Why "money-saving hacks" and eco-travel are dominating vacation trends in 2024
One of the main reasons why the coronavirus pandemic has hit the world so hard has been the restrictions on travel, as catching a work flight, relaxing on the beach with friends, or visiting family in another city are all important parts of everyday life.
This has led to people booking more vacations than at any time since the pandemic, but combining a busy vacation schedule with a cost-of-living crisis is not a recipe for success when it comes to your account. That's why money-saving hacks are one of the biggest trends in the travel industry in 2024. This was reported by hellomagazine.com.
According to Nicky Calvin, editor-in-chief of The Points Guy, this is not the only trend that will remain.
"Brits are opting for more frugal hacks. As we start traveling again, it's important to remember the lessons we learned during the lockdown. Let's not take our freedom to travel for granted. The emphasis is now on 'value for money' and travelers are looking for experiences that offer the best value for money," emphasizes Nicky.
This can mean combining business with leisure, the so-called 'getaway', as well as extending a work trip to explore a new city, or looking for something closer to home.
"As we continue to grapple with the current cost of living crisis, we have found that some Brits are making the decision to stay in the UK. Some are choosing to be more innovative with their travel spending, which means that stopovers are definitely a trend this year," says Nicky.
As for those booking more distant destinations, many are attracted to concerts, festivals and other major events such as the Olympics.
Another important factor that influences people's minds when they choose a vacation is sustainability. According to Nicky, conscious tourism has been growing in popularity in recent years, and more and more people are taking into account the environmental impact of travel: "Sustainability is becoming the new standard in the travel industry. Travelers are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and are looking for responsible travel options that reduce their environmental impact and support local communities. Despite the economic implications, sustainability is seen as a lifestyle rather than a passing trend in the travel industry," adds Nicky.
The most popular tourist destinations in 2024
France
Paris is taking center stage as the host of the Summer Olympics, forcing hotels to set premium rates in July. The opening ceremony will take place along the Seine River in the heart of Paris, and other attractions include grand equestrian arenas, various stadiums across the country, and even a unique surfing venue.
Bolivia
The magnificent Salar de Uyuni, a huge salt marsh with cracked, desert-like land and cactus-covered partitions, attracts visitors from all over the world to Bolivia every year. Until recently, there was a lack of upscale accommodation in the area, but in 2022, Explora introduced a cozy six-room mountain lodge located in an elegant building with a glass facade and cozy rooms.
Australia
Formerly harsh areas of Queensland, such as Howard Smith Wharf, have been revitalized with trendy bars and restaurants, and one of the biggest renovations in Brisbane is still on the horizon.