Is Community Travel the Next Big Trend in Exploring the World?

Learn how community travel can enhance your adventures.

Travelling today isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about experiencing more meaningful and connected destinations. Enter community travel, a growing trend emphasising shared experiences, deeper connections, and local immersion. Whether you're a solo traveller seeking companionship or a group looking for enriching experiences, community travel offers an excellent alternative to traditional solo adventures or large group tours. But what exactly is community travel, and why is it becoming so popular?

In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of community travel, discuss its benefits, and help you understand why it's the next big trend for modern explorers.

What is Community Travel and Why is it Gaining Popularity?

Community travel refers to exploring new places while being part of a close-knit group, either by joining local communities or travelling with like-minded people who share similar interests. This type of travel allows for a richer cultural experience, as it encourages meaningful interactions with locals and other travellers.

According to Google Trends, searches for “community travel” have increased steadily over the past few years, especially post-pandemic, as people seek more connected and sustainable ways to travel. A report by Booking.com highlighted that over 50% of travellers now prioritise authentic, community-driven experiences over traditional tourism options.

Why the shift?

Meaningful connections: Travelling within a community fosters stronger relationships between travellers and locals, making the journey more personal.
Cultural immersion: Community travel promotes engagement with local customs and traditions, allowing travellers to participate in activities beyond typical tourist attractions.
Sustainability: Travellers are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint, and community travel often supports eco-friendly practices by involving local businesses and sustainable tourism.

For more on how this concept ties into modern travel, check out our blog on Coworking in the Azores.

The Benefits of Community Travel

Community travel offers a range of benefits that cater to the evolving desires of travellers who are looking for more than just sightseeing. Here are some reasons why community travel is increasingly appealing:

1. Social Interaction

Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, community travel gives you the chance to meet people with similar interests. From shared accommodations in coliving spaces to group activities, you’ll build friendships that can last well beyond your trip. Unlike traditional tours, the environment in community travel is more collaborative and less transactional.

Shared experiences foster deep bonds, which makes exploring new places feel more like a journey with friends rather than strangers. Plus, the insights from different perspectives often enhance the travel experience.

2. Authentic Cultural Experiences

One of the most unique aspects of community travel is the chance to truly immerse yourself in the culture. This type of travel often connects you with local communities, allowing you to participate in traditional activities, eat local cuisine, and even stay with families or in local co-living spaces. This type of immersion provides more authentic experiences compared to staying in commercialised hotels or tourist areas.

For instance, staying at a coliving space like Lava Coliving House, you can interact with locals who are passionate about their culture and community while also being surrounded by fellow travellers with a shared love for authentic travel experiences.

Learn more about Coliving in the Azores and how it enhances community travel.

Support Local Economies with Community Travel

One of the biggest advantages of community travel is its support for local economies. Unlike staying in large chain hotels or dining at international franchises, community travel encourages spending in local businesses. You get the chance to invest directly in the community by eating at family-owned restaurants, staying in locally-run accommodations, and purchasing handmade crafts or products.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism practices, like those embraced by community travel, directly benefit local communities by promoting responsible economic development. Additionally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights that today’s travellers seek out authentic experiences and want their spending to directly benefit the communities they visit, making community travel a responsible and fulfilling choice.

This type of travel makes a positive impact on the community, creating a win-win situation where travellers benefit from authentic experiences while locals thrive economically.

How to Plan Your Community Travel Adventure

Planning a community travel trip is quite different from organising a typical vacation. The goal is to integrate with local culture and communities, so research is key. Here are a few tips to get started:

Find community-driven accommodations: Look for local coliving spaces or guesthouses that emphasise community engagement. For example, Lava Coliving in the Azores offers a blend of community living and work-friendly environments, perfect for digital nomads and travellers alike.
Engage with local activities: Search for events, workshops, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Websites like Workaway and WWOOF offer fantastic opportunities to volunteer with local communities around the world.
Join travel groups: If you’re travelling solo but want to connect with others, consider joining a community travel group that shares your interests, such as sustainability or digital nomadism.

Why Community Travel is the Future of Exploration

As more travellers seek meaningful connections and authentic experiences, the future of travel is shifting away from mainstream tourism. Community travel aligns perfectly with this demand, offering a sustainable, people-centric approach to exploration.

A survey by Lonely Planet found that 71% of travellers are looking for cultural experiences that allow them to give back to the community they are visiting. With the rise of coliving spaces, digital nomad hubs, and eco-tourism initiatives, community travel is not just a trend—it’s shaping the future of the travel industry.

If you’re curious about sustainable travel options, check out our blog on Azores: Where Surfing Meets Coworking.

Closing Thoughts

Community travel offers a fresh perspective on exploring the world. By choosing to engage with local communities, share experiences with fellow travellers, and support sustainable tourism, you’re not only enhancing your travel experience but also contributing to the well-being of the places you visit. Whether you're planning your next trip to the Azores or considering a coliving space, community travel is the key to meaningful adventures.

Ready to embark on your own journey?

Book your stay at Lava Coliving today and experience community travel at its finest!

FAQs

What is community travel?

Community travel is a type of travel that emphasises connecting with local communities and fellow travellers, fostering meaningful interactions and cultural immersion. It often includes coliving or shared experiences, making travel more personal and sustainable.

Why is community travel important?

Community travel is important because it promotes authentic cultural experiences, supports local economies, and creates opportunities for travellers to form meaningful connections with both locals and other adventurers. It's a sustainable approach to tourism that enhances the overall travel experience.