Travel Trends 2024 Explained

Welcome & Introduction

• Presenter: LZ West
• Guests: Four Travel Experts
• Focus: Exploring travel trends, group travel destinations, cruising vacations, and trip planning tips.

Authentic Travel Trends

Speaker: Antonia Wyatt

• Background: Deputy editor of Zumer magazine, responsible for Travel section.
• Authenticity in Travel:
  • Seek more local experiences rather than all-inclusive packages.
  • Connect through food and local guides.
  • Example: Indigenous guide in Peru (speaking Keta and Spanish).
  • Work with travel operators who focus on local experiences.
• Recommended Approach: Look for companies prioritizing local immersion.
• Global Embrace: Focus more on tour operators than specific regions.
• Food and Cooking:
  • Cook and learn local cuisines.
  • Choose destinations with rich food culture (e.g., Mexico over the Caribbean, Alps over Rockies for skiing).
• Dining Tips: Seek restaurants using local ingredients, avoid overly large menus, ask friends or locals for recommendations.
• Travel Planning:
  • Balance between pre-planning and spontaneity is essential.
  • Book some experiences but leave room for flexibility.
• Indigenous Tourism in Canada:
  • New certification: “Original Original” by Indigenous Tourism Association.
  • Authentic indigenous experiences, e.g., EO therapy, floating cabins, hiking with indigenous guides.
• Sustainability in Travel:
  • Consider the journey, prefer trains over short flights, choose eco-friendly accommodations.
  • Impactful contributions: Money going back to local communities.

Group Travel Insights

Speaker: Natalia Vargas

• Background: Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Senior Discovery Tours, visited 40 countries.
• Evolution of Group Travel:
  • Shift towards more active and adventurous tours.
  • Clients are healthier and wellness-conscious.
• Tour Types and Activity Levels:
  • Leisure: Relaxed pace, up to 1 hour walking.
  • Moderate: More active, up to 2 hours walking, uneven grounds.
  • Active: Long days, 2-3 hours walking, more rugged terrain.
  • Energetic: Requires very good mobility, up to 13 km walking.
• Inclusions:
  • Comprehensive planning: Flights, accommodations, transfers, tour managers, expert guides.
  • Home pickup/drop-off, travel insurance, tips, and taxes included.
• Solo Travelers:
  • Roommate matching program to share costs and companionship.
• Top Destinations: Southern Spain, southern Italy, offering stayput holidays with included and optional excursions.
• Culinary Tours:
  • Immersive food experiences in France, Italy.
  • Visiting local farms, markets, cooking classes.
• Future Trends: New tours like the Swiss Alps walking tour.

Cruising Vacations

Speaker: Stephen Smith

• Background: Senior Vice President, Direct Travel.
• Advantages of Cruising:
  • Simplicity: Unpack once, ease of travel to multiple destinations.
  • Variety in activities onboard and ashore.
  • Accessibility and choice of excursions.
• Common Misconceptions:
  • Seasickness: Modern stabilizers and medication options.
  • Crowded ships: Smaller, less crowded ships available.
  • Excursions: Options to join group tours or explore independently.
• First-time Cruises:
  • Recommended locations: Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, New England (7-10 days).
• Immersive Experiences:
  • Customizable excursions, unique experiences like private Sistine Chapel or Buckingham Palace visits.
  • Personalized itineraries from travel advisers.
• Boutique Cruising:
  • Features smaller ships, unique destinations, escape heavy tourist areas.
• Cuisine on Cruises:
  • Oceania Cruises: Finest cuisine, specialty restaurants, integrating local food.
  • Example: Sunday brunch with varied stations.
• Post-pandemic Travel:
  • Shift towards experiential travel, maintaining high quality experiences.
• Offer: Private sale with Oceania Cruises, 5% off, combining other promotions.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Speaker: Caitlyn First

• Background: Director of Corporate Communications, CAA Club Group.
• Initial Steps:
  • Ensure passport validity and check for any VISA or documentation requirements.
  • Consult trusted government sources for travel advisories.
• Health & Safety:
  • Vaccination and medication guidelines from doctors.
  • Check climate, plan appropriate clothing.
  • Know emergency protocols at the destination.
  • Opt for pre-arranged transportation over self-driving.
• Travel Insurance:
  • Purchase at the time of trip booking for full coverage.
  • Understand benefits, pre-existing conditions, coverage amount, and emergency handling.
  • Be cautious of limitations in credit card insurance, especially post-65 age conditions.
• Pre-Trip Preparations:
  • Arrive early at the airport, stay hydrated, and adjust to destination meal times to combat jet lag.
  • Stay updated on local news and advisories.
• Security Gear:
  • Recommended items: RFID-safe bags, anti-theft backpacks (by Pack Safe).

Conclusion

• Thank you note: To all experts and viewers.
• Wishes: Safe and happy travels.