As 2024 approaches we all start to plan our 2024 vacations! What better way to start the year than having an incredible adventure to look forward to? As you begin to consider your 2024 plans – here are our top tips and good travel practices for the coming year:
1. A Minimalist Approach to Packing
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination and discovering your luggage is nowhere to be found! Left with the few items in your purse, you’re suddenly spending the first few days of your trip buying new clothes and trying to track down your lost luggage. In 2023 there was a lot of lost luggage as airlines struggled. For 2024 we recommend embracing the ‘carry-on only’ style of travel. Minimize your wardrobe, do a spot of laundry, and follow our carry-on-only packing guide to have peace of mind and start your vacation the moment you land!
2. Slow & Sustainable Travel
Embrace the joys of slow travel this year. Instead of trying to see it all – consider an immersive experience in one or two destinations. Places like Portugal, Kyoto Japan, and Southern Italy are all known for their slower pace of life. They’re perfect starting points to help you slow down and get to know a place more intimately.
Slowing down goes hand in hand with traveling more sustainably. By slowing down and spending more of your money in one community – you support the locals and emit fewer emissions. Pair this with a reusable travel mug, water bottle, and slower train travel and you’re on your way to being a sustainable traveler!
3. Book Early & Check Your Passports Immediately
Kayak has found that eight months is the true sweet spot to start planning your vacation. Last year was a big year for travel and this year promises to be the same. So starting early and booking early can ensure you get the exact vacation you hope for! Imagine all the hotels, tours, and experiences are available for your exact dates.
Along with booking early, checking your passport expiration dates as early as possible is a must this year. Renewing your passport can take up to 4 months! Don’t leave it down to the wire when you’re stressed about whether or not you’ll be able to take the fabulous trip you have planned! Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least three to six months from your travel dates. You can check passport requirements here.
[Photo Credit: Spencer Davis via Unsplash]
4. Don’t Underestimate the Value of Travel Insurance
In a world of Covid and lost luggage, unexpected emergencies, and last-minute changes – travel insurance has never been more important. Travel insurance can help cover you in so many situations. If your luggage is lost – it can cover the cost of new clothes. If you or a travel partner suddenly tests positive for COVID-19 – it can cover those non-refundable expenses and changes. If your flight or train is delayed because of a strike and you miss a few days of your vacation – it can cover your unused hotel rooms and date changes.
If you’re going to spend money on a trip – it’s worth spending a little extra to ensure you don’t lose it all when the unexpected happens.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — read about her trip to Thailand here!
5. Stay Informed With the Best Apps
We are firmly in the age of apps. So why not use them to help you stay up-to-date and informed during your trip? Ensure you know how to use your phone abroad and then use it to its fullest! Use a reliable weather app to check each morning so you know what to wear. Always download your airline’s app to keep track of your flights and be able to check in with ease. Download the U.S. government’s safety app (Smart Traveler) to see what visas and vaccines you’ll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip. Whether you’re using them to calculate the exchange rate, look up the best route from one site to another, or keep track of all your expenses – apps are infinitely useful! These are our 7 top apps for your travels.
We hope you’re ready and excited to start planning your 2024 travels! Whether you’re following the eight-month suggestion and getting ready to plan for summer, looking to plan a quick getaway this spring, or already excited to start planning your December 2024 adventure – we are ready to help you every step of the way!
