Bucharest & AI Lead in 2024 Travel Trends Report

As the travel industry gears up for a full recovery in 2024, BookRetreats.com revealed emerging travel trends redefining the way people plan their holidays and explore the world. Beyond the significant impact of AI, the report spotlights burgeoning trends in sustainable travel and a surprising destination dominating screens and travel bucket lists in 2024. 

AI-Powered Trip Planning

Today, approximately 61% of consumers are considering the use of generative AI tools for efficient trip planning. Business travelers and frequent flyers, particularly among men and millennials, are at the forefront of this trend, harnessing AI to tailor their travel experiences and reduce often pricey agency costs.

However, this emerging trend does not spell the end of traditional travel agents. Data privacy remains a significant concern for over half of all travelers (51%), with 81% indicating that they will carefully review AI recommendations before making any bookings.

The Rise of Sustainable Travel

Sustainable tourism continues its meteoric rise in 2024, with “sustainable travel” searches surging by 283% over the past five years. Recent reports indicate that nearly 80% of travelers are willing to invest more in sustainable travel options, with 41% prepared to pay up to 30% more for eco-tourism and adventure activities.

This growing trend has been bolstered by a shift towards eco-friendly travel options such as scenic train journeys, sailing adventures, and road trips, as travelers seek guilt-free holidays that minimize their environmental impact.

Set-Jetting in Romania

One of the standout trends for 2024 is the increasing popularity of set-jetting, where travelers seek out picturesque locations from their favorite films and TV shows. Recent data indicates that 29% of US travelers now turn to TV and film for travel inspiration. 

As the filming location for the second most googled TV show in 2023, Wednesday, BookRetreats.com ranked Bucharest, Romania as the top set-jetting destination for 2024. The show’s huge success is expected to drive substantial growth in Romania’s tourism industry, with fans flocking to iconic locations like Casa Monteoru, Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu, and Bucharest Botanical Gardens.

Transformative Wellness Experiences 

While traditional wellness experiences like yoga retreats are making a comeback, 2023 revealed that more alternative options are capturing the curiosity of travelers worldwide.

According to Sean Kelly, Co-Founder of BookRetreats.com: “2023 data insights revealed a significant spike in alternative wellness retreats. In the US, we saw interest in indigenous healing experiences like ayahuasca increase by over 120% in just five years. Darkness therapy also had a moment this year, with a surprising outbreak in the Midwest. Looking at the numbers, it’s clear travelers are no longer searching for a superficial vacation, but a transformative experience.”

Read the full report: 2024 Travel Trends: How AI & Taylor Swift Are Changing Travel