Experts evaluate 7 travel trends we can expect in 2024
According to Skyscanner, 39% of American travelers planned to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023. Many travelers anticipate new travel trends.
According to a survey conducted by Intrepid Travel, a majority of U.S. adults (57%) said they plan to take the same number of trips in 2024 as in 2023. And about one in four plan to travel more. Here's what people want to explore this year: from going to a concert to seeing the main character of a popular TV show. This information was published by essence.com.
Gig Tripping
Attending concerts and music festivals is a trendy pastime for music lovers. If meeting your favorite artist is on your bucket list this year, you're not alone. Skyscanner reports that 44% of U.S. travelers would fly short distances to see their favorites live, and 60% would travel abroad to see artists perform. Some travelers pay attention to local events. If this is you, consider music events such as Dreamville, organized by J. Cole in North Carolina, or the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans.
Traveling without alcohol
Despite many hotels offering complimentary wine or champagne upon check-in and fully stocked minibars, Expedia has found that younger travelers are opting out of alcohol. This phenomenon can be attributed to the growing trend of wellness and the increase in visitors to places like Dubai, where alcohol consumption is not part of the daily culture. Expedia reported that half of travelers would be interested in staying at a hotel that offers easily accessible non-alcoholic options, such as non-alcoholic cocktails or non-alcoholic beer. One such place is the Ette Hotel in Orlando.
Traveling for wellness
Speaking of the emphasis on wellness, the Global Wellness Institute predicts that this type of tourism will reach $1.3 trillion by next year. From winter getaways to device detoxes, travelers can organize a wellness-focused vacation with their specific goals in mind. Sleep tourism continues to be at the top of the wellness list, but other categories include sexual wellness, multi-generational vacations, and grief-focused wellness. Another wellness component we can expect to see in tourism is menopausal vacations and hotels that will have programs focused on women's health.
Holiday travelers' celebrations
Holiday vacations are not a new concept and are still a popular way to see the world. Travelers are looking for unique ways to celebrate important events such as birthdays or anniversaries. Skyscanner reports that 79% of U.S. travelers participate in commemorative group trips among peers and loved ones. This year, Skyscanner users are looking for destinations in Canada, Spain, and Mexico for their big moment.
Destinations
Traveling can be expensive. Airfare, transportation, accommodation, and food prices can make some destinations unaffordable for the average person. While people are looking for cheap places to visit, they are also looking for cheat destinations, a trend started on TikTok by travel influencers. Cheat destinations are cities with the same vibe as a popular neighborhood, but for a fraction of the price and with fewer people. Think of hidden gem cities. According to Expedia, some of the cities of deception in 2024 are Paros for Santorini, Taipei for Seoul, and Memphis for Nashville.
Travel based on movies and TV shows
With the plethora of reality TV shows and popular movies available, it's no surprise that travelers are eager to immerse themselves in the vibes of their favorite characters. Skyscanner reports that 29% of U.S. travelers use movies and TV shows as inspiration when deciding on a destination. Additionally, Skyscanner states that 47% of US travelers have booked a destination specifically to visit a particular restaurant.
Solo travel
Organizing group travel can be challenging. According to the travel insurance company Allianz, 42% of young Americans aged 18 to 34 prefer to travel solo. Travelers are drawn to destinations with diverse cultures, excellent cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and opportunities for exploration on foot.
