The new year is just around the corner. What will travel look like in 2024? Space flight detoxes and oil rig hotels - just kidding. Based on what we're seeing on our site and across the travel industry generally, here are our travel predictions for next year.
Stays with Private Saunas
Saunas are the new hot tubs. We've seen the Scandinavians do it and now it's our turn. Pop-up saunas in trailers and converted horse-boxes are pulling up on beaches around the country, while a growing number of holiday stays in the UK are adding one to their property - and it's a sensible addition. Research has shown that saunas help lower the risk of heart-related disease, while athletes and wild swimmers swear by them. Often hidden among woodland or garden greenery, saunas are a fantastic way to destress and detox.
Europe by Sleeper Train
Although it may not seem like it here in the UK, train travel in Europe is having a boom. A few years back sleeper trains were generally pretty uncomfortable and out of date, but now thanks to increased awareness of flying's carbon footprint, more people are choosing to make the journey part of the holiday and take the train. A new generation of sleeper trains is criss-crossing Europe, with new and extended routes opening including Paris to Berlin, and luxurious Orient Express routes around Italy.
The Dolomites, Italy
A visit to the Dolomites involves spectacular views, crystal blue lakes and delicious local food. An Alpine range in the north of Italy, if you love clear mountain air and outdoors adventures this region should be on your radar for 2024. There's skiing, yes, but also some of Europe's best hiking trails, suitable for all levels. And even better are the 'rifugi', chalets dotted about the mountainsides, often with fabulous terraces on which to sit and soak up the afternoon sun, offering good value accommodation and all serving dishes of rib-sticking local food, a glorious mixture of Italian and Austrian cuisine.
Digital Detoxes
Everyone knows we spend too much time on our phones. Waiting for a train, during your lunch break, when the ads come on, basically anytime something exciting isn't happening directly in front of us. But what if there was no wi-fi and your phone was locked away, would you cope? Digital detox breaks offer to set you free from tech for a few days. No internet, no chargers and some places remove temptation entirely by taking your phone and locking it away in an actual box for the duration of your stay.
Yorkshire for Foodies
This year has seen Yorkshire's foodie scene reach new heights, with its seven Michelin star restaurants and exciting new independents leading the charge. It's all about showcasing the delicious regional produce and there is plenty to choose from. Market towns like Malton are becoming national foodie destinations, with artisan bakeries, breweries and ice cream makers around every corner. Yum.
Elopement Weddings
Elopement used to mean scuttling off to Gretna Green, but these days it's come to signify more of a casual, minimal wedding, just the two of you and a couple of close friends or family. And more and more people are doing it. Many are choosing to tie the knot in a super low-key ceremony at a holiday cottage or country cabin. Micro weddings are cute, chill and of course keep costs way down, meaning you don't have to ask friends and family to shell out on new clothes and fancy hats.
Portugal's West Coast
This year the Post Office released data ranking Lisbon as the most affordable city break in Europe. If that's not a reason to visit then what is? As well as the culture, excellent food scene and, best of all, cheap beer of Lisbon and also Porto, we'd add the wonderful wild Atlantic beaches along the west coast. The area around Comporta is nicknamed the Hamptons of Europe, with its white sand beaches, pine trees, dunes and luxury vibes; while the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) offers a more laid-back flavour, with great surfing beaches.
Yucatán Penisula, Mexico
The Yucatán Peninsula has long been a tourist hot-spot, but head a few hours west of the bright lights and fishbowl margaritas of Cancun and you'll hit Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state. The pace here is a bit more laid back, in fact it's ranked as Mexico's safest city. There's a vibrant restaurant scene, an attractive mix of architecture and lots of contemporary Mayan art and culture. It's also a great jumping off point for trips to magical cenotes and incredible Mayan ruins. And it's not accessible to visitors yet, but archaeologists are currently in the process of unearthing a lost city in the remote jungle in neighbouring Campeche.
Solo Scotland
Scotland has been on all sorts of 'best of' travel lists lately, from the Lonely Planet to National Geographic. And over the past few years we've seen Scotland's own special brand of hygge luxury really start to flourish and it's now the UK's go-to destination for high-end cabin holidays. Small but mighty, Scotland's visitor offer punches well above its weight, with handsome cities, international arts festivals, castles, huge empty beaches and some of Europe's last areas of wilderness. With the Caledonian Sleeper going as far north as Inverness, much is accessible by public transport. And if you're looking for a destination for solo travel, data from VisitScotland shows it's on the up. Scotland's navigable size and friendly people mean it's becoming an increasingly popular destination for people traveling by themselves.
Holiday Properties on TV
So many Coolstays properties have featured on TV shows, this just has to be a trend. Plus it's fun to stay somewhere you've seen on TV. George Clarke's Amazing Spaces has previewed many of our favourite stays, the kookier and more unique the better. While some of the luxury big guns have featured on Grand Designs.
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