What travel trends will we see in 2024? TPG experts weigh in
The past year was another year of change in the travel industry, from major loyalty program updates (not all of them good) to evolutions in what travelers want out of their vacations. We saw trends predicted in early 2023 play out, such as the rise in popularity of all-inclusive resorts and a move toward pay-to-play elite status programs.
Many of those trends have continued into 2024, and the industry continues to adjust to increased travel demand while having to address issues such as climate change and overtourism.
2024 TPG Travel Trends Report
We might finally see the end of revenge travel, but if all indications are correct, 2024 (like 2023) will continue to outpace 2019 in travel volume. The desire for up-and-coming destinations and new experiences is still on the rise, as is the use of new technology in the industry.
Check out highlights from the second annual TPG Travel Trends Report below, which covers the state of travel today and the trends to keep an eye on. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there are takeaways in this report for everyone.
View the full 2024 TPG Travel Trends Report in PDF format.
Where travelers are going
Top destinations of 2024
Each year, TPG releases a list of the best places to travel, including destinations from all over the world that our team of in-house experts and contributors believe are the most exciting places to visit in the coming year.
For 2024, there's no question as to why France topped our list.
Paris is set to host the 2024 Olympics (though events will also be taking place at stadiums throughout the country), Strasbourg will be UNESCO's 2024 World Book Capital, and this year will mark 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy (with commemorative events being held throughout the region).
Other top destinations featured in the report include:
- San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico
- Assam, India
- Destinations along the eclipse path in the U.S.
- Bolivia
- Queensland, Australia
Experiences worth traveling for
Specific destinations aren't the only tourism driver for 2024. Concerts, festivals and other major events (such as the eclipse that will be seen in the U.S. this year) have led to major spikes in demand around the world as travelers prioritize experiences.
Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" was a major cultural moment in 2023, and with more international legs of her tour kicking off in 2024, the impact her concerts have on local economies and the travel industry at large will continue.
Concerts aren't the only experience driving travel. "Set-jetting" to destinations showcased in popular TV shows is seeing a return to popularity, reminiscent of the flock of tourists who visited Croatia when the iconic "Game of Thrones" show was at its peak in the mid-2010s. And for families, long weekends at regional theme parks are growing in popularity.
But as destinations continue to experience high travel demand, some are taking steps to curb overtourism.
Cruises
Big boats turn slowly, as they say, and the cruise industry is no different. Many of the trends we saw on the rise in 2023 are continuing into 2024. Mainstream cruise lines are launching larger ships to serve more passengers, and luxury lines continue to provide more intimate experiences.
But a trend we're seeing take shape on the horizon is the increase in private beach escapes. Multiple mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, have plans to open new private beaches and islands to spice up itineraries throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Where travelers are staying
In the hotel sphere, new brands are continuing to pop up with a focus on residential-style accommodations and technology upgrades. These new luxury-minded brands are set to compete in a space that has historically been dominated by Airbnb.
More space and residential amenities will also be available to families and friend groups who travel together in 2024.
The rise in multigenerational trips, extended-family vacations and friend getaways has led to a bigger appetite for more space when booking accommodations. When it comes to actually offering that additional space, family-friendly resorts in Orlando are ahead of the curve.
How travelers are getting there
As the demand for travel continues to grow, so does the number of flights to in-demand destinations. Airlines are adding what can be called "super-haul" flights — currently the longest flights in the world — some clocking in at over 18 hours of flight time. Think New York to Singapore or London to Perth, Australia.
Also on the rise are nontraditional carriers such as Sun Country Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways. More often than not, these carriers offer budget airfare, no frills and service to underserved markets across the U.S.
As the U.S. competes for its share of global travelers, airports are getting makeovers thanks in part to federal infrastructure funding. Major hubs across the country have projects on the books or already in the works, such as Los Angeles, Newark, Salt Lake City and Denver — with more to come in the years ahead.
Along with airport renovations come new traveler amenities — aka airport lounges — and already in 2024, we've seen shiny new lounges launched in New York City, Denver and Washington, with more on the way. Lounge overcrowding became such an issue that many card issuers changed program guidelines to curb the number of travelers with access. Looking ahead, lounge operators will continue to look for ways to offer services for travelers, such as Delta Air Lines' "grab-and-go."
Qualifying for airline elite status has changed, with spending requirements now making up a large portion of the qualification process. On American Airlines, you could technically reach elite status through cobranded credit card spending without flying a single flight. Similarly, Delta Air Lines' recent program changes rely solely on Medallion Qualification Dollars.
Another trend that's gaining popularity in the travel industry is the use of AI. Chatbots have become an increasingly popular way to answer basic customer inquiries, and service robots have been spotted in airport lounges. Expect to see more experimentation in the coming years as brands look to increase productivity while not sacrificing sales.
How travelers are paying
Credit cards are getting more expensive — not unlike other expenses, from groceries to housing. Annual fees for popular travel credit cards have been rising in recent years, and that trend will likely continue throughout 2024.
Additionally, credit card benefits are shifting to include more and more statement credits that are merchant-specific with plenty of restrictions — making some cards feel more like metal coupon cards.
Bottom line: Looking ahead for 2024
All signs point to another year of growth across the travel industry. As the Department of Transportation keeps an eye on overall airline performance, travelers can start to gain back confidence in on-time performance and airlines handling service issues more efficiently.
Airlines, hotels and cruise lines have all invested in ways to accommodate even more travelers with bigger planes, new routes, residential-style lodging and larger ships. But with the continued boom in travel, devaluations to loyalty programs, higher credit card annual fees and harder-to-use benefits do pose a challenge to some travelers looking to use points and miles to fund their experiences.
That said, there's still a lot to look forward to across the travel industry. Expect technology enhancements to play a larger role in travel experiences, from planning to booking and arrival, as travelers seek out new and unique experiences around the world.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.