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By Ceylan Yeginsu
London, Rome, Tokyo, Cancun and Las Vegas, among the destinations with the highest scale in 2023, remain among the most sensible places users are looking for a stopover this year, according to the sites Kayak and Hopper.
Beach destinations like the Cayman Islands and French Polynesia are also trending destinations for 2024.
“Americans are looking to laugh in the sun,” said Laura Lindsay, a global trends expert at search engine Skyscanner. “Our data shows that they are looking for destinations that offer equivalent opportunities for outdoor rest and adventure. “.
After the extreme weather events of 2023 and crowding in popular destinations, travelers also prefer cooler, less crowded places.
Those hoping to avoid the sweltering heat that hit southern Europe last summer are looking to Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark, advisers say, and airlines such as Air Canada and American Airlines are adding new routes to meet demand.
“Two of my favorite places in the region are Bergen and Flam in Norway, with some amazing food, markets and landscapes,” said Joshua Smith, the founder of Global Citizen Journeys, a travel company that caters to millennials.
As interest in Scandinavia increases, Smith said the priority for most of his clients is to book top destinations such as Italy and France while accommodation is available. Once the put options are sold, expect an immediate expansion of e-bookings in Scandinavia.
Mr. Smith also recommends Malta. ” From its history and architecture to its cuisine, Malta maintains the comforts of Europe with a strong tourism infrastructure, but at the same time the crowds. “
Another option advised by advisors is Slovenia. ” Because it’s less well-known, it’s much less expensive and less crowded,” said Laurel Brunvoll, owner of Unforgettable Trips, a Maryland-based agency.
While Brunvolll customers are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, they also book popular destinations such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Great Britain via email. Destinations farther afield, such as Egypt and India, are also gaining traction, as are polar travel. and cruises around the world, he said.
In North America, one of the most anticipated events is the total solar eclipse on April 8. Popular places to view the path of totality include the Mazatlán coast of Mexico; Cape Girardeau, Mo., with its hiking trails, bike paths and nature center; and scenic Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Texas is also expected to be an epicenter for the event and, with its range of scenery, festivals and other activities in places like Burnet, Sulphur Springs and Lampasas, could draw up to 700,000 visitors, according to the eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler, who has been keeping track of visitation probability in various areas.
Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel journalist for The Times, writing about the cruise industry and Europe, where he is based. Learn more about Ceylon Yeginsu
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