Ready to Roam

Ready to Roam

A Deep Dive into 2024 Travel by Stephanie Miller Murphy

What are the top travel destinations for 2024?

Europe is consistently the top destination and has been since COVID. Italy is the front runner, which is typical for my base of business and has intensified over the last two years. France is also historically a top destination which is also trending higher due to the interest in the Summer Olympics and the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

What are the biggest travel trends you’ve noticed for 2024?

Short-term booking windows, record high hotel rates, and significant interest in luxury cruises.

What are some underrated travel destinations that are gaining popularity?

I prefer to say “emerging” rather than “underrated” and those include Colombia, Central America –specifically Belize, the Dolomites, the Azores, and JAPAN! Also, small ship and adventure cruising are very popular. Many of my land-based itineraries are turning to cruising.

What are the best value destinations for 2024?

Many international destinations are a great value due to the continued strength of the US dollar. Also, back to cruising, the accommodations, inclusions, experiences, and time savings combined with cost are a terrific value.

How has the cruise industry evolved in 2024?

The cruise industry has been evolving for years and came to a halt during the pandemic. That momentum has intensified post-pandemic. There are more options with new brands like Explora Journeys and familiar brands that are now breaking into cruising like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons yachts. Celebrities are also bringing awareness to cruising, such as Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart as ship “godmothers”; Gwyneth Paltrow’s partnership with Celebrity Cruises for Goop specific sailings; and an increased number of celebrity chef collaborations like Thomas Keller, Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone, and Nobu to name a few.

What are the best destinations for a romantic getaway?

Really, any destination can provide a romantic getaway. A weekend at a luxury hotel in your city can be just as compelling as a two-week trip to the Maldives. The top destinations for my clients celebrating honeymoons and anniversary trips are Italy, French Polynesia, safari combined with a beach destination like the Seychelles, with Caribbean islands also always popular.

What are the best destinations for adventure travel this year?

Africa is ALWAYS my recommended best adventure destination. Specifically South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania.

What are the best travel destinations for food enthusiasts?

France and Italy hold their top positions with Japan on the rise and going strong.

What are the best beaches to visit in 2024?

You can’t go wrong with the Caribbean. There are so many options with the destinations each having their own personalities based upon cultural influence – French, Dutch, British, etc. Further afield, Hawaii brings a unique feel, and both Bora Bora and French Polynesia have the WOW factor.

What are some common travel mistakes to avoid?

If I can be so bold, the first mistake is not working with a travel advisor. The expertise an advisor provides maximizes your time, your hard-earned travel dollars, and will enhance your overall experience. On a lighter side, nothing ruins a fabulously planned vacation more than a new pair of shoes that are not broken in!

What advice do you have for firsttime international travelers?

Plan ahead for your passport! The minute you are considering an international trip, check the expiration date of your passport. Many countries require the passport to be valid 6 months beyond the travel dates. If you need a passport or need to renew, pay to expedite the processing because it is worth the investment.

Also, make time to read up on the destination before you go. It is helpful to have knowledge of the history and culture of the destination prior to travel.

And finally, learn the basics of the language – “please” and “thank you” go a long way!

How has the travel industry changed since the pandemic?

The pandemic changed the travel industry in several ways. I believe some of them are temporary, for instance, people had great savings and return on their investments during COVID so they have more to spend; and the pent-up demand from not being able to travel during that time. Some changes I believe are here to stay. First, the desire to accomplish a bucket list, especially related to travel, which means overcrowding and higher spending. Second, that overcrowding and overspending have expanded the travel windows so that there are no longer “off-season or shoulder season” times of year.

How has the hotel industry adapted to the changing demands of travelers?

I have 36 years combined in this industry - 11 years as a travel advisor and 25 years as a hotelier. I have never seen rates as high as they are now – it is a sellers’ market. Also, there are so many new brands and hotel offerings which is very exciting as there is something for everyone!

How important is travel insurance in 2024, and what should it cover?

Travel insurance is designed to protect a traveler from the unexpected. Things happen! If a trip is delayed, interrupted, or canceled due to sickness, injury, death, inclement weather, or other covered reasons, a solid travel insurance policy can provide coverage and protect a traveler’s investment. Medical evacuation alone can exceed $150,000!

How do you see virtual reality impacting travel experiences?

Virtual reality has not impacted my clients. While you may be able to “see” a destination from your couch, nothing replaces the sounds, smells, and tastes of traveling to a destination.

Are there any new airline policies travelers should be aware of?

There are no new policies per se, but there remains a shortage of airlift since the pandemic. Fewer planes and fewer pilots mean fewer flights. It used to be that I would book a client’s hotel first and then book the air. Now, booking their flights is a priority. Plan ahead!!

Finally, what is your personal favorite travel destination and why?

I took my first trip to Africa in 2015 and spent two weeks in the bush in Tanzania. It was a trip that changed my life in so many ways. It took me completely out of my comfort zone. I came back feeling like I had experienced something so incredibly special. Since that first trip I have visited South Africa (twice), Tanzania (a second time), Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Kenya is on my list for 2025 and I cannot wait!