It’s been a year of regrouping after the pandemic and rebuilding our excitement about traveling. And 2024’s going to be even more amazing, with lots of chances to see the world or even just pay better attention to our own backyard. Over the year, we’ve run many articles that have given insight into how people choose to travel and what trends are starting to emerge. Here’s our list of those trends so you can take some travel inspo and create your own itinerary!
1. Slow camping is preferred over other kinds of accommodations
We’re all more interested in slow, calming breaks in nature, and camping is the way to experience that. From bare bones tenting to glamping to “reserving the sunset,” being in nature provides healing serenity.
2. More people will be vacationing in Indianapolis
Besides the proximity to Evansville, one of the best spots to view the April eclipse, Indianapolis offers the world’s largest children’s museum, tons of hiking and biking trails, and opportunities to cheer on sports teams.
3. Everyone will be cold plunging
Give your lymphatic system a boost and gather up all kinds of other health benefits from a polar plunge; we tell you how to do it safely.
4. The Midwest will be a popular destination
We’ve always known it: the Midwest is incredible for visitors, but people don’t tend to put it on the top of their list. They ought to! It's affordable, has been drawing top chefs, and building sustainable hotels.4. Santa Fe gets its moment in the spotlight
This southwest city does a great job of showing visitors history, culture and natural beauty. Santa Fe is a rich place to explore, from the dramatic Sangre de Cristo range to the Pueblo-style architecture.
5. Texas will be favored by stargazers
Texas is right in the middle of the path of totality for this year’s total solar eclipse, with Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio making preparations for celebrations, including the Texas Eclipse Festival.
6. Music lovers will seek out this Tennessee hot spot
Not just music lovers but everyone who loves a great city with biking trails, riverfront access and a chance to visit Elvis's Graceland and its tiki aesthetic will be flocking to Memphis in 2024.
7. People are going to pay better attention to small acts of sustainability
It’s not that hard to carry a metal water bottle and reduce our use of single-use plastics, and Americans will be focusing on small, easy decisions that reduce our footprint in 2024.
8. Amtrak is offering a much better ride
From seeing the results of millions spent on upgrades to its aging car stock to going much faster to the luxurious ability to order food and drinks from your seat, Amtrak is working hard to make train travel even better than it already is.
9. This will be the year you finally get out there on a railbike
You’ve wanted to but just haven’t scheduled it—this is the year to ride the rails more cardiovascularly!
10. We will be seeking out unusual stays
Yes, it’s comforting to stay with one hotel brand that you trust. Still, now and then, it’s great to branch out and try more “out there” stays, like these most expensive waterfront rentals, homes from Airbnb’s OMG category, and hotels of distinct architecture, like these Brutalist buildings and retro hotels. Whatever your vibe, follow it and make 2024 a memorable year in travel.