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These Destinations From Italy to Antarctica Will Be Major in 2024, According to a New Report

Here's what to expect in luxury travel for 2024.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

The global luxury experts at Virtuoso surveyed its travel agency members and advisors spanning 50 countries to help predict what the next year holds for our adventures. And if their findings prove correct, 2024 will be all about fulfilling our biggest travel aspirations .  

According to the 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report, advisors are forecasting that travelers will be more interested in visiting far-flung destinations and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences than ever before. In the report, shared with Travel + Leisure , the team identified five key trends: New Frontiers, which highlights travelers' desire to reach new destinations outside the well-traveled path; The Party Continues, which showcases people's wish to travel with family and their closest friends; Honoring the Earth, pointing toward travelers' love for eco-conscious destinations; Small Ships, Big Possibilities, which forecasts a big year for small-vessel cruising; and At Ease, which also shows a popular year ahead for "exclusive-use experiences," like private jets , yachts , and villas . 

However, there is one tried and true favorite destination the team at Virtuoso says will remain at the top of everyone's travel list: Italy . 

“Perennially popular, Italy remains the global favorite destination, whether for families or honeymooners,” the report stated, adding that Portugal and Croatia will also remain popular go-to spots in 2024. 

Also listed as a reemerging destination in 2024 is Japan, which Virtuoso noted is specifically high on travelers’ must-see lists for “its refined culture and in-demand cuisine.” Virtuoso also noted that Antarctica, about as far-flung and luxurious a destination as it gets, will also make a major resurgence in the coming year. In fact, the company listed Antarctica as the number one adventure destination for 2024.

As for the must-see cities of 2024, Paris tops the list thanks to it playing host to the Olympics, followed by the forever favorites Rome, Barcelona, Florence, and London rounding out the top five. 

And, perhaps unsurprising but still a good reminder, Virtuoso noted the top five forecasted reasons to travel in 2024: Excitement of discovering something new, celebrating a milestone, experiencing something on our must-see list, spending time with loved ones, and the all-important “rest and relaxation.” Even if we get to check one of those boxes in 2024, we’ll all be happy travelers indeed. 

International Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

The Top 12 Travel Trends for Luxury Travellers In 2024

At one time, luxury travellers were happy to stay in a five star resort and rarely venture out. These days, luxury travel has changed dramatically and people are far more adventurous. People are more interested in experiencing local customs and food than before. However, the new challenge is to do so in a socially distanced and safe way.

The nature of luxury travel has definitely broadened in scope. This presents a challenge for those looking to appeal to this new generation of globetrotters. Here’s what the new luxury travelers are looking for and how luxury travel brands can appeal to them. 

Luxury Travellers and Travel Trends

The meaning of luxury is different for each person, but here are some key factors that are increasingly important to affluent travellers. These luxury travel trends will give you an insight into the mind of a modern day traveller. 

According to a report by ARC, the global luxury travel market should increase to $8460 million by 2024, compared to $5200 million in 2019. A survey by Resonance reveals that the wealthiest 5% take an average of 14.3 trips per year, half for business and half for pleasure.

So what are the new trends shaping luxury travel and high end tourism? And what elements of luxury hospitality are key in attracting and retaining clients?

1. Safe Travel

The effects of the worldwide pandemic were devastating for the travel industry and travellers themselves. In the coming years, it’s essential that destinations and hotels give visitors a safe and reassuring experience. Luxury travellers will increasingly pick and choose their destination on the basis of perceived safety.

Some luxury hotels in the Maldives have on-site doctors. These include lti Maafushivaru, Mirihi Island Resort, The Nautilus Maldives, Lily Beach Maldives and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

In terms of accommodation, luxury villas and private pools are in high demand. Affluent travelers are prepared to spend more for in-room hot tubs and gyms too.

2. Personalized Travel

Arguably the most important element of a luxury trip is creating a personalized experience. A recent study by Virtuoso for YouGov found that 80% of travellers would spend more on brands that tailor products to them.

This personalization can start before guests arrive, if you send them information specific to their needs. A short survey asking their preferences on matters such as a newspaper and wake-up call will save them time when they arrive at your property. 

Ask them if they are celebrating a special occasion and what the date is. You could also send a link to tourist information on the destination, such as insider tips from your hotel concierge published on your hotel website. 

For those with children, details about your kids’ club and activities could be useful. Couples might well be interested in information on feet in the sand dining experiences or couple massages.

Personalized welcome notes are always nice little touches. Even better if they feature a print of your hotel, accompanied by homemade cookies. Some hotels even print a photo of the guests taken from their social media accounts and frame it, for a memorable luxury experience.

This might be a step too far for privacy loving individuals so it’s best to gauge this from the person’s social media presence. At any rate, checking their social profiles will make it easier to greet them by name as soon as they step inside your establishment.

After guests have checked out, it’s a good idea to send them a personalized message with a feedback form. All of this information will be invaluable if they return so that you can truly enhance their stay.

3. Flexibility of Travel

A cookie cutter approach won’t work with today’s seasoned luxury travellers. Instead, people are seeking flexibility and a can-do attitude from luxury hotel brands .

No-fee cancellation will reassure travellers concerned about constantly changing government travel guidelines. Early check-in and late check-out where possible is high on most travellers wish list. Flexible itineraries are also in demand.

Micro-trips are on the rise and 7 night vacations are less frequent than in the past. Luxury tour operators who offer shorter trips will definitely reap the benefits.

Cruises have traditionally been quite standardized, particularly in terms of their dining options. Guests had to choose between an early or late dining slot and stick with the same table and fellow diners throughout their cruise.

These days, flexible dining is available on most luxury cruises . Companies like Cunard and Silversea have a wide range of restaurants that guests can access without pre-booking. Moreover, there are some impressive cruise ship suites with all kinds of amenities such as private hot tubs and music rooms.

4. Customized and Private Tours

More and more travellers are taking part in a tour of their chosen destination. This all ties in to the desire to get to know the country that they’re visiting.

In general, the most popular tours are those focused on food and shopping. Customized and private tours, rather than large group tours are preferred by luxury travellers.

According to a TripAdvisor survey, the fastest growing tours are family-friendly ones. Bookings of these tours increased by over 200% last year, and 291% for US travellers. Adrenaline tours such as climbing the roof of the O2 Arena in London are great for the whole family.

Classes and workshops have also experienced a huge increase of 90% on last year. People are keen to acquire a new skill while on holiday, such as surfing and salsa dancing.

Cultural activities and wellness experiences are also sought after. Incorporating a time saving element into these tours will appeal to upscale travellers. The Skip-the-Line Sistine Chapel, Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour in Rome is a good example.

If your establishment doesn’t offer these activities and tours, consider teaming up with a local service provider who does. In terms of actual trips, adventure vacations and safaris take up the lion’s share of the customized market. 

5. Experiential Travel

Surveys consistently confirm that it is unique experiences rather than things that make us happy. Immersive travel is all about connecting with local communities and a different way of life.

In addition, over two thirds of high end travellers regularly participate in bucket list activities during their vacation. This is particularly true of baby boomers, compared to Gen X and Millenial travellers.

Experiential travel is a popular buzzword but what does it really mean? What turns a trip into a true experience rather than a simple vacation?

The following factors all play a part:

• Authentic experiences – rather than those which are purely positive. This is the good, the bad and the ugly!
• Exclusivity – a money can’t buy tour of a private home or sold out tickets to a concert.
• Insider knowledge – with tips from local inhabitants on the best places to dine, shop and explore in your destination.
• Trying something new – according to a survey by Skift, 65% of travellers want to experience something new, rather than feel rested and relaxed from their vacation. They don’t just want to see a cookery demonstration, they want a market tour and cookery class where they get hands on.

6. Frictionless Travel

As travel has become more complicated, luxury travellers are seeking ways to make their journeys less difficult. Frictionless travel is the ideal towards which people are aiming.

If you can streamline the luxury tourism experiences of your guests, they’ll reward you with their loyalty. This might involve booking them a private car to take them to and from the airport, or allowing pre-check in via an app.

Smart technology is enabling companies to get closer to the goal of hassle-free travel. Passengers, in particular business travellers, are increasingly seeking information before they travel. 

Thanks to new technology, they can receive this information in real time. Mobile apps can provide your guests with everything from weather reports to restaurant recommendations and traffic updates.

Many luxury hotel chains have implemented smart rooms where guests can control lighting, heating and music via apps. Some allow you to book wellness treatments at the hotel spa too.

Another aspect of frictionless travel is safety. High net worth travellers will appreciate the added security of flight tracking and real time incident alerts. 

7. Wow Factor

Generally, wealthy travellers are looking to stay in places that are better than their homes. Of course, this includes features like private pools and saunas. 

Yet thanks to Instagram, this luxury lifestyle also encompasses details like geometric tiled floors, a well stocked library, chairs hanging from the ceiling and a multitude of hanging plants. Bragging rights are all important, together with restful color schemes in shades of pink and grey.

Floating breakfasts are all the rage for sharing on social media channels. You can go one step further with a heart shaped tray like the ones at Cavo Tagoo Mykonos . For truly spectacular surroundings, stay in an ice hotel in Sweden , an underwater villa in the Maldives or a treehouse in Thailand .

8. Attention to Detail

Guest amenities are an area in which hotels can really shine. In some hotels in Japan, you’ll be left a motto of the day to ponder on. At The Lanesborough in London, every room has butler service and you can request complimentary popcorn.

Health and well-being is a big trend in luxury accommodation. Many hotels have bicycles for guests to borrow, as well as running maps. Some will even lend you headphones if you forget yours.

Private gyms in your hotel room mean there’s no excuse not to work out ;-). Hilton were ahead of the curve when they launched their Five Feet to Fitness ™ rooms. 

These contain more than 11 items of fitness equipment and a kiosk with over 200 tutorials. There’s a fitness bike, meditation chair and suspension training system too.

9. Hidden Gems

It’s true that iconic destinations such as Paris , Venice , Santorini and Las Vegas are still extremely popular. However, many luxury consumers are seeking out places that are off the beaten path.

The trend towards stealth wealth among the super rich is one reason for this. It is also partly due to tourism organizations endeavouring to reduce overtourism. Responsible tourism is about visiting lesser known destinations and getting to know local culture.

If you do some research you can find an uncrowded alternative close to most popular destinations. Near the Amalfi Coast and Capri, there’s the charming island of Ischia for example. Montenegro is a quieter option than Croatia, but with some great scenery and adrenaline activities.

10. Responsible Travel

Whilst it’s not generally a deciding factor when picking somewhere to stay, sustainability is increasingly a consideration for luxury travellers. You can make a difference by supporting organizations such as Pack for a Purpose . This charitable organization enables travellers to bring useful items that will be distributed to the local community.

One hotel that has impeccable green credentials is the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba . This adults only property is carbon neutral and has been certified the highest scoring hotel in the world for sustainable operations and management.

Check out our recommendations for other eco-friendly destinations too.

11. A Sense of Place

How many times have you stayed somewhere that reflected the local environment and culture? Unfortunately, it’s all too rare to find accommodation which features local artworks and food.

Many hotels have bland decor and cuisine in the hope of appealing to the most people possible. Generally, luxury travellers don’t want to wake up feeling that they could be anywhere in the world. They want their accommodation to reflect their feelings about themselves – stylish and unique.

One example of a hotel that has got this right is Andaz Mayakoba , on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Local crafts are dotted around the hotel lobby and rooms.

Artworks by Senkoe, a local street artist can be found throughout the grounds and guests can take part in tequila classes. Other hotels could definitely take a leaf out of its books.

12. Multigenerational Travel

Travel aimed at reuniting family and friendship groups is growing in popularity. According to a report by cazenove+lloyd and Globetrender, people are keen to celebrate milestone motivations with their nearest and dearest.

The report observed a 40% increase in requests for bucket list celebrations to mark major birthdays and memorable celebrations. With this in mind, cazenove+lloyd have curated a selection of bespoke itineraries such as DNA pilgrimages or under the radar safari experiences that reflect this trend.

In order to appeal to this clientele, luxury hospitality brands can offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as exclusive access to VIP events or private tours. One interesting example is the Ritz-Carlton Naples, who offer a free minute session with their in-house Photography Concierge to all resort guests.

Hotel designers should create properties catering to multiple generations and consider incorporating accessible design elements such as elevators and ramps. Amilla Maldives aim to become the world’s first accessibility and inclusion certified resort, with easy-access ground floor villas, floating wheelchairs, deaf-alert systems, sound jungle activities for vision-impaired guests and dedicated spaces for those with neuro-developmental considerations, such as autism or dementia.

Family-friendly dining spaces, outdoor recreation areas and connecting bedrooms with adaptable living areas such as at Evermore Orlando Resort are increasingly popular.

Final Thoughts on Trends for Luxury Travellers

Travelling in style and luxury doesn’t always mean having the most expensive experiences, but rather tailoring your travel to what you value most. Understanding and adapting to the latest luxury travel trends is essential for hotels, cruise companies and airlines to remain competitive.

Our world is a playground, and finding ways to explore it that are meaningful and memorable will be remembered for years to come. Don’t forget to check out our other travel articles and thanks for joining us in exploring all we’ve discussed about the latest trends in luxury travelling.

Thanks to our luxury lifestyle website, we’ve experienced the best of the hospitality industry in Africa, Western Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The luxury travel industry is resilient and we hope that the sector continues to rebound from the current challenges it is facing.

What does luxury travel mean for you? Where is the best place that you have stayed?

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Suze and Paul Renner

Suze and Paul are the founders of LuxuryColumnist, one of the leading luxury online magazines worldwide.

Top Luxury Travel Trends for 2023

• November 24, 2022

As 2022 draws to close, global travel network Virtuoso ® has revealed how the affluent consumer will be traveling in 2023, gathering insights from its advisors, partners and HNW/UHNW clientele through surveys and booking data.

Sustainability Remains a Top Priority In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that traveling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. Travelers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They’re also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on “benefitting local people and the economy” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage.”

Travelers of All Ages Are Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services – Like a Good Travel Advisor According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers have accepted that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for – and increased value of – an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. “My daughter is 25 years old and she’s an advocate of using a travel professional,” said Virtuoso travel advisor Susan Bowman. “She tells everyone and her friends also agree. They appear to be a generation that gets it, and they’ve figured out that we add value.”Between navigating airport travel and handling trip logistics, many travelers are opting to work with a dedicated travel advisor. “One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: ‘Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to’,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”

Travelers are Back to Planning Ahead With people hitting the road in record numbers, there’s never been so much frenzy around booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travelers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays, and 80 days for international trips (compared to 2019’s 44 and 60 days, respectively). “We’ve seen so much last-minute demand and literally the space is not there,” said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. “We’re seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last-minute.”

Off-Season Travel is Gaining Steam If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer that’s because they were. According to a Virtuoso poll, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, like Italy, concerned about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy – the second-most popular spot for fall travel – are urging travelers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travelers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travelers said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuoso’s own editors suggest booking a room at Passalacqua, the new Lake Como villa from hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open year-round – a rarity in the Lake Como region.

The Destinations to Watch Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping. No, we’re not talking about the Maldives, but India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travelers can experience with nighttime kayaking off Havelock Island.

About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is the East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch on the Sea of Cortés where a new Four Seasons resort has just landed. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lover’s dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site.

All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic country—the world’s largest island—next year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, set to expand their offerings.

Virtuoso on-site tour connection Access Italy let Virtuoso in on one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval town is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge. And as for right now, it remains blissfully under-the-radar.

More Insider News One of the best ways to plan for future travels is by creating a Wanderlist and sharing it with a Virtuoso advisor, who can make dreams of pearl harvesting in Australia or taking a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to find out what else was on the experiential horizon for its global citizens.

• A new camp inspired by astronauts is touching down in Antarctica in December. Echo, from super high-end tour operator White Desert, will comprise six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit from Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodhead’s love of Star Wars. The experience runs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the property’s doorstep.

• Earlier this month, Auberge Resorts opened a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazón will feature 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-tier infinity-edge pool, which fronts a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a “surf safari” that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and little-to-no crowds.

• Fiuggi, Italy is the setting of The Ranch’s newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer weeklong detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes.

• Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife preserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda is situated on 360,000 acres in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking.

• Iceland is due to get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut a rooftop perch where guests can sip cocktails while taking in the Northern Lights

• This month, Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, constructed without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities.

• Starting this season, guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can hop a private plane and discover a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they’ll meet with an expert naturalist to learn about the area’s elusive gray wolves – and maybe even see a few up close.

• Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of pre-eminent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singita’s overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings.

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These are 2023’s most remarkable luxury travel trends

As 2023 unfolds before us, we’ve rounded up current luxury travel trends to catch your eye. Sustainability remains at the forefront, whilst modern and future technology ensures the most luxurious and seamless experiences. From local gastronomy to going solo, 2023 promises to be a year of unforgettable journeys.

Sleep and sleep technology

@hastensleepspa_coimbra

Enjoy the most luxurious night’s sleep with the help of technology. Sleep is fast becoming one of the key luxury travel trends. More and more hotel brands are looking to technology to ensure their guests get the best rest. Think AI-powered beds that adjust mattresses to support your body and select the best room temperatures for you to maintain quality sleep.

In Coimbra, Portugal, you can enjoy the Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel , a boutique hotel from the famous Swedish mattress brand. Here acoustics, sleep books and hypoallergenic mattresses are all designed for optimal rest and relaxation. In London, the  Belmond Cadogan Hotel offers the services of a ‘Sleep Concierge’ service. This includes meditation as well as weighted blankets, pillows and pillow mists, all based on a guest’s sleeping preferences.

Related content: 5 ultra-modern tech gadgets to help make jet lag a thing of the past

Flat-pack hotels

@habitastulum

Though this may sound like one of the more gimmicky luxury travel trends, it is rooted deeply in sustainability. The flat pack hotel has its parts manufactured in a factory, flat packed and transported to its destination, before being assembled on site. Famed for leading the trend is hotel group Habitas. While the phrase flat packed doesn’t initially conjure up luxury, its Tulum hotel in Mexico is a thoughtfully designed, sustainable lifestyle hotel that offers ‘stylish simplicity’.

Instead of glitzy lobbies and heavy structures, their hotels are built around natural elements such as trees, rocks and water. Habitas’ hotels have opened in the Ashar Valley of Saudi Arabia and in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende countryside. More retreats are planned for 2023 in Mexico, Morocco, Costa Rica and Bhutan.

Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Meaningful itineraries

Having missed out on a lot of travel over the past few years, the luxury traveler is keen to make travel experiences deeper and more meaningful than ever. Instead of just passing through a destination or skimming its surface, guests are wanting luxury to also mean educational and real.

At Luxury Gold our curated experiences are the highlights of our tours, with many opportunities to enjoy local connections. Join us to tap into this trend for luxury travel in 2023. Delve into the colorful history of traditional textiles in Perugia, Italy, as you meet Marta who works hard to preserve the ancient craft. And in Memphis, USA, take part in a Creole cooking demonstration before feasting on traditional Southern dishes that you have learned how to create.

On our exclusive Founder’s Collection departures, meet European nobility, legendary locals and celebrated icons. Meaning that you mingle with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. And you will make a positive impact on people, communities and wildlife through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy , Southern Grace

Read more: Slow and sustainable: the expectations of the luxury traveler in 2023 and beyond

The rise of solo travel

It seems everyone is talking about solo travel now as one of 2023’s hottest luxury travel trends. And we agree it’s an enlightening and empowering way to see the world. Why wait for others? Travel where and when you choose and make sure nothing remains gathering dust on your bucket list. And don’t think it is something only for the young, solo travel is for everyone. Virtuoso recently reported that among its travelers aged 65+, interest in single travel went from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022.

Choosing to travel solo in a group is the ultimate combination of individual freedom and the security of others. And luxurious, curated travel provides the ultimate way to realize your dreams and go beyond your expectations.

Read more: 7 reasons why luxury travel is the ultimate form of self indulgence

The Metaverse – try before you buy

Image by Freepik

With the help of the Metaverse to ‘try before you buy’, traveler engagement will climb to the next level in 2023 and beyond. Through this technology , travelers are able to have experiences in the online world, for example at virtual concerts and exhibitions. As technology advances, it is possible to incorporate deeper cultural experiences into this virtual world.

The metaverse offers an exciting opportunity to enhance pre-trip assistance. As well as creating a sense of excitement and desire with previews of experiences that await. One of the more remarkable luxury travel trends, Qatar Airways recently announced the Qverse with a MetaHuman cabin crew. Through this they will offer an immersive experience for navigating Hamad International Airport.

Local travel and food ticks the boxes

@visitjapanau

More and more, high-end travelers are seeking out both luxurious and local. A yearning for locally sourced produce, seasonal menus, and regional fare is prevailing – and this is one of 2023’s luxury travel trends. And this means not just eating local food but having the opportunity to mingle with locals at the same time.

Today’s luxury traveler is looking for fine dining, but also for a selection of venues off the traditional tourist route. These are places where you can sit, mingle and soak up the true culture of your destination. At Luxury Gold there are plenty of opportunities to connect to the local culture and community and through cuisine . From thoughtfully selected restaurants to free time where your Travel Concierge can make recommendations, we’ve got it covered. Travel with us to Japan and we’ll introduce you to a Local Expert who will take you on a stroll through the famous Donburi Street. You’ll hit up all the best stalls to taste all the specialties from grilled meat skewers to melon pan ice cream.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Read more: From Tokyo to London, were to sample the world’s best street food

Luxury yachts from luxury hotel brands

@ritzcarltonyachtcollection

Imagine the luxury and comfort of your favorite hotel brand combined with the magic of the open sea. A new era of yachting from the world’s leading hotel brands is tantalizingly being dangled before us. And last October, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection  was launched with Evrima, the most sophisticated and expensive civilian ship ever built in Spain.

At the end of 2022,  Four Seasons  confirmed the launch of a cruise ship with 95 suites. Belmond , the name behind the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, was a pioneer, launching its river-focused péniche-hôtels in 2004. These sophisticated vessels are designed for luxurious relaxation, letting the magic of each destination provide the main entertainment.

If these luxury vacation trends have inspired you to think about your next journey, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours .

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My wife and I recently spent 3 plus weeks in Australia. A couple of my top resorts are Longitude 131 at Ayer’s Rock (stay 3 nights-4 is better); Silky Oaks (bring hiking boots) again 3 nights+.

Langham Hotel Sydney (5 nights include breakfast habor view) and Langham Hotel Melbourne (4 nights river view club level)

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The biggest travel trends for 2024

By Sarah Allard

If 2022 was all about a return to travel, then 2023 was the year we went further than ever before. Travellers took to the skies, rails, roads and seas to tick off major bucket-list moments, with Arctic adventures, luxury yacht cruises and even the first tourist trip into space .

In 2024, travellers will be putting what’s important to them front and centre of their plans, valuing deeper experiences that leave a positive impact, time spent with loved ones and wellness moments that last well after checkout. We’ll be choosing destinations carefully, slowing it down to enjoy the silence and the stars, indulging in our love of food in new and interesting places, and immersing ourselves in wellness practices that help us live longer.

These are the 20 travel trends likely to guide how we see the world in 2024.

Astro tourism

1. Astro tourism

What’s the trend? Astronomy, of course, is a field of study that has been around since the dawn of civilisation, and the act of gazing up at the stars has long been a source of soul-soothing wonder. Today, the more society falls deeper into an ever-expanding virtual world, the more we feel a need to broaden our horizons in the real universe. Astro tourism, or star bathing, is the act of travelling with the aim of catching sight of astronomical phenomena – disappearing to lands devoid of any pollution, crowds and traffic, where we can focus solely on the skies above and while away hours gazing at the stars, planets and constellations overhead.

Why will it matter in 2024? Increasingly, wellness-centric hotels and spas are creating the space for guests to gaze upwards, watching for comets, spying constellations and identifying patterns in the glittering expanse. In the UK, Port Lympne has opened the Lookout Bubble, a glass dome allowing guests to sprawl out on king-sized beds and study the stars. Further east on the Arabian Gulf, Zulal Wellness Resort is surrounded by the expanse of the Qatari desert – the ultimate destination for pollution-free astromancy, with dedicated workshops and stargazing sessions for families and children looking to learn more about the cosmos. Safari company Desert & Delta organises trips for travellers looking to soak up the stars across Botswana and Namibia, where guests can sleep in tents at remote locations such as the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats, and spend nights with uninterrupted star vistas. Similarly, Tswalu is a South African safari camp with star beds set on a sleep-out deck in the Korannaberg mountains. And 2024 happens to be a big year, astronomy-wise, from mind-boggling eclipses to spectacular meteor showers – plus, scientists are predicting the best displays of the northern lights in 20 years, according to the Guardian , as we approach the next solar maximum (the sun’s peak of its 11-year activity cycle). Olivia Morelli

2. Eco diving

What’s the trend? A rise in divers choosing their travel destinations based on the sustainability of the scuba centres, and having a more positive, regenerative impact on the ocean once there.

Why will it matter in 2024? In 2022, UK marine ecology charity The Reef-World Foundation found that 95 per cent of divers wanted to book with sustainable operators, but struggled to do so. In response to this, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) launched its Eco Center accreditation on World Earth Day (22 April) 2023, with the United Nations Environment Program and Reef-World itself. The steps required to earn this green status are so rigorous – including sharing evidence of conservation activities and a real reduction in environmental footprint – that Padi advised operators to allow at least 12 months to hit the criteria, taking us to… Earth Day 2024. After an initial figure of just 11 worldwide, there are now 100, and Padi has set a goal to reach 660 by 2030 – a 10th of its membership. “South East Asia currently has the highest density (more than 20), along with the Caribbean ,” says Julie Andersen of Padi. So what does this mean for divers and their trips? “The type of conservation work done and reported on depends on the Eco Center,” Andersen explains. “Those in the Caribbean offer coral replanting programmes, key for regenerating coastlines. In Baja, Mexico , they’ve developed citizen science courses, collecting data for whale conservation.” There are also a number of new Padi courses being launched for any diver to take anywhere, including the Global Shark and Ray Census in August 2024, as well as the relaunch of the Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course before December. Becky Lucas

3. Home swapping

What’s the trend? Increasingly, discerning travellers are looking to stay away for longer stretches, while the rise of remote jobs post-pandemic means that working and living abroad has never been more appealing. The catch? Forking out on hefty accommodation fees while you’re at it. Enter home swapping: the perfect solution to guarantee yourself a (free) home abroad while you offer up your own in exchange – for weeks or even months at a time.

Why will it matter in 2024? As the cost of holidaying continues to climb, home swapping is an affordable alternative to splashing out on expensive hotels or Airbnbs. And while the concepts of couch surfing and house exchanges have existed for decades, several slick new platforms are redefining what home swapping looks like today. Twin City, which operates in cities as far-flung as Lisbon and Los Angeles , has curated a community of 1,100 plus carefully vetted users in just eight months. For an annual subscription fee of £150, members can find Twins to connect with through the platform, and are encouraged to exchange local recommendations for their city as well as their homes, enabling members to feel as if they’re swapping with a trusted friend rather than a stranger. Meanwhile, Kindred, a home-swapping platform where members rack ​​up credits for each night that they exchange homes, raised $15 million in funding this year to expand operations across the USA and Europe, and currently has 10,000 plus homes in more than 50 cities. Members simply pay a cleaning and service fee for each stay, while the cost of the stay itself is free. Or skip out on membership fees entirely and head straight to TikTok, where Gen Z appears to be spearheading the home-swapping movement on social media. Inspired by cult film The Holiday , trending tags #houseswap and #homeswap have garnered more than 23 and 20 million views respectively, with users utilising the platform as a means to advertise their homes, discover like-minded peers to swap with and document their adventures along the way. Gina Jackson

4. Train stations are the new food destinations

What’s the trend? Train stations around the world are usually passed through as quickly as possible, having not been designed for commuters to stay and hang out. Nowadays, as travel delays increase and visitors want more local experiences, it pays for train stations to welcome travellers with shops, restaurants and bars for them to explore. In an effort to create a more dynamic visitor experience, historic train stations are being revamped, with bespoke food and drink offerings as an integral part of the redesign.

Why will it matter in 2024? As train stations are renovated to accommodate more travellers and update old infrastructure, local restaurants and bars are being added to attract more customers. In 2023, the new Moynihan Train Hall in New York City became home to The Irish Exit, a bar from the team behind the acclaimed Dead Rabbit, and Yono Sushi by trendy BondST, plus outposts of beloved NYC restaurants Pastrami Queen and Jacob’s Pickles, with Mexican hotspot La Esquina coming soon.  Platform 1 a new bar and restaurant that opened in November underneath Glasgow Central Station . The cave-like space, with its historic brick arches, serves street-food-style dishes and craft brews made in the on-site microbrewery, plus there’s an outdoor beer garden. As part of its renovation, Toronto’s Union Station launched Union Market in May 2023 with favourite local food retailers Manotas Organics, Chocolatta Brigadeiro’s, Patties Express and Kibo. Meanwhile, in Somerset, Castle Cary station is in the process of a revamp, with nearby hotel The Newt creating a creamery, cafe and co-working space, which is set to open in 2024. Also on tap for the next few years is the completed renovation of 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, with plans for a 20 per cent increase in concession space that will focus on local purveyors. Devorah Lev-Tov

5. Sports tourism

What’s the trend? No longer the domain of lads on tour keen to sink as many pints as possible with one eye on a football game, sports tourism has evolved in the past few years with a new generation – and type – of sports fan emerging thanks to glossy TV documentaries ( Formula 1: Drive to Survive , we’re looking at you). Now, we’re taking our fandom out of the house and following a host of different sports in destinations across the world, planning holidays that hinge around seeing games, races and other activities in exotic locales, and extending trips on either side to see the sights too.

Why will it matter in 2024? A little event known as the Olympic and Paralympic Games anchors the 2024 sports calendar. It kicks off in Paris in late July and runs until early September , during which time more than a million tourists are expected to check in across the French capital. The games have inspired city-wide projects such as the €1.4-billion clean-up of the Seine, which , all going well, will allow public swimming in the river for the first time in a century. Elsewhere, the Tour de France starts in Italy for the first time in 2024, with competitors speeding off in Florence before heading to Rimini on the Adriatic coast and then north to the Apennines through Emilia-Romagna. New bike routes in the area have been released by tour operators such as Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays for cycling enthusiasts keen to join in the fun. Sarah James

6. Coolcationing

What’s the trend? For the vast majority of folk, summer holidays used to be about following the sun, seeking the heat – watching the mercury climb and hitting the sands. With the intense, record-breaking temperatures of recent years, however, many are considering travelling in the opposite direction: booking "coolcations" in temperate destinations, which also benefit from being less crowded.

Why will it matter in 2024? Rising temperatures caused by the climate crisis have resulted in the hottest recorded summer in the UK – just over 40℃ in July 2022 – while 2023, with a sweltering summer in much of Mediterranean Europe, North America and China – is on track to be the hottest year ever. Little wonder that many travellers are thinking again before booking literal hotspots such as the South of France and Sicily in July or August. A survey for luxe travel network Virtuoso found that 82 per cent of its clients are considering destinations with more moderate weather in 2024. Destinations such as Iceland, Finland and Scotland, according to Intrepid Travel, along with Latvia, which is surging in popularity. “We’re seeing an increase in those holidaying further north,” says Andrea Godfrey of Regent Holidays. “Scandinavia and the Baltics are both getting noticed more: they offer a more pared-back style of holiday but have some lovely beaches, and forests and lakes for both relaxation and adventure activities.” Cooler temperatures are particularly well suited to family travel too. “We’re getting far more enquiries from families for destinations that offer summer sun but also respite from the high temperatures being experienced in beach resorts across the Med,” says Liddy Pleasants, founder of family specialist Stubborn Mule Travel. “Kayaking in Norway, with its midnight sun, for instance, and cycling or hiking in Slovenia, which is also very good value.” Time to ditch the SPF50… Rick Jordan

Gig tripping

7. Gig tripping

What’s the trend? For years, athletes and wellness gurus were the big headliners at retreats. But rock stars are, well, the new rock stars of travel. Call it the Swift Effect. Destination concert business is up more than 50 per cent, led mostly by Taylor Swift, says Janel Carnero, a travel advisor at Embark Beyond. In the USA, tickets for Swift’s Eras Tour cost thousands and were still impossible to score. Music fans are realising they can pay less and have a more memorable experience by seeing their favourite pop icons perform in say, Amsterdam or Milan . Tours from performers such as Pearl Jam, U2, Doja Cat and Madonna will anchor trip itineraries, while music festivals (Glastonbury sold out in less than an hour) will be major catalysts for travel.

Why will it matter in 2024? New music festivals, including Untold in Romania's Cluj-Napoca, are introducing travellers to undiscovered destinations, says Alexandrea Padilha of Fischer Travel. And it’s no longer just about the music, says Carnero. “It’s the social aspect of sharing experiences with friends,” she adds. Hotels and travel companies have taken note and are creating the equivalent of backstage VIP experiences for guests. Global adventure collective Eleven has recently introduced Music with Eleven. The programme’s dedicated team of music-industry insiders (including Chris Funk, guitarist from the Decemberists) custom design itineraries that might include sitting in on a recording session at Flóki Studios, just outside the Arctic Circle at Deplar Farm in Iceland. And Rhythm & Sails hosts musicians on its catamarans. The company’s music director, Anders Beck of the jam band Greensky Bluegrass, curates the line-up of artists who perform sessions onboard and in ports as you island hop around the Caribbean . Jen Murphy

8. Resorts will help you biohack your health span

What’s the trend? Longevity is the latest wellness buzzword thanks to best-selling books such as  Outlive  and the hit Netflix documentary  Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones . Between 2021 and 2022, venture-capital investment in longevity clinics more than doubled from $27 million to $57 million globally, according to analysis from longevity research and media company Longevity.Technology. Now, the science of extending life and optimising health has become the focus at hotels. Blue Zones retreats are the new boot camps and even sybaritic resorts are offering the latest biohacks. Poolside vitamin IV anyone?

Why will it matter in 2024? Since the pandemic, feeling good trumps looking good. “People have become aware of the critical importance of developing a more proactive, preventive approach to health on all levels,” says Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya, a wellness retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand . This means a new willingness to go beyond diet and exercise and embrace sci-fi-sounding bio-regenerative treatments such as ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, both on offer at Kamalaya's new Longevity House. Luxury hotel brands are embracing the trend too. Six Senses Ibiza recently teamed up with biotech company RoseBar to offer guests full diagnostic testing. Maybourne Hotel Group is collaborating with wellness tech pioneer Virtusan to help guests boost performance. And Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea administers treatments such as stem cells and NAD+ (aka the fountain of youth) through its partnership with Next Health longevity centre. At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai, guests are welcomed with a B12 shot instead of bubbles and the resort’s new wellness-specific rooms come with recovery-boosting mod cons including infrared light mats. If the trend continues, the secret to longevity may be as easy as taking more holidays. Jen Murphy

9. Peak season gets the cold shoulder

What's the trend? There’s been a dramatic recent increase in shoulder season travel to Europe’s most popular destinations (particularly France , Spain , the UK and Italy ), which is set to continue in 2024. Luxury travel specialists Original Travel has launched new shoulder season itineraries to locations traditionally in demand during the summer – including the crystalline seascapes of Sardinia and Corsica – after seeing 14 per cent more bookings for September 2023 than for August 2023. Pegi Amarteifio of Small Luxury Hotels of the World shares similar insights. “Comparing phone reservations in 2023 against 2019, we’ve seen a 33 per cent increase for March to May and a 58 per cent increase for September to November , a pattern reflected across our other booking channels too.”

Why will it matter in 2024? A combination of social, economic and environmental factors is driving this trend into 2024. The cost of living crisis means a heightened focus on value. For 62 per cent of respondents to Booking.com’s 2024 travel trends survey, this is a limiting factor for 2024 travel planning, so much so that 47 per cent of respondents are even willing to take children out of school for cheaper off-peak travel. Shoulder season travel is also becoming more attractive due to rising temperatures, and more feasible due to flexible working. Layered on top of these practical considerations is an emotional motivation too: travellers are craving authenticity more than ever, seeking a tranquil, local feel when abroad, rather than Where’s Wally beach scenes. Toyo Odetunde

10. Private group travel

What’s the trend? The post-pandemic desire to gather friends or family and embark on a shared holiday experience shows no sign of abating – in fact, it’s on the increase in luxury travel, as people appreciate the benefits and savour the moment, from 3G family groups to 50-something empty-nesters keen to rekindle life-long friendships. Just don’t take Succession ’s family outing to Tuscany as a role model.

Why will it matter in 2024? “While some predicted group travel would peak post-pandemic, we’ve seen it have a lasting, positive impact with private group bookings continuing to be a dominant trend,” says Tom Marchant of Black Tomato, for whom group travel now accounts for 30 per cent of bookings. The company has just launched its See You in the Moment series to cater for the demand: it uses a mood board of over 35 experiences themed around key flash points, from The Meal (a backcountry feast served on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, for example) to The Challenge (rafting down the Apurímac in Peru, perhaps), all designed to create lasting memories. For Scott Williams, meanwhile, multi-generational travellers are thinking big: why take one house when you can take a whole estate, such as Meli on Paxos in the Greek Islands, which sleeps 17? Other groups are taking to the water, with Red Savannah reporting an increase in bookings for Turkish gulets, Egyptian dahabiyas and Indonesian phinisis. Scott Dunn have seen an increase in bookings amongst groups of friends, with 30 per cent of respondents in a recent survey saying they were planning trips for 2024 that included ski trips to France, adventure travel in South and Central America, and beach breaks on Antigua and Barbados. Empty-nesters are also a growing force, with groups of couples in their 50s to 70s hiring villas in the shoulder season for cultural weeks away, and all-female groups – mainly aged between 50 and 65 – who are proactive in wanting to renew long-term friendships. “We had one repeat group that included several cancer survivors,” says Sarah-Leigh Shenton at Red Savannah. “A hammam afternoon in Turkey was a deeply bonding experience and they’ve since travelled to Jordan and Sicily together.” Rick Jordan

11. AI aims to be your sidekick

What's the trend? Early last year, after OpenAI’s ChatGPT broke the record as the fastest-ever growing consumer app, travellers started playing around with AI chatbots to get inspiration on where they could go. More recently, major travel booking platforms have started to integrate AI chatbots into the booking experience. But if 2023 was the year of AI chatbots wanting to plan your trips , 2024 will be all about how AI aspires to be your travel sidekick. A wave of new AI-powered features and products aims to support travellers on the ground – all while raising concerns around the potential negative impacts as AI becomes more widely integrated with our travels.

Why will it matter in 2024? AI will start to make more real-time interventions in our travels in 2024. One practical example is live translation , which Samsung plans to launch on its 2024 Galaxy devices. Imagine calling somewhere you want to visit to get information without worrying about whether staff speak the same language as you. Another example is greater AI personalisation in popular apps you already use. Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has recently touted the company's increasing use of personalised AI algorithms , which will learn about your habits and make suggestions based on what you’re doing. For the true early adopters, real-time travel interventions could also mean ditching your screen entirely and clipping a screenless personal translator and travel assistant to your chest. This is the unusual idea behind the new talking and projecting AI Pin from Humane , a start-up backed by investors including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, that promises to function a bit like the universal translator from Star Trek . Will anyone want to actually wear the pin or will it go the way of previously hyped devices such as Google Glass? It certainly raises a host of ethical questions about privacy and data protection. Yet the more that AI products successfully help in addressing on-the-go problems, the more travellers will come to rely on them too. JD Shadel

12. Skip-gen travel

What’s the trend? Skip-gen travel describes when grandparents holiday with grandchildren, in other words, "skipping" a generation. “In the past few months, I've had around twice as many enquiries as usual for grandchild/grandchild bookings,” says Clio Wood, founder of family retreat company &Breathe . “There’s been a rising trend of grandparents taking their grandchildren away,” agrees Ollie Summers, Head of Sales at bespoke operator Scott Dunn . “Often to places that have a sentimental meaning to them.”

Why will it matter in 2024? Several travel agencies have created itineraries to cater specifically for this demand in 2024. “Skip-gen safaris are emerging as a micro-trend from the UK, reflecting a niche traveller group now well established in the US luxury market,” says Liane Goldring of Mahlatini Luxury Travel . “The grandparents are usually in their 70s and still active enough to fully embrace a fully guided safari adventure.” Original Travel, meanwhile, has relaunched its Bonding Holidays Collection , featuring trips focussed on discovering something new together, such as its 14-day Family Ranching itinerary in the American West. Some of this growth can be attributed to big-ticket lockdown promises coming to fruition. Now, amid the UK’s cost of living crisis, parents are also keen to make the most of the time and childcare support of their typically baby boomer, more comfortably retired parents. Plus, the global ratio of living grandparents to grandchildren is higher than ever, thanks to a combined increase in life expectancy and drop in the number of children per person. We’re even said to be living in the "the age of the grandparent". Don’t expect this trend – or your grandparents – to slow down anytime soon. Becky Lucas

Glamorous train travel

13. Train travel gets glam

What’s the trend? Rising climate consciousness has fuelled a rail travel revival, the luxury train niche is reaching new heights of popularity, extravagance and ambition. Travel booking platforms are reporting growing demand for luxury rail trips , where the journey is, yes, the destination. In fact, new design-forward train lines increasingly rival the finest hotels for the culinary experiences and bells and whistles on offer.

Why will it matter in 2024? A new wave of rail lines and itineraries launching in 2024 puts an emphasis on deeper immersion into the culture and landscapes of the destinations, which are more and more off the beaten track. Responding to growing demand for luxury train travel among its user base, specialist platform Railbookers plans to launch arguably the most geographically extensive and expensive luxury train itinerary around. With prices per person starting at $113,599, the 80-day Around the World by Luxury Train voyage will cross four continents and 13 countries. Beginning in August , the slow journey will string together existing luxury rail trips including Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper and India’s Maharajas Express from Delhi to Mumbai. In Asia, the previously paused Eastern & Oriental Express is making a grand comeback starting in February, with carriages getting an upscale revamp and its legendary route being retraced through Malaysia's landscapes. Meanwhile, Japan is a hot destination for its scenic train journeys such as the exclusive Train Suite Shiki-shima , which quickly closed applications for its 2024 trips due to demand. And in Europe, six new train lines will commence or terminate in Rome under Accor's La Dolce Vita umbrella, with suites designed by starchitects Dimorestudio, building on the cultural legacy of the famous Orient Express . JD Shadel

14. Restaurateur-owned hotels

What’s the trend? Restaurants and hotels are the two linchpins of the hospitality industry. And naturally, the two are often intertwined on one premises. Until recently, though, most hotels weren’t started or owned by restaurateurs. Yet as food-focused travel keeps increasing, with people hankering for the next hot reservation and planning entire trips around discovering a culture through its food, it makes sense that restaurateurs are adding hotelier to their CVs – and ensuring their new properties have impressive food offerings. We’d be remiss not to mention Nobu, which began as a restaurant in 1994 and in 2013 launched its global hotel brand, as a harbinger of the trend.

Why will it matter in 2024? Just as design brands (RH, West Elm) have opened hotels in recent years, now restaurateurs are getting in on the action. In the USA, restaurateur and 12-time James Beard award nominee Sam Fox has just launched the Global Ambassador in Phoenix, Arizona, with five restaurants. Santa Barbara’s Good Lion Hospitality is relaunching Petit Soleil , a Californian wine country boutique hotel, with a new bar and restaurant slated for next spring. The Lafayette Hotel & Club was debuted last summer in San Diego by Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of a local hospitality group that operates 16 bars and restaurants. The hotel has five restaurants and bars, with two more opening by the end of the year. In Dallas, Harwood International, which owns a dozen or so restaurants in the area, opened Hôtel Swexan in June. In the St Gallen region of Switzerland two hotels were recently added to beloved restaurants: the revamped Mammertsberg  and  Gasthaus Traube . In Slovenia, AS Hotel is a new place to stay launched Sebastjan Raspopović, son of chef Svetozar Raspopović-Pope of renowned restaurant Gostilna AS in Lublijana. Aside from a restaurant by Raspopović-Pope, the hotel has an eatery by Michelin-lauded chef Ana Roš. Finally,  R48 , and its lauded Chef’s Table, was opened in Tel Aviv last spring by R2M Hospitality Group, which also runs restaurants CoffeeBar and Herzl 16. Devorah Lev-Tov

15. Silent travel

What’s the trend? In an age of overstimulation, silence might be just what we need from our travels in 2024. Offering a chance to restore and reset, silent travel represents a more mindful kind of trip, one that doesn’t leave you needing a holiday to recover from your holiday. Silent meditation retreats are an increasingly popular wellness trend, but silent travel also encompasses secluded nature resorts, sleep retreats , quiet hotels , silent walking tours and even silent disco and concert experiences.

Why will it matter in 2024? Saturated with stress and screen time, many of us are looking for ways to disconnect. The silent walking trend that recently took TikTok by storm reflects a growing impulse to escape the noise of our tech-fuelled lives and embrace the quiet, with promising implications for wellbeing. One 2015 study suggests silence may help to stimulate brain development, while another found that two minutes of silence during or after relaxing music increased the music's calming effects. With the Global Wellness Institute forecasting a 21 per cent increase in wellness tourism in the next two years, what better counter to the chaos of our always-on lives than silence? Silent travel is also part of a move towards more sustainable tourism. Quiet Parks International , for example, offers unique nature experiences in dedicated quiet spaces, reducing noise pollution for the surrounding wildlife. Silent travel opportunities abound in 2024. Kick off the year with a silent retreat in Portugal (with Innate ) or Italy (with Mandali ). More adventurous silent-seekers can trek the peaceful Japanese Kumano Kodo trail, or explore Finland’s Arctic landscape with a Silence & Nature Tour . For a tailor-made silent experience, Black Tomato’s Blink camp offers luxury accommodation in the world’s most remote settings, while its Get Lost programme promises to help you find yourself by getting lost in a far-flung location. Tasha Kleeman

16. Urban gardens

What’s the trend? Never mind the biophilic office and those pot plants you forget to water: whole cities are going green as architects and planners create leafy microclimates amid the grey concrete to help keep us cooler, connect communities and even feed us.

Why will it matter in 2024? Having trees and gardens in our cities is a pretty good idea. King Nebuchadnezzar certainly thought so, which is why his Hanging Gardens of Babylon made it into travel’s first-ever bucket list – the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – back in the 2nd century BC. Nowadays planting trees creates much-needed shade, stores carbon and increases biodiversity, but it also makes our cityscapes so much nicer. While Valencia, an early adopter of urban greening with its 12km-long Turia Garden in 1986, is the 2024 European Green Capital, France is busy planting trees like there’s no tomorrow: go to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and you’ll spot budding new forests growing in Place du Colonel-Fabien, Place de Catalogne and in the Charonne district, while Bordeaux’s Grandeur Nature project includes urban cooling islands, micro-forests and rain gardens. All of which will doubtless be discussed at the ISHS Green Cities 2024 symposium, hosted by RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, England, in September. Meanwhile, on Cyprus – an island that experienced temperatures of 44℃ in 2023 – the new Salina Park opens in time for summer shade in the seaside city of Larnaca. In Brazil, Rio’s Hortas Cariocas is a groundbreaking achievement that will be completed by the end of 2024: the largest urban vegetable garden in the world, connecting 56 community gardens across favelas and schools. And in London, the £1-billion Google building in King’s Cross will show just what can be done with one structure. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the "landscraper" – only 11 storeys high but stretching out longer than the Shard is tall – is hoped to provide a blueprint for future urban projects: running along the rooftop is a multi-level garden, with wildflowers, lawns and decked seating areas, set with more than 55,000 plants and 250 trees. Can you dig it? Rick Jordan

17. Back-of-house tours

What’s the trend? Greener hotels giving us a look behind the scenes to show us – not just tell us – they're sustainable. We don't mean a look-see at solar panels or composting, but heart-lifting experiential tours that help us appreciate why it matters to support socio-economic uplift through tourism. In South America, Blue Apple Beach invites visitors to get up close and personal with the community work it does in Colombia through its impact fund. Founder Portia Hart wanted more than token-gesture carbon offsetting, where locals themselves could decide how money was spent. In Africa, guests of the Bushcamp Company contribute to initiatives through the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund. A popular excursion in Zambia is visiting the boreholes that are installed with outreach funds. Each pump provides fresh drinking water to hundreds of people a day, and visitors who spend time with those gathered get a very tangible insight into how such provisions funded by hospitality can literally change lives in regions most affected by a warming planet.

Why will it matter in 2024? Transparency is on the up as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive comes into force and greenwashing is coming close to being officially outlawed. A year of droughts, floods and heatwaves also reminds us we need to make better-informed choices in our travel planning – and all the better if we can also get a crash course in the science and sociology of positive impact. Experiences that go beyond explaining responsible practices, but demonstrate a deep respect for communities on the climate-change frontlines and help make their challenges relatable to visitors are especially helpful. Juliet Kinsman

18. Wild feasting

What’s the trend? Have you ever noticed how food always tastes better outdoors? But in today’s modern world many of us are more used to eating a sandwich while staring at a screen. Wild feasting describes the trend for beautifully curated culinary experiences in natural environments with the incorporation of hyper-local and foraged ingredients. In Sweden, for example, you can tap into a network of do-it-yourself outdoor restaurants where you book a table in a scenic location, search for nettles, birch leaves, lingonberries and trumpet chanterelles, and then cook them on an open fire according to a recipe card provided by a Michelin-grade chef.

Why will it matter in 2024? A greater range of wild feasting opportunities will give urbanites a chance to properly connect over food. Leading the way is Noah Ellis, founder of the UK's Nomadic Dinners. “Since launching in 2018, we experienced compounded year-on-year growth for our feasting and foraging experiences,” he says. In 2024 he will be hosting a new series of fire feasts, including one set among the bluebells. Also tapping into the zeitgeist is TikTok star Alexis Nikole Nelson (aka the Black Forager) who will publish a book about wild food in 2024. And don’t forget, 2024 is the last year you will be able to eat at Copenhagen ’s legendary, foraging-focused restaurant Noma before it turns into a test kitchen and closes to the public. Another innovator is Holmen Lofoten’s Kitchen On The Edge Of The World series in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, where guests can participate in four nights of wild feasts cooked by top chefs. In 2024, these will include Lennox Hastie, José Pizarro and Heidi Bjerkan. Ingunn Rasmussen, owner of Holmen Lofoten, says: “Now, as when we were little kids, gathering around a bonfire in the wilderness, sharing stories, feasting under the stars in these magical, remote surroundings is one of the absolute highlights, both for our guests and for us.” Jenny Southan

19. Plan-free travel

What's the trend? Saying no to endless scrolling to plan every inch of a trip, and saying yes to spontaneity instead. The power of the algorithm-spawned era of Fomo travel is waning, with those once secret spots made Insta-famous becoming tired and cookie-cutter, and the drive to plan a trip around them losing momentum. The rising counter movement is travel with no plans at all.

Why will it matter in 2024? The plan-free appeal is going one step further in 2024. Booking.com recently reported that 50 per cent of UK travellers want to book a surprise trip in 2024, where everything, even the destination, is unknown until arrival. And it’s possible to do it via travel companies such as Black Tomato, whose Get Lost service offers customers the ability to simply select a preferred environment – polar, jungle, desert, mountain or coastal – and leave its team decide everything else. “While we launched Get Lost several years ago, post-pandemic we’ve seen a notable and rising uptick in bookings and enquiries,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. Journee offers a similar surprise element, with travellers only finding out where they’re going at the airport. The service, which includes a full itinerary and access to a team via Whatsapp, is particularly popular with solo female travellers, while overall demand has grown so much that the London -based brand recently launched trips in the USA. Lauren Burvill

20. Frontier tourism

What’s the trend? To go above and beyond. Or below and under. As crossings of the tumultuous Drake Passage to Antarctica rack up millions of TikTok views and traffic jams form on Everest, canny travellers are seeking more individual, less obvious experiences that combine thrill-seeking with more meaningful self-empowerment.

Why will it matter in 2024? One person’s frontier is another’s backyard, of course, so frontiers are entirely subjective here. For some, this could mean being the first to camp under the stars in a remote landscape, or hike an ancient pilgrimage trail that’s been off the map for centuries. It’s still possible to bag a rare place on a Kamba African Rainforest Experience in the Republic of the Congo, being one of just 12 people to explore a game park the size of Belgium. Black Tomato, meanwhile, is designing an intrepid new expedition to the remote Mitre Peninsula in Argentina, along with a trip in Peru navigating the Sacred Valley of the Incas by raft. “This sort of adventure goes beyond bragging rights and is more akin to self-empowerment and the gratification of pushing our own horizons,” says Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant. The Ultimate Travel Company is also heading to Peru, a country repositioning itself for luxury travellers, with stays at Puqio, its first tented exploration camp,, in the remote Colca Valley in the Southern Peruvian Andes. Wilderness camping is also pegging out fresh terrain in Kyrgyzstan, with yurt stays on the steppes trending for 2024, according to Wild Frontiers, as is Mongolia ; while Albania, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Empty Quarter of Oman are all on the radar for an increasing number of travellers. And while the space-age pods of White Desert have already sold out for New Year’s Eve 2024 and 2025, latter-day frontiersfolk can take the path less travelled and explore the frozen continent’s southern coast (99 per cent of visitors go from South America to the northwest) with The Ultimate Travel Company’s new Ross Sea cruises, seeing the Ross Ice Shelf and Transantarctic Mountains. Don’t forget to pack your penknife. Rick Jordan

Luxury Travel Trends for 2024

• Wellness Travel and Wellbeing Trends

The travel industry is currently at its peak, and new luxury travel trends for high-end consumers are emerging to cater to the wanderlust of those who like to travel in style.

In 2024, we’re seeing a return to solo travel along with more mindful and eco-conscious travel choices that are allowing us to experience the world in a new way while revelling in the luxury of personalised experiences and luxury hospitality.

Here are the top luxury travel trends that will fill your Instagram feed in 2024.

Long-haul vacations

Luxury travel often means penning down unique travel experiences in our yearly calendars and anticipating them excitedly. While before we might have opted for shorter but more frequent holidays to get the most out of the year, long-haul travel experiences are now becoming the norm.

Hybrid working has surely allowed a more flexible mindset around how and when we book our holidays. According to the latest Flyrwire Corporation survey, 84% of luxury travellers plan to book longer vacations in 2024 than they did so in the past 18 months. They are also not restricted by the time of the year for their vacay-fun, with off-season being a popular option, and 85% of those surveyed attribute that to their hybrid working schedule.

The flexible working arrangements we now have are also giving rise to a quite alluring form of travel – bleisure. As the name suggests, bleisure combines business trips with leisure activities, which often implies extending our holiday time. 73% of those who took part in the Flywire survey say that they’re more likely to blur the lines between business trips and vacations now than they did so in the past.

Special events trips

The next few years are looking exceptionally exciting when it comes to big sports events. The 2025 Ryder Cup near Rome, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are creating more of a reason to plan our holidays around such events. Whether you’re a big sports fan or not, seeing something as spectacular as the Summer Olympics is trip-worthy.

This entices travellers to book longer holidays where they can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and sightseeing hotspots along with the winning sports!

Another luxury tourism trend that’s gaining momentum is participatory sports travel. While not all of us can be Olympic-level athletes or cycling champions, having the chance to ski with former Olympians or cycle a stage of the Tour de France is a hot ticket! Such experiences are now available for adventure-thirsty enthusiasts. That’s an upgrade in the sports-led travel trends for luxury travellers! So, go ahead and book in advance!

Solo travels

After our longing for togetherness and the outbreak of ‘we holidays’ such as multi-generational travels over the past few years, a new luxury travel trend is emerging – ‘me time’.

Solo getaways offer the opportunity to retreat from others and follow your own travelling rhythm without fighting over where to go next. They can be extremely soul-rejuvenating, whether you decide to go for a solo wellness retreat or a luxury expedition cruise. In fact, tour operators are reporting an exponential boom in solo travel bookings in 2023 and for 2024 compared to the previous years, with women being the biggest patrons of solo escapes.

But solo experiences don’t have to be solitary. According to Heidi Durflinger, president of EF Go Ahead Tours, “solo travel within a group is one of the fastest-growing travel styles right now”. This is a great way to meet new people while still enjoying the flexibility and independence that comes with solo travel. It’s great for character-building too!

The luxury travel industry is also making changes to accommodate solo travellers. Many ships have now waived or reduced the solo traveller fee and offer cabins specifically designed for single passengers. Even some yacht charters are available to book by the cabin with no additional fee if you travel solo.

Expedition cruises

Traditional cruises may well have had their peak in the last few years. Nevertheless, in 2024, we’re seeing a new form of cruising worldwide being popular amongst luxury travellers – expedition cruises.

While traditional cruises take travellers around more popular destinations, expedition cruising transports globetrotters to remote and less-explored places. Alongside the thrill of distant destinations, travellers are met by a crew of scientists who are ready to fill them in on the nitty-gritty facts about the Antarctic or the Boca dos Botos channel in the Amazon so that they can come back with an upgraded vocabulary about the natural and uncharted world.

The luxury hospitality is also up to par with this one-of-a-kind experience. Think gourmet dining, personal butlers, and spa facilities. What more could you ask for than a gourmet dinner followed by a lecture on polar bears?

Personalised experiences

With such a wide choice of experiences, luxury travellers seek something unique and specifically tailored to them. This has given rise to personalised travel experiences.

High-end consumers continue to value over-the-top luxury, including private services during their trips, such as personal tours, exclusive access, and even private drivers. When it comes to accommodation, they’re always opting for the latest luxury hotel trends and wellness facilities with custom packages.

Creating a perosnalised travel experience can start before guests even arrive at the destination. Asking them to fill out preference forms will help holiday organisers tailor their stay, welcome packages with personalised notes are a nice touch, and feedback forms will help create even more customised experiences in the future.

According to a recent YouGov study, affluent consumers are willing to pay a bit more for unique experiences that bring them closer to nature or a remote destination.

Sustainable-led travel

With the rising awareness of the importance of sustainability, the travel industry is also changing to accommodate eco-conscious consumerism. Enjoying the bliss of travelling in an opulent way doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. Some of the most luxurious travel experiences today are also the most sustainable ones. Think preservation projects, carbon-neutral flying, sustainable wellness retreats, and ‘eco hotels’. Many retreats, hotels, and tour operators are rethinking how they impact the environment and remodeling their structures to meet 2025 sustainability goals.

The 2022 Virtuoso report revealed that 74% of travellers are willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. In 2023 , this concept is taken further with the urge to implement more eco-friendly operations within the cruising industry, which attracts luxury travellers. Such initiatives include water conservation, exploring alternative energy sources, and working with destinations to manage tourism flows.

Indigenous-led travel experiences

As the thirst for authenticity is growing amongst travel-seekers, indigenous-led experiences are gaining popularity. Immersing yourself in the local community is a great way to get to know a place.

In 2023, some tour operators launched 100-plus indigenous experiences , from hiking tours of Utah’s national parks led by Native American guides to exploring Australia’s Aboriginal culture in the natural temples of Uluru and the Pilbara.

On the luxury wellness travel front, we will see travellers experiencing more indigenous well-being practices hosted in the land where they originate. Think traditional ryokans, also known as hot springs inns, in Japan, or explore traditional Arabic medicine directly from the source.

Wilderness wellbeing

Much like high-end travellers are looking to get closer to local communities through indigenous-led travel, the need to connect with nature is feeding into the emergence of the wilderness-led luxury wellness travel trend.

Instead of spas, travellers are heading into the forests, mountains, and lakes to experience restoration in the wild while reconnecting with Mother Earth. This luxury wellness travel trend makes perfect sense as people are developing a deep longing for nature, privacy, and better mental health.

Luxury retreats that offer mountain hikes, forest bathing , and wild swimming even in cold waters adopting the Wim Hof cold therapy method, will be on the list of high-end travellers looking for a dive into the wild in 2024. This type of travel experience can be perfectly complemented by conscious and sustainable-led travel, adding an extra level of care and connection with nature.

The Luxury Orient Express

There is something incredibly romantic about a train journey. You get to witness beautiful views while traversing through the Andes or the Scottish Highlands and looking through the nostalgic lens at the past. Train journeys are more responsible too, as they require less fuel and produce less carbon emissions than flights.

Multi-night train trips can easily be incorporated into custom itineraries, catering to this luxury experiential travel trend that celebrities such as Natalie Belden are hopping on. For her 25th birthday, the influencer managed to find last-minute tickets for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) from Vienna to Paris, which has been on her bucket list for years. “It’s the lure of being in Europe and getting that old-timey feel,” Belden told Robb Report, “but also being on this luxurious train that is so glamorous, and you have cocktails and Champagne.” She even compared it to a Disney ride.

Other luxurious train journeys include the Andean Explorer in South America or the British Pullman with its “Cygnus” carriage built in the 1950s and representative of director Wes Anderson’s style for those who are fans.

Gastronomic experiences

We all know that the way to a man’s heart is through their stomach. Turns out that the same applies to luxury travellers too, say the Virtuoso Travel Week ’s experts. High-end globetrotters are foodies too and are often seen appraising local culinary voyages, five-star dining, and immersive experiences such as cooking classes or wine tasting, whenever they visit a new destination.

Could that be the reason that inspires them to book their next holiday? Absolutely yes! Food writer and culinary instructor Julia Celeste Rosenfeld says that people are booking private tours into chefs’ kitchens to learn about food history and the craft. They are interested in customised experiences in a little village in the Mediterranean where they get to interact with the local chef and avoid long waiting lines.

Resorts are accommodating this luxury travel trend by organising artisan cooking classes that allow participants to bring something home with them after the class or scheduling VIP visits by celebrity chefs. That’s a sure way to bring people to their resorts!

Ease of payments

As we’re moving into a more digitised world, high-end travellers expect their holidays to be met with ease of payment, from accommodation to special activities expenditure. They don’t want to be waiting long for payment processing or having trouble with their cards, let alone dealing with cash, which some destinations still use. According to Flywire Corporation’s survey, 90% of luxury travellers prioritise convenience of payments, including contactless and mobile-friendly options.

But the ease of payments comes with an increased need for security. The survey shows that almost seven out of ten (69%) travellers surveyed have concerns about payment security, a 32% increase from the last two years. That means that tour operators must consider adding various payment options and an extra layer of security.

The 2024 looks beyond promising for those who will be bathing in the immersive experiences the travel industry offers. These luxury travel trends are making everything more exciting with a touch of sustainability and a sense of opulence filling the air.

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Luxury Travel Trends for 2024

Luxury travel has surged in popularity over recent years, even amongst regular folks. 2024 has some exciting and unique luxury travel trends to look forward to, and here are a few of the best.

Film & TV Locations

Whether hiking the mountains of New Zealand like the Fellowship did or visiting Kho Phi Phi Leh beach — the one seen in The Beach — travellers want to experience the locations their favourite films or TV shows used. Many are also looking to take it further and turn it into a multi-day or multi-week tour, taking in all these extraordinary sites during one holiday.

Special Events

A holiday is all about the experience; luxury travellers frequently add to this by visiting destinations for specific events. Whether it be a Formula 1 weekend in Las Vegas or the recent Rugby World Cup in France, holiday-makers want to add a once-in-a-lifetime event to their itinerary.

Going Private

More and more people realise that travelling by private jet or yacht is more affordable than they first thought. Thanks to concepts like empty legs and fee-sharing, more travellers want to add this touch of luxury to their holiday. Whether booking a private jet charter or being the captain of a private yacht on the Riviera, going private is one of the most popular ways to get around in the coming months.

Heath & Wellness

Health and wellness holidays have always been a trend, but 2024 is set to see them become even more popular amongst travellers. Many want to improve their physical and mental health in a tranquil, calming place away from their everyday lives. These holidays can range from a weekend in the mountains to a 10-day break in an all-inclusive resort; either way, you will feel like a brand-new person.

Remote Working

Another luxury travel trend that is gaining momentum is holidaymakers combining business with pleasure. Instead of travelling for a week or two for a holiday, many choose to take their work with them and stay abroad for an extended period. Remote working holidays have always been popular, but now, more people choose luxury apartments or villas instead of backpackers in Thailand. Remote working is more popular than ever, meaning travellers can extend their vacations indefinitely.

Food & Wine

Food and wine tours have always been simply part of an itinerary as opposed to the entire goal of the holiday. That has begun to change, with more people wanting to eat and drink all the best a country or region offers.

There is no better way to enjoy a glass of wine than by drinking it on the farm it was made on or eating freshly caught lobster or oysters 20 feet from the water. Travellers are also looking to dine at all the Michelin-starred restaurants they have only read about and leave with unforgettable, unparalleled memories. 

Self-Exploration

Self-exploration and solo holidays are also on the rise. People are looking to discover more about themselves and get to the root of who they are. You may think Eat, Pray, Love was just a book, but many more people are making it a reality. Furthermore, travelling solo comes with a range of perks, including staying in luxury hotels and eating at the best restaurants, which becomes far more budget-friendly when you only have to pay for yourself. Plus, if a completely solo trip isn’t for you, many tours offer solo travellers the chance to join a group of other solo adventurers. This means you are never too far away from making a few new friends.

Expedition Cruises

A unique trend gaining popularity amongst luxury travellers is expedition cruises . While on the surface, these types of cruises don’t scream “luxury,” the experience you get from them is something many will never get to enjoy. Once onboard, you will see that the gourmet dining and spectacular rooms are more than lavish enough.

Instead of travelling along the coast of Scandinavia exploring the Mediterranean, these cruises will take you to far-flung destinations like Antarctica or deep into the Amazon. This is one of the most incredible ways to see the world and one of the few ways to get to these less-explored places.

Personally-Tailored Luxury Travel Awaits

2024 is the year when luxury travellers don’t just settle for the usual and, instead, see and do more on their holidays than ever before. Whether it is wine in France or coming up close and personal with a polar bear or anaconda, these daring new trends will shape travel next year and possibly change it forever.

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[…] Luxury travel has surged in popularity over recent years, even amongst regular folks. 2024 has some exciting and unique luxury travel trends to look forward to, and here are a few of the best. https://drifttravel.com/luxury-travel-trends-for-2024/ […]

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Global Luxury Travel Trends with Virtuoso's Founder & CEO Matthew Upchurch Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Special Hospitality Edition - Live from Vegas @ Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' Join us for this captivating conversation with visionary CEO & Founder of Virtuoso, Matthew Upchurch. With his roots deeply embedded in travel,  Matthew offers us a remarkable glimpse into his family's legacy and the collective ingenuity of 1950's boutique travel agencies that helped shaped the tailored travel advisor experiences we clamor for today. Our conversation starts with the creation of Virtuoso and weaves through their  incredible journey to become a global powerhouse of luxury travel .  Matthew's shares many fascinating insights about the travel industry's evolution and the global luxury travel trends for 2024. We discuss what brings him to the 'The Summit', and the many benefits and takeaways from this year's successful event, from partnerships opportunities with 5 Star Hotels to workshops on AI.  In an age where technology's grasp tightens around our experiences, Matthew sheds light on the dual role of artificial intelligence in streamlining processes while emphasizing the irreplaceable trust instilled by human touch.    A Must Listen - This episode is hands down one of the most inspiring, engaging and valuable discussions we've ever had on Travel Trends.  For that, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Matthew for joining me for this incredible discussion.  Special thanks to the Forbes Travel Guide team for the opportunity to showcase these legends of hospitality.  More conversations and highlights to follow! Season 3 Sponsors Propellic is the only integrated digital marketing agency focused exclusively on driving bookings for travel companies. If you’re looking to accelerate your direct bookings and decrease your cost per acquisition, we highly recommend that you get in touch with Propellic. They’re offering our 'Travel Trends' listeners a free marketing audit. Just mention our Podcast.  Check out Propellic.com   TravelAI is shaping personalized travel experiences through micro-segmentation and the power of AI.   Their portfolio of travel brands is ever-growing, with new additions launching regularly to meet the shifting sands of the consumer landscape.  In addition to launching brands; they're filling gaps, identifying niches, and meeting traveler demands head-on. Their ultimate goal? An efficient travel ecosystem. Learn More https://www.travelai.com/resources/ New Travel Trends Episodes Every Wednesday. Check out Season 1 & 2. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant to process transactions within the same calendar year that you made the prepaid booking in order to apply the statement credit in the calendar year that it was intended. For example, if you make an eligible prepaid booking on the last day of the year, but the merchant doesn't process that transaction until the next day, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied to the Card Account, if the purchase is eligible. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.

5X Membership Rewards ®  Points Platinum Card:  Basic Card Members will get 1 Membership Rewards ®  point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on their Platinum Card ®  or an Additional Card on their Account and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on any Card on the Account (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points.

Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.

5X Membership Rewards Points for Business Platinum Card:  You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card ®  from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards ®  points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card ® . To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards ®  point benefit. To be eligible to receive extra points, Card account(s) must not be cancelled or past due at the time of extra points fulfillment. If booking is cancelled, the extra points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards account. Extra points will be credited to the Membership Rewards account approximately 6-10 weeks after eligible purchases appear on the billing statement. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.

Please visit  americanexpress.com/rewards-info  for more information about rewards.

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If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Corporate Card Members are not eligible for Pay Over Time.

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

4 Top Luxury Travel Trends By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

March 8, 2024

Many travel trends have proved fleeting, like revenge travel or buddymoons. But some evolve and help shape the future of travel.

At Forbes Travel Guide’s recent 2024 Summit , the premier gathering of the luxury travel and hospitality industry, top leaders revealed the hot trends that are taking hold right now.

There’s an increasing demand for luxury travel experiences, said Rafat Ali, CEO and founder of travel news website Skift, at the Summit. “This isn’t just about more people being able to afford luxury,” he said. “It’s about more people choosing travel as a form of self-expression and personal growth. Millennials and Gen Zers are driving this change, putting experiences over things.”

“The luxury hospitality industry has never been more strongly positioned to satisfy the growing appetite for elevated and distinctive travel experiences,” said Amanda Frasier, president of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide. “With a continued hyperfocus on quality of health as a key ingredient to the definition of luxury for today’s traveler, we are excited for the years ahead and where this cultural shift will move the industry.”

Here are the other major trends that emerged from the Summit at Resorts World Las Vegas:

Well-Being Is Here to Stay

There’s been a great emphasis on wellness in travel since the pandemic, but it’s more than just a fad —it’s permanently changed how people think about travel. “What started out as spas, fitness and outdoor recreation in travel has exploded into full-blown branded hotels, health resorts, wellness retreats and travel partners all promoting wellness as a core brand value, if not their entire raison d’être ,” said wellness and hospitality expert Mia Kyricos, president and “Chief Love Officer” of Kyricos & Associates LLC, at the Summit.

Last year, her company surveyed CEOs of the largest hotel chains, industry analysts, consultants and wellness advisers, and 97% agreed that wellness and well-being are very or extremely important to the future of travel and hospitality.

But what’s next in the wellness space is longevity — Kyricos called it “the wellness buzzword of 2024.”

“Longevity travel is a coming trend,” affirmed Chip Conley, founder and CEO of Modern Elder Academy (a self-described midlife wisdom school) and Airbnb’s former head of global hospitality and strategy. Conley said interest in achieving a longer lifespan made MEA faculty member Dan Buettner found Blue Zones, a leader in longevity research based on where people live extraordinarily long or happy lives. “Part of the reason it’s become so successful and has a Netflix documentary is because we’re all curious about how to live a longer, healthier, happier, deeper life,” Conley said at the Summit.

One place incorporating longevity into its lineup is Four-Star Carillon Miami Wellness Resort , which consistently offers innovative wellness offerings. Carillon leads two retreats focused on longevity in partnership with The Biostation, a South Florida anti-aging and wellness center. “Get Healthy Together” provides comprehensive services aimed at rejuvenation and takes its cues from developments in longevity research. In-depth diagnostic testing and restorative treatments help guests improve their energy, achieve a better hormone balance and find lasting anti-aging benefits. During the “Optimal Health Together” retreat, friends or partners have over 100 biomarker assessments, IV nutrient therapy, daily group fitness, spa treatments and more.

“Wellness retreats provide a focused and immersive experience aimed at promoting health, vitality and longevity through personalized care and holistic approaches to well-being,” said Tammy Pahel, vice president of spa and wellness operations at Carillon.

A Rise in Solo Travel

“Loneliness is one of the biggest, fastest-growing crises in the world,” Ali said at the Summit. He pointed to 2023 U.S. Census data that says more than a quarter of all U.S. households have one person — the highest number in the country’s history. What this means for luxury travel is that we will see an increase in solo travel as a means to connect with people, Ali said.

Cruises are seizing this opportunity and creating offerings for single travelers. Crystal is promoting “Sail Solo in Style,” where Abercrombie & Kent-curated shore excursions are tailored to solitary adventurers, single staterooms and suites are available, and ambassador hosts can dine or dance with women cruising on their own. Celebrity is also wooing the solo set with single staterooms on Silhouette and all Edge-series ships, including the new Ascent , and a new hosted gathering and dinner for solo travelers.

Hotels are jumping on the trend as well. Grand Velas Riviera Maya , a Four-Star all-inclusive resort in Mexico, debuted the Solo Travelers Experience. The package for one features a Mexican spirit tasting, a honey tasting from the hotel’s bee sanctuary and a Bacal Massage (a locally inspired treatment that uses corn cobs). It also includes a Tulum day trip to visit a cenote and swim with sea turtles.

The need for connection is giving rise to a new form of social clubs. Six Senses plans to debut a new brand, Six Senses Place, that will be a membership-based social club akin to Soho House but with a wellness focus. The clubs will reside within Six Senses hotels.

Business Travel Finally Rebounds

Business travel is booming, and it doesn’t look like it will stop any time soon. Global business travel spending is expected to reach its pre-pandemic total of $1.4 trillion in 2024 and grow to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027, according to a report from the Global Business Travel Association . 

“In 2024, we forecast that business/group travelers will represent a significant market segment,” said Jerelle Gordan, director of sales and special events at Resorts World Las Vegas, a property with more than 250,000 square feet of event space. Gordan said that business travelers have continued to increase year over year and that RWLV is booked through 2029 for conferences.

Another trend among those hitting the road for work is bleisure travel (a blend of business and leisure). The GBTA reports that 62% of business travelers say they are doing more bleisure travel than in 2019, with 42% adding additional personal days to their business trips. And 79% of these travelers are staying at the same hotel for the business and vacation portions of their trip.

“RWLV, and Las Vegas as a whole, continues to witness bleisure as business travel continues to grow, and guests extending stays for leisure purposes is becoming a more common travel theme amongst those visiting,” Gordan said. “The RWLV property has a lot to offer, from incredible entertainment to state-of-the-art spa and wellness services, plus gaming, to name a few. It’s hard not to fit some personal time in when here on business.”

Each year RWLV — which comprises Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World , Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Las Vegas — has been in operation, it’s created new meeting spaces to accommodate how its events continue to grow. But the mega-resort goes beyond adding space to cater to business travelers. There’s a VIP Luxury Services department that finds creative ways to anticipate guest needs. High-end Crockfords’ daily turndown service includes bottled water, chamomile milk, dark chocolates, Awana Spa face masks and Theraguns for recovery. But any room on the property can order special amenities, like floral arrangements grown in-house and sleep kits with a pillow mist, ear plugs and eye cream.

Demand Drives Smaller City Growth

After the pandemic, travelers flocked to the faraway destinations they dreamed of during lockdown. About 1.3 billion million tourists traveled internationally in 2023, up significantly from about 960 million in 2022, which was more than double the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

For 2024, they will likely stay closer to home. In the U.S., there’s been a rise in travel in smaller cities, which have been working to accommodate the influx. Tampa is undergoing a resurgence with its revamped Water Street district, which features new hotels like The Tampa EDITION , a chic spot with one of the city’s most buzzed-about restaurants, Lilac from chef John Fraser, and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street , a 27-story waterfront getaway with the city’s highest rooftop bar. Plus, the Tampa Convention Center wrapped up its most extensive renovation to date in June, and Tampa International Airport, which has been steadily updating since 2012, will break ground on a new 16-gate international and domestic terminal this year.

While Nashville has always been a destination for music fans and foodies, it’s also established itself as a city for luxury travelers. In 2022, the city saw a spurt of new openings with eco-friendly 1 Hotel Nashville , contemporary Conrad Nashville and the riverfront Four Seasons Hotel Nashville joining established properties like art-focused The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville and 1910 landmark The Hermitage Hotel (which unveiled a restoration and redesign in 2022). And more are on the way: a Ritz-Carlton will open in 2026 and an EDITION will follow in 2027.

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Like Jewels, Will Travel

Gem- and jewelry-themed tours and excursions mix treasure hunting with adventure and cultural experiences.

Text by Amy Elliott

Illustrations by Ben Pearce

Last year, when Roberto Ruiz visited the Carbonera mine in Querétaro, Mexico, he cracked open a grapefruit-size piece of rhyolite with a hammer. When he looked inside, “it was like finding a fire fossil,” he said during a recent phone interview from his home in San Antonio. Inside was an orangey-red fire opal that he likened to a flame, forever preserved in the sphere of igneous rock.

Mr. Ruiz and his wife, Erika Rodriguez, are among the few people who have traveled to the mine, a desolate spot located in Carbonera in central Mexico, a destination that’s well off the beaten tourist track, some 20 miles from the nearest city. Their journey was especially unusual as neither is in the gem trade: Mr. Ruiz is a corporate attorney and Ms. Rodriguez works in digital marketing.

But they are among a growing number of travel enthusiasts seeking unusual, hyper-specific vacation experiences that offer an insider’s view of the gem and fine jewelry industries, and a number of businesses are responding to the demand accordingly.

Mr. Ruiz said the idea of visiting an opal mine was appealing for a few reasons, starting with his lifelong fascination with gemstones and minerals.

The mine’s remote location in the rocky, semidesert wilderness (where snakes and scorpions are not uncommon) was also compelling: Ms. Rodriguez said she and her husband are usually inclined toward travel focused on outdoor adventure, from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru to rock climbing around Krabi in southern Thailand.

“We had also gone to the American Museum of Natural History in New York and saw an opal from Querétaro, and Roberto is originally from there,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “We found out something that we didn’t even know existed and we became interested in learning how the opals are extracted — and meeting the people who were doing it.”

But a traveler cannot just show up at a mine and start digging. It requires a guide, someone well connected to the mine owners and well versed in what to expect: dirt and dust; lots of walking; the occasional explosion at the site; and, at times, security risks. Given their knowledge of the terrain, guides keep an ear to the ground for rumblings — both geological and political — and respond accordingly to keep travelers safe.

The couple arranged the trip through Carlos Torres, an acquaintance from New York who is a gemologist, commercial gem buyer and consultant. He had piqued their interest with tales of the mines he has visited, particularly on trips with his business partner, Laurent Massi, who has taught gemology at several institutions and now is the owner of the Neogem consultancy in Paris.

Mr. Torres and Dr. Massi have organized gem mining trips not just to Mexico, but also to destinations such as Colombia (for emeralds), Thailand (for rubies) and Brazil (for Paraiba tourmaline). Last fall, they started the Gem Odyssey , a business to structure similar gem-hunting expeditions as all-inclusive travel packages that start, on average, at about $3,700 per person, not including airfare.

Gem Odyssey itineraries are tailored to jewelry enthusiasts who are not industry professionals — offering plenty of education and explanation, while avoiding “inside baseball”-type industry talk. The trips typically span nine days, with at least three of those days spent at a mine site.

The founders say the schedules can be customized to include experiences such as tequila tastings or visits to local artisan markets; any given trip might include a mix of accommodations, with upscale hotels near the airports or central cities and more rustic facilities in the mining areas.

But his clients don’t come for the niceties, Mr. Torres said. “They like the idea of getting mud on their hands.”

And, he added, after receiving instruction in mining safety, they become part of the process: “They see the drilling, how the dynamite is used for extraction, and they get to experience breaking the stones and checking for gems.”

Dr. Massi, who also was on the phone interview with Mr. Torres, said that “witnessing the birth of a gemstone is not something anyone can do and see at home in their garden. We try to give them an experience, and see a part of a country, that they could not get access to on their own.”

Digging For Tourmalines

Perhaps it is not surprising, but gem- and jewelry-themed travel is a trend especially relevant to the tastes and inclinations of high-net worth individuals — people with at least $1 million in liquid assets — according to Milton Pedraza, the founder and chief executive of the Luxury Institute, a consultancy specializing in luxury consumer research with offices in New York and Florida.

Mr. Pedraza said the sophisticated traveler has “seen it, done it.” So, he said, when someone has the opportunity to access an exclusive experience in a far-flung part of the world, “it makes your life more unique,” he said,“and everybody wants to be seen as authentic, unique and genuine.”

The designer Pamela Hastry is connected to such clients through Morphée , her jewelry company in Paris, and the lectures that she regularly hosts in and around her hometown, Brussels. She also conducts private tours of Place Vendôme in Paris, a center for high jewelry, and of the Diamantkwartier, or Diamond Quarter, in Antwerp, Belgium, one of the jewelry industry’s oldest and most prominent diamond centers.

In November Ms. Hastry is planning to take a group to Namibia, in southern Africa, to discover the country’s beautiful tourmalines (while also making a stop at a mine that produces chrysocolla, an unusual blue-green type of chalcedony). Organized with Destination, a luxury travel agency in Belgium, the 10-day itinerary includes at least one night in a tent near one of the tourmaline mines (€8,986 or about $9,711, without airfare).

“You’re going to live — and dig — like a miner for a day and a half,” Ms. Hastry said.

Damien Van Bellinghen, the founder of Le Club des Etoiles, a business and social club in Brussels, has one of the 15 reservations for the Namibia trip. Mr. Van Bellinghen, who went on one of Ms. Hastry’s private tours of Antwerp’s diamond district, wrote in an email that he looked forward to discovering how gems are extracted, getting to know the miners and exploring the country through the lens of a jeweler.

“The types of trips that Pamela Hastry organizes plunge straight into the heart of where the most marvelous jewels come from,” he wrote. “Such visits can only be made if you are accompanied by someone who has ‘insider’ knowledge and, above all, who has the trust of the local people. And we’re lucky enough to enjoy it.”

The Royal Treatment

If you do find a gem during one of these mine trips, can it be used in a piece of jewelry? Both Ms. Hastry and Mr. Torres of the Gem Odyssey said that they could facilitate a purchase, although they noted that the item purchased would have to comply with international import/export regulations.

But some gem-loving travelers don’t want to dig for their treasures. They would rather a holiday centered on history, sightseeing and shopping for finished pieces of jewelry (with posh accommodations and amenities as a bonus).

“You can tour some cities very easily through the lens of the history of fine jewelry and jewelry-making,” said Camilla Davidson, who is head of destination management for Britain, France and Ireland at Red Savannah , a luxury travel agency in England. “And that would still enable you to see so many of the destination’s highlights.”

For example, the agency offers a tour of London called Couture and Crown Jewels, an extravagant option for jewelry enthusiasts with deep pockets ($550,000 for two people, without airfare). It offers a private tour of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and dinner in its White Tower; a four-night stay at the Raffles London at the OWO; and tickets to a West End show. And it includes a $125,000 credit toward a jewelry purchase at Humphrey Butler, an antique and estate jeweler.

Ms. Davidson said she developed the package in response to the world’s fascination with British royalty and was inspired by the idea of connecting a visit to the Crown Jewels to an exclusive jewelry shopping experience.

Humphrey Butler and his namesake business were a natural fit for the itinerary, she said: “He has the most impeccable collection and he as an individual is completely charming, exceptionally discreet, and just great fun to be around.”

Jewels at Sea

For some jewelry collectors, a travel experience that plays to, or enhances, their level of connoisseurship, is most appealing.

“Whatever their interest is, they want to learn more,” said Mr. Pedraza, the luxury consumer specialist. “So they make an adventure or journey out of it.”

One such example might be the Spotlight on Fabergé package offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises in collaboration with Fabergé, the Russian heritage workshop known for its bejeweled eggs, which in 2009 moved its headquarters in London.

The first such excursion aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur liner is scheduled for July. Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Fabergé’s creative director, explained that the cruise is designed for “clients who care about art and culture and would happily sit for an hour or so to learn about the history of Fabergé’s royal clients then and now.”

The Grandeur, which was launched in November, has its own 1,600-piece art collection, including a Fabergé egg in an ocean theme with blue guilloché enamel, diamonds and pearls, called “Journey in Jewels,” which was commissioned by Regent Seven Seas. (The meetings on the commission actually led to the cruise collaboration.)

The 11-day voyage is scheduled to depart from the Civitavecchia port in Rome and to include destinations such as the Sicilian city of Taormina; Ibiza, Spain; and Nice, France, ending in Monaco (from $12,999 per person, including airfare).

The programming is to include Fabergé expert-led lectures, screenings and master classes, as well as shore excursions attuned to the participants’ interests in the decorative arts. As Ms. von dem Bussche-Kessell sees it, such a floating symposium — a kind of sleepover camp on a luxury scale — effectively creates a community for people who share a common passion.

Mr. Pedraza said that was an important incentive for certain travelers: “They love to engage with the product while meeting people who are their peers and who come through trusted brands and curators.”

And the return home is just as important as the journey itself, especially with a glittering souvenir to show friends and family.

“You get to demonstrate your expertise,” Mr. Pedraza said, “The experience has made you an insider.”

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Brands for International Travel, According to Pros

Don’t splurge on a suitcase until you’ve read this expert shopping advice.

"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler’s best friend."

Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.

Paravel Weekender

Paravel is one of Schroeder’s go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her “ Mary Poppins bag”), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag

"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."

A favorite of Marchant’s (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. “The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style,” she says. “The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life,” he says.

Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk

This heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.

The brand’s items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter’s chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend

If you’re looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.

AWAY The Bigger Carry-On

This Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder’s, as the brand’s Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.

“In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility,” says Schroeder. “Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage.”

Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk

The celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric’s is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.

Bric’s offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.

Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey

Iconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It’s been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming’s novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).

Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It’s a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.

Monos Check-In Large

Monos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.

They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.

TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case

“My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients,” Schroder says.

The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand’s portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone’s belongings as best as possible.

The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.

Royce & Rocket

The youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the brand’s catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.

Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner

Since 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it’s a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.

BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender

Schroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.

“I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type,” she says. “For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn’t fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"

Meet the Experts

Emma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler .

Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato .

Why Trust VERANDA

For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best. (edited)

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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Gen Z and millennial travel trends: Do they really care about sustainability?

The short answer: Yes.

But with some constraints. It’s a grey area, so let’s try to color it a little more black and white. To understand millennial and Generation Z attitudes towards sustainability, especially when it comes to booking a hotel, it’s key to understand the reasoning. Why do they care? Why should they?

Two small words that represent something very big and very scary: climate change. Members of these younger generations care about sustainability because they just can’t risk ignoring it anymore. With straws becoming the enemy overnight, NASA making efforts to inform and educate, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports regularly being updated, climate change has become a huge topic of conversation in mass media. Many feel a wave of guilt every time they forget their reusable grocery bags, spit their gum out onto the sidewalk or — wait for it — use an illegal plastic straw. We’re honestly shuddering thinking about it. 

Millennial and Gen Z travel trends shaping the future of hospitality

A look at how hotel guest demographics are shifting — and what millennials want

Seven Gen-Z travel trends that are transforming the hospitality industry

Why do they care.

Why does climate change loom so heavy on millennial and Gen Z consumers? Well if we’re being blunt, it’s because they’re the ones who will actually be alive to deal with the consequences. (Sorry, Grandma.)

So: we know they care, we know they feel guilty doing unsustainable things and we know why. But there’s still a disconnect in what young travelers are saying and what they’re doing.

In citing a November 2023 study from Phocuswright (which suggested that travelers' stated concern for the environment is often not reflected in their spending choices), the travel blog Live and Let's Fly certainly didn't sugarcoat things in its headline: "Study: Travelers don't actually care about sustainability."

The Live and Let's Fly post did speculate that "surely that’s weighed down by older travelers who may care less about the environment," but we can't pin this all on baby boomers.

Why aren't younger travelers putting their money where their mouth is?

The reasons are not all that hypocritical. We swear.

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Let’s start with what they’re saying.

We know, for example, that climate change is among millennials’ top five biggest concerns , that travel is very important to them and that authentic experiences with the local culture are key, with 60% of millennials ranking that as the most vital part of travel .

Gen Z is even more environmentally and socially conscious than previous generations, and sustainability considerations greatly impact how they view different brands.

According to research from Skift , 54% of Gen Z travelers report that they're willing to pay higher rates to use a travel service provider that demonstrates environmental responsibility, compared to 48% of millennials. 

Great. That’s all fine and dandy.

Here’s the thing: millennials love sustainability, they love supporting responsible companies, and we love them for it. But they won’t go out of their way to do it. At the end of the day, they won’t sacrifice convenience or value for sustainability — and that logic applies to booking a hotel. 

A study from LIM College compared five purchasing influences. Here are the top three factors that effected whether or not millennials will bite:

Ease of purchase: it has to be convenient (95%)

Price and value: there has to be a bang for their buck (95%)

Uniqueness: it has to be different (92%)

When you throw that all together, add a pinch of salt, and let it simmer for an hour, you'll get the magic potion that makes millennials (and, by extension, their Gen Z counterparts) buy into sustainability when booking a hotel: make it easy to book, offer solid services and amenities at a reasonable price, and make it unique. The first two are pretty straightforward, so let’s carve out that last one.

Uniqueness can sound vague, all-encompassing, and subjective. It sounds like it could mean anything.

But it doesn’t.

What does "unique" mean to young travelers?

"Unique" means that they are looking to buy into experiences when booking a hotel.

According to one study, 78% of millennials say they would choose to spend money on an experience over buying something.

Both millennials and Gen Z members, who together represent almost half of the world's population, are also the most likely to cite factors such as "transparency" and "authenticity" when asked what influences their decisions whether or not to support certain brands.

These travelers expect something authentic. Something cultured. Something supporting local communities. Something that’ll make them reconsider the way they thought the world worked. That means integrating sustainability into the hotel's whole guest experience so that it feels second-nature.

Taking a holistic approach is key.

Think combining luxury with sustainability through on-site organic farm-to-table restaurants.

Think integrating it into the hotel's architecture with natural elements like curvature, wood, greenery and natural lighting pouring through large windows.

Think energy-saving lights, appliances and insulation to reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint.

Think replacing traditionally unsustainable amenities with their green counterparts. Many hotels are switching from printed newspapers and magazines to digital platforms like PressReader that deliver a seamless reading experience to guests — right on their own devices. Not only are hotels saving operating costs, but they're making the planet a better place. How's that for social responsibility? 

Tell them about it

Don't forget to tell millennials and Gen Z travelers you’re doing all of this at your hotel.

Explain the what: sustainability.

And explain the why: caring for our planet matters.

Let's face it: most potential guests won’t take the time to do their homework and dig through your brand’s corporate values. Remember that convenience is key. Younger travelers expect businesses in the tourism and travel industry to make it loud and clear that they align themselves with social and economic sustainability. Hotels can advertise their brand values in places millennials hang out — mainly online. This is even more true of the tech-savvy Generation Z, which is mostly made up of digital natives who spend much of their time on social media platforms.

Does your hotel have an Instagram? Put it in your bio. A website? Make sure corporate values are front and center. Clearly communicate your sustainable practices, goals and achievements through all of these channels — or via PressReader's Self-Pub feature .

And of course, make it clear at the property so it's one of the first things they see when they arrive. 

Scream it proudly from the rooftops.

Get your property eco-certified 

As we noted in a previous blog post on how to get your hotel eco-certified (and showing up in Google Search) , certification is a great way to showcase that you take your hotel's sustainability efforts seriously and are abiding by best practices.

After all, if you are operating an eco-friendly hotel, you want eco-conscious consumers to know about it. And with Google Search now making it easier than ever for travelers to find eco-certified accommodations , getting that certification is more important than ever.

Get ready for Generation Alpha 

Elder millennial travelers are now approaching middle age while the first wave of Gen Z adults are becoming an important target market for the tourism industry.

But there's another young demographic on the horizon. The oldest members of Generation Alpha may only be 10 or 11 in 2024, but hoteliers and travel brands would do well to keep them in mind, because they will soon make their own mark on the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.

According to a recent report from Intrepid and the Future Laboratory , by 2040, members of Gen Alpha will be logging every Uber ride, plane journey and trip to the supermarket on their smartphones to track their carbon footprint in real time.

This conscientious cohort will be keeping tabs on the travel industry, including on tour operators and hotels. They will want to know how companies are supporting social and environmental initiatives before spending their money with them.

Don't say we didn't warn you.

Hotels Hotel trends Sustainability Hospitality tourism Gen Z

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30 Best Luxury Home Decor Items to Elevate Your Space

They're worth every penny

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When it comes to picking out your new home additions, California-based interior designer Malak Bellajdel recommends prioritizing accent pieces like rugs, lighting , vases, mirrors, and throw pillows to easily revamp an area. “Your home decor is an extension of your personality, and each style creates a different look and feel,” Bellajdel says. “Keeping up with design trends is fun,” she adds. “However, you should always prioritize functionality and stick to a style that you find timeless. This balanced approach will ensure a comfortable space that matches your personality and aesthetic without being overly impractical.”

Our top picks for the best luxury home decor in 2024

Artful Dinnerware

Moda domus handcrafted ceramic cabbage dinner plate.

An Iron Catchall

Jan barboglio golondrina.

A Decorative Candle

Fornasetti frutto proibito candle.

An Unusual Lamp

Tennant new york l'escargot lamp.

A Cozy Throw Blanket

Barefoot dreams cozychic throw blanket.

A Statement Throw Pillow

Schumacher the wave 20" pillow, a luxury coffee table book, <i>paul-gérard pasols<i> louis vuitton: the birth of modern luxury.

A Decorative Box

Bordallo pinheiro small pimiento box.

A Glass Figurine

Daum crystal coral sea small shell figurine.

A Sculptural Vase

Michael aram butterfly ginkgo small vase.

In addition to considering aesthetics and function, Molinario also suggests paying attention to scale and size. “Scale is one of my top priorities when it comes to home decor,” she says. “Regardless of the cost, a decorative piece simply won't elevate a space if its proportions aren't suitable for the room.”

So whether you're looking for a lavish throw blanket you can drape over the arm of your favorite accent chair or a smaller home decor gift , we rounded up the 30 best luxury home decor items that will instantly elevate any space. Keep scrolling to discover them.

While you can–and should–eat all your meals off this ceramide cabbage plate, it's so beautiful that it should really count as a piece of art.

Jan Barboglio's gothic-meets-medieval pieces are truly stunning to behold, and this cast iron dish from the designer is perfect for storing your jewelry, keys, or everyday nicknacks.

You would be forgiven for thinking this candle is too pretty to burn, but its wonderful notes of jasmine and blood orange will make you eager to light it. Once the wax has burned down, the apple-shaped ceramic container can also easily be repurposed.

For the creature lovers out there, this unique lamp is inspired by sea snails found in the Galapagos. The base is wrapped with leather cord and is sure to be a conversation starter.

This plush throw blanket might seem quite classic, but its fuzzy finish adds some textural interest.

Schumacher The Wave 20" Pillow

Starring a faded, waved print by esteemed interior designer Miles Redd, this throw pillow offers added cushioning and a hint of edge to an otherwise simple living room.

Paul-Gérard Pasols Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury

Though an interesting read in itself, this book is too stylish not to be displayed. Leave it out for your guests to educate themselves and learn a little more about your interests.

You get bonus points for storing veggies in here, but even as a fun decorative box in your collection, this piece stands out. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe and makes for the perfect piece of coffee table eye candy.

French glassware company Daum has been making lovely, colorful figurines for centuries. Whether placed above the mantle or on your bedside table, this blue conch shell style will help bring the beachy aesthetic into your home.

Fresh flowers will look even more striking in this sculptural vase. The ginkgo-adorned piece catches the light in the most luminous way.

Open Spaces Nesting Trays

Simply tossing your keys or jewelry into one of these nesting trays can immediately make your home feel more put together. What's more, they're stackable.

Vitra Nelson Night Clock

Opening your phone to check the time will simply never be as glamorous as glancing at this cool clock.

L'objet Han Salt & Pepper Shakers

For something equally luxe to match your pristine tableware, these crystal and gold-plated salt and paper shakers fit the bill.

Dior Large Square Pillow

Dressed in a print so recognizable it needs no introduction, this Dior style is the ultimate throw pillow for fashion lovers. You can also get it custom embroidered to make someone's day.

Crosley 1950 Payphone

As a decor item, this retro-inspired phone will become you room's next focal point. But the best part is, this device is fully functional—with or without coins.

Toast Jack Welbourne Wave Jug

Replacing modern designs with handmade ceramics is an easy way to add a warmer, holistic energy to your home. Rather than filling up your cup in the sink, pour from this elegant water jug instead.

Ameico Man Ray Chess Set

As both a mentally-stimulating game and luxe home accessory, this hand-finished beechwood chess set delivers on all fronts.

The Million Roses Long Stem Roses | Candy Pink Roses

Considering how much money these preserved roses will ultimately save you on weekly bouquet runs, they're well worth the investment. Here, you get a bundle of two dozen, which should last at least three years with zero upkeep.

MINDTHEGAP The Station View Wallpaper

Adding wallpaper, even to a single wall in a room, can instantly transform your space. This intricate option from Anthropologie offers an old-world feel.

Cas Friese Jagged No. 3651

Hanging art in your home is one of the best ways to not only elevate the look of your space, but also show off your taste and sensibilities. This distinct photograph by Cas Friese can be bought in several sizes, depending on your needs.

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

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2024 Best Hotels in Moscow

Hotels ranked on industry awards, guest reviews and hotel class ratings

Unbiased content created by U.S. News editors

Photo tours of select hotels by local experts

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Discover the best hotel for you:

Near SVO airport

Hotel Metropol Moscow

Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow

Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow

Lotte Hotel Moscow - The Leading Hotels of the World

Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow

InterContinental Moscow - Tverskaya, an IHG Hotel

Hotel Savoy Moscow

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka

Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy Hotel

StandArt Design Hotel

Ararat Park Hotel Moscow

Petroff Palace Boutique Hotel

Chekhoff Hotel Moscow Curio Collection by Hilton

Mövenpick Moscow Taganskaya

Travel Guide

Moscow's opulence and high culture is a sight to be seen. Forget what you learned about Russia in grade school. This lavish capital of a formerly communist nation has fully embraced the luxuries, excesses and decadence of Western capitalism. Like many former Soviet countries, Mother Russia struggles to successfully confront issues of widespread poverty, alcoholism, failing healthcare, and environmental protection. But Moscow has burgeoned into one of the most expensive, exclusive and largest travel destinations in the world. It comes complete with world-class museums, magnificent palaces, $1,000-a-night hotels, "face-control" nightclubs and internationally-renowned restaurants. Don't think you can afford Moscow? Don't be afraid. You can still find affordable deals if you are vigilant. This metropolis has a big and bold character and grandiose setting that's definitely worth getting to know.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Qatar Business & Luxury Travel Congress

Bringing handpicked buyers of meetings, incentives, luxury & business travel from across qatar and global suppliers together for ‘business’.

MALT Congress Video

QBLT Congress

Destination partner.

Maldives | Redefining MICE

Bonita thompson, mark thompson.

Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress

March 30th - 31st 2022 | Dubai, UAE

MICE India & Luxury Travel (MILT) Congress

July, 2022 | India

Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress

June 2022 | Riyadh, KSA

QBLT Congress | 28th March 2022 | Doha, Qatar

For speaking slots and blocking a position at the congress, please send an email to: [email protected]

The Qatar Business & Luxury Travel (QBLT) Congress is a luxury closed-door, boutique congress that will bring together 60 of the biggest, pre-qualified outbound travel buyers of Meetings, Incentives, Luxury & Business Travel from across Qatar to meet privately sought after destinations, Tourism Boards, Hotels & Resorts, DMCs and other Luxury Travel suppliers from across the world.

The platform will host an educational conference program, 1-2-1 business appointments, Qatar’s most coveted recognition – The Qatar Business & Luxury Travel Excellence Awards, unmatched networking opportunities, and engagement activities to forge lasting relations, expand your network, generate more business and a favorable ROI.

The QBLT Congress will be an intensive one day event that is guaranteed to connect you to only relevant buyers through face to face appointments and it’s the quality of the networking that will allow you to further build your relationship with 100% Qatari buyers.

HR Strategies and Plans that seemed futuristic are now a reality. Remote teams are the new norm. While much of the world has slowed down, digital transformation is pushing ahead. When the crisis subsides, we may find ourselves in an even more disrupted, blended, data-driven world. Undoubtedly, Organizations have to be more digital, data-driven, have agile operations and automation, and have to invest to create stronger capabilities for their people and at the same time ensure privacy and security. We don’t have all the answers, so let’s all gather for The Digital HR Innovation Week from July 20-22, 2020 and look at some possible solutions ‘Together’

What to Expect at the Qatar Business & Luxury Travel Congress

01. 60 buyers of meetings, incentives, business & luxury travel, 02. 8 guaranteed 1-2-1 business appointments, 03. limited to 30 suppliers, 04. 20+ regional speakers, 05. 10+ educational sessions, 06. qblt excellence awards ceremony – honoring excellence in the field of mice & luxury travel, who will attend, a 100% business focused congress with pre qualified 1-2-1 appointments., outbound travel agencies.

MD / CEO / VP / GM Head of MICE and Outbound/ Head of MICE & Leisure & luxury Travel

Leading Corporates

Head of Marketing / Marketing Director / CMO / Corporate Travel Manager / Travel & Events Officer / Head of Travel / Regional Travel Manager

Global & Regional Associations and Educational Institutions

Head of Operations/ Logistics and Travel Heads

Event Management Companies

MD or CEO/ Head of Conferences / Head of Events / Event Director

Luxury Travel Designers for HNI's and Royalties

Luxury Travel agents, executive assistants of royal families

Destination Wedding and Special Event Planners

MD or CEO / Founder / Director / President / Creative Heads

Sample Buyers' list from Qatar

• Al Shamel Travel
• Atkins Qatar
• Commercial Bank of Qatar
• Darwish Travel
• Dulsco Qatar
• Fanar Travel
• Gulf Drilling International
• Gulf Helicopters Company
• Kanoo Travel, Qatar
• Mannai Air Travel
• Ministry of Economy & Commerce
• Nokhba Holidays Doha
• Qatar Fertilizer Company
• Qatar Chemical & Petrochemical Marketing & Distribution Company
• Qatar Foundation
• Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance
• Qatar Islamic Bank
• Qatar National Broadband Network
• Qatar Navigation- Milaha
• Qatar Science and Technology Park
• Qatar University
• Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment
• Regency Travel & Tours
• Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
• Supreme Education Council, Qatar
• Zurich International Life

Delegate Job titles:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Operation Officer (COO)
• Chief Strategy Officer (CSO))
• Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
• Chief Peoples Officer
• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• Chief Talent Officer
• HR Director
• SVP HR/ VP HR
• Head of HR Technology
• Head of Analytics
• Head of Talent Management
• Head of Talent Acquisition
• Head of Employee Relations
• Head of Learning and Development
• Head of Employee Services
• Head of Organizational Development
• Head of Compensation & Benefits

2022 Sponsors & Partners

Supported by.

Qatar Tourism

Tourism partner.

Moscow City Tourism Committee

Destination partners.

Visit Maldives

Redefining MICE

Gold sponsors.

Czech Tourist Authority - Czech Tourism

Eastern Europe Tours

Silver Sponsors

Royal Commission of Al Ula

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

Anahata Wellbeing Retreats

Destination Complete

Jordan Tourism Board

Korea Tourism Organization

Rwanda Convention Bureau

Saint Petersburg Convention Bureau

Bronze sponsors.

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

Real Travel Service

Spain Tourism (Turespaña)

Voyage Tours Georgia

Zeldiva Luxury

Trophies partner.

Benson Trophies & Awards

Agenda highlights, panel discussion sessions.

How to TAP into Qatar Market with a fresh approach

Case Study Sessions

From Corporate Cost Optimization Strategies, What really matters to VIPs & HNWIs? From destination selection, budgets to smaller details to creating out of the box experiences

Open Discussion Sessions

Evaluating budgets for Meetings/ Events/Corporate Travel - What are the challenges and how to tackle them?

Interactive Discussion:

Deal or no deal - What does a supplier need to know to make it happen?

TMC Insights

Country’s outbound meetings, events, business & luxury travel sector trends

Brain Storming Sessions

Factors influencing destination selection: Top 5 elements that define the process of selecting Wedding

2022 Speakers

Julie Lewis

Keynote Speaker, Adventurer, Author, Resilience Consultant

Rehan Ali Syed

CEO Tawfeeq Travel Group

Greg Loayon

General Manager Zurich International Life Limited

Events & Weddings Designer Dalia Taha Events & Wedding Planner

Mauro Tostes

Events Director Qatar Star Services

Manoj Kumar Tiwari

General Manager Regency Travel & Tours

Nisha Shivram

Public Speaking Coach, Talk Show Host, Transformational Speaker

Anastasia Popova

Head of the Division for the Exhibition, Congress and Travel Trade Projects, Moscow City Tourism Committee

20+ Regional Speakers

Limited to 30 suppliers, 10+ educational sessions.

• Day 01 March 28th, 2022

Day 01 - Monday, 28th March 2022

Registration, networking and welcome refreshments, opening remarks & welcome from the organisers.

Inspirational Keynote:

Accelerating recovery: the new nature of luxury travel.

• The three R’s that will rule 2022: restore, regenerate and rewild
• Luxury ME: Deep dive into health and overall wellbeing
• It’s all about deeper connections to revive travel
• Unique experiences that awakens the senses

Luxury Viewpoint Discussion:

Dive into qatar’s lux pool.

• Behavioral shifts in the Luxury Traveler’s mindset post covid: Adapting to the changing preferences of the luxury clientele
• Catering to the Royalties from exotic getaways to cutting-edge travel experiences: What tops the chart?
• Sharing the top game changers on high-end offerings
• Destination preferences: All time favorites or emerging out of the box experiences

Business Panel Discussion:

Identifying top trends shaping the meetings, incentives, events & business travel industry.

• Innovations that are the paving the way for the Qatar MICE market – Sharing some of the biggest or most successful incentive/event/travel initiatives
• Top challenges faced by corporates in their quest to create value & cut costs - Short-haul Destinations, Flexible itineraries, ROI and more
• Rebooting the corporate traveler’s confidence: How should companies be planning?

Networking Coffee Break & Visit to the Boutique Exhibition Area

Explore the world’s best destinations through pre-arranged meetings & introductions, source the best deal for your next meetings, events, business & luxury travel activity (10 appointments).

• Why resilience is a critical behavior for leaders
• The Big Difference: Leaders who simply inform others and those who know how to communicate powerfully
• The Crystal Ball is smashed: How leaders rapidly geared up their organizations to respond to the crisis

Peter Lemperis

Exclusive interview:, fifa 2022: kicking off this year in style.

• FIFA 2022 rolling out the carpet for massive development: State of the art infrastructure and hospitality
• What to expect: Qatar’s current position as a major travel gateway for foreign travelers in the world
• Sustaining tourism post FIFA 2022: what can MICE and luxury travel industry hope for

Belgin Ertam

Qatar business and luxury travel awards recognition and closing remarks, networking corporate luncheon and close of event.

Monday, 28th March 2022 | Doha, Qatar

Photo Gallery

• Conference/keynote
• Panel Discussions

"The MALT congress bridges the gap between B2B and B2C and enabled us to meet different industry suppliers from all over the world to establish contacts within an intimate yet professional setting. In order to meet specific business needs, companies have to create differentiated experience while looking at the cost, value creation and return on investment. MALT congress provides a platform to discuss about the strategies that can be adopted into our business"

Emirates NBD

"It was a great experience to be part of MALT Congress. We meet so many people and understand whats going on in the current market. Quality of the congress was quite high. It is an event where you can create good network. Compared to other events, this event is very well organized. It is one of the best events that we have attended in the past years. Format is very well structured. It was a magic experience"

Zahid Travel Group

"It was a great experience. We were able to meet lot of travel agencies from GCC lot of corporates. We had some great meetings and they were very fruitful. We had good amount of corporates, travel management companies, wedding planners, DMC’s etc. Quality of the attendees was very good. Content was very good in terms of the key note sessions, panel discussions, round table discussions and engagement activities."

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau

"MALT congress was amazing as we were able to meet lot of people, great contacts. I am very happy with the overall experience. I had some potential meeting with people whom I am looking forward doing business with very soon. Quality of the attendees was great as every single person I met had the business interest. It is definitely bring new businesses to our organization. I have been couple of trade shows and conferences, but this top notch as this is a luxury event."

Terres Indiennes

For more information on attending the QBLT Congress or MALT Congress you can send us an email to

• Varsha khairajani, Client Relations Manager | E-mail [email protected]
• Shamal Shetty, Conference Manager | E-mail [email protected]

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

In lieu of the current travel updates, the QBLT Congress will be taking place in Dubai on September 8th 2021 and will be bringing together Qatari attendees to Dubai for an immersive experience. We look forward to welcoming you at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City