Where will 2024 take you? It all starts with a good plan

As the new year kicks off, it is a great time to talk about your travel priorities for the coming year.  Beginning with your 2025 holiday plans. Winter break accommodation begins booking 12 -18 months in advance. If you are looking for a warm weather destination, our winter and spring breaks are a great time to visit Australia, Maldives, or South America (when it is summer and early Fall in the Southern Hemisphere).

If you are considering a cruise in 2024, the best time to book is January through March. This prime booking season for cruises is known as 'wave season.'  During this period, there are widespread industry sales, potentially leading to significant savings in the cost of your dream cruise. Booking promotions are also common during this period, such as complimentary upgrades, prepaid gratuities, or onboard spending credits. If a private yacht is more your style, bookings usually run 3 to 9 months in advance. Keep in mind the sailing season varies considerably by region. Summer is a great time to sail the Mediterranean, but not necessarily the Caribbean. Also, keep in mind that the cruise industry, unlike other parts of the travel industry, still largely channels its best deals and rates through travel agents.

In case you haven’t heard, the 2024 Summer Olympics are taking place in Paris from July 26 until August 11.  For those interested in going, there are a few things to know. First and foremost, securing tickets should be at the top of your priority list. With millions of people expected to flock to Paris for the Olympics, getting your hands on coveted tickets can be a challenge. While you can still get tickets to the opening ceremony, it will run you $2700 euros (roughly $2850 USD) per person. But, as with any coveted event, attending the Olympics requires careful planning and insider knowledge. Your best bet for tickets and accommodation is to call a travel advisor who has insider knowledge and connections with hotels, property managers, private concierges, local experts, and guides who can open doors for you.

While the allure of the Olympics is undeniable, it's essential to acknowledge the drawbacks of attending such a high-profile event. Paris, and the rest of western Europe, will be brimming with tourists, lines for attractions will be longer, and prices for accommodation and dining may be inflated. Security measures will also be heightened, which could lead to delays and long lines. If you are not attending the Olympics, it's best to avoid France in July and August. For those dreaming of a European summer vacation, consider the unspoiled coastline of Croatia or some “set-jetting” in Scotland. “Set-jetting", predicted to be a hot travel trend in 2024, refers to visiting the filming locations of your favorite shows or movies.

Those traveling to Europe in 2024 can breathe a sigh of relief because the much-talked-about new European visa requirements and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will not be implemented until 2025. When ETIAS goes into effect, US visitors to countries in the Schengen Area will be required to apply for a travel visa online prior to arrival. If you haven’t settled on Europe, then it may be a great time to consider other dream destinations. Summer is a great time to visit Japan, Fiji, Iceland, or go on that dream safari!

Wherever you go in 2024, level up your travel experience by seeking more meaningful, bespoke experiences. A travel professional can help you gain access to exclusive experiences, such as special tours designed to engage children, exclusive wine tastings or shopping experiences, as well as private dinners with Michelin-star chefs. Do you have a teen interested in fashion? Meet a local designer and have a custom prom dress designed. Bring monuments and attractions to life with private guided tours with subject matter experts (not just a local with a side hustle).

Lastly, consider investing in VIP airport services to avoid queues at passport control and gain access to fast-track processing to ensure you won’t have to wait too long, especially during the busy summer months.