Pandemic-era lockdowns ushered within the rise of “travel experiences” — or meaningful, purpose-driven activities that take a deeper, and sometimes slower, dive right into a destination.
It isn’t enough to easily go to a spot anymore; many wish to study it and be mentally transformed along the best way.
If that feels like a tall order for a summer getaway, the posh travel company Virtuoso asked 20,000 of its travel advisors to share their top experiences for 2024.
Listed here are the nine “must-have” experiences that topped the list.
1. Dark sky tourism
While traditional tourism focuses on filling the daylight with activities, dark-sky tourism is all in regards to the nights.
The main target is on the wonders of the night sky — from stargazing to seeing the Northern Lights, although trips can include tours to see nocturnal animals too.
Dark sky tourism focuses on rural locations without light pollution, corresponding to Greece’s Olympus Mountain National Park.
Nicolas Economou | Nurphoto | Getty Images
Virtuoso recommends trips to Norway, Iceland and Canada, while noting that travelers who like warmer weather can see the full solar eclipse on April 8 in Northern Mexico.
From Blanco, Texas to Albanya, Spain, travelers also can take a look at one among 200 places in 22 countries which have been designated as a “Dark Sky Place” by the non-profit organization DarkSky International.
2. ‘Slow’ safaris
Safaris top many travelers’ bucket lists, but they should not be too fixated on finding the “Big Five” — just like the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.
“Slow safaris” give attention to the complete array of animal life and landscapes of Africa, “providing the best counterbalance to the more adrenaline-inducing wildebeest migration and lion hunts,” in line with Virtuoso.
“Slow safaris” soak up all of Africa, moderately than specializing in its big game.
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“Slow safaris offer the chance to enjoy among the less stealthy wildlife of Africa and at a more relaxing pace,” said Misty Belles, the corporate’s vp of worldwide public relations. “From birdwatching to seeing what our guide deemed the last word spotting — an aardvark — successful safaris can extend beyond the Big Five.”
3. Wellness as a lifestyle
Wellness destinations are in every single place, but Virtuoso recommends escaping stress in “the happiest country on the planet or the Land of Smiles” — respectively, Bhutan or Thailand.
Bhutan’s famous Gross National Happiness, or GNH, index measures the population’s collective happiness and well-being. Enacted in 2008, it’s a serious driving force behind the country’s tourism and economic policies.
Young monks studying in Pana, Bhutan.
Peter Adams | Stone | Getty Images
It is also cheaper to go to following the country’s temporary halving of its each day $200 Sustainable Development Fee.
As for Thailand, Virtuoso advisors recommend “well-known areas like Chiang Mai and Koh Samui” in addition to more secluded spots.
The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is one example. Positioned 2.5 hours from Bangkok, its spa and rooms are fashioned inside luxury upcycled railroad carriages near the UNESCO-designated Khao Yai National Park.
4. The seasons of Japan
Japan Rail Pass, the fastest-growing travel website in the US, won’t help travelers explore North America — but it can get them around Japan by train.
The web site had the most important increase in average monthly traffic (+239%) from 2022 to 2023 amongst American users, highlighting rising interest to go to amongst international visitors, in line with the info analytics company, Similarweb.
Town of Hakodate, on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, on a wintery night.
Wiphop Sathawirawong | Istock | Getty Images
Virtuoso notes the recognition of visiting Japan within the springtime, when the Sakura, or cherry blossoms, bloom in places like Kyoto and Kanazawa. But company advisors also ask that travelers consider a winter visit “when ski season is in full swing and Mount Fuji’s summit is blanketed in snow.”
5. Expedition cruises
Expedition cruises are a well-liked strategy to explore the Galapagos Islands.
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Popular for places from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands, expedition cruises often have experts onboard, corresponding to historians and geologists, and cater to people in search of an added element of adventure.
“An increasing number of individuals not want run-of-the-mill holidays,” James Cole, founding father of the U.K.-based cruise agency Panache Cruises, told CNBC Travel.
“People crave adventure … there’s a specific amount of romanticism here which harks back to the time of great explorers like Hillary, Cousteau and Shackleton.”
6. Paris to Istanbul, via train
There are a lot of ways to travel between the French capital of Paris and Istanbul in Turkey, which sits on the crossroads between Asia and Europe.
But perhaps none as luxurious — and pricey — as aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is greeted by a Turkish band in Istanbul, on Aug. 31, 2022.
Yasin Akgul | Afp | Getty Images
The train operates shorter trips, many lasting only one to 2 nights, in Europe, but just one journey per 12 months take passengers from Paris to Istanbul.
Departing in August, Virtuoso recommends travelers first soak up the Olympic Games before departing town in style.
7. Passion travels
Hobbies could also be related to the house, but Virtuoso recommends taking your passions on the road.
Its advisors recommend those that love gardening book a visit to attend London’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, while bookworms can head to the library in Prague’s Strahov Monastery.
The library in Prague’s Strahov Monastery.
Wolfgang Kaehler | Lightrocket | Getty Images
A latest company called Dinosaur Trips lets enthusiasts travel with paleontologist Brian Curtice to dig for bones and explore fossil sites across the US.
“These trips are the stuff of a paleontology fan’s dreams,” said Curtice, adding that trips include an “astounding displays of dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptiles, pterosaurs, fish … a who’s who and what’s what of paleontological marvels.”
8. Escape to a non-public island
Charting a non-public island is the last word secluded holiday, says Virtuoso.
Private islands provide “absolute seclusion” says Virtuoso.
Levente Bodo | Moment | Getty Images
But you haven’t got to book your complete isle to get an identical stay.
From Bawah Reserve in Indonesia’s distant Riau Islands to Panama’s The Resort at Isla Palenque, private island stays are for many who wish to get away from all of it, to a destination where sandy paths replace roads and personal villas take the place of a conventional hotel.
9. Food festivals and personal tours
Culinary tours aren’t latest, yet they provide a window right into a culture’s past and present.
Virtuoso recommends exploring Peruvian cuisine on the Mistura Food Festival, or trying out the road food of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Mistura Food Festival showcases Peruvian food and chefs from across the country.
ERNESTO BENAVIDES | Afp | Getty Images
Cooking classes and food tourism with guides like Mexico City’s The Curious Mexican, can directly support the local population too.
