22 Dec 2023
Tags: Newmarket Holidays, Escorted Tours, travel trends
In 2024 mature travellers will be happy to holiday solo, are choosing exotic locations over old favourites, and booking earlier than ever according to data released by Newmarket Holidays.
The escorted-tour specialist, which operates group breaks in the UK, Europe and across the world, has analysed its search and booking information for the past 12 months to outline the travel trends it expects to dominate in 2024.
Trend 1: Mature travellers happy to go solo
Newmarket Holidays has reported a 50% increase in bookings from solo travellers for departures in 2024, with demand increasing so quickly that the operator has already announced a series of new solo tours for 2024 to destinations including Vietnam and Cambodia, the Western Coast of Turkey, Morocco and the Sahara Desert, and the Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise, with more itineraries in development.
The company has also removed single supplements from more than 20 classic group tours, reducing costs and increasing options for solo travellers.
Niel Alobaidi, CEO of Newmarket Holidays, says: "The remarkable surge in solo bookings reflects a growing confidence and desire from mature travellers to visit bucket list locations, with the group element providing a secure and sociable environment that allows guests to keep their independence and also enjoy the companionship of others."
Trend 2: Long-haul cultural experiences on the menu for mature travellers
Newmarket Holidays is also reporting a bookings boom for long-haul cultural experiences, with tours to Japan and India proving particularly successful.
The operator launched its first Japan tour, Japan Unveiled, in late 2023, with places for 2024 departures selling out almost immediately, and bookings for 2025 also selling strongly.
India has seen similarly high levels of interest, with the operator launching two new tours for 2024 to keep up with demand.
Says Alobaidi: “Destinations in Asia were among the last to fully reopen their borders after the pandemic, but confidence has come flooding back and mature travellers are booking in big numbers, often choosing these long-haul options over old favourites in Europe.”
Trend 3: Travellers are managing costs by booking early
Travellers are booking long haul tours earlier than ever before, with some reservations being made more than two years in advance according to booking trends from Newmarket Holidays.
To meet demand, the escorted tour specialist has already launched 10 tours for 2026, including South African safaris, a rainforest adventure in Borneo, and a stunning scenic escape in Canada.
Says Alobaidi: “A combination of wanting to lock-in prices, spread the cost and have something really exciting to look forward to is encouraging mature travellers to book big-ticket holidays a long way in advance.
“We have 2026 on sale now and it's selling really well – we have never gone this early before.”
ON TREND TOURS IN 2024
New solo tour
Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise is a nine-day solo tour that starts in Calgary before heading into the Canadian Rockies, with guided tours to spot native wildlife, climb Sulphur Mountain on a gondola for unrivalled views of the mountain peaks, glaciers and lakes, discover the frozen waterfalls and hanging icicles of Johnson Canyon, and journey into the rugged, snow-carpeted landscapes of Banff National Park. Prices start from £2,789 per person (saving £310), including accommodation, excursions, transfers and return flights to Calgary from London Heathrow with departures from December 2024 (https://newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927).
Long haul cultural experience: Authentic India
Authentic India offers 15 days of immersive experiences, culture and heritage, with highlights including tours of Old Delhi's historical landmarks, a culinary walking tour, a visit to an initiative focused on women's empowerment and child education and talks with owners of local retreats and hotels to learn about their entrepreneurial journeys. Guests soak up the local spirit with an outing to a vegetable market led by a local guide and then enjoy dinner at their home, take a rickshaw ride through Jaipur, cycle around Udaipur, and cruise across Lake Pichola to see an evening aarti ceremony, and they also visit historic monuments that include the incredible red fort at Agra, the giant Chan Baori Stepwell, the Amber Fort and the iconic Taj Majal. Prices from £2,541 per person (saving £448), including half-board accommodation, tours and transfers, with return flights from Heathrow and departures from November 2024 (https://newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927).
https://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/asia/authentic-india
Borneo: Book now for 2026
Borneo's Orangutangs and Rainforest Adventure is a 13-day trip that lifts the lid on Sabah, Malaysian Borneo's verdant jungle paradise. The adventure visits a remote monkey sanctuary, an orangutan rehabilitation centre and a national park to brings travellers closer to local plant and wildlife, and guests can relax with a visit to the therapeutic Poring Hot Springs, followed by four days at a luxury beach resort for a peaceful end to the getaway. Prices from £3,102pp (saving £343) including return flights, bed and breakfast accommodation, 20 meals and fully escorted tours (https://newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927).
https://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/asia/borneos-orangutans-and-rainforest-adventure
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About Newmarket Holidays
Newmarket Holidays is a multi-award winning, independently owned British tour operator, providing a portfolio of escorted trips, resort-centred stays, and event-focused tours throughout the world. Founded in 1983, Newmarket Holidays has steadily grown and expanded to become one of the UK's leading and most respected travel companies. High standards of customer care and value are integral to Newmarket Holidays' operations and this is reflected in the meticulously-designed tours, from accommodation to on-the-ground experiences.
Offering a vast selection of escorted, air-inclusive tours within the UK, Europe, Americas, India and South-east Asia, Newmarket Holidays also presents a range of ocean and river cruises. Additionally, the tour operator is a popular provider of concert and event experiences such as Lapland Santa Experience, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships and performances by classical violinist and orchestra leader André Rieu.
For more details, please contact:
E: Dan@humewhitehead.co.uk T: +44 (0)7429 256 670
E: Rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk T: +44 (0) 20 3375 4054
