As travellers continue to prioritise meaningful and responsible travel, these winter trends reflect the desire for experiences beyond traditional tourism. The 2024 Winter Travel Trends Report outlines a shift in how travellers plan their getaways, focusing on new experiences, wellness, and sustainability. Airbnb’s 2024 Winter Trends Report reveals key insights into where and how travellers plan their winter getaways:
What Are The Winter Travel Trends?
This season’s report dives into the key trends shaping the winter travel landscape, including the rise of eco-conscious tourism, wellness escapes, cold-weather adventures, and the desire for immersive cultural experiences. Some of Airbnb‘s top trends include:
- Passion Tourism
U.S. travellers seek to combine major events with unique getaways. From highly-anticipated concerts like the continuation of the Eras Tour to sports games where college football spirit runs high and cultural celebrations like Día de los Muertos or Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets, these experiences are drawing in visitors. - Group Travel
Group travel continues to thrive on Airbnb, with end-of-year bookings averaging 4 guests, as families come together for festive celebrations. - Ski Destinations
This year’s top 10 ski destinations include five U.S. spots – Big Bear, CA; Breckenridge, CO; Mammoth Lakes, CA; Park City, UT; and Steamboat Springs, CO. Popular international slopes include Canada, Norway, and France. - Snow For Sand
For snowbirds seeking warmer weather, top destinations to trade snow for sand include sun-soaked gems like Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Thailand. - Cultural Travel
Cultural treasures await travellers seeking unique experiences, from the vibrant Día de los Muertos festivities in Guatemala City to the charming Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, and the snowy magic of Zermatt, Switzerland’s winter wonderland. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. - Tropical Escapes
Sun seekers are drawn to the picturesque beach destinations of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, which are gaining popularity among U.S. travellers looking for a tropical getaway.
Here Are The Winter Getaways
As these groups seek to avoid the crowds and high prices of peak travel seasons, they are increasingly travelling during the winter months to traditionally summer destinations. This allows them to enjoy quieter, more intimate experiences while benefiting from reduced rates on flights and accommodations. Travellers are eager to explore with renewed vigour, seeking meaningful adventures, deeper cultural connections, and opportunities to care for both their well-being and the planet.
As travellers continue to prioritise meaningful and responsible travel, these trends reflect the desire for experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. They offer deeper connections with the environment, local communities, and personal well-being.
With these new trends, the travel industry is evolving to meet the demands of a more mindful, adventurous, and tech-savvy traveller.
Cover image credit: Canva