2024 Zicasso Luxury Travel Report
Venice Canals, Italy
As we approach the end of the year, it is clear that 2023 truly marked the full return of the travel industry.
We at Zicasso have analyzed data from approximately 40,000 trip requests, mined thousands of verified Zicasso reviews, and performed a detailed survey of 200 of our key in-country travel specialists to determine next year’s biggest trends for planning and bookings, as well as top interests, activities, and destinations. From looking at how the traditional notions of high, shoulder, and low seasons are evolving to seeing a continuation of record bookings in many traditionally popular destinations, we have noticed how supply and demand can influence travel type and timing.
The following results of our 2024 Travel Trends Report show what we expect luxury travel to look like next year.
Leading conclusions from Zicasso’s report include:
Rising Interest in Shoulder and Low-Season Travel
After the overwhelming volume of travelers during the 2022 and 2023 summers, our data suggests that travelers’ notions of high, shoulder, and low seasons are evolving. Travelers are increasingly booking international trips during what was once considered shoulder season. According to 41% of travel specialists surveyed, this has resulted in the extension of the traditional high season into what used to be the less busy months.
Emerging Interest in Off-the-Beaten-Path and Authentic Experiences
Our travelers are seeking fewer crowds and more authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Requests for destinations and tours that focus on cultural immersion, traditional restaurants, and interactions with locals have increased, resulting in an emerging trend toward slow travel. Travelers are spending more time at each destination to savor authentic and signature experiences.
Interest in Australia and New Zealand Increases
We have seen notable shifts in the destinations travelers are booking, specifically New Zealand and Australia. Each climbed five and seven spots, respectively, in our ranking for most popular destinations booked in 2024 vs. 2023. Both countries were among the last to reopen following the pandemic.
Increased Demand Plus Inflation Driving Price Increases Surpassing Pre-COVID
Traveler budgets have swelled 18% vs. 2019, after dropping during COVID. Our in-country travel specialists have received feedback from travelers noting how the rising cost of travel, including accommodations, activities, and general expenses, is part of the pre-booking conversation and can be a significant deterrent to initial plans, or alter the originally considered type of travel.
Explore Zicasso’s Travel Trends for your 2024 Trip
Whether looking for the top places to travel by each month of the year or interested in discovering more about how to take your trip of a lifetime, understanding the travel landscape of 2024 can help you better understand how to best approach planning your trip.
A full version of the report can be found in this PDF document
If you are interested in exploring the most popular summer destinations, eager to find underrated travel ideas, or looking for inspiration for your next trip, you can speak with a travel specialist to help plan a custom experience tailored to your interests, needs, and travel goals.
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