Travel forecasts: travel trends will grow this year

As 2024 arrives, geopolitical crises, rising costs of living, and climate issues are causing people to be confused and anxious. People give up news and current events and take up new hobbies and entertainment. At this stage, Booking.com emphasizes that traveling gives people a positive impetus to relax, so traveling is life.

According to a study conducted by Booking.com, vacations make people feel more alive, as stated by 78% of respondents. In addition, 68% of people want to immerse themselves in a vacation every day. With the help of artificial intelligence, travel planning will become more accessible, allowing people to focus on creating enriching experiences. This is stated in the material of outlooktraveller.com.

Booking.com surveyed more than 27,000 travelers from 33 countries to find out how travel can empower people. This study reveals seven travel forecasts for 2024.

Alter Ego Enthusiasts

According to Booking.com, in 2024, travelers will be more interested in creating an alter ego while on vacation. About 37% of travelers plan to make up stories about their real lives, seeking to enjoy an alternative version of themselves. The anonymity of travel is what makes it exciting for them (62%). More than two-thirds of travelers (68%) feel better during their vacations and want to get rid of inhibitions. In addition, 42% of tourists are willing to spend more to rent a better car. Many travelers (57%) feel like they are the main characters of the trip. Digital alter egos will come to life in real places in the meta-universe, adding new dimensions to the wanderlust.

Cool-cationers

Record-breaking heat around the world has led to a shift in travel preferences. More than 51% of travelers are reconsidering their vacation plans due to climate change, and 56% are choosing cooler destinations. Traveling to the water is becoming increasingly popular: 75% of people believe that being near water helps to relax. In 2024, 36% of people will be more interested in water-based vacations. This trend is a shift toward conscious immersion in water, which is becoming a major form of meditation, with floating yoga, water sound baths, snow meditation, underwater hotels, and mermania becoming popular.

Surrender Seekers

In 2024, people will seek more spontaneity and uncertainty. 52% are booking unexpected trips, 56% are looking for unconventional travel, while 34% are willing to travel with strangers. Overall, 55% prefer to travel without clear plans, and 69% are preparing extended itineraries. The industry offers technological flexibility, easy plan changes, and payment options. Approximately 48% trust artificial intelligence for travel planning, and acceptance is growing among older generations.

Culinary Excavators

In 2024, food lovers will turn into culinary archaeologists, exploring the origins and history of popular dishes in vacation destinations. About 81% want to try local cuisine, emphasizing heritage flavors and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities. The foodie travelers of 2024 will take a sensory approach, switching between the digital and physical realms for an immersive "physical" food experience. Almost 46% are interested in virtual or augmented reality enhancements that can change their dining experience.

Reboot Retreaters

In 2024, a new trend will emerge among travelers known as "reboot retreaters" who seek self-improvement in the face of global challenges. This new era of travel emphasized travel sleep: 58% of people prefer uninterrupted rest. Some travelers are open to dating vacations (39%) or heartbreak vacations (35%). While others focus on deepening connections with their partners (24%). Surprisingly, 58% of exhausted parents are planning solo trips for personal vitality. Half of all travelers (51%) are attracted to the low-key lifestyles of rural and indigenous communities, emphasizing self-sufficiency and balance with nature to reset.

A La Carte Affluencers

It has been observed that in 2024, a new type of traveler will emerge, called the "A La Carte Affluencers". Due to the high cost of living, these travelers have developed strategies to save money while still treating themselves to luxurious experiences. They plan budget travel itineraries using artificial intelligence (56%) to find the best deals and information. Choosing destinations with a lower cost of living (50%) and staying close to their homes at a luxury price (43%) are common strategies among them. Despite their desire for luxury, they will spend money wisely and can balance their budget while enjoying luxury travel in 2024.

Mindful Aesthetes

In 2024, a new type of traveler called "mindful aesthetes" is changing the way we travel. They combine design and mindfulness to make conscious and responsible choices in their travels. They focus on sustainability and style: 53% actively seek accommodations with innovative environmental features, and 60% want to experience sustainability in action. These travelers are looking for aesthetic experiences that promote conservation. They are interested in eco-friendly travel apps (60%) that offer rewards such as unique experiences with locals (47%) and access to remote locations (44%). They focus on bringing back the vacation vibe and sense of purpose through a deep connection to the environment and local communities.