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What are your travel aspirations for 2024? From sustainable, eco-friendly escapes to adventures inspired by favourite moments in film and television, the latest travel trends are a diverse selection of incredible experiences for every type of travel enthusiast. We asked our travel experts to share their thoughts on what’s hot in travel for 2024:
Luxury cruising in Alaska
If 2023 was about the joy of diving back into travel after the pandemic, 2024 is set to be the year in which we venture into less familiar parts of the world. From hiking through the dense spruce forests of the Albanian Alps to luxury expedition cruising in Alaska or Antarctica, we love the idea of seeking out immersive cultural experiences in unique, far-flung destinations. Up and coming, off-the-beaten-path destinations include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia, which continue to grow in popularity as travellers seek out remote, untouched landscapes.
The thought that “life is short, and every moment is precious” provides the perfect excuse to celebrate significant moments with memorable travel experiences. Book a Pacific cruise for your family reunion, celebrate your big 5-0 by walking the Camino de Santiago or rediscover yourself at an ayurvedic retreat in the Indian Himalayas.
After another year of dramatic weather-related events, the concept of a planet-friendly holiday is more appealing than ever. There are plenty of ways to minimise your environmental impact while maximising your enjoyment: opt for a walking or kayaking adventure in Costa Rica, visit a giraffe sanctuary in Kenya or go glamping in the Blue Mountains. A growing number of our clients are looking to support companies that focus on sustainable travel and contribute to local communities.
Trekking in Argentina’s Torres del Paine National Park
Genuine connections and shared moments go hand-in-hand with small, personalised group travel experiences, whether you’re getting off the beaten track on a guided jungle trek or being immersed in the food and culture of a new city. Join a cycling tour of Japan’s Naoshima Island, go trekking in Argentina’s Torres del Paine National Park or embark on a foodie’s tour of Sicily. Many tour companies now offer smaller group sizes that cost a little more but also deliver a more personalised experience.
When it comes to travel, one size definitely does not fit all, but personal travel managers are experts at understanding their individual clients’ needs and delivering on their travel wishes. They create seamless itineraries that cover every element of your holiday experience, whether it’s a limousine transfer to your New York hotel or a dawn safari by hot-air balloon over the Namib Desert.
If you love to experience a destination from the inside out, absorbing every aspect of its food, cultural, history and heritage, you already understand the appeal of an experiential holiday. Classic examples include picnicking beneath the cherry trees at the peak of Japan’s hanami season or enjoying the craic in a tiny country pub on Ireland’s west coast, but increasingly, travellers are seeking out more meaningful experiences that allow them to contribute something to the destination. Holidaying in the Bahamas? Why not spend a day aboard a research vessel, tagging hammerhead sharks.
Emily in Paris’ Netflix hit has become a travel experience
Did the beauty of Sicily’s beaches distract you from the plot twists in White Lotus? Are you entranced by the fabulous fashions and Paris city scenes featured in Emily in Paris? Set-jetting, or travel that’s inspired by beloved movie and TV show locations, is a trend that’s certain to gain momentum throughout 2024. Our hot picks for the year ahead include Malta (Gladiator 2), Norway (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two) and New England (Beetlejuice 2). If you’re thinking more long-term, keep an eye out for the next season of White Lotus – which is due for release in 2025 and rumoured to be set in Thailand.
Traditional Moroccan food
Have you ever noticed how a single bite of food can transport you back to a particular time and place? From the bustling markets of Marrakesh to the finest Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris, food-inspired travel experiences offer a unique insight into the history and culture of a destination. Explore the narrow lanes of San Sebastian’s Old Town, fuelled by a never-ending selection of pintxos, dive into a seafood feast on the Croatian island of Krk or savour a steaming bowl of Pho as you explore the streets of Hanoi.
Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is just one of the major live music events currently circling the globe, drawing fans from all over the world. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing your favourite act performing live – unless perhaps it’s combined with experiencing a vibrant city that you’ve always longed to explore. From Tokyo to Toronto, Buenos Aires to Berlin, music tourism is on the rise – check out your favourite performer’s 2024 touring calendar and start planning!
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, it’s exciting to think of the many fresh possibilities for memorable travel experiences that await us in 2024. Whether you’re venturing into unexplored destinations, celebrating life’s milestones with curated experiences, or following in the footsteps of your favourite on-screen characters, your personal travel manager can help bring next year’s travel plans to life.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
