Travel Trends You Can Expect For 2024

The start of a new year can mean many changes, fresh starts, and turning over new leaves. But one thing that hasn’t changed for most of us is our love of travel. 

Travel in 2024 has started off strong, and looks set to continue that way. Are you in the same boat? Your feet itching to go somewhere new, be somewhere else? Us too! So let’s look at the travel trends we can expect to see in 2024 – to see if they could be the ticket to travel we’ve been looking for.

Read more: How To Travel The World For Free Even If You Don’t Have Money

Travel trend alert: Mass migration

It’s been predicted that the travel numbers for 2024 are going to break records. Maybe it’s because we’ve been a bit pre-occupied the last few years (understatement!) or maybe it’s it’s just the way the cookie is crumbling – who knows?

But what does that mean for us?

• Be smart about when you travel. Travelling to popular destinations in peak season will mean crowded tourist sites, full hotels and expensive travel tickets. If you’re looking to go to one of the top tourist destinations, consider going in the low season, if weather allows.
• Think about where you want to go. This is the perfect opportunity to discover somewhere a little off the beaten track.
• Consider being a citizen rather than a tourist. There’s no  better way to experience a different country and culture than by living, and there’s no better time to live abroad than right now.

Top tip: Teaching English abroad allows you to experience places, people and cultures out of reach of regular tourists. It offers a truly authentic way of experiencing a country, by living and breathing it as a resident.

Travel trend alert: Set-jetting

The Bear. The Last of Us. Succession. Chances are, you’ve seen ALL the episodes or you’re binge-watching them right now! Amirite?

With the growing popularity of TV series and movies set in exotic locations, more and more people are being introduced to destinations they perhaps wouldn’t have considered visiting before. 

Fancy waltzing down the Champs-Élysées a la Emily in Paris? Fans of The Crown and Bridgerton are flocking to London, Bath and Windsor to recreate their own period drama. Maybe White Lotus has shown you the beauty that is Thailand. Or you fancy checking out the chaos of South Korea, if Squid Games is to be believed.

Top tip: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) positions are as flexible as you want them to be. If you’re fascinated with Romania because of Wednesday, why not find a job teaching English in Bucharest? Easy peasy.

Read more: Solo Traveller? Don’t Panic!

Travel trend alert: Dupe travel 

Again moving away from the norm, travellers are now looking into what has been termed dupe travel. Dupe travel takes travellers to destinations that are similar to the hotspots – similar tourist attractions, sights, experiences – but in a less touristy destination. 

Because these destinations are not-yet-discovered by the masses, they are less crowded, cheaper, and more authentic. But they offer similar, if not better, experiences than the trending travel destinations – with the added bonus of a touch of uniqueness.

Where do dupe travellers go? 

• Seoul is so last season. Travellers now head to Taipei.
• Why visit the Sydney Opera House when you can check out Wave Rock in Perth?
• Instead of heading to the beaches of Bali, go for the cheaper – and less crowded – option of Lombok.

Top tip: TEFL teachers have insider knowledge of a country. As a TEFL teacher you have access not only to the tried-and-tested tourist hotspots, but also to the hidden nooks and crannies where no tourists are to be seen.

Travel trend alert: All about the vibes

These days we’re all about personalisation, and travelling is no different. 

Travelling is a very personal experience. Some of us enjoy trekking in rainforests for days. Some of us would rather experience the culture of local spice markets. Some like beaches, some like trendy cities. 

In 2024 people are heading to destinations which suit their vibe. If they’re looking for low-key vibes, they’ll head to a chilled beach destination like Costa Rica. Those who prefer modern city vibes will choose Tokyo instead. Whatever your vibe, you’re likely to find a destination specifically suited to you.

Top tip: TEFL is a career which you can mould to suit your personality and your interests. TEFL teachers teach in remote villages or ultra-modern cities – and everywhere in-between.

So what are we really trying to say?

Getting TEFL-qualified should be on your to-do list on 2024 if you’re a travel fundi. Who doesn’t want to travel the world and make money at the same time?