From Sober Journeys to Wellness Escapes: Travel Trends to Watch

Skyscanner reports that 39% of U.S. travelers plan to spend more on travel in 2024 than in 2023. A survey by Intrepid Travel found that 57% of Americans aim to take the same number of trips in both years, while about one in four plan to travel more in 2024. But what kind of travel trends can we expect this year?

Concerts and music festivals are a hot destination for music lovers. If catching your favorite artist live is a must for you this year, you're not alone. Skyscanner says 44% of U.S. travelers are up for short flights to see their favorites, and 60% are cool with traveling abroad for concerts. Fans are gearing up for upcoming festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, or Lollapalooza.

According to Expedia, younger travelers are shifting away from alcohol-centric experiences. This change is linked to the rise of the wellness trend and a surge in visits to places like Dubai, where alcohol isn't a common part of daily life. Expedia revealed that half of travelers would be intrigued by the idea of staying at a hotel that provides readily available alcohol-free choices such as mocktails or nonalcoholic beer.

With a focus on well-being, the Global Wellness Institute predicts that this type of tourism will reach 1.3 trillion dollars by the next year. Whether it's winter retreats or unplugging from devices, there are numerous ways for travelers to tailor their vacations to prioritize wellness according to their specific goals.

Celebratory vacations are a popular way to explore the world, especially for marking special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Skyscanner reveals that 79% of U.S. travelers choose group trips to celebrate with friends and family. This year, people using Skyscanner are eyeing destinations in Canada, Spain, and Mexico for their big moments.

Other travel trends we can expect this year include solo travel and travel based on film and TV. According to Allianz travel insurance, 42% of young Americans (18-34) are all about that solo travel life. The cool part is you get to skip the whole group trip planning drama and the worry of people bailing out. When it comes to travel inspiration from movies and TV, Skyscanner says 29% of U.S. travelers are checking out films and shows for their trip ideas. Maybe, you can check out San Francisco and visit the houses where the Full House intro was filmed or drive by the Mrs. Doubtfire house.

Take a look at more travel trends for this year here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.