As we step into 2024, geopolitical tensions, conflict, a volatile economy are many reasons to be despondent as we enter a new year. However, the travel industry remains resilient, and a positive vehicle for change.
Here are 24 travel trends that we are excited to explore with our clients and travel industry friends:
Sustainable Travel Surges: Travellers are increasingly eco-conscious, opting for sustainable accommodations, eco-friendly transportation, and carbon-neutral experiences.
Set jetting: Call it silver screen sightseeing or set-jetting – holiday goers will continue to book travel in 2024 based on the backdrops from their favourite television shows and movies.
Shoulder Season travel: Spring and winter in some destinations or otherwise known as the “shoulder seasons” mean they are windows in time when travel crowds have lightened, flights and hotels are more affordable, and temperatures are milder.
Authentic Local Experiences: Travellers seek authentic connections with local cultures, fostering meaningful interactions and supporting community-based tourism.
Health & Wellness Retreats: Wellness-focused travel gains momentum, with more resorts and destinations offering holistic experiences focused on rejuvenation and self-care.
Destination dupes: something that looks and feels similar to something else, but isn’t quite the real thing. In 2024 this will be spilling into travel, as tourists look for more affordable and less busy alternatives to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Think cruising in Greenland instead of Antarctica.
Workations and Bleisure Travel: The blending of work and leisure continues, with remote work options prompting longer stays in exotic locales.
Regenerative Travel: Travellers engage in activities that contribute positively to the environment and local communities, leaving a beneficial impact behind.
Contactless Travel: Going off grid and having a real digital detox
Solo Travel Empowerment: Solo travel, especially among women, is on the rise, fostering independence and self-discovery.
Culinary Tourism: Food-centric travel experiences gain popularity, with travellers exploring local cuisines through immersive culinary tours and cooking classes.
Micro-Trips and Weekend Getaways: Shorter, more frequent trips become prevalent as people crave quick escapes and mini-adventures.
Pet-Friendly Travel: Pet owners explore pet-friendly accommodations and activities, allowing their furry companions to join in on the travel experience.
Carbon-Neutral Transportation: More emphasis on electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuels, and other eco-friendly modes of transportation to reduce carbon footprints.
Cultural Immersion through Language Learning: Travellers immerse themselves in local languages, fostering deeper connections and understanding of different cultures.
Adventure and Extreme Tourism: Thrill-seekers pursue adrenaline-fuelled experiences like extreme sports, mountain treks, and remote expeditions.
Multigenerational Travel: Families and groups travel together, seeking destinations and activities catering to different age groups and interests.
Art and Creativity Tourism: Creative hubs and art-centric destinations attract travellers interested in exploring diverse artistic expressions and cultural movements.
Slow Travel Movement: Travellers embrace a slower pace, focusing on deep exploration of fewer destinations, immersing themselves in local life.
Accessible Travel: Improved accessibility features in accommodations and attractions cater to travellers with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity.
Sports tourism: People are taking their fandom out of the house and following a host of different sports in destinations across the world, planning trips that hinge around seeing games, races, and other activities in exotic locales.
Eco-Retreats and Glamping: Eco-friendly retreats and glamping experiences offer luxury in harmony with nature.
Cruise Ship Innovations: Cruise liners integrate sustainability measures and cutting-edge technologies to offer immersive, eco-conscious voyages on the seas.
Just when you thought you’d freed yourself of the younger family members post summer holidays – the milder evenings begin to draw in and the schools are eager to give the little blighters back to you for another educational interlude. However don’t fret as we have you covered for October half term, be it a staycation or the allure of some Arabian sun.
Here are a handful of our family favourites:
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
An Oman family holiday ticks all the boxes, enjoy dolphin and whale-watching trips, water sports galore or simply make the most of the long stretches of sandy beaches. Zighy Bay in particular should come with a warning – future holidays WILL struggle to compare. Mum and dad can enjoy the Six Senses Spa which offers a full range of relaxing treatments, two Arabian hammams, sauna, steam and ice rooms and a gym. Whilst the little ones can enjoy anything from feeding the onsite goats to sand castle building galore.
Why we love it: They have sustainability at their absolute core.
The Almyra, Cyprus
For a destination that has it all, Cyprus is your family go-to this half term. From child-friendly beaches to ancient historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Short flight times and a warm climate make Cyprus a stress-free option for the younger family.
The Almyra Hotel has exceptional childcare and plenty of activities to keep even the unruly of children occupied, ensuring you too have a relaxing and rejuvenating break. The in-house spa offers an array of holistic treatments alongside a sauna and fully functioning gym overlooking the Med. There are four restaurants on-site providing international as well as local Cypriot cuisine, so no need to worry about the fussy eater either!
Why we love it: Affordable luxury in both sister properties too!
Chewton Glen, New Forest
Channel your inner child and explore their beehive treehouse during your stay, or put the kids to work in hotel’s cookery school. Traditionally British Chewton Glen has to be enjoyed at least once in one’s lifetime, it is One of the first luxurious hotels to combine a sophisticated country house with quality dining and all the spa trimmings.
The staff to guest ratio is one to one, we know – very Downton Abbey! But it is by no means overly pretentious or stuffy and you may actually find you never want to go home!
Why we love it: The stunning seasonal menu has been created to showcase local suppliers and produce grown in Chewton Glen’s own gardens.
La Mamounia, Marrakech
For a cultural experience, escape to northern Africa this half term. Marrakech is a unique holiday destination for the curious looking to dive into the bustling medina and meander the souks of this historical part of Morocco. Not only does this destination have a sunny and warm climate this time of year but you are working in the same time zone making it an easy adjustment for the shorter trip.
A stones throw away from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, La Mamounia is a truly mesmerising five star palace which will impress any Instagram-obsessed teenager. La Mamounia’s artistic private villas are set amongst stunning gardens and a terraced pool area perfect for family holidays. Once home to royalty, the hotel has a unique charm that has invited many a VIP through it’s doors.
Why we love it: Time is irrelevant at La Mamounia.
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
Immerse yourself in southern Italy this October. Puglia is an authentic Italian destination in the heel of the famous “boot”, offering a slower pace setting, stunning beaches, real Italian food and wonderful year-round sun. If you want to experience all the best bits of Italy without battling the crowds, head to the rugged coastline of Puglia.
Borgo Egnazia comprises of a collection of white-washed villas laid out like a traditional Italian village on the coastline of Puglia. The panoramic setting offers 4 swimming pools and a vast wellness centre overlooking San Domenico golf club. Ever the tradition in old Puglian villages, the picturesque piazza di Borgo is a local hot-spot for festivals, music and entertainment keeping the children endlessly entertained.
Why we love it: You can take bikes and ride all around the vineyards!
Planning and organising a successful family holiday can often take a similar amount of time as the UK leaving the EU, which is why we are here to make sure the holiday not only happens in a timely manner but that you are looked after every step of the way.
If you’d like to book any of these for a half term holiday please get in touch: [email protected]
If like me you’ve had a rather hectic summer or aren’t quite ready for knit wear, then a dose of September sunshine is just what you need. Having based myself in Portugal for well over a year now, and yes call me biased, but the glorious home of custard tarts and silly Ronaldo haircuts is just the place to go; beaches and towns are quieter in September, the temperatures in the south are in their late 20s, restaurants and bars are still in full swing and the Country’s notable wine producers go in to harvest for September and October (very key decision maker).
I could wax lyrical all day long about how much I adore Portugal but I’ll spare you the laborious read and suggest a few of my favourite September getaways.
Areias do Seixo, Santa Cruz
This hotel is total tranquility. Only an hour north from Lisbon this eco friendly foodie haven is just about one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. In terms of style of the property think suspended fireplaces, large sea-facing terraces, herb gardens and eclectic art pieces. You feel slightly like an extra in a Boden catalogue as you board the hotel’s VW campervan down to Noah – its ever so cool and trendy surf shack, that’s if you fancy leaving the hotel for a jaunt. If you don’t, and who can blame you, there is so much to do within eco mecca – a notable experience being the Garden and Cookery experience where you are taken by the gardener to learn alongside picking your fruit, veg and herbs for lunch. Then it’s back to the kitchen for a cookery class with the chef. I’m hesitant to say too much as much of the allure of this place is the ambiguity.
Villa Monte Farm House, The Algarve
Long affiliated with cheap booze and football shirt wearing hooligans, the Algarve is perfect for any break, and with some gorgeous boutique hotels there isn’t a shadow of doubt that it has sophistication as a destination. Villa Monte is no exception to this – think boho chic farm house. The white washed walls aligned by orange trees and rich pink bougainvillea host a handful of lovely simply decorated rooms and suites. Food is local with fish being caught in nearby Olhao and bread freshly baked. Classic films are played each night which goes down very well with a glass of Portuguese red. Here’s one place that is cosy and fire lit in the winter and sun soaked in the summer, where you can opt to cycle to the beach or lounge by either of the two swimming pools.
Malhadinha Nova, Alentejo
Here’s one place I have enjoyed watching its success from being slightly unknown to featuring in every in the know travel publication, and for good reason. Rooms are bright and elegant in the quintessential Portuguese homestead and with just 10 rooms the place is never crowded. As its harvest season in September and Malhadinha boasts quite the wine collection this option comes highly recommended. Plus who doesn’t want to stomp around on grapes? Fine wine needs to be accompanied by fine food and Malhadinha Nova rear cattle and grow their own produce so the quality is quite something.
For a spot of R&R you can enjoy the spa, their gorgeous free flowing infinity pool, horse riding, leisurely walks around the estate and yoga classes. I feel totally at home here and that’s down to the superb hospitality of Bruno and his team.
Six Senses Douro Valley, Douro Valley
Like any Six Senses property this luxurious eco friendly estate is pure hedonism. Everything from the spa to the in-room bathroom products are totally pure and organic and whilst it’s a shame you can’t take home such lovely bathroom goodies, I applaud their efforts to avoid single use plastic and keep green. I’m bound to love a hotel that has it’s own charcuterie and cheese room at breakfast, a long side everything you’d expect from a hotel that promotes a healthy lifestyle- fresh juices, herbal teas, homemade granola and so the list goes on. Their farm to table food concept is not a foreign concept at boutique hotels nowadays but here they make full use of the produce from their gardens and their olive oil is out of this world. The Douro Valley is on many a tourist trail because of its famed wine producing, and the Six Sense bar really is the place to do wine tasting with world class sommeliers and breath taking river views.
Sublime Comporta, Alentejo
Comporta is the sort of place you feel you need a guest pass to access, having had Portugal’s elite frequent it’s beautiful shores each summer, you soon learn why it might just be Portugal’s best kept secret. By no means do I mean this is a flashy area of the Alentejo coast, yet it’s the un-spoilt beaches, vineyards and hard to beat local restaurants that make it so alluring. With little to no hotels in the area Sublime Comporta is everything the name suggests. The design is simple, a handful of minimalist cabanas, which I assure you are nothing short of luxury and with an instagramable pool and social firepit for the cooler cosy evenings, what more could you want?
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo
A relative new comer to the Portuguese boutique hotel scene – São Lourenço do Barrocal estate has been in the same family for some 200 years, and Jose Antonio Uva has loving restored the place to be the next place on all travel aficionados wish list. As a foodie I LOVE their farm to fork restaurant Hortelao, which sits within their vegetable garden and what better way to enjoy a late summer evenings then delicious food accompanied by jazz music. If that doesn’t appeal perhaps a picnic in the countryside would? Or a holistic yoga retreat? Also being the Alentejo, another top Portuguese wine producing hub – September and October are perfect time to be here.
The Conrad, The Algarve
Whilst this particular choice doesn’t fall in to the boutique hotel category it makes the cut because the hotel is simply first class. There is a reason the spa has won several awards; the experienced therapists will go above and beyond to look after you and they use aromatherapy associates, which say no more and book me in! And it’s not just the Spa that has won awards – Gusto by Heinz Beck has it’s own accolades where award winning Nelson de Matos will mix up quite the cocktail. Yoga with Lulu, perhaps not the night after Nelson’s concoctions, is a must for anyone visiting, followed by a dip in any of the eye popping swimming pools. September again is ideal in the Algarve weather wise and the Conrad also have a shuttle to the beach. General manager Katharina and her team really look after you and that is something that I often find is somewhat lost in larger hotels.
If you’d like to book any of these for a last minute September getaway please get in touch: [email protected]
