A new year lies before us, which means once far-off holiday plans inching ever closer or a clean slate on which to plot adventure. That the last year featured air traffic control chaos, industrial action and weather-related disruption to travel plans can, at the stroke of midnight as the year changes, be forgotten. After all, more than half of Britons plan on taking two or more holidays abroad in the next 12 months, according to data from Compare the Market.
What does 2024 have in store for travellers? Last year, we expected metaverse journeys, sleep pods and a further focus on slow travel. This year, we’re looking at some similar trends – sleep will definitely feature – as well as some newer thoughts.
Here are the trends to keep your eye on this year. Happy travels!
Destination dupes
Swapping the places you know for something new – but similar – is set to influence travel in 2024. It’s a good method for seeking out affordable spots without sacrificing beautiful backdrops (the need for Instagram content isn’t going to disappear, wherever you go…), as well as a way of avoiding overcrowding, especially during high season. It might be ditching overseas travel and finding the domestic equivalent – the Lake District for the Italian Lakes, perhaps – or simply swapping one island for another: swerve the sunset-watching hordes on Santorini for the calm of Paros (without losing the incredible sundown). According to research of over 14,000 travellers’ plans by The Future Laboratory, commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel giant’s loyalty programme, more than a quarter of those questioned said they are opting for “dupes” this year. Sound interesting? The Independent’s travel editor, Helen Coffey, has a comprehensive guide on how to swap the busiest destinations for under-the-radar spots in the year ahead.
Fancy a change from Barcelona? Get yourself to Valencia instead
(Getty)
Read more on Europe travel:
Sleep and repeat
You don’t need to be a diagnosed insomniac to desire more sleep – half of the UK population admit they don’t get the optimal seven to eight hours a night. This is despite the health issues that come with such deprivation, including an impact on memory, a weaker immune system and higher blood pressure. All hail the rise of sleep tourism – Booking.com says 58 per cent of travellers get away…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…