The golden year for travel enthusiasts. Booking.com, in particular, has hit remarkable sales milestones, signaling a robust recovery in global tourism. According to Jane Smith, a travel analyst.

If 2022 was the year we embraced traveling again, then 2023 marked the time we ventured further than ever before. You explored the skies, rails, roads, and seas, ticking off bucket list goals with Arctic expeditions, luxury yacht cruises, and even the first tourist journeys into space. 

In 2024, you’ll be focusing on what truly matters, prioritizing meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact. Time with loved ones, and wellness moments will be at the forefront. You’ll carefully choose destinations, slowing down to savor the silence and the stars, indulging in culinary delights in unique locales, and diving into wellness practices that promise a longer, healthier 

The Biggest Travel Trends to Expect in 2024

From home swapping to astrotourism, discover the trends set to shape travel in 2024, as shared by our editors and contributors.  

Get ready to explore the world in new and exciting ways with these top 20 travel trends for 2024. 

This article was inspired by an original piece on Condé Nast Traveller UK. 

Star BathingMilagros Pico

What’s the Trend? 

Astronomy has fascinated humanity since ancient times, offering a comforting gaze into the cosmos. In today’s increasingly virtual world, many feel a tug to reconnect with the vast, tangible universe outside our screens. This emerging interest has given rise to astro tourism. This trend involves traveling to pristine locations, free from pollution and crowds, to marvel at the night sky. It’s all about finding solace under the stars, planets, and constellations, immersing ourselves in the profound experience of the universe above.

Why will it matter in 2024? Increasingly, wellness-centric hotels and spas offer guests the chance to marvel at the night sky. Imagine yourself reclining in a glass dome at the UK’s Port Lympne, spreading out on a king-sized bed, eyes trained on the constellations. Or venture to the Arabian Gulf, where the Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar offers pollution-free stargazing in the vast desert, complete with workshops and family sessions to delve deeper into the cosmos. 

Looking for a more adventurous setting? The safari company Desert & Delta leads journeys across Botswana and Namibia, where remote tents in places like the Makgadikgadi Pans provide uninterrupted star views. Or consider South Africa.

2. Eco diving

What’s the trend? Increasingly, discerning travelers are looking to stay away for longer stretches, while the rise of remote jobs means that working and living abroad has never been more appealing. The catch? Forking out on hefty accommodation fees while you’re at it. Enter home swapping: the perfect solution to guarantee yourself a (free) home abroad while you offer up your own in exchange for weeks or even months at a time.

Why will it matter in 2024? As the cost of traveling continues to climb, home swapping is an affordable alternative to splashing out on expensive hotels or Airbnbs. And while the concepts of couch surfing and house exchanges have existed for decades, several slick new platforms are redefining what home swapping looks like today.

Twin City, which operates in cities like as Lisbon and Los Angeles, has curated a community of over 1,100 carefully vetted users in just eight months. For an annual subscription fee of about $189, members can find Twins to connect with through the platform, and are encouraged to exchange local recommendations for their city as well as their homes, enabling members to feel as if they’re swapping with a trusted friend rather than a stranger.

Meanwhile, Kindred, a home-swapping platform where members rack ​​up credits for each night that they exchange homes, raised $15 million in funding this year to expand operations across the US and Europe, and currently has more then 10,000 homes in over 50 cities. Members simply pay a cleaning and service fee for each stay, while the cost of the stay itself is free.

Travelers can skip out on membership fees entirely and head straight to TikTok, where Gen Z appears to be spearheading the home-swapping movement on social media. Inspired by the film The Holiday, trending tags #houseswap and #homeswap have garnered more than 23 and 20 million views respectively, with users utilizing the platform as a means to advertise their homes, discover like-minded peers to swap with, and document their adventures along the way. —Gina Jackson

4. Train stations are the new food destinations

What’s the Trend? Have you ever rushed through train stations without a second glance? Traditionally, these hubs weren’t designed for leisurely stops. But now, as travel delays rise and local experiences become more sought after, stations are transforming. Historic stations are getting facelifts, incorporating shops, restaurants, and bars to offer a richer experience for travelers. 

Why Will It Matter in 2024? As these renovations continue, train stations are becoming destinations in their own right. In 2023, New York City‘s new Moynihan Train Hall introduced gems like The Irish Exit from the team behind Dead Rabbit, Yono Sushi by BondST, and outposts of Pastrami Queen and Jacob’s Pickles. Coming soon: the beloved La Esquina. Toronto’s Union Station unveiled Union Market in May 2023, featuring local favorites like Manotas Organics and Chocolatta Brigadeiro’s. 

The UK is also in on the action. Platform 1 bar and restaurant opened its doors under Glasgow Central Station, offering street-food-style dishes and craft brews within historic brick arches, complete with an outdoor beer garden. Elsewhere, Castle Cary’s station revamp includes a creamery, cafe, and co-working space from nearby hotel The Newt, set to open in 2024. 

Looking ahead, Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station will see a 20% increase in concession space, fully dedicated to local vendors. —Devorah Lev-Tov

6. Coolcationing

What’s the trend? For most people, summer vacations used to be all about chasing the sun, basking in the heat, and feeling the temperature soar while relaxing on sandy beaches. But with recent years seeing record-breaking heatwaves, many are now opting for the opposite: booking “coolcations” in temperate destinations. These spots not only offer a refreshing climate but also tend to be less crowded. 

Why will it matter in 2024? It’s no surprise that 2023 marked the hottest year on record. With this in mind, travelers are rethinking their usual plans, steering clear of traditional hotspots like the South of France and Sicily, which are prone to heatwaves in peak summer months. According to a survey conducted by luxe travel network Virtuoso, 82% of its clients are considering destinations with milder climates in 2024. Think along the lines of Iceland, Finland, and Scotland, based on data from Intrepid Travel. Latvia, in particular, is seeing a surge in popularity. “There’s a noticeable uptick in holiday bookings further north,” says Andrea Godfrey from Regent Holidays. “Places like Scandinavia and the Baltics are catching more attention—they offer relaxed holidays with beautiful beaches, forests, and lakes that cater to both relaxation and adventure activities.” 

Cooler destinations are especially appealing for family travel. “We’re seeing a significant rise in inquiries from families looking for summer destinations that offer sun alongside a break from the extreme temperatures of Mediterranean beach resorts,” says Liddy Pleasants, founder of family-centric Stubborn Mule Travel. “For instance, families are interested in kayaking in Norway under the midnight sun or enjoying cycling and hiking in Slovenia, which also offers great value.” —Rick Jordan