From off-the-beaten-path destinations and indulgent wellness retreats to Instagram-worthy locations and European summers, here are the must-know travel ins and outs of 2024.

Ins

Train Travel

Traveling by train has been rebirthed from a mode of transportation into a scenic and opulent travel experience. Travel brands like Belmond, Rocky Mountaineer and Inca Rail‘s luxurious train experiences offer a level of indulgence that was previously unseen in train travel. 

One of the main appeals of luxury train travel is the ability to sit back and relax while taking in stunning views from the comfort of your own private cabin. Many of these trains offer spacious and beautifully appointed cabins, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in utmost comfort.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, these trains also offer top-notch dining experiences. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs, using the finest ingredients and offering a wide range of culinary delights. Guests are treated to personalized service from attentive and professional staff, ensuring that every need is catered to with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Whether it’s traversing the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, or winding through the picturesque countryside of Europe, these trains offer an unparalleled opportunity to take in some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.

Overall, luxury train travel offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience that combines the elegance and charm of a bygone era with the modern comforts and amenities of today. It’s a way to slow down and savor the journey, indulging in luxury and relaxation while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Travel Credit Cards

Say goodbye to the days of using your debit card to book your trips. Travel credit cards provide valuable travel protections, rewards points, and beneficial perks such as lounge access, upgrades, priority access and concierge services.

Enhance your travel adventures and let your money work for you by using travel credit cards.

Here are a few of the top travel credit cards available: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum Card.

Being a tourist in your own city

Whether it’s stumbling upon a hidden gem of a café tucked away on a side street, finding an art installation in a park that you never knew existed, or simply taking a different route and seeing familiar landmarks from a new angle, exploring our own cities can be an exciting and enriching experience.

There’s a sense of pride and ownership that comes with discovering new aspects of our hometowns, and it can deepen our connection to the place we call home. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we think we know a place, there’s always more to learn and appreciate.

So next time you have a free afternoon, consider being a tourist in your own city. You might be surprised by what you find and gain a newfound appreciation for the place you live.

Solo Traveling

Don’t wait for anyone else to join you on your dream trip. Solo traveling is incredibly empowering and eye-opening. You’ll have total freedom to explore, build confidence and connect with new people (or embrace solitude). It’s an opportunity to truly understand yourself and step out of your comfort zone, essential for personal growth.

Asia-Pacific is back on top

Now that the worst of COVID seems to be behind us, Asian-Pacific nations are easing restrictions and becoming hotspots for travel once again. Japan is seeing a surge in tourism, and other countries like South Korea, Taiwan and The Philippines are not far behind. 

If I were you, I’d definitely consider adding Asia to my travel plans this year.

Shoulder Seasons

During the off-peak periods, the number of visitors decreases, prices become more level, the weather becomes more moderate, and you can enjoy a more genuine experience without the overwhelming presence of tourists. 

Additionally, there is significantly less competition for securing dining reservations, booking tours, participating in activities and finding accommodations.

Boutique and luxury accommodations because it’s not just a place to sleep

It is essential to invest in a comfortable, high-quality and secure place to stay while traveling. This should be a top priority, as the location and safety of some budget hotels may not meet your needs. Additionally, their security, service and amenities may not be up to par. 

Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize small boutique and luxury hotels for a more personalized experience. When it comes to accommodations, it is important not to cut corners and spare no expense. 

My favorite luxury brands are 1 Hotels, Airelles, Aman, Belmond, Oetker Collection, One&Only and The Luxury Collection. 

Off-the-beaten-path destinations

Explore beyond the classic travel spots of Paris, New York City, Dubai, Cancun, Tokyo and Bali and discover the rich diversity our world has to offer. Journeying down the road less traveled means immersing yourself in authentic cultural experiences, more privacy, indulging in traditional local dishes, uplifting the local economy and getting to feel like a local.

Here are 6 unique destinations to add to your travel list:

• The Canary Islands, Spain
• Ulcinj, Montenegro
• Paro, Bhutan
• Düsseldorf, Germany
• Leshan, China
• Ethiopia, Africa

These are just a few examples of the countless hidden gems waiting to be explored around the world. By stepping off the beaten path and seeking out these lesser-known destinations, you can have truly unforgettable and unique travel experiences.

Trusting an expert to level up your travel experiences

Don’t overlook the value of travel advisors and concierge services! Their expertise, first hand experience and insider connections can make all the difference in planning your perfect getaway. Don’t hesitate to invest in their services and let them take the reins, so you can sit back, relax and make the most of your next vacation.

Wellness travel

In a way, we all travel for wellness. Traveling gives us the chance to escape the pressures of daily life, focus on the people, places and activities we enjoy, and give ourselves the time to relax, mentally and physically. But today’s health-conscious traveler is eager to take their wellness experiences to the next level – and businesses in the travel industry are taking notice. 

Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a leading global research and wellness industry nonprofit has released the data to prove it. 

In the report, GWI forecasts that consumers will continue to increase spending on wellness, and the global wellness economy will grow at an annual rate of 8.6%. By the end of this year, it will reach $6.3 trillion, $7.4 trillion in 2025, and $8.5 trillion in 2027­, which is almost double its size in 2020.

Now, wellness trips can be personalized to fit an individual’s interests and needs, whether it’s a peaceful yoga and meditation retreat, a food-focused culinary adventure, a high-energy athletic getaway, or something in between.

Here’s some replenishing wellness stays, retreats and programs across the world: 

• Alpaca farmstay at Colca Lodge in Southern Peru
• 7-night meditation retreat at Spirit Rock in Woodacre, California
• 7-night program at Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland
• 7-night wellness stay at Golden Door in Australia
• 6-day wellness program at Hariharalaya Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Cambodia
• Onsen hopping in the Gunma prefecture of Japan
• Ryokan stay at Bettei Otozure in Yamaguchi, Japan
• Bhutanese Hot Stone bath at Como Uma Punakha in Bhutan
• Shokubo (Buddhist temple lodging) in Koyasan, Japan
• Isle of Eriska in the United Kingdom
• Eremito in Italy
• Vigilius in Italy

I hope you feel inspired to make wellness a priority on your next journey.

Outs

Not purchasing travel insurance

Let’s make a resolution to leave this habit behind in 2023, okay? Travel insurance is specifically created to safeguard against potential risks and financial setbacks that may occur during travel. It serves as a protective shield for your travel investment in case it is affected by a variety of reasons such as cancellations, medical expenses, emergency evacuations, lost or delayed baggage, trip delays and interruptions.

Reputable travel insurance companies include: Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard by AIG, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services, Travel Insured International and lastly World Nomads. 

Here’s some travel credit cards that offer travel protections as well: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express The Platinum Card.

European Summers (don’t come for me)

European summers are overrated, jam-packed with tourists and quite pricey. 

In addition to the usual influx of tourists during the summer months, social media has also contributed to the idealization of European summers. Europe is definitely worth visiting, but it’s actually more pleasant to explore during the Spring, Fall and Winter seasons. Furthermore, there are many other destinations with great weather, delicious food and rich culture that are not overrun with tourists.

Peru, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Mauritius are all wonderful alternatives to European summers.

Booking travel through a third-party

Booking flights through third-party travel sites carries several risks: 

• Changing or canceling your flight can be costly and complicating
• Notices of changes or updates may not be communicated
• You could miss out on sales or special offers
• Getting a refund can be difficult (if not impossible)
• You may not earn rewards points or elite benefits
• The deals aren’t always good as they look, hidden fees erase any savings
• Assigned seating may not be available

Instagramable/TikTok Spots

These are the new tourist traps but worse. 

Social Media & Overtourism

With the rise of social media, viral reels, aspirational influencers and the new craze of geotagging, some of the world’s most captivating sites and often remote places are experiencing an influx of tourism they just cannot handle. 

In addition to overwhelming destinations that lack proper tourist infrastructure, there is a widespread disregard for local traditions, leading to a critical situation that many are growing weary of.

Sadly, locals’ lives are being affected, and in some cases, the environment too.

From the now infamous Pomfret, Vermont, a town famed for fall foliage where “leaf-peepers” have been banned, to the Brazilian couple who poisoned a villages’ vital water source for a gender reveal, it’s evident that our quest for impressive photos is actually becoming unfulfilling, unsustainable and even unethical.

Instagrammed to death

People are dying for Instagram and TikTok content, literally. Stories of influencers dying in pursuit of getting the perfect shot is becoming more common. 

A 2018 study conducted by Indian researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences found that 259 people had died between 2011 and 2017 while trying to take “extreme selfies” with their phones. These have included falls from the tops of mountains, cliff sides, and even tall buildings; while others have been swept away by water currents, and more than a few were killed by wild animals.

Perception v. Reality

The individuals responsible for the stunning photos on Instagram are often professionals or collaborate with them behind the scenes. They possess the necessary equipment, support team and time to capture that perfect shot. It’s important to recognize that some of these seemingly effortless photos actually took hours or even days to create, not to mention extensive editing.

Photography involves having a keen eye for a great shot and the ability to enhance it through editing. Skillful editing can turn a regular photo into an exceptional one. The final result doesn’t reveal the effort put into creating it. It’s important to understand that simply showing up at the same location won’t guarantee the same view, especially in popular Instagram-worthy spots where numerous others are also trying to capture the perfect shot. 

In the end, destinations should move you, not just your social media feed.

Planning last minute

It’s best to plan your travels ahead of time, allowing you to research and book the best options for your budget and preferences. This will also give you the opportunity to properly budget for your trip and take advantage of early bird deals or discounts that may be available. 

Furthermore, planning in advance allows you to create a detailed itinerary, ensuring that you make the most of your time and don’t miss out on any must-visit attractions, restaurants or experiences. 

Ultimately, while spur of the moment trips can be exciting and adventurous, they are not always practical and can end up being more hassle than they’re worth. It’s important to strike a balance and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Checked luggage

Opting to check your luggage comes with its drawbacks. It’s a costly burden that weighs you down, slows your departure and arrival process, and there’s no guarantee it’ll arrive on time, in one piece (or at all). At its best, checked luggage is just a hassle, but at its worst, it’s a complete nightmare. 

Checked luggage can come in handy if you’re a traveler with limited physical ability or mobility, bringing back liquids (e.g., wine, olive oil, spirits) or gear extensive trips (e.g., snowsports, fishing).

Overbooked itineraries

One common mistake I often see new and experienced travelers making is trying to cram too much into their itineraries. I completely understand the desire to make the most of a trip, especially when traveling from far away. However, trying to do too much can lead to a tiring and less enjoyable experience, as well as increased expenses. My advice is to aim for one or two destinations per week to ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.

What trends are you seeing in 2024 when it comes to travel? Comment below!