11 Dec 2023
Long distance hiking, family friendly adventures and glamping are amongst the list of predicted boom-travel styles for 2024 according to World Expeditions – a pioneer in active and adventure travel holidays. Traversing the globe with recommendations from Antarctica to the Transcaucasian Trail in Europe, World Expeditions, celebrating 50 years in 2025 since its founding trek in Nepal in 1975, is expertly positioned to predict the adventure travel trends and destinations that active travellers will seek in the new year.
Active travellers the world over are inspired by World Expeditions' BIG adventures, small footprint mantra and traditionally seek out the newest, longest or perhaps highest trip for their next adventure. As more travellers enter the active end of the travel market, many also seek gentler and more comfortable wilderness experiences.
“We all know that in the world of active adventure travel, it's not just where you go and what you do, but how you do it,” says Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions. “Our predictions for 2024 are the trends that have really started to emerge this year that we believe will continue to accelerate next year. Whatever the preference , travelling sustainably is inherently a big attraction for modern travellers. Below is our list of these emerging trends and the most popular trip for each trend.”
1. Travel Style: Long Distance Hiking. Travel Hotspot: Transcaucasian Trail Hike – Georgia.
The proliferation of long-distance hiking trails is no accident; they are an excellent resource for spreading tourism dollars deeper into communities located away from the traditional trails. It's a trend not likely to go away soon. The appetite for travellers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in a destination for a longer period of time has been growing since World Expeditions was founded in 1975. The Transcaucasian Trail, the newest BIG thing in trekking, will extend over 3000km once complete.
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia: 10 days from AUD $3290 per person (flights not included). Transcaucasian Trail images here
2. Travel Style: Centre-Based Activity. Travel Hotspot: Antarctica Basecamp.
“Our travellers don't like looking from at the magic of Antarctica from a distance. They prefer hiking on it, paddling near it, and many prefer the flexibility of returning to familiar surrounds each day, rather than packing and unpacking,” comments Ms Badyari. Boat based explorations such as the World Expeditions 'Active Antarctica on Plancius' cover more ground, allowing travellers the luxury of waking up to a new view each day.
Active Antarctica on Plancius: 13 days from AUD $15,150 per person (flights not included). Antarctica Basecamp images here
3. Travel Style: Self-Guided Walking or Cycling. Travel Hotspot: Japan's Kumano Kodo.
Self-guided travel is flexible and more affordable. Add to this the assistance of luggage transfers, hotel bookings, complete support and navigation assistance, usually in the form of an App, and the attraction of this style of holiday becomes clear. A decade ago, self-guided options were largely limited to Europe. Today, companies like World Expeditions have pioneered the concept in other destinations around the world. “We offered the first ever commercial walking tour in Japan in 1997. Since then, a number of 'pilgrim trails' have been developed for walkers to enjoy, including the Kumano Kodo, which will earn you dual pilgrim status if you complete this and Spain's Camino.”
Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike: 5 days from AUD $1990 per person (flights not included). Kumano Kodo images here
4. Travel Style: Adventures with the Family. Travel Hotspot: Annapurna, Nepal.
Put the screens on airplane mode and get ready to share your passion for exploring the world's great wild places - a family that actively explores the world together, grows together. Parents eager to re-introduce their kids to the pleasures of outdoor travel will love this low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills, specifically devised for families. The itinerary includes time in traditional Hindu villages where children regard the Himalaya as their playground. Each campsite involves interaction with the crew and villagers in dancing, singing and games of volleyball and cricket. There is also time to visit the local schools and markets where cultural horizons are so different from our own.
Annapurna Family Adventure In-Comfort: 12 days from AUD $2990 per adult, $2520 per child (flights not included). Annapurna images here
5. Travel Style: Glamping. Travel Hotspot: Flinders Island, Tasmania.
Glamping offers the best back to nature experience. You play in the wilds by day and sleep amongst it at night, yet don't have to go without creature comforts. Flinders Island, the latest gem in Tasmania's hiking crown, is home to World Expedition's pioneering new Eco-Comfort Camp. This is glamping at its very best, flanked by Flinders Island's mesmerising mix of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and Aboriginal and European history. Situated offshore in the Furneaux Group of Islands Flinders Island is the gem in the crown of island walking in Tasmania, home to three of Tasmania's Great Short Walks.
Flinders Island Walking Adventure In-Comfort: 6 days from $3595 per person (flights not included). Single travellers can receive a single tent at no extra cost. Flinders Island images here
World Expeditions' adventure travel offerings extend across the entire spectrum of adventure, with journeys for all preferences. From the serene softer adventures, where tranquillity and nature entwine, to the pinnacle expeditions that push the boundaries of endurance and challenge every sense.
More media information: Bly Carpenter at World Expeditions, on mobile +61 407 775 105 or email bly@worldexpeditions.com.au
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