Travel Predictions 2024
You've heard the phrase 'new year, new me', right? Perhaps it’s a cliché, but it’s more relevant than ever. A whopping 68% of travellers believe they transform into the best version of themselves while roaming. But which version of themselves do they choose to showcase? With 62% relishing the cloak of anonymity that travel offers, 37% telling fictional stories about their lives and 57% exuding ‘main character energy’, travellers are adding an element of intrigue in 2024. And in the quest to be at the helm of their adventures, 42% would even consider renting a swankier car than what they drive at home.
With the warmer weather, 67% of travellers are looking to water-centric getaways as a quick fix. 36% yearn for the view of an ocean or a lake, and 75% find instant relaxation by the water's edge. Meanwhile, 18% are prioritising well-being, turning to retreats rather than riverbanks for solace. Health retreats spark curiosity in 20% of travellers, and psychedelic retreats beckon 14%. For some, an uninterrupted night's sleep is the priority, enticing 58% towards sleep-focused retreats – but not all! 48% express intrigue in tantra retreats, wanting a deeper physical connection with their partners.
52% of travellers want to book trips where the destination remains a mystery until they arrive. Seeking an escape from the everyday, 56% are inclined to explore off the beaten path, and 34% are willing to travel with strangers. We’ll also see a noticeable shift from rigid planning to embracing spontaneity. A majority (55%) prefer to embark on their journeys without set plans, while two thirds (69%) opt for loose itineraries, allowing them to adapt as they go. With this, AI is set to become a mainstream feature of travel next year. 48% of travellers now trust AI to plan their trips, a trend exemplified by Booking.com's AI Trip Planner.
When it comes to culinary ventures, 78% of travellers hunger for fresh flavours over the tried and true. Half are planning their trips around specific restaurants or dishes, with 61% prioritising learning about the origins of a destination's iconic dish. Tech is also reshaping how we enjoy food, with 46% seeking immersive ‘phygital’ (physical plus digital) dining via VR or AR. While 63% are fascinated by innovative plant-based options like 3D-printed vegan steaks and mushroom ‘foie gras’. Over a quarter of travellers (27%) are open to hiring personal chefs next year, with Gen Z leading the charge at 37%.
