Pack your bags, charge your phones, and update your passport, because travel is back with a bang! After a couple of years where our wanderlust was confined to the four walls of our homes, thanks to the pandemic, the world is once again our oyster. And you have to admit, the travel trends of the year are as exciting as they are Instagrammable. From solo sojourns to eco-friendly escapades, here’s the lowdown on the travel trends that are going viral among the young un’s (and the old) globally.

Solo Travel: Embrace Your Own Company

The era of solo travel is shining brighter than ever, with more and more adventurers setting off on solo quests. According to a recent study, a staggering 25% of millennials plan to travel alone in 2024. Solo travel is not just about self-discovery; it’s about the freedom to create your own itinerary, meet new people, and step out of your comfort zone. If you’re the esoteric hermit, then might we offer a next level experience in the form of a digital detox. If you’re someone who’d rather spend their holiday exploring vast natural habitats in Montana, peaceful lakes and forests in Finland or monasteries in Bhutan rather than instagram stories and trending reels, then this is right down your alley. Indulge in silent retreats and mindful meditation or nature walks and forest bathing and spend your free time journaling or exploring other creative pursuits like art and photography. If you ever get yourself to try it, you might find that allowing yourself to disconnect to reconnect is perhaps the most rewarding and rejuvenating experience you could ask for after spending your life among the dusty grime and hustle of city life. Did I mention this is a personal favourite? 

**Destination Spotlight:** Take a trip to Kyoto, Japan, where tranquility meets tradition. Wander through serene temples, partake in a traditional tea ceremony, and if you’re feeling social, join a group tour to make new friends.

Entertainment Travel: Combine Leisure with Pleasure

Why travel just for sights when you can travel for sounds and scenes? Entertainment travel is all about aligning your vacation with an event – be it a music festival, a cultural parade, or a film premiere. According to Eventbrite, 78% of millennials would choose to spend money on a desirable experience over buying something desirable. From the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 to the annual Formula 1 races, this type of travel is ideal for large groups and families. What’s better than to watch a show or enjoy sport and travel with the people you love most after all? However, in the off chance that you’re not one for group travel, large crowds or in other words, just a textbook introvert, local cultural immersions are probably a better bet. If that’s your “trip”, then indulge in smaller curated experiences like learning to cook traditional cuisines at a home stay in Mexico or exploring local markets, traditional music, and artisanal crafts in Morocco. 

**Destination Spotlight:** Head over to Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival, for an unforgettable blend of theatre, comedy, and performance art. Or, if music is your jam, groove to the beats at Coachella in California. Art aficionados can explore the Burning Man festival in Nevada and engage in some good old fashioned appreciation of innovative art. 

Once In A Lifetime Trips: Go Big or Go Home

Bucket lists are getting a workout this year with once-in-a-lifetime trips surging in popularity. These are the kind of trips that have you reminiscing and telling stories for years to come. A survey by Booking.com revealed that 53% of travelers are planning to take more extended trips to far-off destinations they’ve been dreaming of. Adventure travel is a popular off shoot of this type of travel, where you can tick off a destination as well as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure activity off your bucket list. Seems like having your cake and eating it too? We think, yes. Our suggestion for the eternal thrill seekers though- Whether you’re jumping off Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa or trekking and zip lining through Peru, don’t throw caution to the wind and be mindful of your safety and of the local environment. This will ensure both you and your carbon footprint remain intact while you chase your next big adrenaline rush. 

**Destination Spotlight:** Witness the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, or embark on an African safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park for an epic wildlife encounter.

Spontaneous Travel: The Thrill of the Unknown

Spontaneity is the spice of life, and it’s making its way into travel trends too. With apps and platforms offering last-minute deals and surprise destinations, the thrill of not knowing where you’ll end up next is tantalizing for 39% of travelers, based on a report by Skyscanner. This one is definitely not for the faint hearted or people with social anxiety or anyone who has trouble breaking out of the norm. Then again, maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered to get you out of your comfort zone and literally get going! Never having tried anything quite like it, we have to admit, the thrill of exploring the unknown has a certain “je ne sais quois” to it, much like the explorers of yore- think Christopher Columbus and Magellan. 

**Destination Spotlight:** Book a Mystery Getaway through a service like Pack Up + Go, which plans your entire trip to a surprise destination. Just pack a bag, show up at the airport, and let the adventure begin!

Eco Travel: Tread Lightly on the Earth

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a movement, and it’s taking the travel world by storm. A whopping 72% of Gen Z travelers believe that traveling sustainably is important, according to a study by Expedia. Sustainable travel is all about making choices that reduce your environmental impact and support local communities. If you fancy giving back and doing good while you explore, Volunteering Vacations are your best bet. Developing countries offer several destinations and opportunities to volunteer at NGO’s where you can support the cause of your choice. Wildlife conservation in Kenya, community building and infrastructure projects in Nepal, or education and health programs in our very own India, have one thing in common- they give the new age conscious traveller a chance to gain a deeper insight into relevant local and global issues, make a positive impact and build a personal sense of purpose and fulfilment. 

Destination Spotlight:** Explore the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, a pioneer in eco-tourism, or stay at an eco-lodge in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. These destinations offer the perfect blend of adventure and sustainability.

So there you have it, folks – the viral travel trends that are set to make your year an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a volunteering warrior, there’s a trend that will catch your fancy and maybe even inspire your next viral travel post. So grab your passport, and let’s make 2024 the year of responsible travel!

Responsible Travel: Journeying with a Conscience

In an age where our ecological footprint is as much a concern as our travel footprint, responsible travel is the watchword for the conscious globetrotter. It’s about being mindful of the environment and the local communities we visit. Terms like ‘slow travel’ and ‘deep travel’ are becoming part of the modern traveler’s lexicon. Slow travel is the art of experiencing a destination at a leisurely pace, often staying longer in one place to immerse oneself in the culture and reduce the frequent, short-haul trips that contribute to greater carbon emissions. Deep travel takes this concept further, encouraging travelers to engage more fully with the local environment, culture, and people, often leading to a more fulfilling and less intrusive travel experience.

The travel industry is a significant contributor to global emissions, with aviation alone responsible for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. A report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Transport Forum (ITF) estimates that CO2 emissions from tourism could increase by 25% by 2030 compared to 2016 levels.

But fear not, eco-savvy explorers! You can reduce your impact and make any journey sustainable with a simple solution- making better choices :

  • Pack Light: Every kilogram counts when flying. Lighter luggage means less fuel consumption.
  • Choose Direct Flights: Taking off and landing require the most fuel, so direct flights are more efficient.
  • Use Public Transport: Once at your destination, opt for trains, buses, or bikes over rental cars.
  • Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Look for hotels and lodgings with sustainability certifications.
  • Support Local: Eat local, shop local, and use local guides to ensure your money benefits the community.
  • Reduce and Reuse: Use reusable water bottles and shopping bags (not to forget the trusty steel straw) and avoid single use plastics

By embracing responsible travel, you’re not just a tourist; you’re a steward of the earth. Your journey becomes a force for good, preserving the beauty and diversity of the destinations you visit for future generations. So, as you plan your next adventure, consider how you can make it carbon neutral and positively impactful. The planet (and your conscience) will thank you.

Remember, the world is vast, and the experiences it offers are infinite. So go ahead, pick a trend, choose a destination, and start ticking off that bucket list. Happy travels! 🌍✈️🎒

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