One of the biggest reasons that the coronavirus pandemic hit the world so hard was the travel restrictions, as catching a flight for work, unwinding on the beach with friends or visiting long-distance family in another city are all crucial parts of day-to-day life.
It led to people booking more holidays than ever post-pandemic, but coupling a packed holiday schedule with the crippling cost of living crisis is not a recipe for success when it comes to your savings account. That's why money-saving hacks are one of the biggest trends sweeping across the travel industry in 2024.
© GettyAccording to Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large at The Points Guy, they're not the only trend that's set to stay. See everything you need to know about the hottest 2024 holiday destinations, both in the UK and abroad, and why affordable luxury and sustainability are the way forward…
"Brits are opting for more money-saving hacks. As we start to travel again, it's important to remember the lessons we learned during lockdown. Let's not take our freedom to explore for granted," explained Nicky as he looked back at the "end of the revenge travel rush" post-pandemic and the ongoing inflation.
"The emphasis is now on 'value for money', with travellers looking for experiences that offer the best bang for their buck," he continued, before citing the TPG Trends Report. This may mean combining business with leisure, nicknamed "bleisure", and extending your work trip to explore a new city, or looking closer to home.
"As we continue to navigate the current cost-of-living crisis, we are finding that some Brits are making the decision to stay within the UK. Some people are deciding to be more innovative with their travel expenses meaning that staycations are definitely trending this year," said Nicky.
But for those who are booking more far-flung destinations, many of them are driven by concerts, festivals and other major events such as the Olympics. Take a look at the trending travel destinations in 2024…
Another big factor that plays on people's minds when choosing their holidays is sustainability. Conscious tourism has been on the rise in recent years, with more people taking into account the environmental implications of travel, which is why Nicky said: "Sustainability is becoming a new standard in the travel industry."
© Daniel GarridoHe continued: "Travellers are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint and are seeking responsible travel options that reduce environmental impact and support local communities. Despite economic influences, sustainability is considered more of a lifestyle than a passing trend in the travel industry."
Are sustainable staycations next on your travel bucket list?
Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large at The Points Guy, is speaking on the Travel Stage at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show on Saturday February, sharing his latest tips and advice on how to fly first class for (almost) free.
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