Travel Trends in 2024

CHARLOTTE, FROM TRAVEL WITH CHARLOTTE, GIVES US HER TOP TIPS FOR NEXT YEAR

Booking your holiday early with local independent travel agent, Travel with Charlotte, gives you the best choice at the best prices.

Travel Trends for 2024: What to Expect and How to Plan Ahead

As the world gears up for the new year, travel enthusiasts and holidaymakers are already contemplating their next holiday destinations and experiences.

We met up with our industry expert, Charlotte from Travel with Charlotte, to see what she recommends for travel in 2024.

Ashtead Living: What travel trends do you anticipate for 2024?

One noticeable trend in 2024 is that travellers have a far more fast-paced approach to their trips. Increasingly, people want to fit more activities into their itineraries and are extending their stays by a couple of extra days. Longer trips means they’re happy to go further afield, to places such as Asia, to explore more of a country or multiple countries within a single trip, opting for three-week adventures instead of the traditional two. Additionally, there's a growing interest in tours and cruises, where people can meet other like-minded individuals more easily and offer diverse group experiences. Tours are especially popular when you can cover an area you wouldn’t feel safe doing alone, like Petra or Peru.

There's an even bigger shift towards sustainability too, with travellers preferring train travel over flying, especially in Europe and across Canada - for instance, through the scenic Rocky Mountaineer route. Train travel is quickly gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature. Routes like the Rocky Mountaineer, combined with cruises to places like Alaska, are attracting families, couples, and solo adventurers. Even in Australia, train travel is becoming a preferred mode of exploration, offering a unique and sustainable way to experience the country's diverse landscapes. There are a few great new train routes in Europe as well which allow easy travelling from the cities to mountains for summer or ski holidays.

Ashtead Living: What are some of the most popular destinations you anticipate for 2024?

The Mediterranean remains a sought-after destination, especially among young families seeking getaways. However, bookings for this region fill up rapidly each year. Families with slightly older children are now also looking for more adventurous experiences, such as two-week journeys to Canada that combine mountains, beaches, and lakes.

Vietnam and Cambodia have already been popular with couples for 2024 as well as Australia and New Zealand. Safaris seem to be back on for people as well - for that special honeymoon or once-in-a-lifetime bucket trip, a safari is a perfect holiday, but actually once you go, people return to book in an alternative country or park to experience different animals and seasons and include some city or beach to go with it.

Ashtead Living: What are your top tips for booking a holiday in 2024?

For those planning trips in 2024, especially families targeting school holiday periods, early planning is crucial. Flights tend to fill up quickly during shorter breaks like the May half-term. Booking well in advance is advisable, even for families with more flexible travel schedules.

Towards the end of 2024, around Christmas and New Year, travel experiences peak. Popular options include seeking winter sun in destinations like the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Mexico, or indulging in skiing adventures or Lapland trips. Early booking during these times is highly recommended to secure desired accommodations and experiences. Lapland Santa Trips sell out a year in advance!

For those considering Greece, exploring lesser-known islands like Paros or contemplating off-the-beaten-path city breaks in Palermo, Sicily, offers a more serene and authentic experience away from tourist crowds.

Travelling abroad this 2024? Using Travel with Charlotte can help you book your dream holiday.

Also, interest in city breaks for 2024 is on the rise, often tied to events like the Olympics, concerts, or festivals. Using me to book your travel makes planning your break so much easier. I can book your event tickets, but I can also book all your travel needs surrounding your trip too.

Ashtead Living: Can you suggest some off-the-beaten-path experiences or lesser-known destinations that might emerge as hidden gems for travel enthusiasts in 2024?

If you’re looking for less-travelled destinations for 2024, places like Oman offer unique travel experiences. Unlike the commercialised atmosphere of Dubai, Oman provides fantastic winter sun options. From luxurious stays in Muscat to diverse landscapes encompassing mountains, beaches, and deserts, Oman caters to various traveller interests, making it an ideal choice for older families, couples, or those seeking a distinct cultural experience.

Ashtead Living: When should people book their holidays?

I always say that planning early is the best thing you can do when it comes to booking holidays. Availability tends to diminish rapidly, especially as the year progresses. Booking in January or February ensures better choices, even for trips planned for 2025. Hotels and service providers are already preparing for 2025, particularly when it comes to tours in Australia and New Zealand, or for Lapland adventures. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance in shaping your travel plans.

Travel with Charlotte is part of the Ashtead Living business network. Her details and review of her services are here for you to read.