10 Popular Travel Trends for 2024 and Beyond

Now that the world is returning to “normal” after the craziness that was the pandemic, and there isn’t the same level of nervousness around traveling, the luxury travel industry is once again booming with excitement and new trends. 

With so many intriguing destinations and activities to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin with the planning process, and I’m here to help. As an expert who has curated thousands of tailored trips and destination weddings, these are the top 5 travel trends I foresee taking over in 2024 and sticking around for years to come. 

Trend #1: Dual Destination Vacations 

What’s better than going on a vacation in a beautiful place? How about vacationing in two beautiful places on the same trip? If you’re already taking time off work and spending money to travel, you might as well do some research and see what other locations are around your original destination. This is one of the best ways to experience a wider variety of activities and cuisines and get a change of scenery. St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Martin and St. Barts are two examples of highly desired dual destinations in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for an even bigger adventure, Australia and New Zealand are great options. This is your chance to make the most of your getaway! 

Trend #2: Tranquil Tourism 

Also known as silent travel, tranquil tourism is one of the hottest wellness trends focusing on meditation and finding inner peace. If you’re looking for peace, quiet, and an escape from distractions, this is something you need to add to your travel checklist. Whether you incorporate silent walks, a relaxing spa treatment, or a meditation session into your existing itinerary, or if you want to spend your whole trip at a device-free wellness retreat, tranquil tourism allows you to work on finding the best version of yourself. Take a deep breath and get ready to do some serious soul-searching! 

Trend #3: Skip the Cruise 

You either love them or you hate them. Cruises were once one of the leading types of vacations but have tapered off in popularity in recent years, especially within Mexico and the Caribbean. Why you might ask? Overall there seems to be a general decline in quality among cruise lines from the food and drinks, the general atmosphere, and entertainment. Plus, there’s the unauthentic side of the island experience and the commercial setting of the ships. This lack of luxury and quality combined with crowded and sometimes even claustrophobic spaces results in cruises falling off many travelers’ bucket lists. Not to mention the fact that they have a dreadful impact on the environment. 

Trend #4: Exotic Experiences > Convenience 

So long are the days of prioritizing ease of travel over the memories being made. Travelers’ wishlists are more ambitious now than ever, leading to a focus on the destination rather than letting the journey itself sway the final decision on where to go. Don’t let the thought of connecting flights, long drives, or boat transfers deter you from going somewhere that you’ve always dreamed of; think of the journey as another chance to step out of your comfort zone and make lasting memories.

Trend #5: Curated Culinary Adventures 

I bet you’ve gone out to eat at least once and snapped a picture of your beautiful meal before digging in. With the popularity of sharing aesthetically pleasing plates on Instagram and TikTok, it’s no surprise that trips revolving around exploring food and drinks are on the rise. Culinary adventures are a great way to try all kinds of new cuisines at different restaurants that you’d otherwise never get to try; they also provide the opportunity to connect with foreign cultures. 

Trend #6: Destination Weddings 

2024 sees a significant resurgence in destination weddings. Couples are more eager to travel, seeking unique and exotic locations for their nuptials. The destination wedding market is not just growing; it’s thriving. From sandy beaches to mountaintop vows, couples are rewriting the rules and choosing to start their forever in a place that feels as special as the love they share. 

Trend #7: Go With The Flow 

Many travelers nowadays would rather plan their activities and tours over having a jam-packed prearranged schedule; because of this, escorted tours and bus trips aren’t as popular as they once were. I recommend creating your itinerary according to your desires and how busy you want to be! There’s no point in spending money and time participating in activities you’re not interested in when your time on vacation is limited. You might only want to go on one adventure or excursion every couple of days and spend the rest of the time relaxing by the pool or on the beach, so skip the tours and set your own pace. 

Trend #8: Bleisure Travel 

More people are combining work and leisure, creating a trend called “bleisure” travel. This trend is driven by a desire for better work-life balance. With the rise of remote work, professionals have more flexibility, allowing them to add leisure to their business travel plans. Hotels have caught onto this trend and are curating experiences and office spaces/suites. This is a game-changer for professionals who believe in work hard, play harder! 

Trend #9: Longer Vacations 

Say goodbye to the traditional long weekend getaway and embrace the trend that’s taking the travel world by storm: longer vacations, where “out of office” becomes a lifestyle, not just an automated email response. Travelers are opting for stays that go beyond 4-5 days as two-week trips are gaining momentum. We’ve all been there—frantic to soak in as much sun and relaxation as humanly possible. But let’s be real; it takes at least three days just to master the art of doing nothing. Here’s to extended bliss and making the sand between your toes last longer. 

Trend 10: The Buddymoon 

This trend is all about squad goals and core memories. Enter the era of the buddymoon, where the more, the merrier rings true! Who needs candlelit dinners when you can have a feast with your buddies, complete with inside jokes and boatloads of laughter, chaos, and group selfies. Here’s to the new era of travel, where romance takes a back seat to the ultimate adventure with your ride-or-die crew!

From family-friendly vacations filled with adventure and serene getaways focused on self-reflection to romantic elopements at exclusive resorts, I’ve planned it all and would love to make your dream vacation a reality. Whether you want to incorporate a few of these trends or start from scratch with your own unique ideas, I’m here to help you have an unforgettable travel experience. Your perfect paradise fantasy awaits!