Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024

Post originally Published January 1, 2024 || Last Updated January 1, 2024

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Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024

The past few years have shaken up the travel industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined. But out of massive disruption often comes positive transformation. 2024 will see the rise of travel that’s more purposeful, immersive, and values-based.

Many travelers experienced personal growth during lockdowns and are seeking deeper meaning in their trips. They crave adventure with intention – whether that’s connecting with nature, learning a new skill, or volunteering for a cause. Destinations like Costa Rica, known for its focus on sustainability, will benefit. We’ll also see more trips catering to self-improvement like meditation retreats, yoga teacher trainings, or language immersion courses abroad.

The transformed traveler also wants a heightened sense of place. That means avoiding crowded hotspots and seeking locales where they can immerse themselves in local culture. Homestays, farm stays, and community-based tourism projects will gain popularity. Slow travel – journeying by train, bike or on foot – allows a more intimate experience. And travelers will take the time to linger in fewer destinations rather than racing to tick off bucket-list sights.
More purposeful travel also means minimizing harm to the planet and people. Eco-conscious travelers will offset carbon emissions, choose accommodations with green credentials and opt for public transport. The rise of veganism sees increasing demand for animal-friendly activities like sanctuaries over zoos. And travelers want their dollars to benefit local communities directly through fair wages and indigenous-owned businesses.

The industry is responding with inventive new trips and standards. Adventure outfitters like Intrepid Travel emphasize sustainable itineraries adhering to strict guidelines. Organizations like Sustainable Travel International offer certification programs that push hotels and tour operators to reduce their footprint. And nonprofits like Tourism Cares support initiatives worldwide that make travel an effective tool for positive change.

What else is in this post?

  1. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - The Rise of transformed Travel
  2. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Virtual Reality Goes Mainstream
  3. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Space Tourism Takes Off
  4. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Wellness Stays Take Center Stage
  5. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Workations Become the New Normal
  6. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Return of the Road Trip
  7. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Solo Travel Hits New Heights
  8. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
  9. Uncharted Territory: The Top 10 Travel Trends That Will Define 2024 - Hyperlocal Travel Gets Hot


Strap on a headset and you can scale Everest, dive the Great Barrier Reef or walk through the Roman Colosseum – all without leaving home. Virtual reality (VR) takes armchair travel to the next level, offering an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re really there. And in 2024, this futuristic tech will finally go mainstream.

What once seemed like science fiction is now accessible and affordable. Standalone wireless headsets from companies like Meta and HTC cost a fraction of what they used to. Travel companies are also jumping on the bandwagon, creating apps that work with smartphone VR goggles. Marriott offers a Teleporter experience that virtually transports you to London, Hawaii or even outer space using your phone. Emirates lets economy passengers 'upgrade' to first class using VR.
For travelers who can’t make a trip due to health, cost or carbon concerns, VR allows them to experience the world from home. Plenty of virtual tours exist – you can paddle through the canals of Venice, roam Edinburgh Castle or walk across the Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie National Park. As the tech improves, these digital journeys become more realistic and detailed.

VR also enhances real-world travel. Museums like the British Museum in London offer VR exhibits that bring artifacts to life. Tour companies are incorporating VR into guided experiences – it’s one thing to hear about Rome’s ancient sites, it’s another to visually traverse them as they once stood. Companies like YouVisit are working with destinations to create interactive VR travel guides.

Some travelers worry VR will replace the need to venture out into the real world. But studies show it actually inspires people to take more trips. Trying a destination digitally first makes travelers keen to have the authentic in-person experience. VR is ultimately a complementary tool, not a substitute.


For decades, space travel was reserved for highly-trained astronauts and the ultra-wealthy. But 2024 will be a monumental year, with space tourism finally becoming a reality for ordinary people. Several companies are launching commercial suborbital flights that will take civilians to the edge of space for an out-of-this-world view of Earth.

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo rocket plane is leading the way. Their spaceship detaches mid-air from a carrier craft, then fires its rocket motor to climb over 50 miles high at Mach 3 speeds. Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness with epic views of Earth against the blackness of space from the cabin's 17 windows. So far, Virgin Galactic has flown entrepreneur Richard Branson and other test passengers on successful missions. In 2024, the company plans to begin flying the 600+ future astronauts who’ve already bought tickets – at $450,000 a pop.

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, operates the New Shepard reusable rocket system. A pressurized capsule with the largest windows ever built for space provides passengers a stunning perspective during the 10-minute flight. While there’s no definite timeline yet, Blue Origin hopes to launch paying customers soon. Seats cost a cool $200,000+.

For a truly orbital experience, SpaceX is partnering with Axiom Space to take travelers to the actual International Space Station by late 2024. Rides on the Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket will be pricey - around $50 million per seat. But the payoff is huge: spending days conducting science experiments while orbiting the planet every 90 minutes. Stays on the ISS will be brokered through Axiom, who is also developing their own commercial space station.

Curious what the experience is like? 60-year-old tech entrepreneur Anousheh Ansari dished on her 2006 Soyuz trip to the ISS, as the first female private astronaut. She described the “Magic Carpet Ride” of achieving zero gravity, letting out “childlike giggles of glee.” Gazing at Earth without borders made her tear up, realizing how we’re all part of one planet. Many report coming back from space with a renewed appreciation of Earth’s fragility and a desire to protect our shared home.


The past few years of uncertainty have taken a toll on mental health, with soaring rates of anxiety, depression and burnout. People are desperate to hit the reset button and improve their wellbeing. Enter wellness retreats and spiritual getaways, which are poised to boom in 2024 as travelers make self-care a priority. These experiences go far beyond superficial spa treatments and yoga classes (as lovely as those are!) to truly nurture body, mind and soul.

Destinations known for their healing energy, like Bali and Hawaii, will continue to be popular. But wellness resorts are sprouting up everywhere from the English countryside to the Arizona desert, tapping into ancient traditions from various cultures. Burned out executives can zen out during meditation retreats at Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado. The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines draws on indigenous healing techniques with treatments like 'betel-nut leaf body wraps. Miraval Resort in Tucson has programs focused specifically on finding calm and boosting resilience.

Wellness vacations aren’t just about pampering – they also address deeper issues causing discontent. Kamalaya in Thailand has packages for dealing with exhaustion, emotional balance and even digital detoxing. Rancho La Puerta in Mexico helps guests reignite their passion and sense of purpose. Spiritual healers at locations like Rythmia in Costa Rica incorporate plant medicine like ayahuasca to achieve mental breakthroughs. Guides lead guests through preparation, trips and integration.
Solo wellness getaways are perfect for taking time just for yourself, while wellness resorts with activities like art therapy and equine encounters also appeal to groups and families. Parents partake in fitness classes and spa treatments while kids enjoy nature hikes and yoga sessions tailored just for them. Wellness stays can strengthen relationships; Sedona Mago Retreat in Arizona offers bonding rituals for couples.

Steph Arne, who did a women’s retreat at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Australia, said, “I was stuck in anxiety and work stress. Just taking time out to reflect helped me gain clarity and feel more empowered to make changes.” And Nigel Hall raved about his digital detox at Lefay Resort & Spa near Lake Garda, Italy: “No phone, no Netflix, just being present was so rejuvenating. I went home with renewed enthusiasm for life.”


The rise of remote work during the pandemic opened many people’s eyes to the possibility of being a “digital nomad.” And in 2024, combining work and vacation into extended “workations” will become much more commonplace. Why clock in at the same old home office when you could be coding from a tiki hut in Bali or taking sales calls poolside in Mexico?

Destinations are getting on board, providing enticing offers for this new breed of travelers. Resorts from Hawaii to the Swiss Alps are crafting packages with discounted long-term rates, office facilities and concierge services. The tourism board in Aruba helps remote workers secure the required Digital Nomad Visa. Countries like Estonia and Costa Rica actively target location-independent professionals, touting their high-speed internet and low cost of living. Beach towns in Portugal are attracting droves of digital nomads with sunny weather, surfing and charming Old World charm.
Co-living spaces and flexible apartment rentals cater to workationers who want a ready-to-go home base surrounded by like-minded people. Outsite offers coliving across 11 destinations from Baja to Bali focused on community, productivity and adventure. Landing Pads provide short-term furnished housing in Morocco, Spain, Japan and beyond. More traditional hotels now offer remote work rates and equipment; for example, Westin hotels provide office setups complete with ring lights and whiteboards.

The remote talent Visa program in the Bahamas allows stays up to a year with a quick and easy application process. Over 23,000 people have already taken advantage of this option. As Simon Dinglebeck recounted, “I wanted a change from my London routine so I rented an apartment overlooking the beach in Nassau. I have meetings with European clients during their daytime which is my early morning, then I’m free to enjoy the Bahamian sunshine and culture!”

All that’s required is a laptop and solid Wi-Fi – suddenly the world is your office. Popular digital nomad destinations boast reliable high-speed internet often faster than what workers have at home! Coworking spaces let you drop in and get work done in a motivating environment. Taking Zoom calls beachside seems way more appealing than being trapped indoors.

Combining work and leisure can enable longer trips that might not be possible if using limited vacation days. Some companies actively encourage employees to work remotely as a perk. And thanks to flexible policies instituted during the pandemic, more people can simply talk to their manager about extending business trips or working abroad.


The Great American Road Trip is back in a big way for 2024. After years of lockdowns and travel restrictions kept people close to home, hitting the open highway feels more appealing than ever. Pent-up wanderlust has led to a resurgence of the classic family road trip, along with creative new twists.

RVing has exploded in popularity with American travelers of all ages looking to explore the U.S. on their own terms. RV rentals saw a 650% increase in 2021 over the previous year according to RVshare, while RV dealer association RVIA predicts RV shipments will hit an all-time high in 2022. With your home and vehicle combined into one, RVs provide comfort and flexibility. First-time buyers can find affordable used RVs, while rental companies offer everything from vintage VW campers to luxurious motorhomes. Apps like RV Parky, AllStays and Boondockers Welcome help travelers locate places to camp or overnight along their route.
For a twist on the traditional road trip, more groups are choosing nostalgic transportation like classic cars or retro RVs. Companies like Cruise America rent decked-out vintage rides, while Drive Share offers owners the chance to rent out their own cherished vehicles. “Touring Route 66 in a 1967 silver Airstream was the most epic way to see the country,” exclaimed Ashley Wilkins. The dramatic scenery along America’s loneliest highways looks even better framed through retro rides.
Sustainable road trips are also on the upswing, as eco-conscious travelers look for greener ways to journey overland. Electric vehicles reduce your carbon footprint while saving on gas, especially models boasting 300+ miles range like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Nissan Leaf. Companies like Turo rent out locals’ EVs, often at lower prices than conventional rental cars. Apps like PlugShare identify charging stations across North America so you can easily juice up along the way.


Solo travel has long shed its stigma, becoming a rite of passage for many as they journey to new places alone and make connections on their own terms. But in 2024, solo travel will truly hit new heights as people increasingly value time alone and have shifted priorities coming out of the pandemic.

Recent years of lockdowns, restrictions and isolation left many craving human connection, with group trips prevailing. But paradoxically, extended time together also highlighted the importance of carving out space for oneself. As the acute feelings of isolation waned, individuals emerged with a renewed appreciation for solitude.

Solo travel allows that gift of time and presence with only your own thoughts and emotions. Without the need to accommodate a group’s differing interests, you can fully design an itinerary based on your own passions. Traveling alone often means more random interactions and off-the-beaten-path adventures as you stray from an organized tour. Each day unfolds freely.

Going it alone also boosts confidence and self-reliance. “I was nervous at first, but taking my two-week trip to Thailand and Cambodia by myself was so empowering,” said Carla Simmons. “I navigated foreign cities, tried exotic foods and made friends along the way.” Similarly, Sean Kapoor did a solo motorcycle tour of Vietnam. “Not having a mapped-out plan forced me out of my comfort zone. But I gained problem-solving skills and the courage to chat with locals.”

While solo travel is on the rise across age groups and genders, it holds special appeal for women seeking space for self-reflection away from daily demands. Brandi Williams spent a month writing in Prague and Krakow, saying it was “so fulfilling to wander charming streets, write in cozy cafes, and take meditative walks along the Vltava alone.” The growing popularity of yoga teacher trainings and wellness retreats also speaks to the trend of women traveling solo for renewal.

Of course, those craving connection can find it through diverse communities of fellow solo travelers. Hostels cater to independent spirits who easily make new friends. Introverts enjoy solitude during days, then social activities at night. Tour groups like Flash Pack pamper soloists with nice hotels and group meals while offering the freedom to sightsee independently.


The climate crisis is no longer looming – it’s here. And people are realizing that travel plays a significant role, accounting for around 8% of global greenhouse emissions. So in 2024, sustainability will matter more than ever as eco-conscious travelers seek low-impact vacations.
Reducing your carbon footprint while traveling might once have meant sacrifice, but no more. “I used to think sustainable travel meant staying in dingy hostels and forgoing experiences I enjoyed,” said Lisa Chen. “But I was pleasantly surprised that I could actually have an awesome trip while keeping my values.”

Eco-lodges like the all-solar Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador’s cloud forest prove environmentalism can be luxe. Destinations are encouraging train travel over flights, with Switzerland offering free passes to mitigate tourism’s carbon impact. Apps like Sylver provide carbon offsets when you share your itinerary.
Travelers can neutralize flights through programs like GREENTripper. Hotels carrying eco-labels like Green Key Global adhere to strict green standards for waste, energy and water use. “I picked a resort certified by the Costa Rican government for sustainability, and they had activities like reforestation hikes,” explained Troy Osmond.

Choosing a vacation focused on nature is an easy way to tread lightly. But urban trips can be green too. Walking tours and public transit keep emissions low in cities. Museums like the National Gallery of Art in DC even rent bikes on-site to reduce vehicular traffic. Apps like Olio connect you with locals to share extra food rather than wasting it.
Vegan and vegetarian travelers find plant-based fare everywhere from Glasgow to Guatemala City at restaurants like Vutie Beets. With more disposable income, Gen Z is fueling the trend. “Eating lower on the food chain cuts your carbon footprint drastically,” said 19-year-old student Mackenzie Holmes.

Younger generations aren’t just leading the movement as consumers—they’re taking action worldwide as sustainability advocates. Youth climate organizations like Fridays for Future host school strikes in 150+ countries. Brandi Williams did a volunteering eco-stay at Kasigau Wildlife Works in Kenya. “Helping protect at-risk elephants was incredible. I learned that making even a small difference matters.”

Above all, sustainable travel means showing respect for local people and cultures. Practicing manners like asking permission before photographing someone makes a big difference. “I take time to research cultural etiquette before visiting indigenous communities,” said Michael Dunn. “Their lands deserve care, not exploitation.”


The pandemic made many travelers yearn for far-flung horizons after being stuck at home. But ironically, it also opened their eyes to the wonders in their own backyards. With festivals canceled and hotspots mobbed by crowds, discovering hidden gems nearby became a joyful revelation. In 2024, hyperlocal travel within a few hours of home will get even hotter as people continue to embrace slow, intentional journeys close to home.
Staycations used to get a bad rap as “unadventurous”, something to do only when funds were tight. But insatiable wanderlusters like myself are finding just as much joy, if not more, in microadventures near home. I’ve lived in Portland for years, but felt like I hardly knew the place until I dedicated time to intentional local exploration. Meandering forest trails, tasting hyperlocal craft ciders, chatting with artists at riverside markets – it felt new through the eyes of a tourist.

Apps like Klook and Tiqets make it easy to snag deals on attractions right in your zip code that you never new existed - or at least forgot how awesome they are. After-hours events let you enjoy museums, gardens and historic sites in a newly enchanting light – no crowds, and often with fun perks like free drinks, scavenger hunts and live music.
Intrepid travelers are also finding that oft-overlooked small towns make for big fun. Heading just a couple hours in any direction leads to charming main streets lined with indie boutiques, cutting-edge eateries, quirky roadside oddities and unexpected natural wonders. “I stumbled upon an incredible hike to a geological formation called the Devil’s Bathtub, right near my Virginia hometown,” said Jeff Williams. “Who knew?”

Getting to know regional parks satisfies the adventure itch with hiking trails less trafficked than national parks. You can camp in style at “glampgrounds” like Collective Retreats not far from Chicago and Seattle. “My friends and I rented a fabulous dome tent decked out with a hot tub and fire pit less than an hour from Dallas,” said Lola Fernandez. “It felt totally luxe but was so much more affordable than flying somewhere far away.”

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