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The biggest travel trends for 2024

By Sarah Allard

If 2022 was all about a return to travel, then 2023 was the year we went further than ever before. Travellers took to the skies, rails, roads and seas to tick off major bucket-list moments, with Arctic adventures, luxury yacht cruises and even the first tourist trip into space .

In 2024, travellers will be putting what’s important to them front and centre of their plans, valuing deeper experiences that leave a positive impact, time spent with loved ones and wellness moments that last well after checkout. We’ll be choosing destinations carefully, slowing it down to enjoy the silence and the stars, indulging in our love of food in new and interesting places, and immersing ourselves in wellness practices that help us live longer.

These are the 20 travel trends likely to guide how we see the world in 2024.

Astro tourism

1. Astro tourism

What’s the trend? Astronomy, of course, is a field of study that has been around since the dawn of civilisation, and the act of gazing up at the stars has long been a source of soul-soothing wonder. Today, the more society falls deeper into an ever-expanding virtual world, the more we feel a need to broaden our horizons in the real universe. Astro tourism, or star bathing, is the act of travelling with the aim of catching sight of astronomical phenomena – disappearing to lands devoid of any pollution, crowds and traffic, where we can focus solely on the skies above and while away hours gazing at the stars, planets and constellations overhead.

Why will it matter in 2024? Increasingly, wellness-centric hotels and spas are creating the space for guests to gaze upwards, watching for comets, spying constellations and identifying patterns in the glittering expanse. In the UK, Port Lympne has opened the Lookout Bubble, a glass dome allowing guests to sprawl out on king-sized beds and study the stars. Further east on the Arabian Gulf, Zulal Wellness Resort is surrounded by the expanse of the Qatari desert – the ultimate destination for pollution-free astromancy, with dedicated workshops and stargazing sessions for families and children looking to learn more about the cosmos. Safari company Desert & Delta organises trips for travellers looking to soak up the stars across Botswana and Namibia, where guests can sleep in tents at remote locations such as the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats, and spend nights with uninterrupted star vistas. Similarly, Tswalu is a South African safari camp with star beds set on a sleep-out deck in the Korannaberg mountains. And 2024 happens to be a big year, astronomy-wise, from mind-boggling eclipses to spectacular meteor showers – plus, scientists are predicting the best displays of the northern lights in 20 years, according to the Guardian , as we approach the next solar maximum (the sun’s peak of its 11-year activity cycle). Olivia Morelli

2. Eco diving

What’s the trend? A rise in divers choosing their travel destinations based on the sustainability of the scuba centres, and having a more positive, regenerative impact on the ocean once there.

Why will it matter in 2024? In 2022, UK marine ecology charity The Reef-World Foundation found that 95 per cent of divers wanted to book with sustainable operators, but struggled to do so. In response to this, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) launched its Eco Center accreditation on World Earth Day (22 April) 2023, with the United Nations Environment Program and Reef-World itself. The steps required to earn this green status are so rigorous – including sharing evidence of conservation activities and a real reduction in environmental footprint – that Padi advised operators to allow at least 12 months to hit the criteria, taking us to… Earth Day 2024. After an initial figure of just 11 worldwide, there are now 100, and Padi has set a goal to reach 660 by 2030 – a 10th of its membership. “South East Asia currently has the highest density (more than 20), along with the Caribbean ,” says Julie Andersen of Padi. So what does this mean for divers and their trips? “The type of conservation work done and reported on depends on the Eco Center,” Andersen explains. “Those in the Caribbean offer coral replanting programmes, key for regenerating coastlines. In Baja, Mexico , they’ve developed citizen science courses, collecting data for whale conservation.” There are also a number of new Padi courses being launched for any diver to take anywhere, including the Global Shark and Ray Census in August 2024, as well as the relaunch of the Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course before December. Becky Lucas

3. Home swapping

What’s the trend? Increasingly, discerning travellers are looking to stay away for longer stretches, while the rise of remote jobs post-pandemic means that working and living abroad has never been more appealing. The catch? Forking out on hefty accommodation fees while you’re at it. Enter home swapping: the perfect solution to guarantee yourself a (free) home abroad while you offer up your own in exchange – for weeks or even months at a time.

Why will it matter in 2024? As the cost of holidaying continues to climb, home swapping is an affordable alternative to splashing out on expensive hotels or Airbnbs. And while the concepts of couch surfing and house exchanges have existed for decades, several slick new platforms are redefining what home swapping looks like today. Twin City, which operates in cities as far-flung as Lisbon and Los Angeles , has curated a community of 1,100 plus carefully vetted users in just eight months. For an annual subscription fee of £150, members can find Twins to connect with through the platform, and are encouraged to exchange local recommendations for their city as well as their homes, enabling members to feel as if they’re swapping with a trusted friend rather than a stranger. Meanwhile, Kindred, a home-swapping platform where members rack ​​up credits for each night that they exchange homes, raised $15 million in funding this year to expand operations across the USA and Europe, and currently has 10,000 plus homes in more than 50 cities. Members simply pay a cleaning and service fee for each stay, while the cost of the stay itself is free. Or skip out on membership fees entirely and head straight to TikTok, where Gen Z appears to be spearheading the home-swapping movement on social media. Inspired by cult film The Holiday , trending tags #houseswap and #homeswap have garnered more than 23 and 20 million views respectively, with users utilising the platform as a means to advertise their homes, discover like-minded peers to swap with and document their adventures along the way. Gina Jackson

4. Train stations are the new food destinations

What’s the trend? Train stations around the world are usually passed through as quickly as possible, having not been designed for commuters to stay and hang out. Nowadays, as travel delays increase and visitors want more local experiences, it pays for train stations to welcome travellers with shops, restaurants and bars for them to explore. In an effort to create a more dynamic visitor experience, historic train stations are being revamped, with bespoke food and drink offerings as an integral part of the redesign.

Why will it matter in 2024? As train stations are renovated to accommodate more travellers and update old infrastructure, local restaurants and bars are being added to attract more customers. In 2023, the new Moynihan Train Hall in New York City became home to The Irish Exit, a bar from the team behind the acclaimed Dead Rabbit, and Yono Sushi by trendy BondST, plus outposts of beloved NYC restaurants Pastrami Queen and Jacob’s Pickles, with Mexican hotspot La Esquina coming soon.  Platform 1 a new bar and restaurant that opened in November underneath Glasgow Central Station . The cave-like space, with its historic brick arches, serves street-food-style dishes and craft brews made in the on-site microbrewery, plus there’s an outdoor beer garden. As part of its renovation, Toronto’s Union Station launched Union Market in May 2023 with favourite local food retailers Manotas Organics, Chocolatta Brigadeiro’s, Patties Express and Kibo. Meanwhile, in Somerset, Castle Cary station is in the process of a revamp, with nearby hotel The Newt creating a creamery, cafe and co-working space, which is set to open in 2024. Also on tap for the next few years is the completed renovation of 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, with plans for a 20 per cent increase in concession space that will focus on local purveyors. Devorah Lev-Tov

5. Sports tourism

What’s the trend? No longer the domain of lads on tour keen to sink as many pints as possible with one eye on a football game, sports tourism has evolved in the past few years with a new generation – and type – of sports fan emerging thanks to glossy TV documentaries ( Formula 1: Drive to Survive , we’re looking at you). Now, we’re taking our fandom out of the house and following a host of different sports in destinations across the world, planning holidays that hinge around seeing games, races and other activities in exotic locales, and extending trips on either side to see the sights too.

Why will it matter in 2024? A little event known as the Olympic and Paralympic Games anchors the 2024 sports calendar. It kicks off in Paris in late July and runs until early September , during which time more than a million tourists are expected to check in across the French capital. The games have inspired city-wide projects such as the €1.4-billion clean-up of the Seine, which , all going well, will allow public swimming in the river for the first time in a century. Elsewhere, the Tour de France starts in Italy for the first time in 2024, with competitors speeding off in Florence before heading to Rimini on the Adriatic coast and then north to the Apennines through Emilia-Romagna. New bike routes in the area have been released by tour operators such as Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays for cycling enthusiasts keen to join in the fun. Sarah James

6. Coolcationing

What’s the trend? For the vast majority of folk, summer holidays used to be about following the sun, seeking the heat – watching the mercury climb and hitting the sands. With the intense, record-breaking temperatures of recent years, however, many are considering travelling in the opposite direction: booking "coolcations" in temperate destinations, which also benefit from being less crowded.

Why will it matter in 2024? Rising temperatures caused by the climate crisis have resulted in the hottest recorded summer in the UK – just over 40℃ in July 2022 – while 2023, with a sweltering summer in much of Mediterranean Europe, North America and China – is on track to be the hottest year ever. Little wonder that many travellers are thinking again before booking literal hotspots such as the South of France and Sicily in July or August. A survey for luxe travel network Virtuoso found that 82 per cent of its clients are considering destinations with more moderate weather in 2024. Destinations such as Iceland, Finland and Scotland, according to Intrepid Travel, along with Latvia, which is surging in popularity. “We’re seeing an increase in those holidaying further north,” says Andrea Godfrey of Regent Holidays. “Scandinavia and the Baltics are both getting noticed more: they offer a more pared-back style of holiday but have some lovely beaches, and forests and lakes for both relaxation and adventure activities.” Cooler temperatures are particularly well suited to family travel too. “We’re getting far more enquiries from families for destinations that offer summer sun but also respite from the high temperatures being experienced in beach resorts across the Med,” says Liddy Pleasants, founder of family specialist Stubborn Mule Travel. “Kayaking in Norway, with its midnight sun, for instance, and cycling or hiking in Slovenia, which is also very good value.” Time to ditch the SPF50… Rick Jordan

Gig tripping

7. Gig tripping

What’s the trend? For years, athletes and wellness gurus were the big headliners at retreats. But rock stars are, well, the new rock stars of travel. Call it the Swift Effect. Destination concert business is up more than 50 per cent, led mostly by Taylor Swift, says Janel Carnero, a travel advisor at Embark Beyond. In the USA, tickets for Swift’s Eras Tour cost thousands and were still impossible to score. Music fans are realising they can pay less and have a more memorable experience by seeing their favourite pop icons perform in say, Amsterdam or Milan . Tours from performers such as Pearl Jam, U2, Doja Cat and Madonna will anchor trip itineraries, while music festivals (Glastonbury sold out in less than an hour) will be major catalysts for travel.

Why will it matter in 2024? New music festivals, including Untold in Romania's Cluj-Napoca, are introducing travellers to undiscovered destinations, says Alexandrea Padilha of Fischer Travel. And it’s no longer just about the music, says Carnero. “It’s the social aspect of sharing experiences with friends,” she adds. Hotels and travel companies have taken note and are creating the equivalent of backstage VIP experiences for guests. Global adventure collective Eleven has recently introduced Music with Eleven. The programme’s dedicated team of music-industry insiders (including Chris Funk, guitarist from the Decemberists) custom design itineraries that might include sitting in on a recording session at Flóki Studios, just outside the Arctic Circle at Deplar Farm in Iceland. And Rhythm & Sails hosts musicians on its catamarans. The company’s music director, Anders Beck of the jam band Greensky Bluegrass, curates the line-up of artists who perform sessions onboard and in ports as you island hop around the Caribbean . Jen Murphy

8. Resorts will help you biohack your health span

What’s the trend? Longevity is the latest wellness buzzword thanks to best-selling books such as  Outlive  and the hit Netflix documentary  Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones . Between 2021 and 2022, venture-capital investment in longevity clinics more than doubled from $27 million to $57 million globally, according to analysis from longevity research and media company Longevity.Technology. Now, the science of extending life and optimising health has become the focus at hotels. Blue Zones retreats are the new boot camps and even sybaritic resorts are offering the latest biohacks. Poolside vitamin IV anyone?

Why will it matter in 2024? Since the pandemic, feeling good trumps looking good. “People have become aware of the critical importance of developing a more proactive, preventive approach to health on all levels,” says Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya, a wellness retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand . This means a new willingness to go beyond diet and exercise and embrace sci-fi-sounding bio-regenerative treatments such as ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, both on offer at Kamalaya's new Longevity House. Luxury hotel brands are embracing the trend too. Six Senses Ibiza recently teamed up with biotech company RoseBar to offer guests full diagnostic testing. Maybourne Hotel Group is collaborating with wellness tech pioneer Virtusan to help guests boost performance. And Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea administers treatments such as stem cells and NAD+ (aka the fountain of youth) through its partnership with Next Health longevity centre. At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai, guests are welcomed with a B12 shot instead of bubbles and the resort’s new wellness-specific rooms come with recovery-boosting mod cons including infrared light mats. If the trend continues, the secret to longevity may be as easy as taking more holidays. Jen Murphy

9. Peak season gets the cold shoulder

What's the trend? There’s been a dramatic recent increase in shoulder season travel to Europe’s most popular destinations (particularly France , Spain , the UK and Italy ), which is set to continue in 2024. Luxury travel specialists Original Travel has launched new shoulder season itineraries to locations traditionally in demand during the summer – including the crystalline seascapes of Sardinia and Corsica – after seeing 14 per cent more bookings for September 2023 than for August 2023. Pegi Amarteifio of Small Luxury Hotels of the World shares similar insights. “Comparing phone reservations in 2023 against 2019, we’ve seen a 33 per cent increase for March to May and a 58 per cent increase for September to November , a pattern reflected across our other booking channels too.”

Why will it matter in 2024? A combination of social, economic and environmental factors is driving this trend into 2024. The cost of living crisis means a heightened focus on value. For 62 per cent of respondents to Booking.com’s 2024 travel trends survey, this is a limiting factor for 2024 travel planning, so much so that 47 per cent of respondents are even willing to take children out of school for cheaper off-peak travel. Shoulder season travel is also becoming more attractive due to rising temperatures, and more feasible due to flexible working. Layered on top of these practical considerations is an emotional motivation too: travellers are craving authenticity more than ever, seeking a tranquil, local feel when abroad, rather than Where’s Wally beach scenes. Toyo Odetunde

10. Private group travel

What’s the trend? The post-pandemic desire to gather friends or family and embark on a shared holiday experience shows no sign of abating – in fact, it’s on the increase in luxury travel, as people appreciate the benefits and savour the moment, from 3G family groups to 50-something empty-nesters keen to rekindle life-long friendships. Just don’t take Succession ’s family outing to Tuscany as a role model.

Why will it matter in 2024? “While some predicted group travel would peak post-pandemic, we’ve seen it have a lasting, positive impact with private group bookings continuing to be a dominant trend,” says Tom Marchant of Black Tomato, for whom group travel now accounts for 30 per cent of bookings. The company has just launched its See You in the Moment series to cater for the demand: it uses a mood board of over 35 experiences themed around key flash points, from The Meal (a backcountry feast served on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, for example) to The Challenge (rafting down the Apurímac in Peru, perhaps), all designed to create lasting memories. For Scott Williams, meanwhile, multi-generational travellers are thinking big: why take one house when you can take a whole estate, such as Meli on Paxos in the Greek Islands, which sleeps 17? Other groups are taking to the water, with Red Savannah reporting an increase in bookings for Turkish gulets, Egyptian dahabiyas and Indonesian phinisis. Scott Dunn have seen an increase in bookings amongst groups of friends, with 30 per cent of respondents in a recent survey saying they were planning trips for 2024 that included ski trips to France, adventure travel in South and Central America, and beach breaks on Antigua and Barbados. Empty-nesters are also a growing force, with groups of couples in their 50s to 70s hiring villas in the shoulder season for cultural weeks away, and all-female groups – mainly aged between 50 and 65 – who are proactive in wanting to renew long-term friendships. “We had one repeat group that included several cancer survivors,” says Sarah-Leigh Shenton at Red Savannah. “A hammam afternoon in Turkey was a deeply bonding experience and they’ve since travelled to Jordan and Sicily together.” Rick Jordan

11. AI aims to be your sidekick

What's the trend? Early last year, after OpenAI’s ChatGPT broke the record as the fastest-ever growing consumer app, travellers started playing around with AI chatbots to get inspiration on where they could go. More recently, major travel booking platforms have started to integrate AI chatbots into the booking experience. But if 2023 was the year of AI chatbots wanting to plan your trips , 2024 will be all about how AI aspires to be your travel sidekick. A wave of new AI-powered features and products aims to support travellers on the ground – all while raising concerns around the potential negative impacts as AI becomes more widely integrated with our travels.

Why will it matter in 2024? AI will start to make more real-time interventions in our travels in 2024. One practical example is live translation , which Samsung plans to launch on its 2024 Galaxy devices. Imagine calling somewhere you want to visit to get information without worrying about whether staff speak the same language as you. Another example is greater AI personalisation in popular apps you already use. Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has recently touted the company's increasing use of personalised AI algorithms , which will learn about your habits and make suggestions based on what you’re doing. For the true early adopters, real-time travel interventions could also mean ditching your screen entirely and clipping a screenless personal translator and travel assistant to your chest. This is the unusual idea behind the new talking and projecting AI Pin from Humane , a start-up backed by investors including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, that promises to function a bit like the universal translator from Star Trek . Will anyone want to actually wear the pin or will it go the way of previously hyped devices such as Google Glass? It certainly raises a host of ethical questions about privacy and data protection. Yet the more that AI products successfully help in addressing on-the-go problems, the more travellers will come to rely on them too. JD Shadel

12. Skip-gen travel

What’s the trend? Skip-gen travel describes when grandparents holiday with grandchildren, in other words, "skipping" a generation. “In the past few months, I've had around twice as many enquiries as usual for grandchild/grandchild bookings,” says Clio Wood, founder of family retreat company &Breathe . “There’s been a rising trend of grandparents taking their grandchildren away,” agrees Ollie Summers, Head of Sales at bespoke operator Scott Dunn . “Often to places that have a sentimental meaning to them.”

Why will it matter in 2024? Several travel agencies have created itineraries to cater specifically for this demand in 2024. “Skip-gen safaris are emerging as a micro-trend from the UK, reflecting a niche traveller group now well established in the US luxury market,” says Liane Goldring of Mahlatini Luxury Travel . “The grandparents are usually in their 70s and still active enough to fully embrace a fully guided safari adventure.” Original Travel, meanwhile, has relaunched its Bonding Holidays Collection , featuring trips focussed on discovering something new together, such as its 14-day Family Ranching itinerary in the American West. Some of this growth can be attributed to big-ticket lockdown promises coming to fruition. Now, amid the UK’s cost of living crisis, parents are also keen to make the most of the time and childcare support of their typically baby boomer, more comfortably retired parents. Plus, the global ratio of living grandparents to grandchildren is higher than ever, thanks to a combined increase in life expectancy and drop in the number of children per person. We’re even said to be living in the "the age of the grandparent". Don’t expect this trend – or your grandparents – to slow down anytime soon. Becky Lucas

Glamorous train travel

13. Train travel gets glam

What’s the trend? Rising climate consciousness has fuelled a rail travel revival, the luxury train niche is reaching new heights of popularity, extravagance and ambition. Travel booking platforms are reporting growing demand for luxury rail trips , where the journey is, yes, the destination. In fact, new design-forward train lines increasingly rival the finest hotels for the culinary experiences and bells and whistles on offer.

Why will it matter in 2024? A new wave of rail lines and itineraries launching in 2024 puts an emphasis on deeper immersion into the culture and landscapes of the destinations, which are more and more off the beaten track. Responding to growing demand for luxury train travel among its user base, specialist platform Railbookers plans to launch arguably the most geographically extensive and expensive luxury train itinerary around. With prices per person starting at $113,599, the 80-day Around the World by Luxury Train voyage will cross four continents and 13 countries. Beginning in August , the slow journey will string together existing luxury rail trips including Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper and India’s Maharajas Express from Delhi to Mumbai. In Asia, the previously paused Eastern & Oriental Express is making a grand comeback starting in February, with carriages getting an upscale revamp and its legendary route being retraced through Malaysia's landscapes. Meanwhile, Japan is a hot destination for its scenic train journeys such as the exclusive Train Suite Shiki-shima , which quickly closed applications for its 2024 trips due to demand. And in Europe, six new train lines will commence or terminate in Rome under Accor's La Dolce Vita umbrella, with suites designed by starchitects Dimorestudio, building on the cultural legacy of the famous Orient Express . JD Shadel

14. Restaurateur-owned hotels

What’s the trend? Restaurants and hotels are the two linchpins of the hospitality industry. And naturally, the two are often intertwined on one premises. Until recently, though, most hotels weren’t started or owned by restaurateurs. Yet as food-focused travel keeps increasing, with people hankering for the next hot reservation and planning entire trips around discovering a culture through its food, it makes sense that restaurateurs are adding hotelier to their CVs – and ensuring their new properties have impressive food offerings. We’d be remiss not to mention Nobu, which began as a restaurant in 1994 and in 2013 launched its global hotel brand, as a harbinger of the trend.

Why will it matter in 2024? Just as design brands (RH, West Elm) have opened hotels in recent years, now restaurateurs are getting in on the action. In the USA, restaurateur and 12-time James Beard award nominee Sam Fox has just launched the Global Ambassador in Phoenix, Arizona, with five restaurants. Santa Barbara’s Good Lion Hospitality is relaunching Petit Soleil , a Californian wine country boutique hotel, with a new bar and restaurant slated for next spring. The Lafayette Hotel & Club was debuted last summer in San Diego by Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of a local hospitality group that operates 16 bars and restaurants. The hotel has five restaurants and bars, with two more opening by the end of the year. In Dallas, Harwood International, which owns a dozen or so restaurants in the area, opened Hôtel Swexan in June. In the St Gallen region of Switzerland two hotels were recently added to beloved restaurants: the revamped Mammertsberg  and  Gasthaus Traube . In Slovenia, AS Hotel is a new place to stay launched Sebastjan Raspopović, son of chef Svetozar Raspopović-Pope of renowned restaurant Gostilna AS in Lublijana. Aside from a restaurant by Raspopović-Pope, the hotel has an eatery by Michelin-lauded chef Ana Roš. Finally,  R48 , and its lauded Chef’s Table, was opened in Tel Aviv last spring by R2M Hospitality Group, which also runs restaurants CoffeeBar and Herzl 16. Devorah Lev-Tov

15. Silent travel

What’s the trend? In an age of overstimulation, silence might be just what we need from our travels in 2024. Offering a chance to restore and reset, silent travel represents a more mindful kind of trip, one that doesn’t leave you needing a holiday to recover from your holiday. Silent meditation retreats are an increasingly popular wellness trend, but silent travel also encompasses secluded nature resorts, sleep retreats , quiet hotels , silent walking tours and even silent disco and concert experiences.

Why will it matter in 2024? Saturated with stress and screen time, many of us are looking for ways to disconnect. The silent walking trend that recently took TikTok by storm reflects a growing impulse to escape the noise of our tech-fuelled lives and embrace the quiet, with promising implications for wellbeing. One 2015 study suggests silence may help to stimulate brain development, while another found that two minutes of silence during or after relaxing music increased the music's calming effects. With the Global Wellness Institute forecasting a 21 per cent increase in wellness tourism in the next two years, what better counter to the chaos of our always-on lives than silence? Silent travel is also part of a move towards more sustainable tourism. Quiet Parks International , for example, offers unique nature experiences in dedicated quiet spaces, reducing noise pollution for the surrounding wildlife. Silent travel opportunities abound in 2024. Kick off the year with a silent retreat in Portugal (with Innate ) or Italy (with Mandali ). More adventurous silent-seekers can trek the peaceful Japanese Kumano Kodo trail, or explore Finland’s Arctic landscape with a Silence & Nature Tour . For a tailor-made silent experience, Black Tomato’s Blink camp offers luxury accommodation in the world’s most remote settings, while its Get Lost programme promises to help you find yourself by getting lost in a far-flung location. Tasha Kleeman

16. Urban gardens

What’s the trend? Never mind the biophilic office and those pot plants you forget to water: whole cities are going green as architects and planners create leafy microclimates amid the grey concrete to help keep us cooler, connect communities and even feed us.

Why will it matter in 2024? Having trees and gardens in our cities is a pretty good idea. King Nebuchadnezzar certainly thought so, which is why his Hanging Gardens of Babylon made it into travel’s first-ever bucket list – the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – back in the 2nd century BC. Nowadays planting trees creates much-needed shade, stores carbon and increases biodiversity, but it also makes our cityscapes so much nicer. While Valencia, an early adopter of urban greening with its 12km-long Turia Garden in 1986, is the 2024 European Green Capital, France is busy planting trees like there’s no tomorrow: go to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and you’ll spot budding new forests growing in Place du Colonel-Fabien, Place de Catalogne and in the Charonne district, while Bordeaux’s Grandeur Nature project includes urban cooling islands, micro-forests and rain gardens. All of which will doubtless be discussed at the ISHS Green Cities 2024 symposium, hosted by RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, England, in September. Meanwhile, on Cyprus – an island that experienced temperatures of 44℃ in 2023 – the new Salina Park opens in time for summer shade in the seaside city of Larnaca. In Brazil, Rio’s Hortas Cariocas is a groundbreaking achievement that will be completed by the end of 2024: the largest urban vegetable garden in the world, connecting 56 community gardens across favelas and schools. And in London, the £1-billion Google building in King’s Cross will show just what can be done with one structure. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the "landscraper" – only 11 storeys high but stretching out longer than the Shard is tall – is hoped to provide a blueprint for future urban projects: running along the rooftop is a multi-level garden, with wildflowers, lawns and decked seating areas, set with more than 55,000 plants and 250 trees. Can you dig it? Rick Jordan

17. Back-of-house tours

What’s the trend? Greener hotels giving us a look behind the scenes to show us – not just tell us – they're sustainable. We don't mean a look-see at solar panels or composting, but heart-lifting experiential tours that help us appreciate why it matters to support socio-economic uplift through tourism. In South America, Blue Apple Beach invites visitors to get up close and personal with the community work it does in Colombia through its impact fund. Founder Portia Hart wanted more than token-gesture carbon offsetting, where locals themselves could decide how money was spent. In Africa, guests of the Bushcamp Company contribute to initiatives through the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund. A popular excursion in Zambia is visiting the boreholes that are installed with outreach funds. Each pump provides fresh drinking water to hundreds of people a day, and visitors who spend time with those gathered get a very tangible insight into how such provisions funded by hospitality can literally change lives in regions most affected by a warming planet.

Why will it matter in 2024? Transparency is on the up as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive comes into force and greenwashing is coming close to being officially outlawed. A year of droughts, floods and heatwaves also reminds us we need to make better-informed choices in our travel planning – and all the better if we can also get a crash course in the science and sociology of positive impact. Experiences that go beyond explaining responsible practices, but demonstrate a deep respect for communities on the climate-change frontlines and help make their challenges relatable to visitors are especially helpful. Juliet Kinsman

18. Wild feasting

What’s the trend? Have you ever noticed how food always tastes better outdoors? But in today’s modern world many of us are more used to eating a sandwich while staring at a screen. Wild feasting describes the trend for beautifully curated culinary experiences in natural environments with the incorporation of hyper-local and foraged ingredients. In Sweden, for example, you can tap into a network of do-it-yourself outdoor restaurants where you book a table in a scenic location, search for nettles, birch leaves, lingonberries and trumpet chanterelles, and then cook them on an open fire according to a recipe card provided by a Michelin-grade chef.

Why will it matter in 2024? A greater range of wild feasting opportunities will give urbanites a chance to properly connect over food. Leading the way is Noah Ellis, founder of the UK's Nomadic Dinners. “Since launching in 2018, we experienced compounded year-on-year growth for our feasting and foraging experiences,” he says. In 2024 he will be hosting a new series of fire feasts, including one set among the bluebells. Also tapping into the zeitgeist is TikTok star Alexis Nikole Nelson (aka the Black Forager) who will publish a book about wild food in 2024. And don’t forget, 2024 is the last year you will be able to eat at Copenhagen ’s legendary, foraging-focused restaurant Noma before it turns into a test kitchen and closes to the public. Another innovator is Holmen Lofoten’s Kitchen On The Edge Of The World series in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, where guests can participate in four nights of wild feasts cooked by top chefs. In 2024, these will include Lennox Hastie, José Pizarro and Heidi Bjerkan. Ingunn Rasmussen, owner of Holmen Lofoten, says: “Now, as when we were little kids, gathering around a bonfire in the wilderness, sharing stories, feasting under the stars in these magical, remote surroundings is one of the absolute highlights, both for our guests and for us.” Jenny Southan

19. Plan-free travel

What's the trend? Saying no to endless scrolling to plan every inch of a trip, and saying yes to spontaneity instead. The power of the algorithm-spawned era of Fomo travel is waning, with those once secret spots made Insta-famous becoming tired and cookie-cutter, and the drive to plan a trip around them losing momentum. The rising counter movement is travel with no plans at all.

Why will it matter in 2024? The plan-free appeal is going one step further in 2024. Booking.com recently reported that 50 per cent of UK travellers want to book a surprise trip in 2024, where everything, even the destination, is unknown until arrival. And it’s possible to do it via travel companies such as Black Tomato, whose Get Lost service offers customers the ability to simply select a preferred environment – polar, jungle, desert, mountain or coastal – and leave its team decide everything else. “While we launched Get Lost several years ago, post-pandemic we’ve seen a notable and rising uptick in bookings and enquiries,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. Journee offers a similar surprise element, with travellers only finding out where they’re going at the airport. The service, which includes a full itinerary and access to a team via Whatsapp, is particularly popular with solo female travellers, while overall demand has grown so much that the London -based brand recently launched trips in the USA. Lauren Burvill

20. Frontier tourism

What’s the trend? To go above and beyond. Or below and under. As crossings of the tumultuous Drake Passage to Antarctica rack up millions of TikTok views and traffic jams form on Everest, canny travellers are seeking more individual, less obvious experiences that combine thrill-seeking with more meaningful self-empowerment.

Why will it matter in 2024? One person’s frontier is another’s backyard, of course, so frontiers are entirely subjective here. For some, this could mean being the first to camp under the stars in a remote landscape, or hike an ancient pilgrimage trail that’s been off the map for centuries. It’s still possible to bag a rare place on a Kamba African Rainforest Experience in the Republic of the Congo, being one of just 12 people to explore a game park the size of Belgium. Black Tomato, meanwhile, is designing an intrepid new expedition to the remote Mitre Peninsula in Argentina, along with a trip in Peru navigating the Sacred Valley of the Incas by raft. “This sort of adventure goes beyond bragging rights and is more akin to self-empowerment and the gratification of pushing our own horizons,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. The Ultimate Travel Company is also heading to Peru, a country repositioning itself for luxury travellers, with stays at Puqio, its first tented exploration camp,, in the remote Colca Valley in the Southern Peruvian Andes. Wilderness camping is also pegging out fresh terrain in Kyrgyzstan, with yurt stays on the steppes trending for 2024, according to Wild Frontiers, as is Mongolia ; while Albania, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Empty Quarter of Oman are all on the radar for an increasing number of travellers. And while the space-age pods of White Desert have already sold out for New Year’s Eve 2024 and 2025, latter-day frontiersfolk can take the path less travelled and explore the frozen continent’s southern coast (99 per cent of visitors go from South America to the northwest) with The Ultimate Travel Company’s new Ross Sea cruises, seeing the Ross Ice Shelf and Transantarctic Mountains. Don’t forget to pack your penknife. Rick Jordan

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The Biggest Travel Trends of 2024, According to Expedia Group's President

Can you guess the one major travel trend from 2023 that's sticking around?

Courtesy of Expedia

With the new year just around the corner, travel planning for 2024 is in full swing. Online travel booking behemoth Expedia recently unveiled its 2024 travel trends report , combining a vast trove of first-party data with a global consumer survey of 20,000 travelers. Think of it as a peek into what will define the travel landscape in the year ahead. 

“What’s happening in culture often shapes consumer behavior, and we’ve definitely seen that in travel,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . There’s a wide array of intriguing intel, from how travelers are looking for recommendations (hello, ChatGPT) to the destination “dupes” jet-setters are choosing so they can avoid overcrowded destinations.

Generative AI

While generative AI tools like ChatGPT took the spotlight in 2023, according to Gieselman, only a small fraction of travelers — 6 percent in total — used it to plan their trips. However, in 2024, Expedia predicts more widespread adoption; half of those surveyed are interested in using generative AI to plan their next getaway. 

The technology’s ability to simplify the planning and booking process — though often with unintended side effects — is driving its use. Nearly 40 percent of travelers say they would use generative AI to help find the perfect stay. 

Destination “Dupes” and "Set-jetting"

AI may (or may not) prove helpful for trip planning, but how will travelers narrow down where to go? The Expedia-commissioned study explored the “dupe” trend that has taken over TikTok by applying it to 2024 travel destinations. “These cities made the list because they all experienced a noticeable uptick in searches on the Expedia app over the past year, so it’s clear that they’re emerging as great alternatives,” Gieselman says. 

In many cases, these “dupes” are affordable alternatives to places that are historically more expensive. At the top of the list was Taipei, Taiwan , with a 2,786 percent increase in flight searches for 2024; Expedia says the city is a dupe for Seoul. Other notable dupes include Pattaya, Thailand (dupe for Bangkok); Paros, Greece (dupe for Santorini); Curacao in the Caribbean (dupe for St. Martin); and Perth, Australia (dupe for Sydney). 

There’s one 2024 trend that’s a sure bet — and a holdover from 2023. “Set-jetting” will continue to be in vogue for the new year. More than half of the travelers surveyed say they’ve researched or booked a trip to a destination after seeing it in a television show or movie. 

Giselman and company dug closer into specific programming that is influencing this trend. For instance, following the release of Wednesday on Netflix, Expedia saw a 150 percent increase in travel searches for Romania. There was a 200 percent increase in searches to Paris after Emily in Paris debuted its most recent season. 

A longtime favorite, White Lotus, is filming its third season in Thailand and Expedia expects a surge in travel to the Southeast Asian country. After all, the first two seasons of the series drove a 300 percent increase in demand to Hawaii and Sicily.

Sober Travel and More

Once on the ground, Expedia expects travelers to fully embrace “dry tripping,” going beyond the traditional Dry January or Sober October to have low- or no-alcohol getaways year-round. The travel industry has responded accordingly, stocking minibars with zero-proof options and offering mocktail-making experiences. 

Giselman says that it’s Gen Z travelers who are driving the dry tripping trend. “Sober-curious lifestyles are becoming more commonplace, and many Gen Zers are practicing alcohol-free lifestyles," he notes.

Wynn Las Vegas , a T+L reader favorite in Sin City , offers a “Drinking Well” zero-proof cocktail program developed by a master mixologist featuring reishi mushrooms, ashwagandha, and maca. Meanwhile, The Merrion , a T+L reader favorite hotel in Dublin , distills its own nonalcoholic gin. Expedia says more than 40 percent of travelers are likely to book a detox trip in the next year, with half of respondents saying they would be interested in staying at hotels that offer easily accessible alcohol-free beverage options.

The complete travel trends report, with several other key tenets , comes on the heels of Expedia Group’s recent launch of One Key , a single unifying travel rewards program across Expedia , Hotels.com , and Vrbo . 

31 Cutting-Edge Travel Trends To Expect For 2024

Embark on a journey into 2024 with an array of exciting trends that will redefine the travel experience. From Gen AI’s rise to the allure of Spanish landscapes, delve into sustainability, tech-infused experiences, and the beats of music tourism. Join us for a casual exploration of these trends, promising a fresh perspective on your upcoming adventures.

Discover the subtle whispers of the future in travel and get ready for a year of exciting changes with these trends encapsulating the fusion of technology, changing consumer values, and a profound desire for novel and sustainable adventures.

1. Sustainable Wanderlust

Sustainability takes center stage as eco-conscious choices permeate every facet of travel. The momentum behind sustainable accommodations and transportation reflects a collective commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of globetrotting .

A paradigm shift towards conscious consumerism is reshaping the very foundations of the travel sector, ushering in an era where the footprint of each journey matters.

2. Tech-Infused Experiences

The marriage of technology and travel reaches new heights. Augmented reality becomes a transformative force, offering immersive experiences at every destination. AI steps into the role of a personalized travel companion, shaping recommendations based on individual preferences.

Meanwhile, smart travel gadgets , from luggage innovations to wearable tech, weave a seamless tapestry of convenience, efficiency, and connectivity.

3. Local Immersion

Travelers are veering away from the trodden path, seeking genuine, offbeat experiences that delve into the heart of local culture. Community-driven travel initiatives gain prominence, fostering a symbiotic relationship where locals actively shape the traveler’s narrative.

Beyond offering unique experiences, this trend becomes a catalyst for economic growth in local communities and the preservation of cultural authenticity.

Related read: Annapurna Community trek, Nepal

4. Health and Wellness Journeys

The definition of travel broadens to encompass not just destinations but holistic well-being. Wellness-focused itineraries emerge, intertwining travel with mindfulness and fitness.

Travelers embark on journeys that rejuvenate both the body and mind , signaling a departure from conventional sightseeing to a more profound and enriching exploration of self and surroundings.

5. Virtual Travel and Meta-Tourism

A revolutionary shift occurs as virtual reality becomes an integral part of travel exploration. Digital experiences act as a prelude to physical travel, enabling individuals to traverse the globe and exploring destinations like Italy , Southern India , or Thailand from the comfort of their homes.

The traditional travel narrative undergoes a metamorphosis, blurring the lines between real and virtual experiences, offering a taste of destinations before setting foot on foreign soil.

6. Music and Sports Tourism: A Cultural Phenomenon

2024 marks a surge in sports and music tourism, fueled by once-in-a-lifetime events.

The Olympic Games return to Paris, the UEFA European Football Championship to Germany, and Super Bowl LVII to Las Vegas .

In this vibrant landscape, GO Sport Travel stands out as the premier destination for those seeking exclusive sporting experiences and matchday breaks across Europe. As a one-stop shop, GO Sport Travel provides unparalleled access to premier allocations at all major European football leagues, Formula One races, tennis majors, and Moto GP events.

On the other hand, Expedia predicts the rise of “tour tourism” after the success of major concert tours in 2023 and the sustained upward trajectory of music festivals .

The Libertines’ tour and the connection with The Albion Rooms showcase the fusion of music and accommodation. Gen Z and travelers express a strong inclination toward concert attendance and overseas music experiences in 2024.

7. Culinary Adventures

Culinary tourism keeps taking center stage, with a fusion of global flavors and a celebration of local gastronomy.

Social media’s influence on foodie culture propels travelers to embark on journeys where the culinary narrative is as rich and diverse as the destinations themselves.

Last but not least, unique dining experiences become a pivotal factor in shaping travel itineraries.

8. Retro Travel Revival

A nostalgia-driven wave sweeps across travel experiences. Travelers revisit classic destinations and activities, drawn by the allure of vintage aesthetics in a modern context.

This trend taps into a longing for the timeless, infusing a sense of nostalgia into every journey and redefining what it means to explore the world.

Van life read: A journey through Northern Spain in our vintage motorhome

9. Adventure Tourism 2.0

Adventure takes a futuristic turn, with extreme and unconventional travel activities rising. Technology intertwines with adventure tourism, offering experiences that push boundaries.

The very definition of adventure evolves, inviting modern travelers to embrace the thrill of the unknown and explore uncharted territories.

10. Wellness Retreats in Unconventional Settings

The pursuit of well-being extends to unconventional locations as wellness retreats break free from traditional confines .

Nature and the great outdoors become the backdrop for rejuvenation, marrying the serenity of untouched landscapes with curated well-being experiences.

Offbeat destinations and unique glamping accommodations beckon those seeking solace and a holistic escape.

11. Mental Wellness Travel

In response to the growing importance of mental health, travel experiences are crafted to enhance overall well-being .

Destinations promoting relaxation and stress relief gain prominence, catering to a traveler’s mental health needs.

Mindfulness practices are seamlessly integrated into travel itineraries, offering a holistic approach to self-care on the road .

12. Space Tourism

A new frontier opens with the dawn of commercial space travel. Travelers venture beyond Earth’s boundaries, experiencing zero gravity and even contemplating orbital stays.

The emergence of space tourism heralds a transformative era in travel, as individuals prepare to explore the cosmos and redefine the very essence of a celestial journey.

13. Cultural Exchange Programs

Immersive cultural exchange takes center stage, urging travelers to go beyond sightseeing. Living with local families, participating in daily life, and engaging in cultural traditions become integral to the travel experience.

This trend fosters cross-cultural understanding, transforming travel into a powerful tool for global connection.

14. Inclusive and Accessible Travel

A commitment to inclusivity shapes travel experiences, with a rising tide of options catering to all abilities.

Accommodations, transportation, and attractions embrace accessibility , ensuring that travel becomes an enriching experience for everyone.

The importance of inclusivity reverberates throughout the travel industry , paving the way for a more diverse and welcoming landscape.

15. Educational Tourism

Beyond traditional study abroad programs, educational tourism gains momentum. Travelers seek learning experiences beyond the classroom , participating in skill development retreats and educational vacations.

The integration of learning into travel itineraries reflects a desire for intellectual growth and personal enrichment.

16. Customized Travel Experiences

The era of hyper-personalized travel has arrived, offering bespoke itineraries tailored to individual preferences. Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in creating highly personalized travel plans, ensuring every journey is a unique and tailored experience.

The traveler becomes the focal point, with customized experiences shaping the future of travel.

17. Spontaneity Rules: The Decline of Lengthy Planning

A paradigm shift occurs as spontaneous trips gain popularity, challenging the tradition of long-term travel planning .

Last-minute bookings surge, with Spain emerging as a hotbed for spontaneous travel . Forbes and Hopper validate the trend, showcasing a shift toward impromptu getaways.

The connection between spontaneous travel and increased happiness is highlighted by Skyscanner. The evolving travel landscape embraces unpredictability, marking 2024 as the year where spontaneity rules.

18. Heritage Tourism

In an era of rediscovery and cultural appreciation, heritage tourism takes center stage. Travelers are drawn to the rich tapestry of historical sites, aiming to understand their cultural roots better.

The intersection of heritage and sustainable tourism becomes evident as visitors explore and preserve cultural landmarks. This trend fosters a deeper connection between travelers and the historical narratives embedded in the places they visit.

19. Solo Travel for Connection

Solo travel undergoes a transformation beyond individual exploration, evolving into a means of connecting with oneself and others.

Group activities and networking opportunities specifically designed for solo travelers gain prevalence , fostering a sense of community on the road.

Destinations actively work to create environments that cater to solo adventurers, promoting both self-discovery and social engagement.

20. Immersive Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing

Sustainability transcends trend status to become an essential element of the travel industry.

Booking.com’s survey underscores a growing demand for accommodations with innovative sustainability features. Properties worldwide actively embrace initiatives such as marine reserves and eco-friendly construction .

Exemplifying immersive sustainability are eviivo Collective’s Desert Harbor and Rachel’s Farm, committed to eco-friendly practices . The industry witnesses a surge in EV charger installations, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable practices.

21. Digital Detox Travel

As the digital age advances, the need for a break from technology becomes integral to travel experiences. Digital detox travel emerges as a trend where travelers consciously unplug from digital distractions.

Destinations promoting an escape from the constant connectivity of modern life offer serene environments conducive to relaxation, emphasizing the positive impact of disconnecting on mental well-being during travel.

22. Extreme Luxury Travel

Beyond conventional notions of luxury, extreme luxury travel takes center stage, offering exclusive and high-end experiences.

Discerning travelers seek unparalleled services in exotic locations, pushing the boundaries of opulence. The pursuit of unique, extraordinary, and personalized travel encounters becomes a driving force, redefining the benchmarks for luxury in the travel industry.

In navigating this realm, a critical challenge surfaces: to determine whether luxury travel can be sustainable at all . As we embark on this journey, contemplating the seamless integration of opulence with environmental responsibility, the question arises: what steps and innovations are needed to harmonize these seemingly contrasting elements?

23. Civic Engagement Travel

Travel becomes a transformative force for good as civic engagement – the active participation of individuals in the political, economic, and social life of their communities – travel gains prominence.

Travelers actively seek experiences with a focus on community service and volunteering, contributing to local projects and initiatives .

The impact of travel extends beyond personal enrichment to actively shaping and supporting the communities visited, emphasizing the role of travelers as agents of positive change.

24. Amenities: The New Booking Currency

Unique and compelling amenities redefine the competitive landscape in 2024. 7744 Ranch sets a benchmark with its upscale glamping experience featuring celebrity-owned trailers. Kenny Hawskworth, owner of Barnston Group, elevates guest experiences with high-end fitness bars and festive embellishments.

Amenities play a pivotal role in capturing travelers’ imagination and placing destinations on the map.

HospitalityNet predicts a trend of developers investing in wow-factor concepts, further emphasizing the importance of unique offerings.

25. Gen AI: A Revolution Unleashed

The travel technology landscape witnessed a revolutionary shift with the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).

Gen AI, the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reshapes user experiences in the travel sector. ChatGPT’s impact in 2023 acts as a catalyst, paving the way for the integration of Gen AI.

The transformative power of Generative AI goes beyond traditional AI boundaries, enabling personalized and adaptive interactions.

26. Spain: Beyond Tourism to Residency

Spain takes the spotlight in 2024, not just as a tourist destination but as a sought-after location for permanent residence according to Forbes . Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia secure top spots in global city rankings, with Malaga leading the charge.

The tech boom positions Malaga as Spain’s tech capital, attracting industry giants like Google and Oracle. The allure of Spain extends beyond tourism, driven by remote work opportunities , stunning beaches, and a thriving cityscape.

Barcelona adds to Spain’s appeal, securing a spot in Resonance’s Best Cities of 2024.

27. Pet-Friendly Travel

The bond between humans and their pets extends to travel, as the trend of pet-friendly travel continues to grow.

Accommodations and transportation services increasingly cater to the needs of traveling pet owners, recognizing the importance of including furry companions and ESAs ( Emotional Support Animals ) in the travel experience.

Destinations embracing pet-friendly initiatives become sought-after by a demographic seeking seamless travel with their beloved animals.

28. Dynamic Travel Subscription Services

A new paradigm in travel emerges with the advent of dynamic travel subscription services. Subscription-based models for travel services have gained popularity, providing travelers with personalized subscription plans for regular getaways.

The convenience and flexibility offered by subscription-based travel services redefine the traditional approach to travel, allowing individuals to curate their travel experiences seamlessly.

29. Micro-Cations

Recognizing the changing dynamics of travel, micro-cations gain traction as short, focused getaways become increasingly popular.

After the staycation boom , travelers are now looking to maximize experiences within a limited timeframe, opting for frequent shorter vacations over traditional lengthy trips. Their major attraction is the ability to refresh quickly.

30. Vacation Rentals: A New Era in Accommodation

The vacation rental market witnesses unparalleled growth, projecting a market volume of $107.7 billion by 2027.

Pandemic-driven changes position vacation rentals as preferable alternatives. A balanced coexistence with traditional hospitality emerges, with full-service offerings regaining popularity.

The luxury of space, privacy, and unique amenities redefines the accommodation experience, further solidifying vacation rentals as a dominant force in the industry.

And guess what? We added a touch of Galician charm to Airbnb last summer with our very own cottage . Curious? Check it out!

31. Borderless Work and Travel

The concept of a traditional office dissolves as work and leisure intertwine. Digital nomads, armed with laptops and a thirst for exploration, redefine the work environment .

Remote work-friendly destinations witness a surge in popularity, reshaping not only office culture but also the very essence of workcations and business travel worldwide.

In conclusion, the landscape of travel in 2024 is shaped by an intricate interplay of cutting-edge trends. From sustainability and tech-infused experiences to immersive sustainability and dynamic travel subscription services, each trend contributes to a transformative journey for both travelers and the industry.

As we navigate the year ahead, these trends underscore not only the evolving preferences of travelers but also the industry’s adaptability and commitment to shaping a more diverse, sustainable, and enriching travel experience.

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10 must-know travel trends for 2023

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After a particularly turbulent time for the industry, (the pandemic cost the global tourism industry $935 billion in the first 10 months of 2020 alone), travel is gaining momentum again. But while travel is back on the cards, the landscape has changed. Travel brands are being forced to guess what consumers want now, and what will happen next. leaving travel brands to piece together what consumers want now, and what will happen next.

So whether you’re in the midst of planning travel packages, strategizing your next big media campaign, or deciding on what content to lead with to drive new bookings, here are the key travel trends you need to know for 2023. 

Key travel trends for 2023

• Staycays are here to stay
• Millennials are driving demand for pet-friendly vacations 
• Gen Zs are going it alone
• Millennials are splashing the cash
• Covid fears are waning
• Gen Zs are being seriously #influenced
• Baby boomers are craving familiarity
• Italy, the Caribbean, and Singapore are on travelers’ lust list
• Sustainability is hot on the agenda for millennials
• Booking flexibility is non-negotiable

1. Staycays are here to stay

The world has opened up, and so has the appetite to travel abroad. You may think that marks the end of the domestic vacay, but this isn’t the case. Around 90% of consumers say they plan to take a domestic vacation in the next 12 months.

It seems that staycations have captured the hearts of travelers, many of whom may have holidayed at home for the first time due to Covid travel restrictions.

So what is it about domestic travel that consumers love so much? Being close to nature, the beach/coast, and visiting family/friends are among the top reasons for their vacation. What’s more, 58% of domestic vacation planners say their top reason to holiday closer to home is to enjoy themselves and relax, showing that sometimes the simple things are the most important right now.

2. Millennials are driving demand for pet-friendly vacations 

Passport, keys, sunglasses, furry friend? According to our latest data from GWI Travel, over 1 in 10 millennials say they plan to travel with their pets. 

During the Covid lockdowns we saw a huge spike in consumers buying puppies, and now many new dog-owners are finding themselves with an extra passenger in tow. And it’s not just domestic vacations where dogs are getting in on the action. Eurotunnel reported a record-number of pets traveling on its services in August 2022, and new airline Akasa Air have pre-empted demand by announcing it will allow “domestic dogs and cats” on all flights. 

3. Gen Zs are going it alone

After 2 years of restrictions, Gen Zs are after a little adventure. Over a third of Gen Z say they plan to travel by themselves, showing there’s an appetite to be bold post-pandemic. TikTok is awash with videos with the hashtags such as #solotravel, #solotraveldiaries and #solotraveltips that provide inspiration, useful content and honest reviews of what it’s like to travel alone. 

Our freshest travel data set showed 35% of Gen Z think ‘safety of solo travelers’ was an important factor if they were booking a vacation/trip tomorrow, suggesting solo travel could be a lucrative market for brands to hone in on for 2023. Budget airline EasyJet is already tapping into this market, announcing that it’s extending its solo traveler discount after seeing a huge uptick in demand. 

4. Millennials are splashing the cash 

You may be forgiven for thinking that baby boomers are the most likely to push the boat out when it comes to vacations, but there’s a new big spender in town: the millennial. 

17% of millennials say they look for options toward the top range, or reach for the top-range option, which is the highest of all generations. They’re also the most likely to say they’re taking a domestic vacation as a luxury/treat for themselves or others. So if you’re a luxury travel brand, millennials are a key segment to win over. Whether it’s flight upgrades, premium room options, or duty free, you can count on millennials being front of the queue.

5. Covid fears are waning

After a confusing and worrying time for many, consumers’ confidence in travel is slowly building with Covid concerns no longer a top priority. When asked which factors were most important when choosing a destination, Covid-19 status/restrictions was outranked across all generations by factors such as fun/excitement, sights/attractions and cost/value for money. 

32% of travelers said Covid-19 entry requirements would be an important booking factor, and 28% said the same for Covid-19 case numbers, however, this pales in comparison to free cancellation/rebooking and hygiene standards which came out at 38% and 36% respectively. So while consumers are still conscious of Covid risks, they’ve got other priorities on their mind. Messaging on flexible booking policies and positive hygiene reviews are likely to be more persuasive to lead with than Covid-related assurances. 

6. Gen Zs are being seriously #influenced

What influences consumers’ decision on where to vacation? Across all generations, recommendations from family and friends came out on top, with 39% of respondents saying this influenced their decision. This was highest among Baby Boomers and Gen Z, but for Gen Z, there’s another factor that plays a huge role: social media.

60% of Gen Z say social media, whether in the form of ads or posts by friends/family or celeb/content creators, influences their decision about where to go on vacation. This is a clear indication to brands that ads and influencers are a particularly effective way to engage with Gen Zs and promote their travel offering. 

Want to know where to target them? According to our latest social media use by generation report, Instagram is the platform where ads resonate the most for Gen Z, with 24% of this generation saying they’ve clicked on a promoted post/ad on the site in the past month. 

7. Baby boomers are craving familiarity

Unlike Gen Z, baby boomers are less concerned with finding trendy or insta-worthy hotspots, and more about visiting destinations they know and trust. 

The most distinctive destination influencer for this generation is previous vacations they’ve been on. This group is much more likely than other generations to rely on their own past experiences.

In fact, 32% say they’d rather take a vacation somewhere they’ve been before. 

After the disruption of the pandemic, and with the cost of living crisis beginning to bite, who can blame them for hedging their bets? 

Other important factors for baby boomers include recommendations from family/friends (46% say this) and value for money (54% say this), which again highlights their desire to make low-risk decisions and book with confidence.

8. Italy, the Caribbean, and Singapore are on travelers’ lust list

Where are international vacationers planning to go? Most travelers are planning to visit locations within their own region. Italy is the top destination travelers in Europe are considering, with 29% saying they plan to visit, closely followed by Spain and Greece. 

A third of international vacation planners in North America say they plan to visit the Caribbean in the next 12 months, followed by Mexico and Canada. Brands should focus their attention here when promoting offers and packages to North American audiences. 

In APAC, Singapore topped the list of most sought after destinations, with interest at an all time high due to pent-up demand from the pandemic. Singapore Airlines recently announced an expanded flight schedule to keep up with growing demand from travelers. The second and third most popular destinations for APAC vacation planners are Australia and Japan. 

9. Sustainability is hot on the agenda for millennials

A travel trend that’s impossible to ignore is sustainability, but it’s safe to say some generations are more concerned than others. Of all groups, millennials care most about the carbon footprint of their travel, with 37% saying they’re very/extremely concerned. Gen Zs aren’t far behind, but only 18% of baby boomers say the same. 

When it comes to taking measures to limit their environmental impact, millennials are the most likely to pick a travel provider with a good sustainability/environmental policy and say they try to use local providers for services while on vacation. Brands already responding to this demand include Skyscanner, which recently expanded its Greener Choices tool (which helps travelers find lower-emission flights) to include electric vehicle booking options, helping travelers to travel in a more eco-conscious way. 

However, we also know that millennials are also the most likely of all groups to indulge in luxury travel so there’s an interesting tension here between intention and action. While they may be most concerned about their carbon footprint, that doesn’t stop them traveling. According to our latest Core data, millennials are the most active group of travel buyers .  

10. Booking flexibility is non-negotiable

Covid restrictions and the recent surge in flight cancellations left many travelers frustrated, and in some instances, out of pocket. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of cancellations and delays, and as such, when asked which factors were most important if booking a trip tomorrow, free cancellation/rebooking came out on top (38% said this).  

Easy cancellation/rebooking also scored highly, showcasing consumers’ desire for greater flexibility when planning their vacation. Despite travel restrictions being lifted, consumers aren’t prepared to give up the peace of mind that free and flexible booking policies afford them. 

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2024 travel trends: what the experts predict

A look at the travel trends and destinations set to drive the tourism industry

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The year of 'surprise travel'?

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Set-jetting continues to take off

Music tourism 'accelerates', palate-led holidays and uk getaways, cultural exploration and quaint cities, journeys with 'a sense of purpose'.

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Fodor's 2024 'No List'

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'More and more surprise trip companies have popped up' 

"Surprise travel" may become the big trend of 2024, said David Farley on the  BBC . A survey of 27,000 travellers in 33 countries by  Booking.com  found that 52% are "keen" to book a surprise trip where "everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival". In the last decade, "more and more surprise trip companies have popped up", Farley added, and the "element of mystery" is "tempting travellers to seek a new way to see the world".

Mongolia and Nairobi included in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel

Mongolia is tipped as one of the top countries to visit 

In its "Best in Travel" report for 2024, Lonely Planet has predicted the world's top 50 countries, regions, cities, best value and most sustainable destinations. Looking at the top places to "unwind, connect, eat, learn and journey", there's "plenty to pack in" over the next year. Destinations highlighted in the report include Mongolia (country), Western Balkans' Trans Dinarica Cycling Route (region), Nairobi in Kenya (city), Spain (sustainable) and The Midwest, USA (best value).

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The new season of 'Emily in Paris' will inspire travel to the French capital

Travellers turning to their TV sets and movie screens for inspiration "shows no signs of stopping in 2024", said Expedia Group . In its "Unpack '24: The Trends in Travel" survey, more than half of travellers have researched or booked a trip to a destination "after seeing it on a TV show or movie", and one in four admit that TV shows and films "are even more influential on their travel plans than they were before". In fact, travellers say TV shows influence their travel decisions more than Instagram, TikTok and podcasts. 

In its "set-jetting forecast", the group predicts the "entertainment-inspired destinations" tourists will be heading to in 2024. The top picks include Thailand, inspired by "The White Lotus" season three; Romania, inspired by "Wednesday" season two; Malta, inspired by the new "Gladiator 2" film; and Paris, inspired by "Emily in Paris" season four. 

Taylor Swift performs at Lumen Field, Seattle, on the Eras Tour

Travel technology company Amadeus has released its fourth travel trends report. Using the latest data and industry-leading insight, travel in 2024 will be dominated by five trends: music tourism, business class fares unbundled, influencers becoming agents, artificial intelligence matures, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prepare for take-off. 

Music tourism is a trend that's expected to "accelerate" in 2024, Amadeus said. After the social isolation of the pandemic, when bands and musical artists were "grounded for months", a "boom" in concerts and festivals in 2023 tapped into "a desire for connection". When Taylor Swift announced her Asia Pacific tour dates for 2024, Amadeus research suggested that Swift's concert dates in Australia, Singapore and Japan had a "significant impact on travel searches and booking volumes to the countries".  

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in Wiltshire is part of the PoB Hotels collection  

PoB Hotels ' "Cultivating Luxury" market trends report found that palate-led holidays and increased domestic getaways in the UK were among the key findings for 2024. Food and drink "undeniably take centre stage" in "capturing the attention" of domestic travellers, commanding an impressive 82% of their interests. A significant 54% of affluent high net worth individuals (HNWIs) plan to enjoy "three or more" leisure holidays within the UK in the upcoming year, reflecting a "notable increase on the previous 12 months". And a considerable 27% of affluent/HNW travellers anticipate taking UK trips "lasting three or more nights" in the coming year. 

Bydgoszcz in Poland is one of the 'quaint cities' attracting interest  

"Cultural exploration" will "more than ever" be a priority for travellers, Skyscanner said in its 2024 travel trends report. Expect "gig trippers" to jet off to see their favourite artists and "budget bougie foodies" to seek out the very best food experiences. When it comes to the destinations that are whetting would-be tourists' appetites, the metasearch engine and travel agency has seen an increase in searches for "quaint cities" such as Vigo in Spain (+1,235%) and Bydgoszcz in Poland (+313%). Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis remains "top of mind" with Skyscanner's "Everywhere" search tool being the "top search destination for travellers globally". 

'Off-grid' Peru is on Black Tomato's 2024 destination hotlist 

The founders of luxury travel company Black Tomato predict that travellers will be looking to journey with "a sense of purpose" in 2024. With ever increasing demands on time, and the desire to make travel truly count, travellers want to create "positive and lasting change" – not only in the destinations they visit, but in their own lives. 

"What we've uncovered," said Black Tomato, is that the feeling a trip ultimately evokes "greatly informs the destination booked". For groups "craving togetherness", journeys which "strengthen bonds and connection" are "prioritised". Black Tomato has picked out "off-grid" Peru, Morocco's Tangiers, the Mitre Peninsula in remotest Argentine Patagonia, and New Zealand's waterways on its 2024 destination hotlist.

The new Michelin Guide 'keys'

Which hotels will get a Michelin key? 

The Michelin Guide will award hotels with "keys" as part of a "new rating system" launching in 2024, said the Visit California PR Pulse Report. The system will be aimed at recognising hotels based on factors including "location, design, service, uniqueness and value". As it does for restaurants, the guide said it intends to independently recommend hotels that "constitute true destinations" and will propose a new selection of more than "5,000 remarkable hotels in 120 countries".

Venice is one of the destinations that has been impacted by overtourism

Most travel experts recommend places to go in their annual reports, but Fodor's has a "No List" of nine regions to "reconsider" in 2024. The travel guide company said it's not a "round-up of spots we revile", it's a "declaration of places we revere". However, the "frenzied admiration", and "incessant need to experience them", are "not sustainable". 

The 2024 No List focuses on three main areas of tourist impact: overtourism, rubbish production, and water quality and sufficiency. For overtourism, Venice in Italy, Athens in Greece, and Mount Fuji in Japan are highlighted. Rubbish production no-gos include San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in California, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, and the Atacama Desert in Chile. While water quality and sufficiency has impacted Lake Superior in North America, the Ganges River in India, and Koh Samui in Thailand.

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The Future of Wanderlust: Top Travel Trends to Watch in 2024

Want to know what’s up and coming in the travel universe? Check out these top travel trends for 2024 to plan your next adventure!

For a while there, travel after COVID got understandably weird. Revenge travel became a thing, and people were jetting off to destinations such as Italy, Japan, Portugal, Australia, or the Caribbean regardless of the price and crowds. Meanwhile, other travelers were using their new-found life knowledge to plan trips that had a deeper meaning for them than the typical vacation. It seems that most Americans have become much more budget-conscious within the last year regarding their getaways. But we continue to see some interesting travel trends as we move away from the restrictions of the pandemic. Let’s take a look at some of the things we can expect to see as we move further into 2024 and beyond!

Experiencing New Cities With Let’s Roam

Getting excited about travel trends in 2024? Go on a fun adventure of discovery with Let’s Roam on your next trip! Our innovative platform transforms the way you experience new cities by combining technology, creativity, and a sense of exploration. Let’s Roam offers interactive and customizable scavenger hunts , art walks , and bar crawls that unveil the hidden gems and stories of more than 600 destinations. With engaging challenges and trivia, Let’s Roam turns city exploration into a game. Every step is an opportunity for fun, learning, and connection!

Top Travel Trends of 2024

Below are some of the travel trends we’re seeing so far in 2024. The travel industry has been quick to adapt to many of these, offering tons of unique travel experiences catering to a wide range of travelers. Many of these trends are also directly related to the increase in remote work during the pandemic. 

The overarching theme is that people want to get more out of travel than visiting a few beaches or some museums. They want local experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in the local culture. That might look like attending a festival or simply hanging out at a local dive bar. If possible, they want to combine work with travel so that they can maximize their time away.

Whatever the case, we’re likely to continue seeing the following trends in the coming year!

1. Adventure Travel

Sitting on a beach or hustling through a European city such as London or Paris for a few days is certainly a lovely prospect. However, more and more travelers are looking for adventure travel options that allow them to get into the Great Outdoors. They want to push themselves beyond their limits! Adventure travel is an amazing way to learn what you’re capable of. Since many adventure travel trips venture into exotic or remote locations, they also allow you to learn more about the natural environment.

2. Wellness Travel

The pandemic taught many of us to focus more on our physical and mental health. So it probably comes as no surprise that wellness travel is on the rise. Wellness travel is considered any travel that is done with the intent of maintaining or improving your personal well-being. This type of travel could range from yoga workshops in Thailand to meditation retreats in California. 

Wellness resorts have existed in some form for centuries, so this isn’t necessarily a new thing. However, wellness travel also helps facilitate preventative self-care rather than simply reacting to an existing health issue. That’s a bit of a game changer! This shift is reflected in the products on offer by the tourism industry. Wellness retreats are no longer confined to traditional spa settings. Instead, they’re diversifying to include immersive experiences that cater to all aspects of health. These wellness-centric itineraries are designed to foster a sense of balance and self-care. They offer visits with mental health professionals, physical trainers, professional chefs, and much more.

Want to know more? Check out our article on “ Wellness Travel and What It Can Do for You! ”

3. Sustainable Travel

Travel has gotten a very bad rap when it comes to sustainability. The environmental impact of flights, hotels, rental cars, and so on can be extremely damaging to our environment. Tourism businesses and travelers alike are trying to combat this issue by choosing sustainable travel options. Travelers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options, from accommodations to transportation, as they strive to minimize their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the places they visit. Gen Zers and Millennials are heavily involved in this type of travel. Depending on the destination, you can now find plenty of sustainable options. And there’s been a noticeable shift toward a less harmful way to travel.

One significant aspect of the sustainable travel trend is the rise of eco-friendly accommodations. Travelers are opting for stays in eco-conscious hotels, resorts, and lodges that prioritize green practices. These establishments often incorporate renewable energy sources, implement waste reduction initiatives, and engage in conservation efforts.

But it’s not just about where you stay. Ethical travelers are also barring animal tourism, opting for renewable travel gear, choosing low-emission flights, and steering away from leisure travel to incorporate volunteering into their plans.

4. Shoulder-Season Travel

While Instagram and TikTok have sold a polished and idealistic view of many popular tourist destinations, reality can be a little different. These picture-perfect posts hide locations overflowing with tourists and people fighting tooth and nail to get some photos of iconic tourist attractions without having a bunch of random people in them. This massive flood of tourists to hot destinations around the world has led to many travelers choosing to travel during the off-season.

Off-season travel has a ton of benefits. Not only are the crowds diminished, but you also can usually save a pretty substantial amount of money on flights, accommodation, train and bus tickets, etc. Another often-forgotten benefit is that traveling during the off-season also allows you to remain a bit more flexible with your travel plans. You don’t necessarily have to book months in advance and can often just show up somewhere and find a place to stay. This added flexibility lets you take the time to immerse yourself in a destination. You can enjoy unexpected cultural experiences and go with the flow!

5. Hush Trips

Hush trips are a post-COVID phenomenon that many remote workers and part-time digital nomads are taking advantage of. People are simply working remotely from a different location without telling their employers about it. This could be anything from someone working from a lake house rather than from their apartment in a city. Or it could be working from a completely different country! 

Hush trips are ideal for workers who can log in and do their normal job duties anywhere that provides a stable internet connection. They work from cafes, Airbnbs, hotel rooms, co-working spaces, and even microbreweries—surprisingly great places to work from if you can resist the temptation of an IPA! 

6. Bleisure Travel

Combining business and leisure, bleisure travel combines a business purpose such as a work trip, conference, etc., with tourist activities. This isn’t a new thing, as many business travelers were doing this decades ago (myself included). However, the rise of remote work has made this a much more feasible prospect for many people since they don’t necessarily need to take time off or rush back home on a Sunday to be in the office on Monday. 

Bleisure travelers are increasingly extending their stays in business destinations. As a result, they can explore local attractions, experience the culture, and enjoy recreational activities. This blending of business and leisure not only enhances the overall travel experience but also contributes to improved work-life balance, reducing the stress associated with frequent business travel.

This type of travel can also be helpful for the travel industry itself. Bleisure travel can be a helpful way for business-oriented hotels to maintain occupancy during the weekends. It may also help some off-the-beaten-track destinations pick up extra visitors: Think of someone traveling to Brighton Beach after a business trip in London. 

7. Home Swapping

As more and more people look at traveling long-term, there has been a major increase in home swapping. During a home swap , people will let someone live in their house while they live in the other person’s place. They may even include transportation! If you’ve seen the quintessential holiday movie The Holiday , you know the drill! This is an interesting way to source accommodation all over the world and can help people feel like they’re really living within a community. 

Many different websites and apps can help facilitate a home swap. They usually charge a nominal yearly subscription to help maintain the platform, but this can easily pay for itself if you can find a home swap. Home swapping can be a very cost-effective way to travel for extended periods of time, and you can feel safe knowing that someone is looking after your house while you’re looking after theirs!

8. House-sitting

Much like house swapping, house-sitting is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation. It usually involves looking after someone’s house and/or taking care of their pets while they’re on vacation. You can find house-sitting opportunities through word of mouth or via websites and apps like Trusted Housesitters. 

The benefits of house-sitting are pretty obvious. You often get a cushy place to stay for a few days or weeks, and you get the added benefit of having a little furball to hang out with while you’re there!

9. Solo Female Travel

Did you know that women in the United States couldn’t even get their own credit cards until 1974? In less than 50 years, women went from being largely financially reliant on men to now being able to book a flight ticket on Expedia, head to the airport, and jump on a plane to an exotic location. This societal change has led to a boom in solo female travel. In fact, it continues to grow decade after decade!

In 2024, droves of solo female travelers are venturing into different parts of the world. Many are joining tours specially designed for women while others are throwing on a backpack and making their way through a country or region. One key driver of the solo travel trend is the increasing emphasis on self-care and personal growth. Many solo travelers view their journeys as opportunities for diving into introspection, challenging their comfort zones, and building self-confidence. These trips often focus on a spiritual pilgrimage, a difficult physical endeavor, or achieving a personal goal.

Another major driver behind this trend is that solo travel to many parts of the world has become safer and easier. Smartphones, eSIMs, Facebook groups, and travel tech apps have made solo travel more accessible and less daunting. Social media platforms and travel apps enable solo travelers to connect with like-minded individuals. They can then share experiences and seek recommendations, which fosters a supportive global community. There’s also information on safety and logistics. That insight usually gives them just the boost they need to plan a solo trip.

Future of Solo Travel

Luckily, travel companies such as Intrepid Travel, Hilton, Expedia, Viator, and so on are responding to the solo travel trend by offering more tailored experiences for individual explorers. From solo-friendly accommodations and cruises to group activities designed for solo travelers, the market is evolving to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of those embarking on solo adventures.

Solo travel is an evolving way of travel. Learn more about it with “ How the Social Travel Trend Has Changed Solo Travel .” If you’re traveling solo, don’t forget to get tickets to your Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt before you go! These hunts provide an excellent introduction to a new place and can be a great way to make some new friends.

10. TikTok-Inspired Tourism

Most of the trends we’ve seen so far offer many positive benefits to both the traveler and the destination. TikTok-inspired tourism is a little different, though. Driven mainly by Gen Zers, TikTok-inspired tourism comprises people using TikTok (or Instagram) as a method for researching destinations they want to visit. 

While social media is an incredible way to find new places to explore, the mass consumption of these platforms can often lead to overtourism in smaller destinations and a less authentic way to discover a destination. In many ways, social media has simply replaced the old Lonely Planet Guidebooks that dictated where many people slept, ate, and visited. Unfortunately, you find many of these same visitors armed with selfie sticks, tripods, and even multiple outfits to change into, and they’re often eager to get the perfect shot no matter what the cost.

11. Destination Dupes

One interesting thing that has stemmed from the whole Instagram-overtourism connection is the emergence of destination dupes. Destination dupes (duplicates) are doppelgangers for other more expensive places. They offer many of the same characteristics and attractions but usually at a fraction of the cost and with significantly fewer crowds. Some common dupes of 2024 include Taipei instead of Seoul, Memphis instead of Nashville, and Palermo instead of Lisbon.

Searching for alternative destinations is a great way to save money. It also gives you the chance to see something new. Destination dupes can also help reduce overtourism and promote sustainable travel as people depart from the world’s most popular cities to find places with fewer crowds and more authentic interaction. 

12. Set-jetting

It’s always a bit of a thrill to visit a location that was used in a movie. Set-jetting travel allows you to do just that! This wonderful pun describes the trend of traveling to the filming locations for movies and TV shows, which gives you the chance to blend fiction and reality. 

These dreamy, picturesque, or sometimes downright terrifying filming locations are becoming hotspots for vacations. Take France, for example. Bookings for 2024 are soaring, boosted by the Netflix hit Emily in Paris . It’s like the show cast a spell on travelers! Meanwhile, travel to the United Kingdom has seen a surge, particularly to London, Bath, and Windsor, inspired by the new seasons of popular TV series like Bridgerton and The Crown .

It’s not just Europe, either. The White Lotus has travelers craving those fancy, sun-soaked spots it showcased. Folks are ready to jet off to warm havens like Thailand, Mexico, the Maldives, Oman, Australia, and Barbados this winter. TV is turning into the ultimate travel guide, and it looks like 2024 is gearing up to be the year of set-jetting!

Learn more about set-jetting and places to go with “ What Is Set Jetting? The Top Travel Trend for Movie Buffs .”

13. Immersive Cultural Experiences

Travelers today are not just seeking a run-of-the-mill vacation; they’re on a quest for immersive experiences that delve into the heart and soul of the local culture. The trend goes beyond mere sightseeing; it’s about becoming a part of the local communities.

A growing number of travelers are booking stays in remote villages in Africa and Asia in order to have a more authentic experience. Travelers are planning their journeys around unique cultural festivals such as the Gerewol Festival in Chad or the Mount Hagen Festival in Papua New Guinea. These festivals aren’t merely events; they’re gateways to traditions, customs, and celebrations that shape the identity of a region.

This cultural prioritization extends beyond curated experiences as well. It impacts how travelers pick restaurants and accommodations. More and more people are opting for boutique hotels, homestays, or working vacations that allow access to locals and a glimpse into their way of life. 

14. Tour Tourism

Tour tourism is like hitting two birds with one stone. You get to go on a vacation and see your favorite music stars live! With world tours making a strong comeback post-pandemic (Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour), fans will be globetrotting for gigs more than they have in years. Traveling to catch the concerts of your beloved artists makes a fantastic trip for a young group of friends. Not only do you get to enjoy something you love and tour a new destination, but you’ll meet thousands of potential besties while you’re at it!

15. Country Counting

If you happen to follow a lot of different travel groups on Facebook, you may have noticed that there has been a steady increase in country counters. These travelers have a goal to visit every country in the world as part of a massive bucket list adventure. Although ambitious, it’s certainly doable if you have the time, money, and a strong passport. 

Country counting can take many different formats. Some people try to rush through countries simply to check them off their list while others travel slowly, visiting many different locations within a country. Some people do a combination of both! The trend seems to be building as more and more people finish all 193 UN countries and others add this to their life goals.

So, Ready to Roam?

As we navigate the travel landscape of 2024, one thing is clear. Diversity, personalization, and unique experiences are at the forefront of the journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re a cultural explorer, a budget-conscious traveler, or someone seeking a solo adventure. The travel trends of 2024 promise a rich tapestry of adventures for every wanderlust-filled soul. So, let your mind wander. Don’t be held back by stereotypes or old regulations of travel. Branch out. Pack your bags, and embark on a new kind of vacation this year. Aim for exploration, learning, and unforgettable moments!

If you want to find more information on breathtaking places around the world, head over to the Let’s Roam Explorer blog. Here, you can read hundreds of articles and travel guides for destinations such as India , Greece , Canada , New York City , and more. They can help you plan your upcoming trip! You can also download the Let’s Roam app . This handy app gives you access to all of our scavenger hunts with the touch of a button and offers tons of great user-generated tips and tricks for destinations around the country. We’ll see you out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Set-jetting refers to when people visit different filming locations used in TV shows and movies. Popular set-jetting destinations include New York City , Dubrovnik , and England .

Europe will certainly remain a popular travel destination for the next years. However, travelers looking for destination dupes may swap out busy places for less crowded, less expensive ones.

Some of the most common travel trends for 2024 include personalized travel experiences and cultural immersion, a continued rise in solo female travel, set-jetting, and tour tourism.

The biggest travel trends for 2024 are likely to be wellness travel, adventure travel, and solo travel. Within these trends, there are also movements toward more immersive travel experiences.

Solo travel continues to increase as Facebook groups and travel apps such as Let’s Roam and CouchSurfing give people insight into traveling. Many companies are catering to these travelers.

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City breaks are officially back – here are all the travel trends to watch out for in 2023

Travel agency Expedia gets out the crystal ball to predict the next year’s biggest travel trends

It’s crystal ball time! Looking ahead to 2023, what’ll be the biggest travel trends? Where’ll we go? What type of trips will everyone want to go on?

Travel agency Expedia reckons it has the answers to at least some of those questions. Using search data and feedback from 2,000 survey respondents, the travel agency has made a series of predictions for next year’s travel trends.  

First up, Expedia reckons travellers will opt to visit cities and urban landscapes . Thanks to the Fringe and World Pride, culture capitals such as Edinburgh and Sydney are set to prove more popular than ever. In other words, city breaks are back, baby!

Due to the cost-of-living crisis in many places around the world, Expedia is also predicting that travellers will choose rentals with kitchens . Which kind of makes sense, right? Eating out is often a huge holiday expense – cooking for yourself frees up loads of money to spend elsewhere.

Thanks to the increased popularity of spontaneous trips, Expedia also predicts an increase in popularity for three star hotels . Hotels rated three stars and under have apparently enjoyed 20 percent more interest over the past year, with travellers valuing shorter, more affordable stays over big blow-outs.

Another curious trend, according to Expedia, will see travellers inspired to book trips after seeing a destination in a TV show . Forty-four percent of respondents said that TV had inspired their travel plans, with the likes of New York (as seen in Inventing Anna and Sex and the City ), New Zealand ( The Lord of the Rings and The Rings of Power ) and the UK ( Bridgerton and The Crown ) all benefiting from TV appearances.  

Something else we could be seeing much more of is new wave wellness – in other words, unconventional or adventurous wellness experiences. Expedia says that things like sylvotherapy (forest bathing), cryotherapy (low-temperature medical therapy) and fruit harvesting are all set to prove more popular than classic wellness stuff like meditation and cookery courses.

As well as city breaks, travellers could also head off to do the exact opposite in 2023. Expedia reckons that rustic getaways are on the rise, with travellers heading for private holiday homes with loads of space and fabulous countryside views. Converted barns and farmhouses in countries such as Italy, Spain and France have apparently all seen a recent uptick. Similar to this is a preference for hidden gems , with 37 percent of Expedia’s respondents saying that they’d rather book a holiday home in a lesser-known destination. 

Of course, it’s worth taking these predictions with a pinch of salt – they are just predictions, after all. But still, it’ll be interesting to see how many of them prove true...

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Top Ten Travel Trends for 2024- Unique Outdoor Experiences Are Trending

From ocean cruises to hut-to-hut trekking, more people are seeking unique and adventurous outdoor experiences this year. Check out our top ten active travel trends in 2024 to help inspire your next grand adventure

Backroads Top Ten Active Travel Trends for 2024

Women-Only Trips 

When we launched  Women’s Adventures  in August 2023 with Walking & Hiking Trips, they were in such demand that they sold out quickly. Since then, we've added additional destinations as well as Multi-Adventure tours to keep up with the strong interest.

E-bikes & Easygoing Travel 

The use of electric-assist bikes continues to grow in popularity since we introduced their custom-designed e-bikes in 2013. We also offers dedicated e-bike tours as part of its  Dolce Tempo  collection, which was designed to be enjoyed at a more easygoing pace. Backroads Dolce Tempo itineraries are attracting more guests who are new to active travel or looking for additional downtime for spa treatments, shopping or other individual interests and activities. 

Embarking on a Pilgrimage Reset

People seeking active journeys are being drawn to the world’s traditional pilgrimage routes. Spain and Portugal’s Camino de Santiago continues in popularity as a bucket-list destination, and we're excited to unveil a new  Taste of Camino de Santiago Bike Tour  in 2024 to complement its popular Walking & Hiking, Dolce Tempo and Women’s Adventure Trips in the region.  

The Darling of Scandinavia 

Norway tops many 2024 travel destination lists as travelers want to experience the country’s spirit of community, beautiful and accessible natural landscape and outdoor lifestyle. Bookings reveal that Backroads guests are eager to travel on their Norway’s Fjords tours and  the Lofoten Islands . In fact, all Northern Europe trips are popular, with a surge in bookings for Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours in the region. 

Family Travel for All Ages  

An increasing number of families are discovering that active travel is a way to connect, have fun and explore the world together, and that trend is reflected in the growth of Backroads Family Trips offering – especially for families with college-age children. Backroads is the only active travel company to run  Family Trips  designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+).

Ocean & River Cruising  

Backroads pioneered a new way to  cruise , and travelers have discovered that exploring actively while living aboard a luxurious small ocean or river ship is a great way to see more and cover great distances. Guests unpack only once and get all the benefits of an active Backroads vacation while cruising some of the world’s most beautiful rivers and oceans. 

Booking Early

The trend of booking future travel earlier than what used to be the norm started post-pandemic and continues with 2024 bookings. Backroads guests are reserving their 2024 trips early to take advantage of the best selection and availability. 

Going Private  

Whether it’s a group of friends, a corporate retreat or multiple generations of a family, going private is more popular than ever and Backroads makes it easier than any other travel company. Taking over an existing scheduled Backroads departure allows for a turnkey yet flexible and personal experience for everyone.

Shoulder Season

We're seeing a bigger boom in travel earlier in the spring and even later in the fall than before as travelers look to beat the summer crowds when kids are back at school, enjoy more temperate weather and better deals on airfare. We've added more active adventures in the 2024 shoulder season to keep up with demand.

Hut-to-Hut Trekking

We've seen a surge in interest for “hut-to-hut" hiking trips with people wanting to travel under their own power and at their own pace without transportation to move between locations. These trips are a chance to be fully immersed in nature on challenging hikes by day, with unique lodge experiences each night. Backroads’  hut-to-hut  or lodge-to-lodge trips in the Dolomites, Peru, Nepal, the Pyrenees and the Italian & Swiss Alps are in high demand for the coming year.

“In 1979 Backroads essentially set the trend for active adventure travel and 2024 is no different,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President and CEO. “Backroads has always been about giving guests the most flexibility and choice when they’re on vacation and the trends we’re seeing for 2024, from Women’s Adventures to e-bikes and family travel, offer something for every type of active traveler with challenging bike rides and hikes to easygoing Dolce Tempo trips. So now, more than ever, is the time to book your next active adventure.”

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Top Travel Industry Trends (2024-2027)

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The travel and tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of 4.41% .

By 2026, the projected market value will be just under $1 billion.

Here are seven trends driving the future of the travel space.

1. Travelers go it alone

One website reports that 25% of all American millennials plan to travel by themselves each year.

Statistics show that the number of people traveling solo increased by 42% even before the pandemic.

According to Travel Market Report , Intrepid Travel is a small-group travel company that plans trips for 75,000 people per year.

Data shows that more than 50% of the travelers booking with them are going alone.

Overseas Adventure Travel, another small-group travel company, has seen such a boom in solo travel that they’ve upped the number of single spaces they have available in 2021, a 76% increase over 2019.

Solo travelers are big on social media too.

2. Travelers crave local experiences

The "experience economy" is huge in the travel industry.

But fewer and fewer people may be settling for commonplace vacation activities in the coming years.

Instead, “consumers [will] pursue authentic experiences , distancing themselves from mainstream tourism providers and venturing into pastimes that feel more meaningful”.

Data insights company AirSage marks this as an emerging trend because “people no longer want boring and conventional travel experiences as much as they used to. Instead, they would rather pay for vacations that are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities”.

Airbnb is betting on this trend.

Their website has offered the opportunity for consumers to book “experiences” since 2016.

But they also added online experiences in 2020 for people who are seeking to connect with locals without leaving their homes.

Other companies are banking their entire business model on this trend.

Withlocals offers “personalized traveling” — the opportunity for travelers to book private tours and activities with locals around the world.

Camping (and glamping) trips have also become a popular way for people to travel while experiencing the local culture and staying safe amidst the pandemic.

Outdoorsy has been called the “Airbnb of RV rentals”.

And their sales exploded to $1 billion in 2020. That’s 400% growth since 2019.

Under Canvas runs seven glamping camps in wilderness locations across the United States aimed at exploring the local landscape and inspiring human connections.

The company reported a “surge" in demand in 2020 and had "strong" advanced bookings during 2021.

3. Travel tech adoption accelerates

As with nearly all businesses, technology is presenting the travel industry with seemingly endless opportunities.

The pandemic has only increased the speed of tech adoption in the travel industry.

A McKinsey survey showed that, because of COVID-19, “companies have accelerated the digitization of their customer and supply-chain interactions and of their internal operations by three to four years".

One example: room service robots.

Two Chinese hotel giants invested in ExcelLand, a manufacturer that already had 3,000 robots in operation.

BTG Homeinnes is looking at these robots as a way to control costs and safeguard guests.

Hotels, airlines, booking sites, and others are using chatbots like never before.

Travelers can chat with providers during every stage of their journey.

And, they won’t (always) feel like they’re talking to a robot. Advances in AI have made this type of communication hassle-free.

United Airlines has launched an “ Agent on Demand ” service that allows travelers at the airport to video chat with a customer service representative simply by scanning a QR code.

More and more airlines and airports are deploying facial recognition technology.

Corporations and government entities tout this technology as a boon for travel safety.

But many privacy advocates have put a halt to this emerging trend. They warn that this type of surveillance could easily turn dystopian.

With all of this new tech, companies are also continuing to capitalize on an older piece of technology — the smartphone.

Stats show that travelers who book tours and activities on their phone spend 50% more than those who book elsewhere.

4. Consumers blend business and leisure travel

The latest statistics say there are nearly 5 million digital nomads in America.

The concept of being location-independent, traveling and working remotely, has become even more popular since the start of the pandemic.

The hospitality industry is starting to cater specifically to digital nomads.

Aruba is opening its beaches up to travelers who’d like to work remotely, calling the marketing campaign “ One Happy Workation ”.

Visitors can stay for up to 90 days. And do not need any governmental documentation.

Barbados and the Cayman Islands will also let you work remotely from paradise for an extended period of time.

Booking.com reports that the "workation" trend is going strong.

More than 50% of travelers say they would extend their business trip to enjoy personal time at their destination.

In 2020, hotels began catering to locals who needed a quiet place to work.

The Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC, is just one example. It’s WFH-Work From Hamilton program offers rooms on a 6:00 am to 7:00 pm schedule.

5. The travel industry gets serious about sustainability

Recent data shows that more than half of US travelers believe there aren’t enough options when it comes to sustainable travel .

A poll conducted on behalf of Exodus Travels went even deeper into consumers’ attitudes .

• 91% of travelers see the importance of taking ethical trips
• 56% believe in buying souvenirs from local merchants
• 44% want to support local businesses at their destination

Sustainable travel involves minimizing impact on the local cultural environment.

And also taking an eco-friendly approach to the physical environment.

Nearly 70% of travelers say they are more likely to book accommodations if they know the property is planet-friendly.

Many in the travel industry have recently made commitments to preserving the environment.

For example, India-based ITC Hotels Group has LEED certified each of its hotels.

As of 2023, hotels in the state of California will no longer be allowed to provide single-use toiletries in plastic bottles to their guests.

Marriott International has made a pledge to remove these types of plastics from all their hotels, too. But the pandemic has put a temporary stop to that plan.

A recent report from Skift made this summary statement regarding sustainable travel in the future:

“[It’s a] less flashy way of viewing and traveling the world . . . with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and profound experiences while getting from point A to B without wrecking the climate and local quality of life in the process”.

6. Electric Air Travel Goes Mainstream

Speaking of sustainability, it looks like flying Teslas are finally here.

And they have the potential to make a big impact on at least three large industries:

The aircraft manufacturing industry, with over $200 billion in annual revenue between the top 3 manufacturers alone (Boeing, Airbus and Lockheed).

Commercial airlines, with $838 billion in annual revenue (pre-COVID).

And the ride-hailing and taxi industry, which was valued at $219.68 billion in 2022.

Electric vehicles are cheaper to run , less expensive to maintain , and better for the environment than vehicles powered by conventional fossil fuels.

That’s just as true for aircraft as it is for cars.

When it comes to electric aircraft, there are two main types: fixed-wing airplanes and eVTOLs.

Fixed-wing electric airplanes are just what they sound like. There aren’t any 747-sized electric airliners yet, but smaller commuter planes are in production.

Eviation is leading the charge. This startup produces a 620-mile range, 9-seat commuter plane called the Alice.

According to the company, flying the Alice is dramatically cheaper than a regular internal-combustion powered airplane.

For a 100-mile flight, conventional fuel for a similar-sized Cessna would cost about $400. In Eviation’s electric Alice, it would only be about $10 .

Eviation recently merged with Clermont Aerospace after a $108.5 million valuation.

At the same time, AeroTEC and MagniX are teaming up to retro-fit existing airplanes with electric motors - with similar improvements to efficiency.

There are also electric-hybrid airplanes in development.

For example, the Project 804 by United Technologies.

As well as the Aero by Zunum, a startup backed by Boeing and JetBlue.

And the E-Fan X by Airbus and Rolls-Royce. This project was shut down in April 2021, but only after achieving its three main initial research goals (according to Airbus).

That covers fixed-wing electrics.

The other major kind of electric aircraft is the eVTOL.

eVTOL stands for “electric vertical take-off and landing”.

Non-electric VTOL examples include anything from helicopters to drones and Harrier Jump Jets.

eVTOLs tend to be smaller than their non-electric cousins, and designed for shorter flights across cities.

Some look like passenger-carrying quadcopter drones. While others have a fixed-wing component like regular airplanes.

Search interest in eVTOLs has been exploding lately as startups and major aircraft manufacturers demonstrate new eVTOL models.

In July 2020, Airbus conducted the first public flight of its autonomous 4-seat CityAirbus multicopter eVTOL. The CityAirbus has a projected range of about 60 miles (or 15 minutes).

Airbus also has Vahana , in development by its Silicon Valley innovation arm, Acubed .

For its part, Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences has been developing solutions for an air-taxi service in partnership with Uber. Including an autonomous electric passenger air vehicle.

Separately, Boeing is also reportedly partnering with Porsche to develop another eVTOL.

And Tokyo-based “flying car” manufacturer SkyDrive raised a series B of 3.9 billion yen (about $37 million) and conducted its first public manned demonstration of the SkyDrive SD-03.

The SD-03 is the world’s smallest eVTOL, requiring only as much space on the ground as 2 parked cars.

That small footprint is one of the main advantages eVTOLs have over traditional fossil-fuel powered VTOLs like helicopters.

eVTOLs like the ones mentioned above use multiple smaller electric motors with rotors spread out across the aircraft. Whereas a typical helicopter uses one main internal-combustion engine with two huge rotors stacked above. (Plus a smaller one in the tail.)

eVTOLs’ multi-motor design is called a “distributed electric propulsion” (DEP) system.

DEP systems have numerous advantages. They make piloting easier, reduce the footprint required for take-off and landing, and increase safety through redundancy (if one motor fails, there may be 7 more still running).

They also reduce noise emissions, as the rotors don’t have to spin as fast.

Noise and vibrations within the cabin are lower as well.

Thanks to these advantages, dozens of eVTOL manufacturers are currently vying to capture a share of the nascent “urban air mobility” market: eVTOLs used to fly over traffic.

Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Mexico, and Brazil have all been experimenting with urban air mobility initiatives.

But with all those benefits, why hasn’t electric air travel caught on before?

Two words: energy density.

In other words, the amount of stored energy in one pound of “fuel” — whether gas, diesel, kerosene or batteries.

Currently, conventional fossil fuels have more energy density than batteries. That’s why electric cars are generally heavier than their gas-powered counterparts. They have to be, in order to store enough power.

For aircraft, this added weight poses an obvious problem.

But it’s a problem we’re getting closer to solving.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that an energy density of 400 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram) is the crossover point for lithium-ion batteries to beat kerosene jet fuel. Once battery technology reaches that level, the sky’s the limit for electric aircraft.

Today, the energy density of industry-leading Tesla batteries is currently about 260 Wh/kg. (Up from 124 Wh/kg in 2007.)

So when might we get to 400 Wh/kg?

Very soon, according to Musk.

(Though he has also said that Tesla has no near-term plans to make electric aircraft.)

That’s it for the top seven trends driving the travel and tourism industry forward into 2024 and beyond.

Through these trends, we can see a dynamic relationship between the travel industry and consumers.

It’s a push-and-pull that’s sure to continue in 2025 and companies that can adapt quickly to the changing wants and needs of travelers are the best suited for future success.

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People are traveling to make memories in 2024. While everyone’s motivation for booking a trip is unique – whether it’s taking a solo getaway to recharge or embarking on an expedition cruise or safari – the trips that are trending are sure to be transformative, and our American Express Travel Consultants are here to build dream itineraries and help every step of the way.”

Nearly three-quarters of global respondents are into sports, with 71% considering themselves either a “huge” or casual fan. And as easy as it is to watch from your living room, 37% have plans to travel for sports this year. Of those, 38% will average trips of 6 hours or more

Why are these fans going the extra mile in 2024? The driving forces include: watching a favorite sports team in person (35%), witnessing a big sports or cultural event (34%), and seeing a favorite athlete (20%).

In the past few years, Las Vegas has become an even more sought-after destination due to the growing prevalence of professional sports – giving us an even greater opportunity to focus on luxury, experience-based travel. Iconic sports moments continue to come to life in Las Vegas, with no signs of slowing down. Wynn has maximized these city-wide events with complementary bespoke programming, which provide our guests with unique, one-of-a-kind moments only found at our resort. With more major events on the horizon, we have an opportunity to continue innovating our programming so that guests see Wynn and Las Vegas as a can’t-miss destination.”

For some respondents, the major trip they have in mind is an immersive adventure, often somewhere totally remote. For others, it simply means a longer trip that’s full of new and diverse experiences—visiting multiple countries, for example. 63% of respondents who plan to visit more than one country on a single trip in 2024 plan to do so in Europe.

The transformative potential of these trips makes them worth the cost and planning. 66% of respondents agree that they are saving up for a major trip this year, and most respondents (54%) like to plan these trips 3-6 months in advance. For inspiration, travelers turn to friends or family (52%), social media (39%), and travel websites (37%).

At Seabourn, travel is back in full swing, and we’ve seen guests show a thirst for knowledge on our voyages, while enjoying the ultra-luxury, once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that we offer. Not only are travelers hungry for adventure and exploration, but they are engaged and show a desire to immerse in the culture of a region. These trips allow travelers to experience ancient, otherworldly, hard-to-reach landscapes, and stunning wildlife, and inspiring local cultures, illustrating how luxury expedition cruising allows travelers to explore remote destinations and create memories to last a lifetime.”

The most popular new travel companions are me, myself, and I. Solo trips are easier to schedule and tailor exactly to your liking, which makes them great for resetting after a busy week: 57% of respondents agreed that they were more likely to travel solo for a quick weekend getaway than for a longer or more expensive trip.

Either way, solo travelers are becoming an important subset. The two types of destinations where they’re most likely to be found? In a new city (29%) or relaxing at a beach or island (22%).

Solo travel is a wonderful way to unwind and discover a new hobby. Traveling alone also allows you to take ownership of selecting the perfect destination and gives you the ability to curate the ideal itinerary, catered just for you.”

Although booking in advance can bring peace of mind and access to some of the most in-demand attractions, many travelers like to do at least some of their planning as they go: 44% of respondents said they prefer to take a spontaneous trip instead of having all the details planned.

Being open to serendipity and the unexpected is part of the excitement of travel; it allows you to act on tips from locals and discover out-of-the-way spots on your own. Granted, most travelers would rather improvise dining and shopping than, say, hotels. And they’re more likely to plan spontaneous travel this year with family (41%) or a significant other (35%) than alone (27%) or with friends (20%).

Travelers are looking to take spontaneous last-minute trips this year, prioritizing flexibility. For those wanting the ability to be spontaneous with their plans, our team of Travel Consultants can support with last minute, on-the-go travel requests.”

Where Travelers Like To Be Spontaneous

Download the 2024 Global Travel Trends report here.

1 SURVEY METHODOLOGY

This poll was conducted between January 31 – February 8, 2024 among a sample of 2,005 US Adults, 1,007 Australia Adults, 1,002 Canada Adults, 1,002 UK Adults, 1,002 Japan Adults, 1,006 Mexico Adults and 1,005 India Adults who have at least a $50k+ income equivalent and typically travel at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2-4 percentage points. Some geographies may be weighted with fewer variables depending on local census data availability.

2 Gen-Z and Millennials are defined as respondents as being born between 1981 - 2012.

3 GenX are defined as respondents as being born between 1965 - 1980.

4 Baby Boomers are defined as respondents as being born between 1946 - 1964.

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Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant’s processing of transactions to determine the transaction date. The transaction date may differ from the date you made the purchase if, for example, there is a delay in the merchant submitting the transaction to us or if the merchant uses another date as the transaction date. This means that in some cases your purchase may not earn the statement credit benefit for the benefit period in which you made the purchase. For example, if an eligible purchase is made on December 31st but the merchant processes the transaction such that it is identified to us as occurring on January 1st, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. If the Card Account is canceled or past due, it may not qualify to receive a statement credit. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.

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Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.

5X Membership Rewards Points for Business Platinum Card:  You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards® points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card®. To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards® point benefit. To be eligible to receive extra points, Card account(s) must not be cancelled or past due at the time of extra points fulfillment. If booking is cancelled, the extra points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards account. Extra points will be credited to the Membership Rewards account approximately 6-10 weeks after eligible purchases appear on the billing statement. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

Please visit  americanexpress.com/rewards-info  for more information about rewards.

Pay with Points:  To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards® program-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. Minimum redemption 5,000 points.

See  membershiprewards.com/terms  for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions.

If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Corporate Card Members are not eligible for Pay Over Time.

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The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to  www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit  americanexpress.com/travelterms

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9 Business Travel Trends to Watch in 2024

Business travel is making a steady comeback after experiencing a massive decline due to the pandemic. As we move into 2024, companies have the opportunity to reimagine corporate travel.

What will work trips look like for travelers? How will priorities and corporate travel preferences shift based on recent lessons? What will travel budgets look like? While uncertainties remain, industry experts are seeing several business travel trends that will define corporate travel in 2024 and beyond. 

How Have Business Travel Trends Evolved in Recent Years?

The landscape of  business travel  is transforming, reflecting changes in the global economy, workforce diversity, and a shift toward sustainability. Travel is becoming more global, inclusive, and technology-driven. Let's explore pivotal trends that have reshaped professional travel in the past.

• Increased Globalization : More professionals are traveling internationally, forging connections, attending global events, and exploring new markets, highlighting the interconnectedness of today's economy.
• Increased Diversity : As more women and minorities enter the workforce, the demographic of business travelers is diversifying, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.
• More Sustainable Travel : Travelers are increasingly making environmentally conscious choices, opting for sustainable options like carbon offset flights and eco-friendly  types of hotel rooms .
• Use of Technology : Technology is essential to simplifying logistics, keeping travelers connected, and ensuring seamless work continuity.
• Growth of “Bleisure” Travel : The blend of business and leisure travel is growing, with professionals extending trips for leisure to maximize their time away.

9 Global Business Travel Trends of 2024

As the business world evolves, so does the way professionals travel. Here's a snapshot of the top trends shaping global business travel in 2024:

1. The Demand for Business Travel is Back

Business travel is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024 as more and more companies resume in-person meetings and events. According to  GBTA's Business Travel Index Outlook  report, business travel spending will reach $1.4 trillion in 2024 and nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027. 

In 2023, the industry has started to steady itself, primarily driven by the resurgence of face-to-face meetings and events and the gradual return of international business travel. Moving into 2024, we expect this momentum will continue to grow rapidly.

2. Bleisure Gets Bigger: Blending Business and Leisure Travel

Modern business travelers’ preferences are changing as they seek to combine business trips with leisure activities, such as extending their stay for a weekend getaway. 

This trend is largely driven by a demographic shift toward a younger workforce. Younger employees are increasingly seeking opportunities to combine work-related travel with leisure activities, reshaping corporate travel dynamics.

This "bleisure" trend offers traveling employees a sweet deal, with flexible travel schedules and a chance to unwind. This means guests are booking rooms for longer than their events will run, which is great for hotels.

3. Increased Focus on Sustainability

Organizations and business travelers are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and are looking for sustainable travel options, such as flying carbon offset and staying in eco-friendly  hotel room amenities . 

Some trends in sustainable business travel include: 

• Sustainable hotels
• Sustainable transportation options
• Paperless travel
• Updated sustainable travel policies
• Use of corporate travel sustainability reports

4. Increased Use of Technology

Technology is going to be incredibly important for business travel in the future, playing a role in the entire meetings and events process. 

Venue sourcing  platforms will help planners efficiently find and compare event spaces based on their needs without needing to conduct site visits for every option. Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) are expected to become more widely used in business travel in 2024 for virtual site visits and training programs.

Corporate travel management  platforms will optimize booking, provide traveler tracking, and give companies full visibility into their business travel spending. Further, businesses will rely heavily on end-to-end corporate travel technology for managing logistics, gaining insights, ensuring duty of care, and controlling costs.

AI and machine learning will power new  business travel solutions  that can analyze data to recommend hotels, predict flight delays, and more. 

The business travel industry will continue to become increasingly technology-driven, with innovative solutions for venue sourcing, travel management, trip planning, expense reporting, and more taking center stage.

5. Growth of Secondary Markets

One major business travel trend for 2024 will be growth into emerging markets, especially in Asia and Africa. 

The  global business travel market  is estimated to grow from $711.1 billion in 2021 to $2,997.2 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%. Rapid expansion into emerging Asian and African markets will be a key driver propelling this growth. 

India, Indonesia, and other Asian countries are among emerging business travel destinations. To serve this demand, business travel services are ramping up offerings in these markets, and alternative accommodations like home rentals are seeing huge growth to support business travelers. 

Companies will need to adapt their travel programs and supplier partnerships to tap into these new regions.

6. Business Travelers Want Connectivity and Personalization

When it comes to technology, planners and travelers expect personalized experiences. In a tech-enabled world, guests of all ages want innovative and seamless digital solutions to simplify their travel and customize their stays.

This starts with the booking process. According to a  recent survey , 80% of travelers say it's essential to book trips fully online. To that end. hotels should enable guests to easily view and filter amenities and services that will be available upon arrival.

On the road, 76% of global travelers appreciate travel apps that reduce friction and stress. Another 80% say utilizing personal devices seamlessly with on-property technology is key, from Wi-Fi to streaming apps.

Beyond messaging, travelers want mobile technologies they use daily, like touchless payments from phones or smartwatches, or tapping credit cards. The ability to leverage their own devices and platforms provides the personalized experience and connectivity travelers now expect.

7. Loyalty Programs Must Evolve Beyond Points to Experiences

Business travelers in 2024 crave more than just practical perks from their trips; they seek enriching experiences and meaningful rewards. Loyalty programs need to offer real benefits, enhancing travel beyond basic upgrades and conveniences. 

Travelers want rewards that contribute to a memorable journey and strengthen their connection with the service provider. Practical benefits like late checkouts and room upgrades are expected; the true appeal lies in unique experiences, from exclusive events to complimentary services, adding a layer of luxury and personal value to their journeys.

8. Business Travel Will Shift to Purposeful, ROI-Focused Trips

In 2024, business travel will become more purposeful and ROI-focused. The days of casual briefcase trips are over. Now, every trip undergoes a careful evaluation of return on investment and return on expectation. Travel for clear ROI – like closing deals or contracts – will be more easily approved, while relationship-building trips will face more scrutiny.

With staffing shortages and supply chain issues, travel is less comfortable than before. Adding to this is the rising number of flight delays. All of this adds to travelers’ stress and threatens to undermine meeting experiences.

Particularly at hotels, staffing shortages can significantly impact the guest experience. In 2024, hotels will focus on empathy training and service to deliver exceptional experiences despite industry pressures. 

Overall, brands that invest in people and purpose of travel will give business travel a new lease on life. ROI and "return on experience" will determine corporate travel policies, and only trips that justify the time and cost will get the green light.

9. Wellness Will Become Critical for Business Travelers

In 2024, wellness will play a crucial role in business travel programs. The pandemic has made travelers and companies prioritize health and immunity more than ever, and services at every price point must meet this demand with authentic, holistic wellness offerings.

From destination activities to hotel amenities to safety protocols, wellness cannot be an afterthought. It must be woven into every aspect of the business trip experience.

While safety remains paramount, companies are also factoring the “pleasure” aspect of travel into policies, recognizing activities that support mental health and enjoyment are beneficial for employees. 

What Is the Future of Business Travel?

The future of business travel is bright. As the global economy settles and travel restrictions are lifted, we can expect to see even more people traveling for work. But business travel is not going to look the same as it did a few years ago or even in 2023.

Technology advancements in business travel will force hotels to use tools that reduce friction and streamline their travel operations while making their travel programs more sustainable.

Technology will define  business travel planning , with travelers looking for more flexible and personalized options. Travelers will want to be able to book flights and hotels that allow them to change their plans at the last minute without incurring high fees. They will also be looking for travel experiences that are tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Overall, the future of corporate travel will be defined by sustainable, personalized, mobile-centric, global experiences that keep travelers' health, safety, and productivity top of mind. Hotels and travel providers that can offer these things to business travelers will be the ones who succeed in the years to come.

Hope Salvatori

Hope is a Senior Content Marketing Associate who has been with Cvent for more than two years. She has 8 years of experience producing content for corporations, small businesses, associations, nonprofits, and universities. As a content professional, she has created content for a wide range of industries, including meetings and events, government and defense, education, health, and more.

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Surge in Adventure Tourism: Four Big Trends in 2024

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 17th, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT

New data shows that experiences are the leading factor when choosing a destination.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

The latest consumer spending data from GetYourGuide reveals a surge in demand for unique travel experiences and activities that align with personal passions.

The report analyzes booking data from millions of travelers and highlights a significant shift in travel priorities. Here are the key takeaways:

Experiences Rule

Travelers are prioritizing experiences over traditional sightseeing. Nearly all travelers (90%) plan to spend the same or more on activities in 2024, and experiences are now the leading factor when choosing a destination (reported by 98% of travelers). 

Passion Drives Destinations

The hottest travel destinations are no longer just about iconic landmarks. Cities like Fajardo, Puerto Rico (up 419% in bookings by American travelers) and Hoi An, Vietnam (up 284% globally) are experiencing a boom, likely due to their unique cultural offerings and adventure opportunities.

Globally Inspired

Travelers are venturing beyond the usual suspects. This year’s top trending tours include the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, kayaking through El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, and even a hot air balloon ride over Interlaken, Switzerland.

The Rise of the Explorer  

GetYourGuide identifies a new breed of traveler – the “Explorer” – who spends more on experiences, takes longer trips, and travels more frequently. These high-value vacationers are fueling the experience economy.

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Tags: getyourguide , tourism , Travel Experiences , Travel Trends

Photo credit: GetYourGuide Walking Tour in London. Source: GetYourGuide

Expedia Group Media Solutions

Traveler Insights Q4 2023: Traveler confidence steadies

By Jennifer Andre

November 14, 2023

The latest installment of our quarterly traveler insights look at Expedia Group’s exclusive first-party traveler search and booking data from Q3 to show shifting demand patterns and changing traveler behaviors. Our Q2 2023 data showed that traveler enthusiasm held strong, with many travelers seeking out quick trips for events and spring and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. We also see that traveler confidence remains high as travelers plan short- and long-term trips and continue to travel for events. Read on for more insights on 2023 travel trends and behaviors. 

Global search volumes remain steady, EMEA shows continued growth 

Consumers are continuing to prioritize travel, as indicated by global search volumes in Q3 which held steady quarter over quarter (QOQ) and year over year (YOY). Search volumes remained relatively consistent throughout Q3 week over week (WOW), highlighting a steady drumbeat of traveler optimism.  

Following a trend we observed in Q2, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) again showed the strongest search volume growth, with a 10% increase QOQ and 5% increase YOY. This continued interest in EMEA was further supported by search volume growth for several European cities — another trend from the previous quarter — including smaller Italian cities like Brindisi, Catania, and Genoa, along with Dalaman in Turkey, which saw triple-digit QOQ growth.  

With holiday and end-of-year travel on the horizon, many travelers are planning early for Q4. In fact, travelers in Asia Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LATAM) are planning farther ahead for the holiday season and end-of-year travel compared to last year, with YOY searches in Q3 for travel in November and December increasing by approximately 10%.

Travel search volumes show travelers plan for the short- and long-term

Following a trend that emerged in our Q2 insights, travelers continue to plan for trips in the near-term, but travel searches for more than five months out are also on the rise. Globally, Q3 searches in the 0- to 21-day window increased by more than 5% QOQ, while the 22- to 30-day search window increased by over 10% QOQ. Share growth for the 0- to 21-day search window was driven by EMEA and North America (NORAM), both increasing 10% compared to the prior quarter.  

For travelers planning trips further ahead, searches in the 180+ day window increased by 20% QOQ, driven by a 75% QOQ increase in EMEA and a 20% QOQ increase in NORAM. This is a pattern we’ve observed in Q3 performance YOY and pre-pandemic in 2019, where globally, the 180+ day search window increased by 20% QOQ. This return to longer search windows emphasizes that traveler intent remains strong, with many looking further ahead and planning for trips months in advance.  

In addition to quarterly search data, we also looked at top booked destinations to see where travelers are going. The cities appearing on the Q3 global top 10 list of booked destinations were mostly consistent with the previous quarter, with a few new additions, like Berlin and Orlando. Looking at the Top 10 booked destinations across all regions, long-haul destinations outside the origin region continued to perform strongly in Q3, with an uptick in intra-regional destinations.  

Domestic travel continued to drive the vacation rental category, with intra-regional locations representing all new additions to the Top 10 booked Vrbo destinations list in each region.  

Traveler trends: Events continue to drive tourism

One of the key global travel trends we highlighted last quarter was the rise of tourism around sporting events, and this trend carried over into Q3 with major sports games and music tours sparking strong traveler interest. For example, the day before the July 25 Wrexham vs. Manchester United match in San Diego, searches for San Diego rose 20% month over month. When Taylor Swift’s 2024 Eras Tour schedule was announced for Asia and Australia, Swifties jumped into action and travel searches for February-March 2024 increased by over 250% YOY for the corresponding tour cities. Similarly, when the 2024 European tour dates were announced, travel searches for May-August 2024 increased by nearly 65% for cities with tour stops. This uptick in searches to these regions with major events further highlights the opportunities for travel brands, activity operators in host markets, and travel advertisers, to reach and connect with travelers actively searching and booking.  

The positive momentum we saw in the first of half of the year holds strong as travelers continue to plan short- and long-term trips and look ahead to the holidays and 2024. People are eager to travel, and we’re to here to help you reach them, wherever they are in their trip planning journey. To get started, contact us today. 

Jennifer Andre

Vice president, business development, expedia group media solutions.

As the global vice president of business development at Expedia Group Media Solutions, Jennifer oversees the global partner-facing team that connects advertisers with the hundreds of millions of travelers across Expedia Group's websites and apps. With more than 20 years of experience working in the online travel industry, Jennifer previously worked at Orbitz and Travelocity. Jennifer frequently travels around the world, but calls Connecticut home.

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Heard of Travelasana? The Top Health and Wellness Travel Trends in 2024

Stress, anxiety, and depression are quite common these days. As stated by GoStress ,

Stress is often not limited to the workplace, but there are various other factors that contribute to it. These include monotonous lifestyles, financial breakdowns, social media anxiety, relationship issues, and so on.

To help people break this chain, doctors recommend going on a vacation or taking a break from their daily routine. This is where health and wellness travel is one of the upcoming trends in the hospitality industry. 

If you are new to this concept, this blog is for you. Today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about health and wellness travel trends, along with some tips for hoteliers to make the best of it. 

Table of Content

What is health and wellness travel, why is health and wellness travel trending, what are different kinds of health and wellness travel trends.

• Sustainable travel
• Tours for physical wellness
• Traveling for mental health
• Therapeutic travel
• Rehab tourism

How can Hotels Tap into this Segment?

• What does the Future of Health and Wellness Tourism Look Like?

Health and wellness travel is going on a vacation, staying at a retreat hotel, and indulging in various activities for mental and physical well-being. This involves going for therapeutic sessions like Ayurvedic spa treatment, being a part of yoga training sessions, or meditation classes, that can help in the rejuvenation of mind and body.

Often this stay lasts from a week to a month. In fact, most of the retreat hotels are offering a workation to guests, opting for health and wellness travel. Meaning, they can stay, experience therapeutic sessions, and simultaneously work from the property. 

Nowadays, many organizations are encouraging their staff to go for such workation and take a break from their routine, especially for those working from home.

As I mentioned earlier, stress is quite common these days. In fact, WHO has declared that depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. 

Traveling is said to be an effective treatment for stress. Whenever you visit any destination, the first thing that helps you get out of depression is the change in surroundings. Secondly, you tend to meet different people, make new friends, and share your stories with them. 

Now, when you add the health and wellness factor to it, the trip becomes more productive, indulging, and rejuvenating. Reason being, the activities you do gives you a sense of relaxation, and calmness, and help you break free from the shackles of stressful thoughts. 

Let me share my experience with you. I lost my job in 2020, and I was sitting idle for around 6 months. I tried my hands on certain things like teaching, business, multi-level marketing, and whatnot. But none of them worked.

Eventually, I became depressed and had to seek a way to get rid of it. That’s when I thought of traveling to ‘Rishikesh  – The Yoganagiri’. The trip lasted for almost a week. 

My stay was clubbed with meditation sessions, yoga classes, and other stress-relieving activities. And trust me, it literally worked. I came out of depression, had a relaxed state of mind, and gained good control over my anger.  

This is not just my story. There are various people out there who opt for this kind of wellness travel to get rid of stressful issues and work on their physical and mental well-being. That’s why health and wellness travel is a trend among people.

When it comes to health and wellness travel trends, it is not just limited to one single category. Here are some of the prominent ones.

1. Sustainable travel 

We are all aware that the earth is in grave danger owing to global warming. Hence, various organizations are adopting eco-friendly ways to help save the environment. And, so are the hotels. 

Sustainable tourism is one of the ongoing travel trends in the hospitality industry . Guests often look forward to staying in a hotel that has adopted sustainable ways . This helps them live in a clean, refreshing, and healthier environment. 

For instance, many hotels are switching to renewable energy resources to reduce their carbon footprints. This includes opting for solar-powered water heaters instead of coal and wood-based. 

Another commonly accepted measure is organic products. There are many properties that have resorted to disinfectants, room fresheners, and toiletries that are made from natural products and are chemical-free. 

These kinds of initiatives are appreciated by guests, and in turn, give a boost to a sustainable lifestyle. In fact, as per a report shared by IMARC Group, the global ecotourism market size reached US$ 172.4 Billion in 2022. It is expected to reach US$ 374.2 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9% during 2023-2028.

Considering these stats and figures, it could be rightly said that ecotourism is one of the emerging health and wellness travel trends.

2. Tours for physical wellness 

Physical wellness is not just about going to the gym, building muscles, or having 6-pack abs. It’s more about developing your flexibility, agility, and reflexes. 

There are many martial arts form famous across the world, such as Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, Judo, Kushti, and Tai Chi, that help open up your muscles and make you more flexible. Additionally, they also help in improving agility. But, how can traveling help you with that? 

Well, many guests look for hotels providing packages that include such activities. In fact, there are retreat properties that have martial arts experts on their premises. Where, guests can come, stay for a long duration, and do a crash course during their vacation.

Not only this, indulging in sports such as trekking, mountain climbing, cycling, and marathons helps in physical well-being. And even they are quite popular among guests. Let me share an example for the same.

In Bali, Indonesia, there is a rocky mountain cycling tour that starts at 4 AM in the morning. This involves visiting Mount Batur to witness the glorious sunrise and glimpse the iconic volcanic mountain. And it’s one of the sought-after activities by travelers for leisure and physical well-being.

There are thousands of other destinations promoting such sports to help travelers indulge in physical activities during their vacations. Some of the famous ones are:

• Kayaking in Costa Rica
• Scuba diving in Spain
• River rafting in North India
• Skiing in Whistler (Canada)
• Skydiving in New Zealand

3. Traveling for mental health

Yoga is widely accepted across the world as a path to restore mental balance, attain peace, and improve physical well-being. There are 84 asanas in yoga, and of that, meditation is the most recommended to channel your thoughts and have control over your mind. 

Here’s a scenario that will help you understand the reason behind it. Imagine yourself sitting on the mountainside with a mesmerizing view of surrounding valleys and greenery-clad peaks. 

Once you close your eyes and focus on your breath, you’ll start hearing the melodious music of nature. And every gust of breeze flowing through your hair seems like sweeping away all your worries. With time, you’ll find yourself a bit closer to attaining nirvana and filled with a surge of positive vibes.

This is just one scenario. People often travel to natural places just to experience serenity. Opting for yoga sessions during such trips can help in improving your mental wellness. 

That’s where hotels come into the picture. Guests can book a stay for a long duration in hotels located at remote/natural destinations and experience a yogic lifestyle. 

In fact, retreat/wellness properties offering yoga training are perfect for guests to rejuvenate themselves. Here are some interesting facts about yoga tourism shared by Book Retreats ,

• There are around 300 million yoga practitioners worldwide.
• Of these, around 86% have reported a strong sense of mental clarity.
• There are approx 20,000 yoga retreats in the world .
• The worth of the yoga industry is a whooping US$84 billion worldwide.

I guess these stats are more than enough to justify the fact that the yogic way of living is one of the health and wellness travel trends of 2024. 

4. Therapeutic travel

Last but not least is therapeutic travel. As the name suggests, this involves traveling to destinations to receive a therapeutic massage or attaining therapy sessions. 

You might be aware of the famous Ayurvedic spa treatments offered in Kerala. Travelers visiting there often opt for it. And considering its popularity, many hotels have started including spa therapy sessions as a part of travel packages. 

There are basically three widely accepted Ayurvedic treatments by properties in India, viz;

• Shirodhara therapy
• Panchakarma 

These therapy sessions last for a week or two. Out of these 3 sessions, the former two are opted for by travelers only if recommended by doctors. Talking about the latter one, it can be experienced by any guest for rejuvenation purposes. 

What does the Future of Health and Wellness Tourism Look Like? 

Post-pandemic, people are more concerned about their well-being. And after a long work from home, everyone is looking forward to a break to rejuvenate themselves. That’s why various health and wellness programs are being reintroduced in the hospitality industry. 

The concept is not new, but it has gained momentum in recent years. Moreover, it has helped people to start things afresh. 

Even now, people opting for workation are looking for places that can aid in improving their physical well-being and finding inner peace. This has led to exponential growth in wellness tourism.   

It can be rightly said that health and wellness travel is one of the trends in the hospitality industry with a bright future.

We all have heard, ‘health is wealth’. After the recent pandemic, this saying holds more weight. 

People these days are suffering from a lot of physical as well as mental health issues, with stress and depression being the prominent ones. That’s why health and wellness travel is trending. 

It has helped travelers to make their trips more productive, and rejuvenating, and, in certain cases, improve their physical well-being. If you haven’t opted for one, it’s time for you to do it now. 

As for the hoteliers, it’s an opportunity to explore this segment and welcome guests to their property to heal themselves both physically and mentally. I’ve covered every aspect associated with health and wellness travel trends in this blog. I hope it has given you a clear picture of the ongoing trend. 

If I’ve missed anything, do let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you. Meanwhile, pack your bags, take a break from the world, and focus on your physical and mental well-being by opting for any of the health and wellness travel trends of 2024. 

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10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

W hile classic family vacations like theme parks and all-inclusive family resorts never go out of style, embracing the newest travel trends for 2024 might expand your idea of what a family trip can look like. That's especially true if you've stayed close to home the past few years, because 2024's emerging vacation trends are all about finding brand-new experiences to enjoy together as a family.

Here are the newest travel trends that could help you make this year's family vacation the best yet.

FIND A GREAT DEAL: 12 best hotel booking sites for cheap prices in 2024  

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1. Set jet (yes, you read that right)

Jet-setting might feel like the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, but set-jetting is for everyday travelers who are fans of media made "on location." From vacationing in the City of Light a la "Emily in Paris" to journeying to Sicily to see the sights of "The White Lotus" Season 2, visiting the spot where your favorite movie or television show was filmed is an emerging trend for 2024 vacations. In the U.S., Los Angeles is the epicenter of family set-jetting. Fans of "Barbie" can rollerblade in Venice Beach, just as Barbie and Ken did in Greta Gerwig's hit. 

For set-jetting with multigenerational appeal, channel Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, where much of the iconic movie is set. Dine like Eddie Murphy in "Beverly Hills Cop" overlooking Rodeo Drive at The Blvd (the large kids menu should please even finicky eaters). Or stay at The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles and imagine yourself in the presence of the "Ghostbusters" (scenes from the original movie were filmed there) or Molly Ringwald from "Pretty in Pink."

More 2024 vacation ideas:

• 14 most anticipated new family resorts and hotels of 2024
• What's coming to Disney’s theme parks and cruises in 2024
• 50 fun family vacation ideas for all ages in 2024

2. Bring more, it's merrier

The popularity of multigenerational family vacations shows no sign of slowing in 2024. When you travel with extended family, booking an accommodation with room to spread out offers privacy and togetherness in the right proportion. Some families opt to rent a big house , maybe even hire a cook or organize meals together, while others relish having it all included. Either way, making memories in person has rarely felt quite as important as it does these days.

My family and I recently took a multigenerational vacation to Beaches Negril in Jamaica. We stayed in a new Eventide Villa with a kitchen, living room, four bedrooms, and 4½ bathrooms that sleeps 18 people comfortably. While it was far from a cheap family vacatio n, the per-person cost fit into our budget and hit the sweet spot straddling independence and family time. You could also purposefully choose a combination of rooms and suites across a Caribbean family resort like Beaches so meet-ups for activities are all the more special.

More multigenerational vacation ideas:

• How to plan a multigenerational Disney World vacation
• 19 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S.

3. Renew your passport the easy way

With post-pandemic travel demand still soaring and so many possible travel trends to pursue in 2024, the process of applying for or renewing your passport through traditional methods continues to be unpredictable and, at times, downright frustrating. I recently used It’s Easy, a passport and visa expediting company that has been in business since 1976 but is experiencing renewed interest in today's travel environment. 

I downloaded the app, which allowed me to take my passport photo in my living room, then filled out a few forms and mailed it all to their office. My new passport arrived straight to my mailbox in a jiffy. The process was efficient and well worth the reasonable fee. Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person, but It’s Easy can facilitate the process, holding your hand throughout. 

More vacation ideas with (or without) a passport:

• 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a U.S. passport
• 6 ultra-affordable all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

4. Learn indigenous history and culture

After a strong year in 2023, tourism that allows us to learn about the culture, traditions and homes of our nation’s first inhabitants will continue to gain in popularity in 2024. This kind of travel can guide you to some of North America's most beautiful natural settings while helping you learn history you may not have been taught in school. 

Seek out Navajo-led tours through Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly to learn not only about the area's cultural history but also about geologic time. In Monument Valley, you can do both by hiring a local guide to take you beyond the prescribed 17-mile loop. In Canyon de Chelly, there's no other way to see the valley from its floor than with a local guide which adds power to the stories of the generations. Both the The View Hotel in Monument Valley and Thunderbird Lodge at Canyon de Chelly are Indigenous-owned and -operated, so your visit serves you and channels important resources to local communities. 

Similarly, purchasing crafts made by Native American artisans is welcome at a variety of Native Art Festivals all year long around the U.S., and you can learn about the creative process of some of the most prized crafts from Acoma potters with a visit to Acoma Sky City in New Mexico, the longest continually inhabited community in the United States.

Near the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, stay at Shash Dine EcoResort in a traditional off-grid Native hogan near Page, Arizona. Or, for a more curated experience, consider joining Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas guided group tour. On this nine-day trip, you'll gain a deeper knowledge of Indigenous history and current issues, including the value of respectful tribal tourism as a source of income.

More indigenous tourism ideas:

• Tour review: Trafalgar’s national parks and native trails of the Dakotas
• 5 family-friendly luaus in Hawaii that celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures

5. Engage with outdoor art 

Even a few years on from social distancing, Americans continue to want to incorporate open spaces into their travels, and the many outdoor sculpture gardens around the U.S. are a perfect and low-key way to do it. Liberated from the constraints of an indoor museum, sculpture parks hold special appeal for families. Kids can run and play while absorbing color, form and the ever-changing dialogue between art and the environment. 

This past summer, my family and I visited the Olympic Sculpture Park in the heart of Seattle. The kids ran circles around Alexander Calder's immense The Eagle while the adults took a seat on Eye Benches, surrealist eyeballs that double as surprisingly comfortable benches. It was free, easy and fun. Of course, sculptures abound in the form of monuments, statuary, and fountains around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., most notably at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and the easy-to-miss Vietnam Women's Memorial .

For one of the best sculpture treasure hunts in the country, build a visit to the Storm King Art Center into a New York family vacation . Stretch your legs while you walk among marvels by Calder, Maya Lin and Andy Goldsworthy, among others, or rent bikes to travel further afield. The 500-acre outdoor museum just 90 minutes from New York City is worth a whole day's visit, and if you run out of steam or simply prefer to see more with less energy, there's a regular tram tour throughout the day. 

More nature and outdoors vacations:

• 10 best campgrounds and RV parks for family vacations
• 10 incredible family glamping resorts in the U.S.

6. Discover the joys of low-season vacations

For the family who sees art in all of nature and loves an outdoor adventure, ski resorts make great summer playgrounds , providing ample opportunities for mountain biking and hiking in particular. Though vacationing in swanky, snowy wonderlands in places like Aspen and Jackson Hole is expensive in winter, prices tumble as temperature rises. At the exclusive St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, ski trails are transformed into a patchwork of mountain biking and hiking trails. Out-of-the-box activities like falconry and candle-dipping are also part of the summer experience, and the giant swimming pool is a magnet for kids. 

Similarly, Limelight Ketchum 's central location in Ketchum, Idaho, makes for an ideal home base for mountain adventures. A fly-fishing mecca, Ketchum offers the thrill of the river, an extensive trail along the valley riverbed, and downhill mountain biking with handlebars pointed toward the water. Bikes are available at Limelight, and it's a gentle jaunt to the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens or deeper into town for any of Ketchum's awesome dining spots. 

More Affordable Family Vacation Ideas:

• 8 cheap spring break trips that don’t skimp on the fun
• 7 cheap California vacations for the whole family

7. Savor a new kind of culinary travel

Travel tends to be best enjoyed with delicious dining options , and everyone can enjoy a special setting. After all, why have dinner at an ordinary restaurant when your family can feast in a novel setting with plenty of panache? Pair your Colorado vacation with a stop at The Airplane Restaurant and dine inside a real Boeing KC-97. Then, take a quick trip to Denver to dine at Casa Bonita, where waterfalls, all-you-can-eat Mexican food and seating for 1,000 create a true dining experience. 

Other special dining experiences worth building a 2024 vacation around include Tellers , an Italian eatery inside The National Hotel in Oklahoma City. Once the First National Bank, today it's a place to enjoy luscious pasta while sitting in restored original teller booths. Similarly, you can dine in a renovated train factory in Montreal's Hoogan et Beaufort , where architects preserved the history of the building while creating an inviting space for meals. And in Rhode Island, dine inside a Hobbit house straight out of "The Lord of the Rings."

More food-themed vacation ideas:

• Skip the buffet: 7 all-inclusive resorts with the best food offerings
• 11 one-of-a-kind Disney foods you need to try at Disney World

8. Enjoy wine instead of whining kids

Though you have to be at least 21 to drink, wineries are opening their doors to kids with fun activities from cider tastings to cornhole toss. The relaxed atmosphere that tends to come with wine tasting can be ideal for visitors of all ages as long as the kiddos have something to do.

All of the wineries in Traverse City, Michigan, welcome children. Black Star Farms in Sutton Bay has a herd of goats, horses, hiking trails, an outdoor patio and organic apple cider. Seasonal sleigh rides and brunch with Santa are a hit with families. Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley is another respected viticulture region, and at family-owned Woodward Canyon Winery , kids can play lawn games while parents taste.

In Northern California, your whole family can enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train . If staying on terra firma is more your style, nearby Sonoma's Cline Cellars offers not only delicious wines but also opportunities for kids to feed the koi, birds and goats; it's also home to a California Mission Museum with scaled models of the California missions, so kids can have a learning opportunity while you enjoy your wine. Further south in Paso Robles on the Central California Coast, Sculpterra Winery’s sculpture garden, giant kaleidoscope and table tennis will keep kids occupied while parents sip and savor. 

More Wine-Themed Vacation Ideas:

• How to plan the perfect wine tasting trip to Napa and Sonoma
• 9 Napa Valley hotels that actually welcome kids

9. Avoid the crowds at state parks 

There are nearly 4,000 state parks scattered across the United States, many of them offering excellent recreational facilities and pristine beauty. The two things state parks often lack? Big crowds and big prices. State parks are often extremely affordable hidden gems. I've learned that not all of North America's beauty resides in the bigger and busier national parks , and you can usually find a great state park within an hour of most urban centers.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a family favorite with 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls and miles of trails. Camping, fishing, disc golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are recreational possibilities.

New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park sit on the shores of Echo Lake and is just an hour's drive from Concord. With boating, fishing, swimming and views of Cannon Mountain, this state park is a scenic delight.

At Florida’s Cayo Costa State Park , you cam make like Robinson Crusoe. This secluded island state park is accessible only by boat, but once you're there and pay a $2 entry fee, you'll find an undeveloped shoreline and a rich array of marine life and shorebirds.

More state park vacation ideas:

• 10 best Florida state parks for families
• 12 super fun Midwest family vacations

10. Finally get a good night's sleep on vacation

Parents know the saying "sleep like a baby" can be misleading. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your family’s well-being, but it can be tough to achieve when you’re in a new environment. In 2024, many hotels will be prioritizing the intersection of sleep and hospitality. 

At the hip Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, the Rest and Recovery Suite aims to induce slumber with a pillow menu, mattress with an adjustable thermostat, and eco-friendly earplugs. In New York, buck the "City That Never Sleeps" label with a restorative sleep bed by Bryte at the Park Hyatt . At Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, there’s a resident sleep expert to guide you toward better rest after a day spent enjoying any of the many Orlando theme parks .

10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
• 15 best all-inclusive family resorts around the world
• 8 all-inclusive family resorts for a tropical winter escape

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new travel trends that will shape your vacations in 2024

12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

The Edit: Fashion

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