Discovering America with 2024’s Current Travel Trends

As we’ve been in 2024 for over two months already, the allure of travel beckons us to travel with a promise of discovery and rejuvenation. The year 2024 brings forth exciting travel trends that cater to diverse preferences, thanks to this guide to 2024’s Trending Travel tips from Southern Living. Whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation or an astronomical adventure, the United States offers a myriad of options to satiate your wanderlust.

Travel Trends-Astronomical Adventures

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, as the United States becomes the stage for a celestial spectacle – the total solar eclipse. Head to San Antonio, Texas, or Albuquerque, New Mexico, for front-row seats to witness the awe-inspiring event. This astronomical phenomenon occurs once every 20 years, making it a rare opportunity to marvel at the sun’s corona in all its glory. Plan your trip to coincide with this celestial extravaganza for an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Travel Trends – ​​Small Group Travel

Building on the multigenerational travel trend from the previous year, 2024 expands the concept of small group travel. Whether it’s young families exploring together or friend groups planning grand gatherings, the focus is on shared experiences. Consider renting a large vacation home or a private villa, creating intimate memories with your chosen group. This trend fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie, making every journey a collective celebration.

Travel Trends – Experience Stays

In a departure from traditional hotel stays, the rise of experience stays offers travelers unique accommodations that go beyond the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the charm of a renovated train caboose or find solace in a magical treehouse nestled in the woods. For those yearning for seclusion, a luxury farm resort promises an escape from the hustle and bustle, providing an unforgettable retreat.

Travel Trends – Music Tourism

Music has a way of transcending borders, and in 2024, it serves as a catalyst for travel. The Taylor Swift Effect has led to a surge in music tourism, with fans flocking to witness their favorite artists on stage. If you missed Swift’s U.S. performances, consider planning a trip to one of her 48 shows scheduled across Europe in 2024. Merge your love for music with a vacation, creating memories that resonate long after the final encore.

“In Your Backyard” Travel

The recent challenges have prompted a shift in travel preferences, and one trend that stands out is the inclination towards local exploration. With international travel facing constraints, many are turning to the treasures in their own backyard. Destinations within easy driving distance become prime choices, offering a blend of convenience and a chance to uncover hidden gems. Opt for easy one- or two-day trips, maximizing your time and budget without compromising on the richness of the experience.

Travel Trends – Destination Duplicates

In the spirit of making dreams a reality, 2024 introduces the concept of destination dupes. If a far-off dream destination seems out of reach, consider exploring a location that mirrors its essence. The South, with its diverse landscapes, provides excellent options for such substitutes. For instance, swap the allure of the Greek isles for the charm of Tarpon Springs, Florida, or the tranquility of a quaint German town for the warmth of Helen, Georgia.

Travel Trends – Rest and Relaxation Retreats

After the whirlwind of 2023, the need for rest and relaxation takes center stage in 2024. Hilton’s study reveals that people across all generations prioritize travel as a means to rest and recharge. Bid farewell to the frantic pace of life and embrace a leisurely trip dedicated to rejuvenation. Slow down, savor the moments, and invest in your physical and mental well-being by choosing a retreat that prioritizes serenity.

In 2024, the United States unfolds as a tapestry of travel experiences, catering to a diverse array of preferences. From celestial wonders to local gems, each destination offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories. Embrace the trends, pack your bags, and embark on a journey that promises discovery and enrichment.

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2021 Summer Travel Trends

In a normal year, it’s always beneficial to observe the latest travel trends at the start of the summer vacation, but this year it seems especially beneficial to observe summer travel trends and take note thanks to these analyzed travel trends from TravelPulse.

With travel restrictions being continually lifted across the United States (check the latest CDC travel advisories here), many new trends are starting to emerge that differ from previous patterns. Staff writers at Travel Pulse have analyzed travel data from a report released by the travel services company Amadeus. The trends that have emerged from the analysis report show new tendencies that are directly attributed to traversing in a post-quarantine landscape.

Workcations

One summer travel trend that has emerged is that more and more guests are booking vacations within a longer timeframe. While this statistical trend could indicate that more and more vacationers have come into more lucrative employment opportunities, it likely indicates that more vacationers are instead working remotely while on vacation. For instance, the travel services company cited “that the Caribbean is an appealing destination for travelers who are planning a workcation, with a 43 percent increase in the number of searches for 14-plus day stays compared to the same period in 2019.”

Amadaus’ research indicated that more travelers have searched for extended stay trips that include sleeping accommodations for greater than 8 days- as long as the resort also includes consistent wi-fi access. This upward trend of “workcations” is certainly expected since many private and public businesses have adapted a work-from-home business model in light of the pandemic, as it benefits both the worker and employer. So, if your job allows you to complete your work tasks remotely, only attend meetings that are absolutely essential, and respond to a portion of your emails during a designated “workcation” period, then more and more 2021 travelers might be booking an extended trip to the beach.

Revenge Travel

Simply stated, after a harrowing year of isolation, social distancing, and quarantine, many are using this newfound (but health-conscious) freedom as a chance to vacation both for 2021 and for the lost vacation of 2020; hence the term “revenge travel” has emerged. Seen as an answer to cabin fever or the restlessness that is felt when kept “cooped up inside” for days at a time, this summer travel trend has more and more vacationers booking trips in the world’s most popular vacation destinations. The interest in these locations indicates that travelers are more interested in the “better vacation spots” in order to atone of the lack of relaxation that occurred during the social distancing year.

Amadeus reported that “ people are booking these trips to top destinations such as Cancun, which the company found had skyrocketed from being outside the top 50 most searched destinations to now number four globally.”

Travel Bubbles

One trend that has been inspired by the pandemic but also the inclination to protect others is that of the “travel bubble.” This is known as the tendency for larger groups to book a stay together to a particular destination. Many times these destinations offer monetary or accommodational incentives if the group booking the trip can provide copies of a recent, negative COVID-19 test or vaccination card. Data from Amadeaus indicates that the company of travel insiders and analysts have “seen a 66 percent increase in searches from around the world for two-week trips to the Maldives compared to the same period in 2019.

Environmentally-Conscious Traveling

Lastly, the data acquired by Amadeaus seems to indicate that more and more vacationers are spending additional hours researching their destinations before booking a stay. “Its data suggests that people are researching their trips 27 percent earlier than they did in the same period in 2019.” The company attributes this increased time to wanting to vacation in a location that is both environmentally and socially conscious, but some may view that assumption as a bit of a stretch, given that the travelers could also be ensuring that their trip is health-conscious. No matter the meaning, the 27 percent increase in researching possible destinations is definitely a positive trend that should occur regardless.

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