In 2024, you can expect to see the following major trends in travel.

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The upcoming new year brings with it the opportunity to make exciting holiday plans or start fresh with new adventures. Memories of last year’s travel troubles, such as air traffic issues, strikes, and bad weather, can be left behind as the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins. In fact, over half of British people are planning to take two or more trips abroad in the next year, according to Compare the Market data.

What can travelers expect in the year 2024? In the previous year, we anticipated metaverse trips, sleeping pods, and a continued emphasis on slow travel. In the current year, we are seeing similar trends with a strong emphasis on sleep, as well as some new ideas.

These are the current patterns to monitor in the upcoming year. Have a wonderful time exploring!

In 2024, there is a trend emerging where people are choosing to swap familiar places for new and similar ones. This is a great way to find affordable destinations that still offer beautiful scenery for Instagram-worthy photos, while also avoiding crowded areas during peak travel times. This could mean replacing international trips with domestic ones, such as opting for the Lake District instead of the Italian Lakes, or choosing a different island for a change of pace. According to a study by The Future Laboratory on over 14,000 travelers’ plans, commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, more than a quarter of respondents have expressed interest in trying out “dupes” this year. If this sounds intriguing, The Independent’s travel editor, Helen Coffey, has put together a comprehensive guide on how to trade busy tourist spots for more off-the-beaten-path destinations in the upcoming year.

Explore Europe with our comprehensive travel guide.

Even if you’re not officially diagnosed with insomnia, it’s common to want more sleep. In fact, half of the UK population admits to not getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. However, this lack of sleep can have negative effects on our health, such as memory issues, weakened immune system, and high blood pressure. This has led to an increase in “sleep tourism,” with 58% of travelers seeking vacations solely for the purpose of getting uninterrupted rest. As a result, there has been a rise in sleep concierges and the use of technology to aid in achieving quality sleep. In 2024, the trend of “sleep retreats” is expected to continue growing, with places like HOTEL de LËN in northern Italy offering a “regenerative sleep experience” surrounded by nature. Their rooms feature a “sleep radiance panel” and tools to reduce disturbances, along with access to a spa for added relaxation. This could be a great way to improve your sleep habits, and at the very least, you can enjoy the fresh air and activities in the Dolomites before bedtime.

The term “coolcaytion” is expected to be popular for holiday travel this year, but it is seen as one of the worst portmanteaus. In the past, British vacations have primarily revolved around seeking sunny destinations and returning with a tan, but due to the recent extreme heat and wildfires in Europe in 2023, habits are changing. Tui’s chief executive, Sebastian Ebel, predicts that people may opt for cooler destinations due to the impact of climate change. A study by Marriott Bonvoy supports this belief, with over half of respondents stating that climate change will affect their travel plans. Additionally, 56% said they would prefer to use their vacation to cool down rather than constantly seeking shade. Travel companies have noticed a rise in the popularity of northern European destinations (which still offer beautiful beaches to relax on), and this trend may also lead to more people traveling during the shoulder season to avoid the intense heat of peak season.

The travel industry has seen significant growth in the niche sector of women-only trips, with a potential to continue expanding until 2024. According to the latest Lemongrass annual travel trend report, there has been a more than fourfold increase in operators offering such trips in recent years, with 64% of global travelers being female. Notable companies like Intrepid Travel and Insight Vacations have also joined in, offering Women’s Expeditions and Wander Women tours respectively, both led by female teams and focused on celebrating the strength of women. Founder of Cath Adventure, Catherine Edsell, believes that this growth is due to the transformative experience of being immersed in nature and supported by others.

There is a divide in opinions about the upcoming trend for cruises during the holiday season, depending on who you ask. The selection of expedition trips, which offer passengers the chance to visit remote areas of the Earth, is expected to expand. Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network (which represents 18 specialized cruise companies), noted that the sector has seen significant growth over the past two years. If you are interested in encountering extraordinary wildlife or discovering untouched tundra, companies such as Hurtigruten, Silversea, Seabourn, and Ponant are well-equipped to provide these experiences this year.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, there has been an increase in demand for cruises along the UK coast. This was largely due to the pandemic, as restrictions on international travel forced people to look for alternative vacation options. According to Iglu, a cruise travel agency, interest in these coastal cruises continues to rise with a 33% increase in the past year. Tony Andrew, managing director of cruise.co.uk, shared with The Independent that there will likely be a continued trend of holidaymakers choosing to cruise around the British Isles due to the numerous benefits it offers compared to land-based getaways.

We will observe the direction it takes – but enthusiastic sailors will have options for either a comfortable home or an off-the-grid adventure.

This year’s sports schedule is packed, influencing travel decisions. Another unappealing combination of words, “goccasions,” has made its way into holiday discussions, referring to specific occasions for traveling to a destination and also taking the opportunity to visit attractions. Millions of visitors are expected to flock to Paris from July to September for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, causing a rise in hotel prices. The city will undergo changes driven by the Games, including extended Metro lines, more bike lanes, and improved museums (even the Seine River is expected to be cleaner). Germany will also experience a similar boost in June as it hosts Uefa Euro 2024. Host cities can be found in every region, with the final match taking place in Berlin on July 14th. The Formula 1 season begins in Europe in May, and this year’s Tour de France will start in Italy for the first time, with racers departing from Florence. In between all of the sporting events, there may be opportunities to explore the local sights.

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