Bucket list travel ideas are in focus as Chase Travel brings on a preview of its new luxury hotel program – now known as “The Edit by Chase Travel” – before it launches in early 2024.
As a prelude to this concept, the bank company offers a glimpse into luxury lodging and travel trends, especially for those making decisions on bucket list travel for the upcoming year.
Bucket List Travel Ideas Luxury Properties to Inspire 2024 Travels
Top Booked Hotels This New Year’s Eve
+ Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi: Tokyo, Japan
+ The Kahala Hotel & Resort, The Leading Hotels of The World: Honolulu, Hawaii
+ Fairmont Banff Springs: Banff, Canada
+ The Wall Street Hotel, Preferred Hotels & Resorts: New York, New York
+ The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel: München, Germany
Trending 2024 Properties
+ The St. Regis Aspen: Aspen, Colorado
+ 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Princeville, Hawaii
+ Villa d’Este, The Leading Hotels of The World: Cernobbio, Italy
+ Nobu Hotel Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
+ Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Anticipated 2024 Trends
Planning Ahead: While a majority of travel bookings for Spring and Summer typically take place in the new year, when comparing year-over-year (YoY) booking trends, as of early November 2023, have seen an increase for future travel:
+ 47% YoY increase in Spring 2024 purchases
+ 59% YoY increase in Summer 2024 purchases
Moments-Worth Travel: Chase Travel analyzed select markets for the upcoming sports and entertainment events in 2024 and found the following when comparing YoY travel bookings:
+ 115% YoY increase in travel to Melbourne during the 2024 Australia Open
+ 39% YoY increase in travel to Salt Lake City during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
+ 12% YoY increase to travel to Las Vegas during the 2024 Super Bowl
Rise in Traveling VIP Style: The noted increases in first-class travel styles recorded by the Chase Travel Portal in 2023 tell their own story about the trajectory of Bucket List Travel Ideas:
+ 40% YoY increase in 5-star hotel stays
+ 28% YoY increase in business-class tickets
+ 14% YoY increase in first-class tickets
Bucket List Travel Ideas in Motion
In a similar survey by TRAVELSAVERS that took the pulse of travelers through data compiled by American Marketing Group Advisors, it was found that travelers are prioritizing authentic, customized experiences in off-the-beaten-path locales for their Bucket List Travel Ideas in 2025.
Europe’s popularity will continue unabated, according to the advisors surveyed. Italy will be 2024’s top bucket list travel destination, with Greece and Portugal also cracking the top five. Alaska is the only US locale to reach the top five, and favorite sun-and-sand spot Riviera Maya rounds out the list of top bucket list travel destinations overall.
Visiting exotic destinations was identified by advisors as a top emerging trend in bucket list travel, and their forecasts for 2024’s trending locales range from first-place South Africa and second-place Eastern Europe to a duo of Asian countries – Japan and Thailand – as well as Antarctica.
“People’s sense of adventure has been awakened,” said Nicole Mazza, AMG Chief Marketing Officer. “They’re hungry for far-flung international experiences. They want to spread their wings and try something they’ve never done, whether it’s a new place, new activity or new style of travel.”
All Inclusive Travel
All-inclusive travel is the top bucket list travel trend for next year, as travelers crave extra value and ease of planning in their vacations. River and ocean cruising also ranked highly in the survey. Multigenerational travel and small-group travel are surging in popularity due to a desire to experience the world with loved ones.
In fact, bucket list travel is the number-one emerging trend, according to the survey, as travelers are converting their dreams into to-do lists. Personalized experiences and authentic travel made the top five as well, reflecting a heightened interest in cultural immersion tailored to the traveler’s preferences. Off-the-beaten path travel also ranked highly, along with AI-assisted travel planning.
“People are prioritizing their bucket list travel like never before and giving themselves the gift of travel,” said Mazza. “They’re not waiting any more for when, if or how. They’re working with travel advisors now to customize vacations that will create precious memories for the rest of their lives.”
When asked about must-have bucket list travel experiences for 2024, advisors recommended these four styles of bucket list trips and why:
Immersive experiences
Travelers discover firsthand how other cultures live. They connect with the nature, history and cuisine of the destination. Custom itineraries, longer stays and purposeful interactions all deepen the bond to the area.
Cruising
With so much variety, cruises offer something for everyone. Ocean and river cruising both provide a taste of different destinations. Cruisers should try sailing on a new ship to enjoy all the offerings and features. They can upgrade the voyage with a suite or a premium or luxury sailing.
Enhanced vacations
Bucket list travel experiences can mean upgrading all around. Travelers can secure first-class air and expedited customs service, treat themselves with a five-star hotel or spacious suite and book private transfers, tours, yachts and jets.
Out-of-the-ordinary destinations
Bucket list travel can include visiting such sites as Alaska’s glaciers, Machu Picchu and the Pyramids of Egypt while it is still possible. It can mean experiencing pristine nature with an African safari, or Galapagos Islands cruise or Antarctic journey.
Bucket List Travel Ideas Survey Results:
Top Destinations
Italy
Alaska
Greece
Riviera Maya
Portugal
Top Exotic Destinations
South Africa
Eastern Europe
Japan
Thailand
Antarctica
Top Trends
All-inclusive travel
River cruising
Multigenerational travel
Ocean cruising
Small-group travel
Top Emerging Trends
Bucket-list/to-do trips
Personalized experiences
Off-the-beaten-path/exotic destinations
Authentic travel
AI-assisted travel planning
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