Travel Trends for 2024 and Beyond

Are you starting to think about your travel plans for this year – and 2025? It’s a good idea to start now as people are traveling like there’s no tomorrow, planning well in advance to secure the most desirable flight times, accommodations, and tour options to say nothing of early booking discounts and bonuses.

Travelers today are looking to branch out a bit from the usual travel hot spots, mainly because they want to avoid crazy crowds during peak travel seasons, but also because they want to experience a different sort of vacation – something that will simplify their vacation experience, giving them the opportunity to see quiet corners of the world without bumping into camera-toting tourists at every turn. Many of the world’s unheralded corners are beginning to take advantage of their anonymity to attract folks, and luxury resort and hotel developers are jumping on that bandwagon.

EUROPE

Sifnos, Greece is a Mediterranean paradise reachable only by ferry. Besides stunning beaches it is known for its community of potters and ceramic artists, hiking trails, numerous churches including the Church of the Seven Martyrs, and exquisite FOOD! Fresh seafood? How about amberjack sashimi, sea bass tartare, or grilled octopus accompanied by a slice of black garlic and fig cheese bread? Yes, please! Several seaside boutique hotels have recently been opened to respond to those looking for top rated accommodations.

Bodrum, Turkey is Sifos’ close neighbor on the Aegean Sea along the shore of the Bodrum Peninsula known as the Turkish Riviera. New and elegantly renovated hotels and resorts have earned its reputation as “the Mediterranean’s most glamorous hangout.” Food is important here too. Lunch can last all afternoon and ends just in time for cocktails and more seafood creations – grouper soup, house smoked eel and fresh crab and shrimp ceviche, all washed down with Bodrum white wine grown in vineyards in existence since 2000 BC. Needless to say, this village has some history!

Not to be outdone for elegance, Biarritz, France is home to several new boutique hotels catering to upscale sun worshippers. Located on the Atlantic coast just north of the border with Spain, Biarritz has a history as the resort destination of choice for European royalty. The beach at Cote de Basques is the birthplace of surfing in Europe, and still is a mecca for European surfers. Cheese shops and creperies share the boardwalk with bistros featuring Spanish tapas delights, coffee houses, and wine bars. A walk to the Rocher de la Vierge (a legendary statue of the Virgin Mary) gives the hiker a spectacular view of Biarritz’ beautiful coastline.

The country of Serbia is beginning to come into its own as a rival to nearby Croatia, which lately has become overrun with tourists flocking to newly popular Balkan destinations. Its natural beauty is one draw for hikers, bikers and photographers. The Iron Gates of the Danube River, the volcanic rock cliffs of Djavolja Varos and the serenity of Zaovine Lake are all well worth a visit. Don’t be surprised if you’re the only tourist in the area! History buffs will enjoy ancient Ottoman palaces, the ancient Golubac Fortress and the charming historic village of Drvengrad. The capital, Belgrade, offers surprisingly lively nightlife and newly minted boutique hotels and resorts welcome the new influx of visitors. Traveling during the off-season? Don’t miss the Kapaonik Ski Resort. Hungry? Try the Gabanica (flaky cheese pie) and Cevapi (spicy meat and onion grill) washed down with a Dogma Brewery pint.

Galicia, Spain is a region located in the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, and its secluded beaches are as yet largely undiscovered by foreign tourists. The capital city, Santiago de Compostela, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the end of the Camino Pilgrimage Route. The towering cliffs over the Atlantic at Cape Finisterre were believed to be the end of the known world during Roman times. Today it’s a terrific place to watch the sun setting over the ocean. A boat ride to the Islas Cies archipelago will take you to a carefully protected island environment boasting some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and offering accommodations at several luxurious spa resorts.

CARIBBEAN

Grenada, one of the most underdeveloped of the Caribbean islands, has two claims to fame. Its two nicknames, “the Spice Island” and “the Shipwreck Capital of the Caribbean” only tell you a little bit about this lovely island. At the lower end of the Lesser Antilles, Grenada has yet to receive much tourist attention and overdevelopment, which is not to say that luxury properties don’t exist – they do! Grenada’s various parishes each offer unique experiences ranging from nutmeg plantations in St. John’s parish to the Grand Etang National Park in St. Andrew and the Westerhall Rum Factory in St. David. The capital city of St. George is noted as the home of beautiful Grand Anse Beach, several historic forts, exotic gardens, and Annandale Falls. Cliff diving anyone? Divers and snorkelers are attracted to the many reefs and shipwrecks in its clear waters. There’s even an underwater sculpture park! Small cocoa plantations like the Jouvay plantation in St. Andrew specialize in exquisite small batch chocolate delicacies. Other local culinary favorites include Plato Alpujarreno, a rich stew of potatoes and other veggies, various smoked meats and eggs. And for dessert – Cuajada de Carnaval – a rich cake dusted with sugar.

Those who really crave complete privacy and zero tourist-y attractions and development need to consider the island of Mustique – made famous by Princess Margaret as a hideaway where she could enjoy romantic liaisons with men other than her husband. The private island is part of the Grenadines chain in the southern Caribbean and is accessible only by private plane or charter boat. There are only two boutique hotels on the island (a seven night stay is required), but there are many luxury villas that can be rented – for a price. Depending on the number of rooms in the villa, a staff of at least three is included, one of which is a personal chef. Entertainment is largely beach-related – scuba diving and snorkeling, sailing, fishing, lounging and sun worshiping during the day – cocktails and social gatherings in the evenings. Probably not a place you’ll want to bring your kids.

USA

The beautiful drive along central California’s coast takes you through Big Sur country. Driving from the north, you’ll begin at charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, a far cry from what you would expect from a California beach town. Instead, you’ll find yourself in a quaint old-English style village atmosphere, complete with cobblestone streets. Wine bars, art galleries and coffee shops line the streets, but you’ll want to focus your attention on the beach and the bird sanctuary or a hike at the Point Lobos State Reserve (the Cypress Grove Trail is a popular choice for a loop hike.) The recently renovated La Playa Hotel will serve you well as headquarters for your daily expeditions along the coastline. Its beautifully landscaped grounds, European style decor, and proximity to the beach make it a perfect place from which to set off on a Big Sur adventure. Get a bit off the beaten path at Garrapata State Park especially if you’re visiting in the spring, as hundreds of wildflowers are in bloom. Take the trail to Cala Lily Valley for some spectacular photos. Further down the road you’ll discover the Andrew Molera State Park with 20 miles of spectacular hiking trails geared for both novice and expert hikers. Catch the sunset at Keyhole Arch on Pfeiffer Beach, and marvel at the beach’s purple sand. At this point you will have traveled over 100 miles along the highway, and unless you’re a camper, you’ll probably want to return to your hotel as services are few and far between until you reach San Luis Obispo.

If you’re thinking of elegance, luxury and culture, Ft. Worth, Texas doesn’t normally spring to mind. But the recently opened Bowie House, an Auberge Resort Collections property, provides high end accommodations and amenities and definitely checks all of the above boxes. Guest rooms and suites have all been tastefully designed for maximum comfort – the bathrooms feature emerald-tiled shower caves and a soaking tub. A pool, fitness center, spa and game room as well as the hotel’s public spaces have all been designed to emphasize an authentic “Old West” feel. The Bricks and Horses restaurant is a classic Texas chophouse, featuring local dry-aged beef to die for. Ft. Worth itself is a mecca for cultural pursuits with its many award-winning art and science museums, theaters, and botanical gardens.

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

The citizens of Seoul, Korea have long considered Jeju Island an unspoiled getaway from the city, and now the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. This island is the home of the storied Korean “women of the sea,” and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique environment. Waterfalls, volcanic craters, extensive lava tubes and parasitic cones make wonderful backdrops for photographers at any level of expertise. Because of its newfound worldwide popularity, new resort and hotel complexes are sprouting up to accommodate visitors. The new JW Marriott Resort and Spa is ideally situated on the southern tip of the island, high above the East China Sea. It offers all the amenities you would expect from a five-star property with the added benefit of exceptional service. Hiking trails are easily accessible from the resort if you can tear yourself away from the natural hot spring garden pool. The historic Seaes Hotel, another five-star property, prides itself on its extensive gardens and traditional peaceful surroundings.

If you’re thinking that ecotourism is defined by Galapagos cruises, Antarctic excursions, or rainforest treks, consider the island of Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world and a virtual stewpot of biodiversity. And the best news? You won’t have to “rough it” in order to meet up with Madagascar’s many endemic species like the tomato frog, several subspecies of lemurs, the aye-aye, the fossa, and the leaf tailed gecko to name a few. Traveling with one of several luxury tour operators that have made it their business to see to your every need, you’ll be transported by private plane, helicopter, boat and ATV through jungles and rugged terrain to scenic vistas that few will ever see. Accommodations are in “camps” – Ha! These remote lodges, bungalows and villas are all fully appointed to ensure your safety, comfort and complete satisfaction. If it’s good enough for Bill Gates…..!

It’s no secret that travelers from the West have long been intrigued and captivated by Tangiers, Morocco. But it’s just recently that accommodations there have evolved from slightly questionable resorts and run-down hotels to luxury properties worthy of a visit. The Fairmont Tazi Palace opened in 2022, after a complete renovation of the original palace built for the city’s sultan, Mohammed Tazi. The hotel is located within a forest of century old eucalyptus trees on a hillside overlooking Tangier’s medina (the city’s old district). Three restaurants and two bars cater to every taste, with an emphasis on fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Do try the chicken tajine and the house mojama (salt cured tuna). Another favorite property is the Villa Mabrouka, a twelve room boutique hotel overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Once the home of Yves St. Laurent, you can only imagine the elegant interior (and exterior) design of this exquisite retreat. When visiting Tangiers you’ll want to take in the kasbah and the medina as well as the Great Mosque. Take a break with a stop at the historic Cafe Hafa and a visit to the souk (market) for some special souvenirs.