A new advisor survey from TRAVELSAVERS Canada identifies the top travel destinations and trends for 2024. The results show that exotic destinations and bucket-list experiences are top-of-mind for many Canadian travellers.
In terms of top destinations, Europe’s popularity will continue unabated, with Italy and Portugal ranked number one and two. Sun destinations Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Riviera Maya rank third and fourth, while Alaska broke into the top five this year.
Exotic destinations and bucket-list trips are a priority for many Canadians in 2024. (Photo Credit: TRAVELSAVERS CANADA)
Visiting exotic destinations was identified by Canadian advisors as a top emerging trend, and their forecasts for 2024 trending locales include first-place South Africa and second-place Vietnam, followed by Japan, Eastern Europe and Morocco.
“People are increasingly eager for new adventures,” said Jane Clementino, SVP and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “They’re more excited than ever to spread their wings and try new things, whether it’s a new place, activity, or style of travel. They want the full experience.”
Asked to identify major travel trends, TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors listed all-inclusive travel as number one, followed by multigenerational travel, river cruising, family travel and small-group travel.
The convenience of all-inclusive resorts continues to ensure their popularity with Canadians. (Photo Credit: TRAVELSAVERS CANADA)
Advisors says Canadians enjoy the extra value and ease of all-inclusive vacations, a staple winter escape. Multigenerational and family travel, along with small-group travel, are surging in popularity due to a desire to experience the world with loved ones.
Bucket-list travel is the number-one emerging trend, according to the survey, as travellers are converting dreams into to-do lists. Personalized experiences and authentic travel made the top five as well, reflecting a heightened interest in cultural immersion tailored to the traveller’s preferences. Off-the-beaten-path travel also ranked highly, along with AI-assisted travel planning.
“People are prioritizing travel and making moves to check the items off their bucket lists,” said Clementino. “They’re not waiting anymore. They’re working with travel advisors now to create their ideal vacations and build memories.”
Alaska is one of the top five destinations for 2024 according to TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors. (Photo Credit: TRAVELSAVERS CANADA)
When asked about must-have travel experiences for 2024, TRAVELSAVERS Canada advisors recommended four styles of trips:
Immersive experiences: On these types of trips travellers can discover firsthand how other cultures live and connect with the nature, history and cuisine of the destination. Custom itineraries, longer stays and purposeful interactions all deepen the bond to the area.
Cruising: With so much variety, cruises offer something for everyone. Ocean and river cruising both provide a taste of different destinations. Advisors recommend that their clients try sailing on a new ship to enjoy all the offerings and features or upgrade their voyage with a suite or a premium or luxury sailing.
Enhanced vacations: Advisors know that splurging on travel experiences can make a major difference to the enjoyment of the trip, whether that means a premium airline seat, five-star hotel, private transfers and tours and more.
Out-of-the-ordinary destinations: With climate change impacting many popular tourist destinations, advisors are recommending trips to threatened places like Alaska’s glaciers, Machu Picchu and the Pyramids of Egypt. They’re also recommending places to experience pristine nature such as an African safari, or Galapagos Islands or Antarctica journey. They’re also suggesting places to discover different ways of life such as Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
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