The Future of Travel: Six Travel Trend Predictions for 2024 That You Can't Miss

It's August 2023 and, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the throes of peak travel season. Few people are dreaming up their plans for 2024 and even fewer have taken the first steps to finalize their plans. Here, we share our travel trend predictions for 2024 and why you should start planning now.

Believe it or not, the travel and tourism industry has yet to fully recover from the Pandemic.

It is true that the pandemic reminded people of the joy and privilege of travel, the freedom of movement, the profound impact cultural exchange has on us, the beauty of the world, our diversity, and the change that overcomes us when we experience new things. However, the pandemic had severe financial repercussions for many travel-related businesses, such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators who continue, still today, to recover.

Travel changes us, but travel itself has changed.

Here are our 6 travel predictions for 2024 and beyond .

Prediction #1 - People will continue to (willingly) spend more.

The Vacation Confidence Index 2023 by Allianz says summer 2023 spending by American travelers is expected to exceed $200billion. With increased travel appreciation came the valuation of travel as an investment. People will continue to prioritize travel in 2024 and beyond.

Prediction #2 - Last minute planning is out, planning ahead is in.

Before the pandemic, consumers were accustomed to waiting for last minute deals and discounts on goods, services, and travel. Want to travel to London in July with your spouse and two teenagers? As the #1 destination for most Americans, you will be jockeying to secure space in a limited inventory market. Booking early means a greater chance of finding the type of room(s) you need, in your price point, and desired area within the city. Supply will continue to struggle to keep up with demand in 2024 as travel companies build capacity.

Service providers and tourism inventory will continue to struggle to keep up with demand in 2024 as travel companies rebuild capacity.

Prediction #3 - ETIAS will be the name of the game.

As shared in my previous blog, US travelers heading to Europe will have one more hoop to jump through in 2024: ETIAS. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system for visitors to Schengen Agreement countries. Visit my blog for details and stay tuned to apply for your ETIAS travel authorization on the official ETIAS website.

Prediction #4 - Sustainability will be an essential part of the future.

Travelers have become more conscious of the environmental impact of their trips and show a continued, growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but an a concept that is important to consumers. Companies are on board with this and consumers will be more likely to choose ones that prioritize sustainability in their operations. Sustainability isn't a hype word - it's an essential part of our future.

Prediction #5 - Experiential travel will be the norm.

Travelers crave the escape offered by travel, but, in 2024 and beyond, travelers will seek out opportunities to immerse themselves in their travel experience. Cultural exchange, meaningful moments of connection with their travel companions and the world around them, and deeply moving experiences will drive traveler decision making.

Prediction #6 - Group experiences will be key for solo travelers.

More and more women are seeking the comfort and camaraderie of traveling with others who have similar destination and experience interests. The desire to explore new places, meet new people, and have a unique shared experience will override the solo traveler experience of the past. With the rise in demand for group travel, there are now more options than ever for travelers looking to get away as part of a larger group.

Stay tuned - Both Worlds Travel is launching our group travel initiative next month!

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Understanding ETIAS: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Travel Plans

Traveling to Europe is a bucket list dream for many people. For others, preparing for an upcoming trip to one of the countries in the Schengen Area second nature.

No matter what your experience level is, if a trip to Europe is in your near future, it’s time to start thinking about the media’s latest buzzword: ETIAS.

First, let’s back up, because what we are really talking about is a change in entry requirements for member countries of the Schengen Agreement.

What is the Schengen Agreement?

The main goal of the Schengen Agreement is to create a borderless zone called the Schengen Area, where people can travel between member countries without passport checks or other border controls. This means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel to other Schengen countries without needing to show your passport again. What countries are part of the Schengen Area? Find out more at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website

So what is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization system introduced by the European Union (EU) to enhance security and manage travel from visa-exempt third countries. ETIAS is designed to pre-screen travelers from countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. The system aims to identify potential security risks and prevent unauthorized or unsafe travelers from entering the EU while still facilitating legitimate travel.

Who needs to apply?

Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries when ETIAS launches in 2024. Children, including infants, will also need to apply for an ETIAS, regardless of their age.

How do I apply?

Here's where it gets tricky. While ETIAS is all over our feeds right now, it is not yet in operation and therefore applications are not being collected as of this publication (July 2023). In fact,

this is not a new concept at all.

We've been keeping our eyes on the ETIAS rollout for several years as the EU has been working to modernize their border management system. While it's been pushed back several times, this time is said to be the time.

Okay, fine, but how will it work when the application process does roll out?

When the official ETIAS website is ready to collect applications, it's said that the application process will include a security screening and a nonrefundable application fee of 7€. The whole process (including approval or denial) is expected to take about 15 minutes.

Most applicants who do not pose any security concerns will receive ETIAS authorization. This authorization will be linked electronically to the traveler's passport and will be (typically) valid for multiple short-term trips within a three-year period or until the expiry of the passport, whichever comes first.

The fine print

Since this program has yet to launch officially,

things can change.

In the meantime, it's important to note that ETIAS is not a visa. It is an authorization system aimed at streamlining the entry process for visa-exempt travelers. Travelers from countries that already require a visa to enter the Schengen Area will not be affected by ETIAS and will continue to follow the existing visa application process.

More fine print

By being well-informed about these changes in advance, you can better prepare yourself for hassle-free travel while ensuring compliance with the new regulations set forth by the European Union. But,

be mindful of your future travel plans and the potential impact of your ETIAS approval or denial on those plans.

Stay tuned, stay informed, schedule a complimentary consultation if you have questions about planning your next European vacation, and, as always,

go there.

Private Charter - The Ultimate Luxury In Greece

So you want to charter a private yacht in Greece? You've come to the right place. I'm passionate about immersive experiences, and what better way to experience Greece than on a private boat charter to the places the Athenians go to escape the tourists?

Whether you're planning a honeymoon or exploring on your own, here are ten things to consider before sailing on a private charter to the Greek islands.

1. To go it alone or to hire a Captain?

While we barebacked our sail catamaran, I highly recommend hiring a captain. Captains don't just know the water, they know the places to go; the tucked-away coves to drop anchor for a swim or for the night. The research alone for a trip like this can take several weeks and yield few results, rely on your Captain, they are a local expert.

2. Flexibility is key

Sailing is a very popular activity in the Mediterranean. Besides heavy traffic, the water conditions and wind will rule your boat charter experience. Additionally, many marinas do not take advance reservations so you'll want to get underway early in the morning (weather conditions permitting) to stand a chance of pulling into marina for the evening. If you find yourself at a loss for a place to dock, you'll need to find a suitable place to moor overnight. There are a number of considerations for this. Having a Captain will ensure you have a safe, enjoyable evening, and a smooth cast off in the morning.

3. Provision precision

Undertaking a week-long private charter requires a lot of advanced planning. Mapping out your meal needs and ensuring you know when and where you'll restock is critical on a trip like this. Get as much water as you think you need. Then get more. While we are talking provisioning, toilet paper deserves a mention. Americans love us some toilet paper. For a private charter vacation, that Seinfeld episode where Elaine asks to "spare three squares" comes to mind. Use toilet paper sparingly, and for God's sake, do not flush it. Save some time and download our Provisioning List.

4. Wining and dining

Europeans eat late, and in Greece, they don't just eat late, they take their time. If you come into port and want to grab an early dinner, certainly do so. If you want an authentic experience, plan to eat after 8pm and give yourself 2-3 hours to enjoy the moment. I suggest getting there in time to watch the sun set while enjoying a glass of wine. Greek wine has a bad rap; don't fall for the ill-hype because Greece produces some lovely wine. Yia mas!

5. Sea taxis are a thing

In some areas, you'll be able to take a water taxi from one area of the island to the other or even to a nearby island. The water taxi can be relatively small, though, so if you are prone to seasickness you may wish to forgo the ride.

6. Seasickness

Since I mentioned it, let's talk about seasickness shall we? We chartered a sail catamaran and due to it's size and stability, we didn't experience any sea sickness while on board (stay on deck while under way). That said, many of us felt disembarkment syndrome (mal de debarquement) when we stepped off the boat. It was worse for me when I was sitting down to a meal and took about 2 days to fully go away. Consult with your MD before your cruise, or talk with our partner, Runway Health, to ensure your travel medications don't get left behind.

7. Pack it up, pack it in

Beyond having your prophylactic medications, save some room in your luggage for binoculars, hard-soled water shoes (the black sea urchins are prolific), a mask & snorkel, a waterproof phone case, and a floating key chain and dry bag for your private charter in Greece.

8. Ahoy neighbor

This should go without saying, but it would be irresponsible for me if I left this part out. Be courteous to your neighbor. Moored in a cove or docked at a marina, no matter where you spend the night you are going to have neighbors. Don't blare music or make a lot of noise after dark. Play your card games but keep the noise, and music low.

9. Don't make it weird

Expect nudity. You're going to see people sunbathing nude or having a morning swim/bath in the nude. We even saw an old man collecting trash on the beach in the buff save for his sun hat. Don't make it weird, don't stare, don't be offended, and don't get caught looking through your binoculars.

10. Put the camera down

The world is meant to be experienced. If you are going to travel, adopt that mindset and embrace the moments presented to you. Social media inspired many of us to get out there, perhaps for the wrong reasons. So, put the camera down, put yourself out there, and connect with the locals. Staged photos might last forever, but genuine moments of connection with another human, their culture and environment have an opportunity to change our life.

If you've read this far and still want to embark on your own sailing yacht charter in Greece, I'm here to help you. I've sailed the Aegean Sea and I have the contacts to help you do it, too. Schedule a call with me today.

Jump right in, the water's fine.