With the new year just around the corner, comes 365 full days of exciting opportunities to travel the globe. Travel trends for 2024 are honestly all over the place, simply because those of us with a love for exploring new places and returning to our homes-away-from-home can’t wait to pack our bags and go!
The following list is a collection of what we’ve found by comparing trends from across the travel industry, specifically for those traveling within the United States, as well as some international destinations that are getting a lot of buzz. Read on to learn more about these popular travel picks, and as always, you can access more travel guides and inspiration on the Palmera GO Page.
International Destinations:
Paris, France
The City of Love will be under a very bright spotlight in 2024. As the host city for the Summer Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11, Paris will be on full display as hundreds of different sporting events are set to be held throughout the city. As a way to celebrate this beautiful place that has captured the hearts of so many, all corners of Paris from its village squares, gardens, and school playgrounds, to iconic sites like the Trocadéro will be hosting celebrations, events, and activities. Additional French cities and territories will even lend a hand, including the designated Olympic surfing venue in Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia.
Costa Rica
A gem made up of rainforest and the beautiful coastlines of Central America, Costa Rica’s travel industry saw a significant increase in the beginning of 2023, and is expected to hit a record number in 2024—especially since the country was named Travel & Leisure’s Destination of 2024. It’s no wonder that areas like San Jose, Tamarindo, Monteverde, and more have gained such popularity with tourists, since there’s really something for everyone. Explore the stunning national parks, go zip lining, or try river rafting while viewing the amazing local wildlife. The “Rich Coast” is full of opportunities to have fun, relax, and experience the country’s culture.
Quebec, Canada
Most of the trending travel guides for 2024 feature the largest province in Canada for a seemingly endless number of reasons. To start, Quebec’s two mostly French-speaking cities in the southern part of the province are easily accessible from the United States and offer charming boroughs to explore. Quebec’s northern territory is filled with scenic wilderness, and as the province is committed to support Indigenous tourism, travelers are encouraged to take tours and learn about the traditions of the Inuit, First Nations, and the Métis people.
Dominica
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, this beautiful island in the Caribbean often sees its visitors disembarking their cruise ship to come on land and enjoy planned excursions. Often referred to as Nature Island, Dominica is full of dense rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, scenic rivers, and more. Here, you’ll have no choice but to immerse yourself inside the rugged natural landscape and discover the island’s beauty by tours led on foot, bus, or kayak. By way of the Miami or San Juan airports, you can easily access the island with a flight on American Airlines.
If you’d like to reach Dominica aboard a cruise, search for voyages in the Eastern Caribbean. Use Quest by Palmera, one of the Six Ways to Travel on your Palmera Dashboard, to find deeply discounted cruises from big names like Carnival, MSC, Princess, and more!
Destinations in the United States:
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is another destination that everyone just can’t get enough of. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, New Mexico’s capital is the oldest state capital in the country, as well as one of the oldest European settlements west of the Mississippi. Today, Santa Fe is known for its arts and culture, becoming the first UNESCO Creative City and having one of the largest art markets found in the United States. The city celebrates its combination of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures and offers a full lineup of events ranging from art markets, film festivals, rodeos, and more.
Key West, Florida
Ranked on US News’ Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024, Key West continues to wow visitors whether they’ve gotten to stay a week or more, spent a weekend away touring the town, or spent a few hours exploring the lively Duval Street before returning to their cruise ship by sunset—and what a gorgeous sunset that is!
The southernmost point in the continental United States does not disappoint on views, and you may just take the most pictures you’ve ever taken in your life! Known for snorkeling, Ernest Hemingway’s home-turned-museum, and chickens roaming the streets, you won’t want to miss out on seeing the iconic Key West Lighthouse during your trip. If time allows, take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park to visit Fort Jefferson and snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear blue waters.
Boston, Massachusetts
Another city found on US New’s Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024, Boston is a great travel destination for families, large groups, and even romantic getaways. Steeped in history, it’s easy to get lost in time while discovering landmarks within this capital city that uncover major moments in our nation’s past. Visit the Paul Revere House, Old State House, Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Museum, and so much more. If you’re big on taking tours, you’ll definitely enjoy the wide array of ways to see more of and learn about Boston. Foodies and sports fans join history buffs as some of the biggest fans of Beantown.
Louisville, Kentucky
Head to “Louavull” and soak up all of the charm and tradition this city has to offer. Louisville makes for a relaxing and leisurely trip, where visitors can partake in a fantastic culinary scene and packed schedule of events year-round. The most famous event being the Kentucky Derby, which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. Sports fans will also know Louisville as the hometown of boxer, Muhammad Ali, and the best bat in baseball, the Louisville Slugger. This city also highlights its history by way of Museum Row, a collection of 10 museums and distilleries within 5 blocks, as well as its Old Louisville Historic District, where you’ll find the largest number of Victorian-era homes—more like mansions—in the United States.
