This week’s topic on Traveler’s Night In, a “tweet-up” for travelers, was Travel Predictions 2011.  Ten questions were asked, tagged #TNI, and afterwards I was ready to book my next trip based on all the smart guesses and travel tips!  There were several trends that kept coming up today, #TNIer’s definitely want to travel, travel and oh, yeah, travel some more in 2011!

Here are the questions:

Q1. What stamp will you put on your passport this year?

• @born2boop I hope for a New Zealand stamp in my passport!
• @skiergrrl Stamps, I hope. Costa Rica. Russia. Indo. Vietnam. China..
• @rtwdave Japan, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina…
• @groundedtravelr United States.. will be going home on a new Passport.
• @GetPackedTravel Australia (5th time) plus new (for me) South Pacific islands of New Caledonia & Vanuatu — Yee hah !!

Q2. What is the future of travel technology? Digital safety?

• @CoTravelGirl I’d just like to be able to get online, anywhere, without crazy rates.
• @RickGriffin I’m kinda looking forward to Tractor Beaming – Star Trek style
• @OrlandoChris Digital safety? Sure, why not! Stick a chip in me!
• @leorawrs81: A2- The future is in allowing people to break down language and social barriers, like the new Word Lens app or Meetups
• @Leavetheiguana All luggage will be digitally identified and impossible to lose track of.
• @ZipSetRachel: A2. Hopefully the future holds a charger that will work on ALL my devices

Q3. Destination hot-spots/best deals for 2011?

• @amberdegrace I think Mexico will be a destination/deal hot spot in 2011
• @LandLopers I think South Africa and Colmbia will continue to be hot travel spots, affordable and dun
• @ travel_version Got a feeling #Iceland will be as big in 2011 as in 2010. Otherwise #Canada always welcomes travelers with open arms!
• @GoApril Well based on Q1 I think a hot spot for 2011 will be Iceland with the biggest Live #TNI ever
• @EpsteinTravels With hard-hitting recession in Ireland, it has the best priced 4 & 5-star hotels in western Europe
• @colmhanratty Vietnam – great cities, great beaches and lots more. And it’s cheap cheap cheap

Q4. What new gadget or travel app is a must-have for 2011?

• @cabopro And if you’re traveling for work, doing hotel presentations – the iPad reigns supreme
• @danthompson_TN A Sanho UDMA to backup all my pictures while I’m on the road! No more lost pictures!!
• @zwei2go:  GPS enabled camera.
• @travelblggr New WordLens VT app looks promising.
• @kirsten_al: digital camera w/ video built in, iPhone
• @KatyHarrison20 non-tech related is virtual friends will meet up more. Bringing online to offline real life

Q5. Tips for friends traveling abroad in 2011?

• @SEASunDodger GET ON TWITTER!
• @roniweiss Always know the scams of the place you’re going. Wikitravel is a good resource.
• @candicewalsh: Don’t be a pansy-ass snob, stay in a hostel.
• @nataliewardel Don’t *not* do something because it is touristy. Don’t try to act too cool — you might just miss out!
• @AdventureBus Recommend – solo or small group travel to foster greater connection w/ culture, people, destination.

Q6. Be Nostradamus…give us your BIG travel prediction for 2011?

• @camorose Cheaper air fare! (Or is that just me being optimistic?)
• @MeganSterritt: People realize Mexico is safe & get back to it!
• @globaldish I predict you are going to take me somewhere wonderful. Preferably somewhere with great food and warm weather.
• @ nearafar I think there will be an increased use in social media and apps for traveling. Interesting to blogging effects continue
• @tifany74:  More local travel. More giving back. Less “tourist traps” and more “off the beaten track.”

Q7. What #TNI themes would you like to see in 2011?

• @HotelHostess A #TNI dedicated to women’s travel!
• @banffrocks A photo #TNI. Worst haircuts received while traveling.
• @kelleyferro More specific themes, like “Spring Break Vacations” or “Getting to Know locals” or anything with food travel
• @avventurosa ‘Responsible tourism’ + ‘travel dreams’ + ‘fun facts’

Q8. What is the future of airport security? New airline fees?

• @SpudHilton Peep-show booths with quarter slots.
• @pamstuckytoo Airport sec. will be combined with bachelor parties. People will be boozed up so they don’t get upset by groping.
• @anis_salvesen The future of airport security -everyone gets milk and cookies and no one has to remove their shoes!
• @NewYorkGuest: The future of airport security is that it will force Amtrak to create better routes at better prices.
• @DaninAustralia I think we should all fly naked. That’d be the most secure way… surely? :-p
• @claudiabia I hope People stop making a big fuss abt it, bc is not going away anytime soon, so relax and enjoy your travels

Q9. How will social media impact the future of travel?

• @italylogue What was the buzz word at #phocuswright? Social + mobile = ‘mocial’ or something like that…
• @charthian Every child will have an iPad. Fact.
• @eurapart More people will get to brag about their trips than now
• @McMedia It’s creating a “World Without Borders”

Q10. What is your travel resolution for 2011?

• @benetwilson to travel more in 2011 than I did in 2010!! Can’t wait!!
• @rishegee 2010 was my big trip, 2011 will be about making small jaunts when possible just to keep the bug at bay.
• @OnAJunket To travel way more than last year.
• @MagellanPR to travel more & share good finds on Twitter and #tni – and to be less stressed by the officialdom you endure – go with the flow more

winner of the $250 visa giftcard courtesy of @justaskgemalto is @Poohstraveler!!!

Miss #TNI this week?  Join in with your answers to the questions in the comments below and make sure to join us next Thursday from 3:30 pm EST- 5:00 pm EST for all the fun!

Thanks to the ZipSetGo girls for organizing a conversation with travelers from all over the world!