We’ve always tried to be one step ahead of travel trends, and 2024 is no different. When it comes to deciphering what’s ‘in’, what’s ‘out’ and what’s worth paying attention to, the Original Travel team have their fingers firmly on the pulse. If you’re hoping to stay ahead of the curve, then read on to find out what’s hot, and what’s not, in travel right now.
What’s hot?
Bootiquing
Hikers rejoice! We’ve answered your plush-pillowed prayers and have introduced a swathe of new boutique hotels into our heavenly hiking itineraries. So, get ready to kick off your boots in style. This year you can relax in cosy cabins dotted around popular walking regions, like Italy's infamous Dolomites. We call it ‘bootiquing’, and it sure beats a bothy.
Twinning destinations
Gone are the days of overlooking the layover. This year, turn it into a stayover by incorporating a city break into the journey to the main event. Long-haul indirect flights via the likes of Madrid, Lisbon and Istanbul mean you can enjoy a European city break before arriving at the more exotic climes of Indonesia or Southeast Asia. An irresistible two-for-one.
Cabin fever
If you go down to the woods today… you may well find a cosy cabin for two. Offering a rural retreat from the usual hustle and bustle, eco-lodges, camps and cabins can be found nestled in nature. From homely lodges in the heart of Swedish Lapland to Norway’s coastal cabins perched on stilts, leave the mobiles at home and tune into nature.
Renting clothes on holiday
Who needs clothes? Not the passengers of Japan Airlines, according to their new initiative dubbed ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’. Gone are the days of battling with suitcases zips, because passengers can now rent what they need on arrival. But the purpose isn’t purely convenience based – lighter bags means saving on weight and therefore, carbon emissions. Smart.
What’s not?
Wheely bags
So noisy, so unwieldy, so likely to end up being checked in on a full flight. Be the talk of the town (or the plane) and switch to nifty carry-on luggage. In true Tardis fashion they have dreamy packing capacity, and can be squished into smaller spaces. Is this the disinvention of the wheel?
September
October is the new September. Opting to travel in the tenth month delays the inevitable onset of winter and those all-too-familiar dark evenings (pitch black at 6pm – no thank you). What’s more, in the first half of the month the world is gloriously kid-free, while the second half is ideal for a half-term family-fest. What’s not to love?
Saturday to Saturday
Why conform to the norm of Saturday changeover days when you can have a ‘wonky week’ off instead? Avoid the crowds, save your pennies and travel mid-week for cheaper, quieter flights. For an added bonus, you’ll even get to enjoy two short weeks at work. Win-win.
Header Image: Mango Street Lab/Stocksy
Body Image: Olivier Romano