Travel trends 2024: Top Google searches and tourists' preferences
Travel trends 2024 (photo: unsplash.com)
According to analysts' forecasts, the demand for traveling may break all records in 2024. Google has shared some key travel trends for the current year, based on user searches. They indicate both the preferences and expectations of travelers from around the world, according to Think with Google.
Contents
- What can cause a tourist boom
- What is important for tourists in the current season
- What helps travelers plan their vacation
What can cause a tourist boom
According to Google, the high demand for travel in 2024 may be mostly because of:
- the opening of borders after the COVID-19 pandemic
- a large number of sporting events planned for this year (for example, the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France; Euro 2024 in Germany)
- an increase in the number of spontaneous trips among tourists, especially off-season (when you can find the best value for money)
Every tourist chooses a trip according to their preferences (illustration: thinkwithgoogle.com)
What is important for tourists in the current season
Google Travel Trends 2024 shows that travelers are looking for:
- affordable luxury with vivid impressions
- a summer full of sports and entertainment
- independent international travel by rail
"Affordable luxury" means a quality vacation from the daily routine for a relatively low price and with a vivid experience.
This desirable value for money is evident from Google Trends, as the word "best" is more popular than "cheap" in the travel category.
At the same time, 54% of travelers are willing to pay for an accommodation upgrade, and 47% are willing to pay for an upgrade (or better service) on a flight or train (if it is not too expensive). Some people also prefer to stay in small but exquisite boutique hotels (mini-hotels).
Travelers are also looking for more budget-friendly vacation spots instead of popular and promoted.
Experts also predict an increase in the number of tourists in different countries on the back of cultural and sporting events - music concerts and festivals, football and sports competitions.
Sales of global sports tourism packages are expected to increase by about 15% this year since people are looking for a variety of entertainment in different parts of the world.
Some also pay special attention to the long-awaited European Eras Tour of the famous American artist Taylor Swift.
Finally, more and more people are becoming interested in the ecotourism.
Rail travel and overnight trips have become particularly popular, as they not only save on accommodation but also provide a unique experience with the opportunity to see the world, covering distances quickly and conveniently.
More and more people like to fall asleep in one country and wake up in another.
According to the vice president of growth and president of the UK of Trainline (train and bus ticketing in Europe), people are increasingly traveling to neighboring countries, and the railroad is playing an increasingly important role.
"We’re looking forward to the continued growth of rail travel and new international and overnight routes opening up," he added.
What helps travelers plan their vacations
Modern technologies help people both when studying or working and during leisure.
AI-based tools, applications, and services are becoming more and more popular among travelers.
They allow tourists to:
- plan any trip in advance
- receive personalized route suggestions
- find key information about cultural or historical monuments or other objects that will be included in the planned route
- purchase the most affordable tickets
- book budget hotel rooms
- have a free local guide or interpreter at your fingertips
- avoid stress and stay organized throughout the vacation - while getting the most positive emotions and vivid impressions.
