Whether you’re counting the days until your next winter getaway or wondering if you should get a head start on your summer travel plans, one thing’s for sure: you’re not the only one with wanderlust ahead of the new year. According to data from Booking.com, 78 percent of people feel the most alive when they’re traveling – and, in fact, most of those people feel they’re the best versions of themselves when they’re on vacation.
But before you can embrace that “living your best life” mentality while traveling, you first have to plan and prepare – which can lead to a lot of questions about packing, booking, destinations, and more. Save this article to your bookmarks for later – or, better yet, start planning now so you can enter the new year with the trip of your dreams on the books.
How far in advance should I book a flight?
Holiday travel is stressful, so the thought of having to book more flights for the next step of travel plans might feel a bit overwhelming. But rest easy – you might not have to book your flights right away – it all depends on when you want to travel next.
According to the 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report for Smoother Travel, travelers looking for the cheapest ticket should book 28 days in advance of departing for domestic flights and 60 days ahead for international flights. Booking flights on a Sunday that depart on a Thursday could be the ticket to extra savings – up to 16 percent – as Friday flights are usually the most expensive.
This all depends on where you’re jetting off to, of course; if you’re trying to get on in the tail end of ski season in Utah, for instance, you might be better off snagging a seat on a flight before they sell out. However, if you’re waiting to visit family during the off-travel season, you likely can (and should) wait until that 28- or 60-day window.
What are the top travel destinations for 2024?
There are basically two camps of people when it comes to travel: those who are itching to go international and those who are more interested in exploring their own backyard. Whichever one you are, we don’t judge – and the forecasts for 2024 travel both at home and abroad just came in, making your timing just perfect.
Booking.com’s survey found that half of travelers setting off on 2024 adventures focus their travel plans on destinations where the cost of living is less expensive than their hometown. This goes for both domestic and international locales; Cancun, Punta Cana and Mexico City are all notable to travelers for their relatively lower cost of living, and they’re all forecasted to be the most popular international destinations in 2024.
If you’re looking to stay in the US, New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas remain the most popular domestic destinations for travelers – meaning there truly is something for everyone regardless of what trends you choose to follow. The reason these three cities are among the most popular? The emerging theme of travelers prioritizing experiences over all else, something these three destinations offer in spades – no matter your age or interests.
Is now a good time for a winter getaway?
Planning ahead isn’t for everyone; sometimes a spontaneous trip is just what you need to get out of a Daylight Savings-fueled funk. If you have the itch to travel right now, don’t worry – we have plenty of ideas.
If you love the big-city bustle and holiday lights displays of New York City but balk at the idea of joining the holiday throngs this time of year, Chicago is an excellent alternative. The Windy City takes the holidays very seriously; the Magnificent Mile boutiques and the Lincoln Park Zoo are always decked out in lights, and the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza offers unique gift shopping opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.
Need to hit the slopes? If a trip to Vail is out of your budget, there are similar options for folks on either coast. Those preferring a western destination might feel at home in Park City, Utah; with ski slopes and resorts for skiers and snowboarders of every skill level, plus truly quaint towns, hotels, and cabins – there are experiences for everyone that will definitely bring that feeling of holiday cheer.
Consider Stowe, Vermont, which offers East Coasters a ski fix that doesn’t take them across – or out of – the country. After a day on the slopes, head into Spruce Peak Village for window shopping, a drink and a meal, and see a show at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. The entire town feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie – which is especially endearing this time of year.
Whether your 2024 resolutions involve travel plans or you’re booking a last-minute getaway tomorrow, these tips and trends will take you far. By maximizing your airline bookings for great airfare deals and planning far enough ahead to take advantage of the experiences your destination has to offer, you’ll come away from your adventure with truly irreplaceable memories – which, at the end of the day, is what travel truly is about!
