Cheapflights.com Welcomes the New Year

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Dec 21, 2011) - As 2012 quickly approaches, uncertainty and volatility are some of the buzzwords describing the state of the global economy. These times of uncertainty will definitely have an impact on the travel industry, but Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, is here to say the outlook is not all bleak. The travel experts at Cheapflights.com have taken the economy and other factors into account and created a list of Top 5 Trend Predictions for 2012 Travel. For the consumer, the trends are about where, why and how we travel.

"Although the state of the economy is on everyone's mind, travel still remains a priority for many Americans," says Lauren Sullivan, site editor for Cheapflights.com. "Deal seeking will continue to be a top hobby for the motivated traveler. However, there are other subtle but important changes ahead for consumers as the travel landscape and personal priorities evolve."

Below is a brief glimpse into each of Cheapflights.com's Top 5 Travel Trend Predictions for 2012 with more information on each trend available at www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/top-5-trend-predictions-for-2012-travel/.

1. Value for money - Though the priority is to get away, cutting costs is still on the top of every traveler's mind. Cheapflights predicts value-for-money escapes will be the top trend in 2012; the industry will see a rise in consumer demand for discounted trips like package vacations, all-inclusives and cruises. Bundling trips into weekend deals and warm-weather getaways gives fliers the excuse to vacation without the guilt of spending big.

2. Rise in pet travel - In its 2011 survey, PetRelocation.com reported that almost 33 percent of pet owners planned to take their pets outside of the United States on an international retreat, this as countries worldwide rewrite travel requirements to lessen the burden and fees for passengers flying with animals.

3. Athletic voluntourism vacations - When the economic downturn was officially announced in 2009, various types of vacations rooted in giving back emerged. This New Year is set to see the introduction of a new vacation trend: athletic voluntourism. Born out of the popular participation in famous world races such as the New York or London marathons, this trend is growing and spreading into other areas of sport delivering the doubly beneficial effect of raising money while getting fit.

4. Reality TV drives destination trends - Reality competitions like "The Amazing Race" and "Survivor" for years have offered viewers around-the-world trips from the comfort of their own couches. Now other reality shows are stepping up their destination game, creating episodes and entire seasons around a single destination. Whether it's the cuisine or the fist pumps, reality shows are inspiring TV junkies to consider vacation spots that, if not for their DVR, they may not have considered.

5. The new upgrade - Comfort, perks and new ways to upgrade define the face of flying for 2012. As airlines slice and dice their cabins, there will be inventive ways for passengers to find mini upgrades -- think more leg room, more luggage room and more comfort. Cue Cuddle Class, the economy class option where passengers can lay flat and cuddle up on long-haul flights.

To read in complete detail Cheapflights.com's five notable trends that we predict will define next year's travel landscape visit www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/top-5-trend-predictions-for-2012-travel/.

About Cheapflights Media
Cheapflights Media is an international media network helping over 11 million visitors a month find top travel deals. Our Cheapflights brand was launched in 1996 and pioneered the online comparison of flight deals for users. Today, users compare a wide range of deals from hundreds of partners including online travel agents, consolidators and airlines to find the very best flight deals. With a mission to be the starting point for travel, Cheapflights works to deliver the industry's best airfare bargains, expert tips and inspiration. There are currently Cheapflights sites in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia & New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain. For more information, visit www.cheapflights.com. Our newest brand, Momondo, is a leading travel search engine for finding comprehensive worldwide pricing and availability on airfares. Winner of several awards, the site is ideal for users on specific travel schedules. For more information, visit www.momondo.com.