The Biggest Travel Trends of 2024

Paros, Greece
Paros, Greece. Photo by AXP Photography on Unsplash

Trends are about much more than just styles on the runway—every year, changes in societal values along with advancements in technology drive new things to become popular in almost every area of our daily lives, and travel is no exception. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with sticking with what’s familiar, experimenting with new trends can also be a great way to enhance your travel experiences and learn more about yourself along the way. Here are some of the biggest travel trends to try in 2024.

Dupe Destinations

The concept of “dupe destinations,” or affordable alternatives to tourism hotspots that offer a similar feel, has been gaining traction over the last year or so, and in 2024, it’s predicted to be more popular than ever. Beyond being less expensive, many dupe destinations are also less crowded than their original counterparts due to their relative lack of tourists. For example, the Greek island of Paros as a quieter alternative to Santorini.

Domestic Tourism

Between rising costs and restrictive work schedules, it’s not always possible to take an extended vacation to a faraway destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still plan a fabulous getaway in your own backyard. There’s no shame in staying local for your next vacation—in fact, travel search engine Kayak has even reported that the cost of domestic flights, hotels, and car rentals are all down from last year, while the same expenses for international travel are all up.

AI Planning

Travel planning may not necessarily be the most obvious use for ChatGPT, but since it was released in November 2022, many have found it to be surprisingly adept at creating personalized vacation itineraries. If you’d like to plan a trip but aren’t sure where to start, or just want to learn more about some under-the-radar attractions in your destination, consider turning to AI programs for input. Just be sure to check with another source that information about its recommendations is accurate.