In the same way that there are plenty of travel trends on the rise, there are also those that are on their way out. And according to Forbes Magazine, they include extremely packed vacation itineraries. In a recently published travel article by contributor Brittany Anas, Forbes explores “4 Travel Trends That Are ‘Out’ in 2024”. Here’s what they had to say about what trends we’ll be ditching.
1. No More “Skiplagging”
Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “skiplagging” refers to a travel hack that gained plenty of popularity in 2023 thanks to TikTok. It’s when travelers book their destination city as a layover on their flight rather than the final destination. They then, of course, simply disembark at their destination city. It’s a travel trend that has allowed many to save a few hundred dollars, says Forbes, but since airlines are now cracking down on skiplagging, it will definitely be on its way out in 2024.
2. Cash Tips to Give Way to Digital Tipping
Photo © Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle
In an increasingly digital age, it comes as no surprise that even tipping is going cashless in recent days. According to Forbes, more and more hotels are experimenting with “mobile tipping options”. They include QR codes that guests can scan in their rooms to leave tips for housekeeping. Don’t ditch the cash completely just yet, though! In Belize, most hotels and resorts leave a small envelope in guests’ rooms with their housekeeper’s name on it, should they wish to leave a gratuity.
3. Say Goodbye to Busy Itineraries
Relaxing on Sargeant’s Caye, Belize. Photo © CCL
It’s the era of slow travel, which means gone are the days of having busy itineraries and loaded travel to-do lists. “Amanda Al-Masri, vice president of wellness for Hilton, is calling 2024 the ‘year of the great recharge.’,” writes Anas. In Belize, there are plenty of ways to experience more when doing less. Last year, Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle explored some of the many ways to enjoy slow travel in Belize.Â
4. “Over-touristed” Destinations Are Out
Belize has plenty of hidden gem and off the beaten track locations. Photo by Duarte Dellarole
With many sites and even entire cities overwhelmed with what’s now known as “overtourism”, many more travelers will be turning to places that are a bit more off the beaten track. This is especially the case with “over-touristed” places like Venice and Amsterdam, which are set to impose greater tourist taxes and visitor fees. Belize is slowly making a name for itself in the world of travel. But with under a million overnight visitors per year still, it remains a hidden gem in the greater scheme of things. So, if you’re over overtourism, feel free to set your sights on the Caribbean gem known as Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret!
