Daycations, Destination Dupes, and Sister Moons – 2024’s budget-friendly travel movement

Sophie Collins

A dynamic shift in travel habits is due to be seen in 2024

Forecasted travel trends combine maximum thrill and minimal pocket-damage for holidaymakers in Ireland.

The one-day holiday, Destination Dupes, and Sister Moons are stealing the spotlight, according to a trend report from London Luton Airport (LLA).

Sun seekers are opting for shorter flights and off-peak deals, with European cities becoming the new pit stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before jet setters find themselves back in their own beds by morning.

The report highlights a budget-friendly evolution in holiday habits, with 56% opting for destination dupes to enjoy long-haul vibes at affordable prices.

Fueling this trend is the influence of social media, drawing 45% of travellers to trending yet less familiar destinations like Albania – which is being hailed as the Maldives of Europe.

Notably, 64% are adopting the strategy of multiple 24-hour vacations, with 91% wanting to eliminate accommodation costs.

The 24-hours trip also gives great flexibility for last-minute trips, and gives us the joy of exploring a new city while enjoying their own bed at the end of the day.

Swiftie Stays and Sister Moons have also emerged as popular trends this year, with 52% of female travellers looking at celebrating major life events with best friends and siblings.

Following in the footsteps of devoted Taylor Swift fans, who contributed significantly to the US economy by attending her Eras Tour, 74% of respondents believe tours offer the perfect excuse to explore new destinations and embrace diverse cultures – 32% consider it the best way to secure cheaper gig tickets.

The report looks at a tech-savvy approach, with 27% using AI to match their budget to their itinerary, and 13% willing to let AI handle the entire booking process.

Despite a surge in holidays, 45% are keen on limiting their carbon footprint. They’re willing to adopt sustainable practices like renting bulky items at resorts (59%), buying toiletries abroad, and opting for a carry-on bag (60%).

Top 10 Travel Trends Defining Holiday Habits for 2024:

Holi-dayers: Almost two-thirds (64%) of holidaymakers maximise cheap off-peak travel to minimise time off with a 24-hour round trip abroad. Reduced travel costs by not booking accommodation (39%) booking last-minute trips (35%) and being able to sleep in your own bed at night (35%) were the biggest reasons for this shift
Sistermoons: Over half (52%) of female travellers are now looking to share adventures with their best friends or sisters before big life occasions such as marriage or pregnancy take place
Swiftie Stays: As music fans prepare to follow their favourite artist overseas, nearly half (45%) admit they would schedule a trip to an unknown city to avoid missing out, as three-quarters (74%) of people say it is the perfect excuse to explore a new region and embrace a new culture (71%)
Destination Dupes: With more than two-fifths (45%) inspired by social media apps to travel to unknown destinations, over half (56%) said they’d consider cheaper alternatives based on popular long-haul destinations e.g. Albania, the ‘Maldives of Europe’.

Voluntourism: Not set on just relaxing in the sun, almost two-fifths (39%) of people would use their time abroad to give back to causes close to their hearts. The uptake in philanthropic acts is due to almost half (49%) believing that volunteering is a good way to experience cultural immersion
Glampackers: Seatbelt on, rollers in, face mask on,2024 will see a new trend of passengers beautifying themselves, as four in ten (41%) female travellers admit they get Instagram-ready whilst on the aeroplane, so they arrive at their destination looking perfectly preened

Impul-setting: Bravery breaks are set to rise, as 47% want an exciting travel experience in 2024, closely followed by unique (42%) and adventurous (33%) pursuits. In an effort to be more exciting, over a quarter (27%) say they would use AI to suggest holiday destinations and plan the itinerary
Minimalist Packers: Gone are the days of a 20KG case or even a jam-packed carry-on. Nowadays, over six in ten respondents admit that they pack lightly for a fuss-free trip, whilst 59% believe that toiletries and additional essentials can be purchased abroad
Chillcation (literally):Three-quarters (74%) consider a holiday abroad important for their wellbeing and, as a result, look to take part in more wellbeing activities during their trip, with walks in nature(70%)and listening to nature (54%) of particular interest
‘Disconnection Seekers’ – Forget popular destinations; half (51%) of travellers actively seek out ‘back-to-basics’ holidays to disconnect and relax, like a break in the French suburbs, as the majority (89%) see it as an opportunity to get away from people, noise pollution and air pollution