In today's post:
‣ A New Year’s message
‣ 2023 wrapped
‣ Five 2024 travel trends
‣ My year in travel
Happy New Year!
The confetti has settled and we’ve officially welcomed another year. We’re kicking off 2024 with a full(er) passport and exciting Ticket to Roam improvements for the new year.
Before we dive into travel trends and past adventures, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our clients and friends. Your trust, support, and gracious understanding has been incredible. I couldn’t be more grateful to you and am overjoyed to have played a small part in your travel memories.
Now, let’s kick off this new chapter—welcome to Your Passport to 2024!
Ticket to Roam's 2023 Wrapped
Last year, we helped more than 100 people explore the world… Crazy!
Some of you adventured closer to home (or, at least within the country). And some of you traveled for hours upon hours by train, plane, and automobile to reach your dream destination.
No matter where your trip took you, I hope the memories were some of the highlights of your year.
Honeymooners: More than 75% of Ticket to Roam travelers were celebrating their honeymoon! Bottles were popped, romantic dinners were had, and special moments were celebrated.
Summer & sun: The summer months are by far the most popular time to travel. But, spring and fall travel is gaining popularity and I would highly recommend traveling during these “shoulder” seasons.
Italy & Greece: Once again, Italy and Greece were the most popular destinations for Ticket to Roam travelers!
If you just went to Italy or Greece and are looking for a new, equally gorgeous place to explore… don’t worry, I have ideas for you!
Ready to plan for 2024?
Your Passport to 2024
The travel landscape is buzzing with exciting trends—be it off-the-grid escapes, immersive cultural experiences, or sustainable adventures. I hope these trends provide inspiration and, as your luxury travel advisor, I’m here to make your travel dreams a reality!
Let’s dive into 5 travel trends…
1. Not Your Grandparent's River Cruise
When you think of cruising, do you picture a ginormous ship packed with people and all-too- touristy destinations? While you’re not totally wrong here, I want to challenge this cruising stereotype. The world of cruising is really changing!
I’m heading out on my second European river cruise this year and I can’t wait! River cruising is an *incredible* way to see Europe! These small and comfortable ships bring you up close and personal with charming villages, iconic cities, and everything in between. Plus, it’s an incredible option for multi-generational trips.
Expedition cruising is also on the rise! These cruises explore remote and often challenging destinations, with a focus on adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences. They are designed for a more immersive and educational experience. Think: Alaska, Antartica, and the Galapagos.
2. France & the 2024 Paris Olympics
Have you heard? The Olympics will be in Paris this summer! I always look forward to the Olympics but I’m especially excited to watch the events unfold in this incredible city.
If attending the Olympics is on your bucket list, there’s still time to make it happen! Reach out and let’s start planning.
And if you’re planning a European getaway this summer unrelated to the Olympics, you will likely want to avoid Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and the other Olympic venues from late July through August.
3. "Split Stay" Experiences
Do you ever feel conflicted on whether you want a totally relaxing vacation OR an immersive, adventure filled trip? I hear clients contemplate this often and my answer is typically a split stay!
This means you’ll visit one country but experience two totally different sides of it! You’ll have time to relax on the beach, followed by hiking volcanos, jumping in waterfalls, or venturing into authentic towns. Oftentimes, traveling to a new part of the country halfway through your trip. One country, two totally different stays.
The best part is that you don’t have to travel too far away for an experience like this! A few of my favorite destinations for a split stay trip are Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico and St. Lucia.
4. Dreaming of Japan
It’s time to check another country off your bucket list! The adventures are truly endless in Japan.
Travelers had to delay their trips to Japan for a few of years due to Covid-19 and now that they’ve reopened for tourism, the destination seems to be more popular than ever!
Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modernity, where you’ll find cherry blossoms, ancient temples, traditional spas, and neon-lit cityscapes. The country welcomes travelers with world-class cuisine, a warm culture, and a variety of experiences from beaches to alpine skiing.
5. Chasing Winter Wonderlands
Cold and snowy weather at home? Freezing, gloomy, inconvenient…
But cold and snowy weather in the Swiss Alps or Scandinavia? Dreamy, iconic, adventurous!
I’m writing this in Kansas City as there are big, fluffy snowflakes falling outside and, to be honest, it’s beautiful! But, after one or two snowfalls, I’m pretty much over winter at home.
There’s just something so exciting about visiting a destination that makes winter FUN. If you’re searching for a new place to enjoy all that winter has to offer, this is the year to make it happen!
Also, fun fact, it can often be less expensive to travel all the way to Switzerland for a family ski trip than it is to take the family skiing in the U.S.
Do any of these travel trends pique your interest?
My Year In Travel
This was such a fun year of travel for me personally! Whether I’m traveling for work or fun, I’m always there to learn and always thinking about how the experience will improve client’s trips. Many of my travels are planned entirely with my clients in mind and I’m incredibly lucky that this is my work!
As some of you may know, this was also a personally challenging year for me in different ways. Many clients and friends extended patience and understanding, which I am so grateful for. Of course, there were also many highlights and memorable experiences along the way.
Here’s where I stamped my passport last year:
Explored cities & lakes in Guatemala
Enjoyed the neighborhoods of London
Visited Copenhagen, Denmark for the first time
Cycled through tulip fields in The Netherlands
Returned to Florence & Tuscany
Networked at a conference in Mykonos
Fell in love with the Italian Riviera (again)
Explored the South of France with new & old friends
Adventured through Costa Rica
Ate & drank my way through Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley
And was amazed by the beauty of Madeira, Portugal
Want to check out a recap of my year in 47 seconds?
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to a year of discovery, joy, and passport stamps.
Wishing you a wanderlust-filled 2024,
