As travel technology evolves, destinations like Maui, Sicily, and Thailand are paving the way for an entirely new travel experience. In a decade, travel could look drastically different, thanks to AI-driven platforms that prioritize convenience, emotion, and personalization. According to a recent report by Omio, a travel app and website that integrates bus, train, ferry, and air bookings, the future of travel will be transformed. This report, produced in partnership with The Future Laboratory, highlights how travel platforms will shift from transactional to transformational by 2035.

In this new era of travel, it won’t just be about getting from point A to point B. Instead, the focus will be on how the entire journey feels and adapts along the way. Martin Raymond, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, explains that by 2035, travel will no longer be merely about logistics. It will be about an experience tailored to individual needs and emotions.

AI-Powered Travel: More Personal Than Ever Before

By 2035, AI will play an essential role in shaping how travelers experience every aspect of their journey. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that travel and tourism will contribute over $17 trillion to the global economy by this time, with the next generation—Generation Alpha—leading the charge. This younger generation, born between 2010 and 2024, will be accustomed to growing up with mobile devices and expect seamless integration between technology and travel.

For instance, AI will curate travel itineraries based not just on popularity, but on personal interests. Whether you like a particular type of food or have a preferred seat on the plane, AI will be able to make suggestions based on your unique preferences. More importantly, AI will help optimize your travel experience by offering suggestions tailored to your budget, habits, and emotional needs.

Travel will no longer be about pre-planned itineraries or rigid schedules. Instead, travelers will book on the spot, sometimes even while enjoying content on social media or streaming platforms. Imagine enjoying an episode of a travel-themed show on Netflix, where a particular location captures your attention. With AI-powered platforms, a seamless transition to booking a flight or trip will be possible right in the middle of your binge-watching session.

Intermodal Travel: A Seamless Journey Across Multiple Transport Modes

The future of travel is not just about destinations, but also about how we move between them. Intermodal travel, which involves using multiple modes of transport for a single journey, will become more prevalent. This could include hopping on a bus, followed by a flight, and then taking a train to your final destination— all coordinated through a single travel platform.

Omio has already begun integrating intermodal travel into its system, allowing travelers to seamlessly book tickets across different transport modes. In addition, travelers will be able to use a single digital platform to track all their travel documents, receive updates, and make real-time changes as needed. As AI becomes more advanced, it will even optimize your route based on factors like weather disruptions or local strikes, ensuring your journey remains smooth despite unforeseen challenges.

In a world where everything is streamlined, packing light will also be encouraged. Travelers will be able to manage their luggage by using services that pre-deliver their clothes or accessories to their destination, reducing the need to carry extra baggage and cutting down on carbon emissions.

The Role of Entertainment in Shaping Travel Choices

Another trend that is already gaining momentum is the influence of entertainment content on travel decisions. The success of shows like HBO’s The White Lotus has led to a surge in travel bookings to locations like Maui, Sicily, and Thailand. With more people influenced by social media influencers and travel-themed shows, travel platforms will begin to integrate entertainment content into their services. This means that while you’re watching your favorite travel show, you’ll be able to book a trip to the featured destination directly from the platform.

In fact, platforms like YouTube have already become significant sources of travel inspiration, with users turning to them for travel tips and recommendations. As Roya Zeitoune, YouTube’s Head of Culture and Trends for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, explains, raw, unpolished content is now more trusted by travelers, making it easier for brands to integrate travel booking options directly into the viewing experience.

The Rise of AI-Driven Customer Service and Smart Booking

As we move closer to 2035, AI-driven customer service will become a staple in the travel industry. The Hilton 2025 Trend Report shows that 78% of travelers prefer to book their travel online without interacting with someone directly. AI will make this possible by helping customers not only with booking but also with managing their entire journey, from checking flight status to rerouting due to delays.

Moreover, AI will play an essential role in dealing with potential disruptions like weather changes, helping travelers make informed decisions in real-time. The system could also predict potential problems based on historical data and adapt itineraries accordingly.

Future Outlook: The Seamless Travel Experience of Tomorrow

By 2035, we will be in the midst of a travel revolution. Maui, Sicily, and Thailand could be the hotspots, but it’s the technologies transforming the experience that will take center stage. AI, intermodal travel, and entertainment-driven bookings will work together to create an entirely new way of experiencing the world.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or a mix of both, the future promises smoother, more personalized, and seamless journeys. For Generation Alpha, who will have grown up with AI-powered travel systems, booking a trip could be as easy as swiping through a social media feed.

This is not a distant future— it’s one that is just around the corner. By 2035, your travel experience may feel less like planning and more like enjoying an adventure that unfolds effortlessly, tailored just for you.