Travel Trends: Just What Are The Travel Trends For 2024?

By Robin O’Neal Smith Associate Editor

https://RobinOnealSmith.com

Travel is alive and well again! Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America reports that travel is a priority, with 77% of respondents to a recent survey saying that travel will be a personal budget priority in 2024. This is excellent news for an industry that suffered during the pandemic.

The following trends are expected to shape the travel industry and influence travelers’ choices in the upcoming year.

Health and Wellness

Wellness travel: The wellness travel industry has steadily grown in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. As the importance of mental and physical health continues to gain recognition, wellness travel is becoming a top priority for many travelers.

Kathryn Anderson, Health Coach and Blogger, shared, “I see Wellness Travel continuing to be a trend for 2024. As more people realize the importance of self-care and taking time for themselves, they will seek out retreats and destinations that promote well-being. Travel will shift away from just ticking off destinations and move towards creating memories that nourish your soul. With this shift, vacations become about hitting the reset button. They become a way to recharge, destress, and find balance. After all, isn’t that what a vacation should be?”

According to new research from Hilton, travelers plan to relax and invest in their sleep. Regardless of their generation, the top reason people want to travel in 2024 is to rest and recharge.

Nature Focused: “Nature-focused wellness offerings are gaining more popularity and are predicted to be a major trend for 2024,” stated Lindsey Steck Jackson from Pensacola. Forest bathing, sound baths, and cold plunges are becoming more popular.

Digital Detox And Unplugged Vacations: In an increasingly digital world, travelers desire to disconnect and take a break from technology.

This trend is expected to continue in 2024, with more people opting for unplugged vacations to relax and recharge.

Solo Travel: Traveling solo has been on the rise recently, and this trend will continue in 2024. More people are embracing the freedom and personal growth of traveling alone, making it a top trend for the future.

Dry Tripping: Zero-proof holidays are expected to increase. Travelers are interested in easily accessible alcohol-free options such as mocktails.

Set Jetting

People visit places they’ve seen in movies and TV shows. Kate Bussman for Expedia shared, “Over the past 12 months, Set-Jetting has increased with nearly 30% of travelers* now saying that TV shows and movies are more influential than before. TV shows are more of a draw for destinations than social media, with breathtaking landscapes and outdoorsy locations generating the most interest, followed by lesser-known locales and beaches."

Karolina Turowska of photoAiD shared info from their survey of 1000 Americans that “78% are likely or very likely to opt for TV or Movie-themed trips.”

I recently visited Torrance, California, which sees many visitors because it was a filming location for Buffy and the Vampire Slayers. The Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, SC, recreated experiences from the Holiday Movie, “Home Alone.” (I wrote about this fun experience in the Dec. edition of Extended Weekend Getaways.)

The Foodie Scene

Food has always been a significant aspect of travel, but it has become a primary motivation for many travelers in recent years. In 2022, culinary tourism rose to $805.9 billion worldwide. Most people are willing to splurge on a fantastic meal. I know I have done it many times.

In 2024, we can expect more people seeking authentic culinary experiences, from food tours to cooking classes with local chefs.

Lindsey Steck Jackson from Pensacola reports, “Culinary offerings will continue to play a big factor in travel decisions in 2024, with an emphasis on wine, beer, and spirit offerings. The concept of the “No Menu” Menu is also an emerging trend for 2024.”

Other rising food-related trends include No-Frills Wine Tasting, Traveling With Chefs, Dining With Locals, Mocktails, and Foodie Field Trips.

Agritourism

As people become more interested in where their food and drink come from, agritourism is gaining popularity.

Colleen O’Neill Mulvihill of www.AgritourismTravel. com stated, “Across the globe, farmers are working tirelessly to feed our planet. In many cases, farms have had to find additional sources of income or find ways to create a tighter bond with the community they serve and beyond. By staying at their farm or purchasing products directly, you can help support the growing agritourism travel industry."

Many farms allow visitors to help with chores such as feeding the animals or gathering eggs for breakfast. It’s a great way to teach children where their food comes from while introducing parents to a more meaningful travel experience.

Regenerative Tourism

We’ve heard of Eco-tourism and choosing to travel with sustainability in mind. This trend will continue as travelers become aware of their carbon footprint and seek eco-friendly accommodations, transportation options, and activities. With the rising demand for eco-conscious options among travelers, the emphasis is broadening from solely environmental sustainability to making meaningful contributions to local communities and ecosystems.

Bleisure Bliss

Mixing business with pleasure is increasing. Lindsey Steck Jackson from Pensacola says, “With business travelers adding additional days to their visit to a destination ahead of, or following, their business trip dates, bleisure travel continues to grow."

Adventure travel

Adrenaline-fueled adventures have become increasingly popular. In 2024, travelers will continue seeking unique and thrilling experiences, such as hiking through remote landscapes or participating in extreme sports like zorbing.

Other Trends On The Rise

Go-ccasions - When people travel together for special events. “Puppymoons” and “Special Occasion Trips” are in the cards for travelers. VRBO research shows that one-third of respondents plan to take more trips in 2024, and groups are finding exciting reasons to travel and celebrate.

Hotel Vibe: The atmosphere of the hotel. “People want hotels that contribute to an overall uplifting travel experience.” according to Courtney Haywood, Director of PR for the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. Guests are seeking stays that set the tone for their entire trip.

Destination Dupes: More affordable alternatives to popular destinations. These destinations usually offer cost savings and are less crowded.

Historical Attractions: Many people travel to learn more about history. This trend will continue to increase as new historical attractions are created.

Micro-trips: With busy schedules and limited vacation time, the trend of micro-trips will increase in 2024. These short trips allow travelers to take multiple vacations throughout the year without simultaneously using all their allotted vacation days.

Multigenerational Travel: As families spread across different parts of the world, multigenerational travel is becoming increasingly popular. In 2024, we can expect to see more families traveling together and creating unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

Technology-based Travel: In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in travel. From booking flights and accommodations online to using navigation apps while exploring a new destination, technology has made travel more convenient and accessible.

Additional trends that continue are Accessibility, Soft Travel, and Outdoor Amenities. 2024 promises to be an interesting year in travel. During the next 11 months, we will focus on one or two trends each month, including destinations that offer these experiences.