TORONTO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/22/11 -- As we begin to countdown the last days of 2011, many Canadians are wondering what's in store for 2012. While the Canadian economy is relatively healthy, the uncertainty and volatility of the global economy has an impact on us here. These times of uncertainty will also have an influence on the travel industry, but Cheapflights.ca, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, is here to say the outlook is not all bleak. While taking into account the global economy, as well as other factors, the travel experts at Cheapflights have compiled their Top 5 Trend Predictions for 2012 Travel forecasting where, why and how consumers plan to travel in the new year.

"The state of the global economy is making the headlines on a daily basis," says Lauren Sullivan, site editor for Cheapflights.ca. "The Canadian economy is the bright light amidst all this darkness. However, the Canadian travel industry will inevitably be affected by all the global uncertainty -- both for Canadians travelling abroad and international travellers coming to Canada. Thus finding creative ways to stretch the travel budget and get value for money will be a top priority for both travellers and travel providers as we enter 2012."

Below is a brief glimpse into each of Cheapflights.ca's Top 5 Travel Trend Predictions for 2012:

1.  Value for money - Though the priority is to get away, cutting costs is
    still on the top of every traveller'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 flyers the excuse to vacation without the guilt
    of spending big.

2.  Rise in pet travel - So many flyers are taking dogs and cats onboard of
    late that the Canadian Transportation Agency has just ruled that certain
    airlines must protect allergic passengers. Air Canada and WestJet have
    been asked by the agency to either ban cats on flights with allergic
    passengers or to create feline-free zones with ventilation. Airlines
    around the globe are seeing significant increases in the number of pets
    travelling, with Virgin reporting a 1500 per cent increase in the number
    of dogs vacationing with their owners since 2003.

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, focusing on prime places.
    Whether it's the proposals 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.ca's five notable trends that we predict will define next year's travel landscape visit www.cheapflights.ca/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.ca. 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.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1839801

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

• Mobile Carriers and LTE: Top Five Industry Predictions for 2013