The Citymaps App Now Includes Offline Navigation and Integrated Routing
9
Family-Friendly Resort Passes
This Theme Park Offers Discounts for Parents and Toddlers
8
Immediate Trip Planning Features
The Hostelworld App My Trips Section Helps Users Explore Cities
7
Digital Concierge Services
The Aces Concierge Service is Now Available Via the HotelTonight App
6
Chat-Based Travel Assistants
'Go Hero' Helps Travelers Outsource Hotel and Activity Bookings
5
On-Demand Couchsurfing Apps
The 'Overnight' App Lets Users Book Last-Minute Stays with Local Hosts
4
Rapid Flight WiFi Services
Gogo 2Ku Offers Super Speedy Internet Connection While in the Air
3
Melting Neon Billboards
This Neon Billboard Made from Ice Encourages People to Thaw Out in Mexico
2
Comparative Urban Travel Apps
The 'Where Is Williamsburg' App is Designed For New Yorkers
1
Mobile Passport Apps
This App Makes It Easier For International Travelers to Skip Passport Control
Related Ideas
Supportive Airplane Head Rests
The HeadRest is a Device That Could Make Flying More Comfortable
Dual Transportation Auto Concepts
The Audi Connected Mobility Comes with an Electric Longboard
Modular Travel Luggage
This Eagle Creek Luggage Blends Lightweight Functioning and Versatility
Ergonomic Travel Beds
The YOLER Folding Bed Provides a Space to Rest for Guests and More
Nomadic Lifestyle Tents
The 'Melina' Backpack Tent Makes Anywhere a Place to Rest
Tour-Oriented Bicycles
The Chacha Customizable Bike Features Accessories Geared to Exploration
Versatile Messenger Backpacks
The Heimplanet Monolith Weekender Offers Two Bag Styles in One
Millennial-Minded Restaurant Concepts
This Chain is Getting a Millennial-Inspired Makeover
Chicly Strong Backpacks
The Herschel Supply Co. Apex Dayton Backpack is Ergonomically Designed
Modernized Airplane Cabins
The 'Airspace by Airbus' Cabin is Designed Around Comfort and Ambiance
Breathtaking Landscape Photography
Alexandre Felix Captures Epic Images of the Great Outdoors
Ultra-Luxurious Limousines
The New BMW 7 Series Cars Feature Truly Opulent Interiors
Ergonomic Travel Pillows
The 'BullRest' is a Travel Pillow Designed for More Comfortable Napping
Retro Vegas Weddings
This Pin-Up Wedding is Captured at Sin City's Neon Light Museum
Adaptable Canvas Knapsacks
The Original Backpack Can be Converted into Three Different Bag Styles
Portable Backpack Kegs
The Mancan 128 Machismo Kit Is a Miniature Keg that can Be Taken Anywhere
Shared Home Designs
Airbnb-Styled Homes Shows How the Company is Shaping the Future of Housing
Space-Saving Baggage Compressors
The 'VAGO' Clothing Compression Device Saves Up to 50% of Space
Natural Plant Air Purifiers
The 'Clairy' Natural Air Purifier Merges Technology and Nature
All-Inclusive Kids Class Passes
The Kids Passport Gives Parents Access to NYC's Best Kids Classes
Travel-Focused Jeans
The Aviator Travel Jeans Combine Comfort and Style with Security
Movie-Inspired Notepads
These Wes Anderson Notebooks are Made for Fans and Quirky Design Lovers
Retro Travel Technology Bags
The MacCase Flight Case Briefcase is Slim Yet Offers Enhanced Storage
Fictional Hipster Airlines
This Website Celebrated April Fool's 2016 with a Hipster-Themed Prank
Double Decker Cafes
Junction Coffee is a Mobile Coffee Shop Set on a Two-Storey Bus
Personal Plane Foot Rests
The Portable Foot Rest is a Travel Product to Alleviate Leg Pressure
VR Movie Theaters
The Virtual Reality Cinema Provides Movie Lovers with an Immersive Experience
Sporty Stadium Bedrooms
This Airbnb Rio De Janeiro Accommodation is Inside the Rio Olympic Arena
Palatial Parisian Lodgings
Hotel Providence in Paris is a Stunning, Velvet-Adorned Palace
Sterile Sunglasses Displays
This Joe Fresh Store Display Promotes the Company's Clean Branding
Panic Button Activewear
Yogasmoga x Wearsafe Labs Creates Alerts User's Contacts When in Distress
Shark-Infested Underwater Bedrooms
This Airbnb Aquarium Suite is the Brand's Latest Contest
Stylish Smart Luggage
RADEN Combines Suitcases with an App for Convenient Features
Snapchat-Only Ad Agencies
Naritiv is the World's First Snapchat-Specific Advertising Agency
Confidence-Boosting Cameras
Soo Mok's Children's Cameras Give a Friendly Way to Form Interactions
Stool Chair Backpacks
The 'BagoBago' Backpack Chair Offers Space for Storage and Sitting
Toddler Art Camps
My Artlab Hosts Kid-Friendly Art Classes and Camp Programs
Social Media Travel Guides
The Sherpa App Converts Instagram Accounts into Visual Travel Platforms
Supersonic Airliner Startups
Boom Technology's Airliner Will Be Faster Than the Concorde
Open-Source Microcomputers
This New Linux Machine Offers Boosted WiFi Connectivity
Art Gallery Hotel Suites
The BnA Hotel Tokyo Immerses Travelers in Work by Local Artists
Vehicle Seat Luggage
The Roadster Seatback Car Luggage Slips onto the Rear of Bucket Seats
App-Based Presentation Solutions
The 'WeKast' Presentation System Makes Meetings Easier
Numberless Lingerie Sizing Systems
This Lingerie Brand Boasts a Body Positive Sizing System
Travelling Pop-Up Diners
The One Star House Party Dinners Take Place in Airbnbs Around the World
Cherry Blossom Bars
Suntory's London Whiskey Bar Celebrates Japan's Sakura Season
Smart Bicycle Computers
The Wahoo Elemnt GPS Bicycle Computer Makes Your Bike Smarter
Nurturing Entrepreneurial Minds
Shoel Perelman's Talk About Startup Mentality is on Individuals
Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes
Sonic Will Serve Square Shakes Sold Through IG at Coachella
Visibility-Enhancing Knapsacks
The 'Aster' Bicycle Backpack Ensures Total Safety While Riding
Four-in-One Baby Beds
The Lulyboo Baby Lounge Travel Bed is a Multi-Use Product for New Babies
Luxury Hotel Farmers Markets
The Rosewood London Has Launched a Weekly Farmers Market
Cartoon Face Masks
The Winnie the Pooh Skincare Sheet Masks Transform the Wearer into a Bear
Topographical Exploration Notebooks
The Word. Terrain Series Notebooks Balance Function and Design
Film Director-Themed Exhibits
'A Tribute to Tim Burton' Honors the Legendary Film Director
Honesty-Focused Dating Apps
The GUYZ Platform Focuses on Facilitating Longterm Relationships
Infidelity-Detecting Plarforms
The Swipe Buster Website Can Find Out If Someone is Cheating
Virtual Artwork Experiences
Google Cardboard is Bringing Bruegel Paintings to Live Online
Authentic Locale Travel Apps
Airbnb's Mobile Platform Provides Dining and Attraction Suggestions
Home Rental Matchmaking Applications
Airbnb's New Matching Feature Helps Pair Travelers with Hosts
Income-Based Airplane Seating
The Air Gini Seating Plan Reflects Income Distribution in the US
Connected Smart Suitcases
The Floatti Suitcase Features Its Own Scale and Suspension System
Paperless Passport Apps
De La Rue Let Consumers Keep Their Travel Documents on Their Smartphone
Luxe Lebanese Restaurants
Atlantis The Palms' New Eatery Celebrates Middle Eastern Cuisine
Luxurious Maternity Hospitals
The Portland Gives Expecting Mothers a Five Star Birthing Experience
Safe Navigation Apps
The RedZone App Safely Navigates Users Away From High Crime Locations
Wrinkle-Deterring Duffel Bags
The Code Alpha Hybrid Rolling Garment Bag Turns into a Duffel
Indoor Playground Workshops
Sprouts Kids Hosts Family-Friendly Fitness, Play and Dance Workshops
Comfort-Focused Thermostats
The Schneider Electric Wiser Air Smart Thermostat Control is Smart
All-Encompassing Wedding Apps
Appy Couple Helps Users Plan Every Aspect of Their Big Day
Charging Smartwatch Storage Cases
The Smatree 'SmaShell' Power Bank Case Keeps Devices Safe
Heat-Activated Dawn Mugs
This Drinking Mug Depicts the Colors of the Aurora Borealis Using Warmth
Curated Adventure Travel Apps
The Lucky Trip App Curates Adventurous Last Minute Vacations
Collaborative Dating Apps
The Boompi App Allows Users to Let Their Friends View Prospective Dates
Infant-Friendly Museum Tours
This Museum Hosts a 'Baby & Me' Tour for Parents and Their Children
Building Block Disney Characters
The Disney LEGO Turns the Classic Characters into Toy Figurines
Burrito-Themed Dating Platforms
The Burrit-OH! Site Matches Users Based on Burrito Compatibility
Dating App Election Features
This App Has a Feature That Helps Users Figure Out Who to Vote For
Smartphone-Connected Power Bars
The Revogi Smart Power Strip Lets Users Control Individual Outlets
Ridesharing Car Rentals
'HyreCar' Helps People Without a Car Rent One to Drive for Uber and Lyft
Passport-Locating Challenges
The 'Passport Challenge' Rewards Those Who Can Find Their Documents
Short Story Hotlines
The Phone Stories Series is Only Accessible Via Phone Call
Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
The Canter E-Cell Trucks Can Handle Massive Loads of Weight
Self-Pricing Accommodations
FindBed Gives You an Affordable Hotel Room Where You Set the Price
Refugee Home Rentals
Two Bristish Creatives Post on Airbnb to Raise Money for Refugee Relief
Kid-Friendly Earth Day Celebrations
The Party for the Planet Event Celebrates Earth Day at Disney
Pocket-Sized Oral Care Sets
The Sensimint Kit is Designed for Maximum Portability
Toddler-Targeted Circus Classes
This Event Makes the Circus Accessible to Parents and Toddlers
Terror Prevention Apps
This Crime Reporting App Could Prevent Mass Shootings
Dog-Friendly Location Apps
The Dogsos App Helps Mexicans Locate Dog-Friendly Establishments
Neighbor-Assigned Delivery Services
The eNeighbor App Lets Users Receive Other Neighbor's Packages
Livestreamed House Tour Services
HouseNetwork Broadcasts Property Viewings Live on Periscope
Luxurious Airplane Seats
The Panasonic Waterfront Seat Includes a 4K TV and App Capability
Long-Distance Rideshares
The New UberPASSPORT Feature Helps Users Arrange Long-Distance Travel
Social Travel Apps
The Gypsy Circle App Lets You Connect With Friends In Your Travel Destinations
Trailblazing Automotive Startups
Jaguar's InMotion Startup Will Focus On Apps and Connectivity
Roommate-Finding Apps
This Platform to Find a Roommate Functions Very Similarly to Tinder
Immediate Trip Planning Features
The Hostelworld App My Trips Section Helps Users Explore Cities
Chat-Based Travel Assistants
'Go Hero' Helps Travelers Outsource Hotel and Activity Bookings
Educational Aquarium Programs
The AquaTots Program Teaches Children About the Natural World
Interactive Booking Experiences
Jumeirah Inside Allows Users to Experience Hotels While Booking
On-Demand Couchsurfing Apps
The 'Overnight' App Lets Users Book Last-Minute Stays with Local Hosts
Catfish-Eliminating Dating Apps
This Dating App Uses Photo Verification to Prevent Catfishing
Inclusive Underwear Campaigns
The New Selfridges Ad Features Many Different Body Types
Thick Bacon Snack Packs
Jack Link's Small Batch Maple Bacon Jerky is Savory and Sweet
Rapid Flight WiFi Services
Gogo 2Ku Offers Super Speedy Internet Connection While in the Air
Network-Connected Flash Drives
The 'SmartFlash' Offers Enhanced Security and Unlimited Storage
Comparative Urban Travel Apps
The 'Where Is Williamsburg' App is Designed For New Yorkers
Expansive Wireless Hard Drives
The WD 'My Passport' Wireless Hard Drive Enables Extra Storage
Toddler-Friendly Water Parks
The Splash Tots Sessions Allow Young Children to Enjoy the Water Park
Streamlined Document Renewal Apps
The 'ItsEasy' App Makes Passport Renewal Quick and Easy
Versatile Messenger Bags
This New Messenger Bag is Designed For Use In Different Environments
Disposable Pocket-Sized Toothbrushes
The WISP Mini-Brushes Allow Consumers to Freshen Up on the Go
Real-Time Navigation Apps
The TomTom GO Mobile App Uses Top-Notch Traffic Navigation Technology
Caribbean Cuisine Pop-Ups
The Caribbean Fusion Pop-Up Taster Celebrates Popular Island Dishes
Postnatal Yoga Classes
Yoga Mamas Hosts Mom and Baby Fitness Sessions