Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Original Travel has observed a significant shift in global travel patterns, noting a phenomenon it describes as the “Concertina Effect.” This effect highlights an increase in last-minute European bookings alongside reservations for major events like Japan’s cherry blossom season, as the world adjusts to post-pandemic travel. The company has seen a 78% rise in last-minute bookings for European trips, while clients are also making travel plans as far ahead as 2030. These shifts show how travelers are balancing immediate desires with long-term dreams due to newfound uncertainty and greater flexibility.
The Concertina Effect, named for the bellows of a concertina, symbolizes the changing nature of travel windows, driven by a mix of spontaneity and planning. Traditional booking windows of two to three months have shrunk, with travelers now either planning last-minute trips within days or scheduling milestone journeys 12 to 24 months in advance.
The Rise of Spontaneous European Travel
Original Travel reports that Europe has become a popular destination for travelers who enjoy last-minute trips. Countries like Italy, Norway, and Greece have experienced a notable increase in spontaneous getaways. The rise of remote work has made it easier for people to take long weekend trips with minimal planning. As work-from-home and flexible job options become more common, travelers are seizing the chance to book trips on short notice, escaping the stress of daily life for a refreshing change of scenery.
Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel, believes that the increase in last-minute bookings goes beyond just flexible work hours. “There’s an emotional side to it,” Barber notes. “In a world of burnout and bad news, travel becomes self-care. Clients tell us they need a change of scene, a bit of sun, or a space to breathe. These last-minute trips aren’t always tied to milestones, but they are still meaningful.”
As a result, Original Travel is well-equipped to handle these spontaneous requests, even on short notice. This adaptability has become a defining feature of the company’s approach to meeting the needs of travelers seeking relief from their busy lives. Last-minute trips can be just as impactful as those that are well-planned.
The Impact of ‘Anticipation’ and Long-Term Travel Planning
On the other hand, Original Travel has also seen a rise in bookings, particularly for milestone trips and unique experiences. According to Mental Health UK, 91% of adults in the UK report feeling high stress at some point during the year. Many people are opting to book their dream vacations years ahead as a way to cope with current uncertainties. The term “anticipation” describes the psychological benefit of looking forward to something special. For many travelers, planning happy events well in advance becomes an act of hope, helping them balance everyday stress and chaos.
Big life events, such as multi-generational family vacations for birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, drive many of these long-term bookings. Travelers also plan around natural events and phenomena that require earlier arrangements, such as the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration, British Columbia’s salmon run, and Japan’s cherry blossom season. These special occurrences encourage travelers to secure their spots in advance to witness something extraordinary.
Some clients have already planned trips for the total solar eclipse in Namibia in 2030, showing how far ahead some travelers are willing to invest in rare experiences. Original Travel’s clients are now proactively booking trips for events happening nearly a decade into the future, highlighting the strong appeal of these unique moments.
Factors Behind the ‘Concertina Effect’
The Concertina Effect stems from several factors, including the flexibility associated with remote work, economic uncertainty, and a desire for people to manage their stress. As the world heals from the pandemic, travel has transformed into more than a mere activity; it has become a mental escape and a way for people to regain control over their lives.
For many, the future feels uncertain, and planning provides stability and excitement. On the flip side, the demands of modern life have led to more last-minute travel. These contrasting behaviors reflect how individuals adjust their travel plans to meet their emotional and psychological needs.
A New Era of Travel Behavior
As the world enters a new travel era, Original Travel is leading the charge, reshaping its business model to meet the varied needs of travelers. Whether arranging last-minute trips to European destinations or planning journeys to see rare natural events, the company mirrors the broader trends changing how people travel.
The “Concertina Effect” is not just a fleeting trend. It indicates a shift in how people view travel—balancing spontaneity with long-term planning and emotional needs with logistical realities. As flexible work continues to evolve and life events influence travel behavior, this new approach to booking is likely here to stay.
Conclusion: A Shift in Travel Mindset
The post-pandemic world has led to changes in travel behavior, with people becoming more spontaneous in their plans while also looking forward to significant life events. Original Travel has effectively embraced this Concertina Effect, catering to both last-minute trips to popular European hotspots and long-term planning for special experiences.
As travelers adapt to uncertainty, the company is ready to offer flexibility, whether for those seeking immediate relief or those dreaming of future adventures. With an increase in spontaneous getaways and milestone trips, the new travel landscape is set to remain, providing something for everyone, regardless of where they stand on the planning spectrum.
(Source: Original Travel, Mental Health UK, Serengeti Migration Reports, Japan National Tourism Organization)
