The results of a new travel advisor survey from American Marketing Group, Inc. (AMG) — the organization encompassing Travelsavers, NEST (Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel) and The Affluent Traveler Collection — provide a look at some of the most in-demand destinations for 2024, as well as a handful of other expected travel trends.
“People’s sense of adventure has been awakened,” said Nicole Mazza, chief marketing officer of AMG, to sum up the survey’s findings. “They’re hungry for far-flung international experiences. They want to spread their wings and try something they’ve never done, whether it’s a new place, new activity or new style of travel.”
People’s sense of adventure has been awakened. They’re hungry for far-flung international experiences.
Here are AMG’s predictions for the top destinations and travel trends next year.
Hot Destinations for 2024
Demand for Europe is still extremely high, according to the survey, claiming three of the top five spots on the list of top destinations. Unsurprisingly, ongoing hotspot Italy ranked first, with Greece coming in third and Portugal fifth. The last two spots on the list went to Alaska (No. 2) and Riviera Maya, Mexico (No. 4), reflecting consumer interest in bucket-list experiences and all-inclusive vacations, respectively.
AMG also revealed its predictions for the top far-flung destinations next year, based on demand for both bucket-list travel and off-the-beaten-path locales. The list includes South Africa in the top spot, followed by Eastern Europe, Japan, Thailand and Antarctica.
Next Year’s Top Trends
All-inclusive travel is the top trend AMG sees for 2024, citing travelers’ desire for “extra value and ease of planning in their vacations.” River cruising (No. 2), multigenerational travel (No. 3), ocean cruising (No. 4) and small-group travel (No. 5) round out the list. Interest in multigenerational and group trips is likely being buoyed by an ongoing post-pandemic desire to spend time — and travel — with loved ones.
Given the current intention among clients to turn their travel dreams into reality, bucket-list trips are the top emerging trend revealed by the survey, complemented by off-the-beaten-path destinations, which came in third. More trends in this category include personalized experiences (No. 2), authentic travel (No. 4) and artificial intelligence-assisted travel planning (No. 5).
“People are prioritizing their bucket lists like never before and giving themselves the gift of travel,” Mazza said. “They’re not waiting anymore for when, if or how. They’re working with travel advisors now to customize vacations that will create precious memories for the rest of their lives.”
