Do you feel as though you need a holiday to recover from the whirlwind of the silly season? Or perhaps, a motivation to get up to that early morning alarm? Well, 2024 has arrived, waving aside any excuses and urging you to dive into the exciting realm of travel planning, booking and of course, departing! Here are some of the top travel trends for 2024, according to Stephanie Dent, ex-travel agent, seasoned traveller (with over 50 countries under her belt!) and The Modern Muse’s resident travel agent, helping you unlock a world of discovery.
Wellness Travel
Wellness retreats are far from a new trend; however, many wellness-seeking travellers don’t want to spend their entire holiday in a resort, despite how beautiful it may be. People are searching for a perfect combination of wellness and culture.
Where? Sri Lanka- New luxury and wellness experiences are opening in Sri Lanka; however, Sri Lanka has not lost its heritage, and you can continue your wellness venture outside the doors of your accommodation. Discover the cultural and health benefits of freshly picked teas on a day trip to the tea-filled highlands. Go on hikes that take in these tea plantations and local villages and experience safaris to National Parks such as Yala National Park which are not to be missed. Yoga, breath work and reiki are plentiful in Sri Lanka, whether this be at your luxury hotel such as the Heritance Kandalama or on the beach in a casual setting (Mirissa Beach is our favourite).
Tip- Make sure you try Ceylon tea which originates from Sri Lanka.
Mirissa Beach. Image Credit: Salt In Our Hair
Sports Travel
With the Olympics and Paralympics this year, it’s no doubt going to be a huge year for sports tourism. The Olympics opening ceremony will be held on 26th July, and the Paralympics will be held a month later on 28th August. Paris 2024 will mark the first time in history that the Opening Ceremony of a Paralympic Games is held outside a stadium and instead stretches throughout the French capital.
Visser, Chairperson of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes Council, stated this will be “a historic Opening Ceremony on the most famous avenue in the world with the beauty of Paris all around them. Paris 2024 will be an amazing stage to celebrate Para sport to the world”.
Where? Paris – As if you need another excuse to visit the City of Light, savour a baguette in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower, explore the treasures of the Louvre or simply sit in a chic café, indulging in the art of watching the city unfold before you
Tip: Don’t miss the Tour de France just a week before the Paris Games.
Image Credit: International Olympic Committee
Intergenerational Travel
Intergenerational or multi-generational travel is when multiple generations travel together. An aging population in many countries means many families have multiple generations coexisting. This, aligned with families placing a high value on maintaining close family relationships means there is an increase in families wishing to travel together, allowing them to spend quality time and create shared memories.
Where? Cruises can be a great choice as they provide a diverse range of entertainment options, including kids and teen clubs, pools, waterslides, movie theatres, casinos, live shows, and shore excursions. Different dietary preferences and tastes can also be accommodated, with a variety of dining options for an extended family.
Tip: themed cruises allow families to choose a cruise that aligns with their shared passions such as the Disney Magic at Sea cruises and P&O’s comedy cruise. If beaches and cocktails are more your family’s style, try an island hopper cruise.
Disney Magic at Sea cruise
‘Working from home’ Travel
Whilst I’m not encouraging leaving the country without telling your boss, there has been an increase in companies allowing flexible working arrangements including working while travelling (thanks, Covid)! Of course, there’s a downside to always having your working hat on while attempting to enjoy a holiday, but if this doubles my annual leave then I’m willing to make that small sacrifice!
Where? Anywhere with a reliable Wi-Fi connection! I was impressed with the speed and Wi-Fi connectivity in Iceland, despite the remote and isolated landscapes. Their government continues to make efforts to extend coverage to various remote regions of the country making this a perfect destination for the digital nomad.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Accessible Travel
More and more hotels, tour companies and airports are becoming increasingly accessible. Accessible travel ensures that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy services as those without disabilities. This not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also benefits an
Recently The Drouin Family Hotel in my own small, country town took home the inaugural All Abilities Award by the Australian Hotels Association in 2023. The push for restaurants, accommodation, cruise liners and airlines to improve their accessibility will continue to be an important trend this year.
Where? Sydney is known for its accessible infrastructure and when I visited last month, I was impressed with their wheelchair-friendly public transport and attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens as well as many lesser-known attractions including The Grounds of Alexandria and the Australian Museum. However, there’s more to accessibility than wheelchair/pram-friendly paths and toilets. Restaurants are now bringing in braille menus and apps such as See Me are currently under trial, which is designed to address barriers for people using public transport including signalling the bus driver. Furthermore, companies specialising in providing unique, multi-sensory adventures for the low-vision community such as Cocky Guides are ensuring 2024 will be the most inclusive year yet.
Sydney Opera House
Remote and Untouched Travel
Many travellers are drawn to remote and untouched destinations for the adventure and thrill of exploration they hold. Rare and potentially endangered wildlife, undamaged landscapes as well as peace and tranquillity due to the lesser crowds are all on the cards in these remote destinations. Cultural immersion is also a contributing factor to why we seek untouched places and remote areas are far more likely to preserve their unique cultures and traditional ways of life.
Where? Papua New Guinea is known for its rich biodiversity, pristine natural beauty and variety of Indigenous culture that has been maintained for centuries. The country’s remote location has assisted in preserving its unique ecosystems and this makes it an appealing destination for travellers seeking adventure, true cultural experiences and of course untouched landscapes. Oh, and did I mention that Papua New Guinea is only a three-hour flight from Australia which is no doubt why 2024 bookings to this stunning destination have increased!
Papua New Guinea
So, what are you waiting for? Be sure to jump on one (or more!) of these travel trends for a memorable 2024 full of wanderlust and adventure.
P.S. A boring but vital tip for all destinations (and particularly for remote places) PLEASE book travel insurance!
For Victoria-based travel recommendations, click here.
