In just a few short months 2023 will be over and we'll be stepping to 2024 to see what is to come.
Like any new year, many of us try our best to leave some of the less fun aspects of the previous years behind.
With many looking forward to seeing what travel aspects are in store for 2024, Booking.com has shared their predictions for the upcoming year.
From swapping the sun-seeking hot holidays to cooler temperatures to stepping away from the busy world and rebooting, see what travel you can expect in 2024.
Booking.com based its research on more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories.
Booking.com reveals 2024 travel trends
(Alter) Ego Enthusiasts
It's expected that more travellers will hope to feel more alive by creating their very own epic alter egos on holiday, with more than a third of UK tourists making up stories about their real life to people they meet on their travels.
As many travellers enjoy the anonymity of travel and the chance to recreate themselves, many may take on a 2.0 version of themselves and reimagine their best selves.
Cool-cationers
The majority of UK travellers report that climate change will impact the way they plan their holiday in 2024, while more than two out of five UK travellers say that as temperatures soar close to home, they will use their holiday to cool down elsewhere.
Away from the heat, Booking.com suggest that there will be a move to ice and snow breaks instead of water.
Floating yoga, water sound baths and snow meditation will be preferred, as well as a boom in ice therapy retreats, with water no longer the backdrop but the main event.
Surrender Seekers
Booking.com shares that travellers will be waiting to 'explore the unknown' in 2024 as people head to new locations with little information and planning.
Half of UK tourists are keen to book a surprise trip where everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival.
Some suggest that AI will help with holidays as 36% shared they would trust AI to plan a trip for them.
Culinary Excavators
Food will become many travellers' focus in 2024 as over half of UK travellers (52%) are more interested in learning about the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies than they were in the past.
They added that four in five UK tourists (78%) want to try indigenous cuisines in 2024, as heritage flavours are in the spotlight with travellers putting power in the hands of the under-represented.
Reboot Retreaters
As many look for a break from their everyday busy life, Booking.com suggest that travellers are booking one-track trips rooted in self-improvement to bring themselves back to life.
The travel site adds that some will be looking to relax with a rise in sleep tourism showing interest and others looking for a solo holiday away from busy life and to feel reset.
A La Carte Affluencers
As things at home get more expensive, travellers are expected to be looking for cheaper, money-saving hacks to cut costs whilst levelling up their holidays.
Along with saving money, Booking.com suggests that more UK travellers will be willing to pay for day passes to use the amenities in a five-star hotel rather than actually staying there.
Mindful Aesthetes
Travellers are set to keep the environment in mind for 2024 as more look for sustainable itineraries that will give travellers exclusive access to the places that they are helping preserve, in the most mindful and responsible way.
Sustainable breaks give a reminder that it’s possible to bring home all the holiday feels, but also purpose to feel more deeply connected to the environment and surrounding communities when back at home as well.
Speaking of their travel trends for 2024, Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com said: "Our 2024 travel predictions reflect the idea that travel is not a means to escape life, but instead a catalyst to live our best lives.
"From thrilling adventures in a new destination to feeling the pulse of a new culture and every experience in between, travel allows us to become the best version of ourselves."
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