Traveling reveals the best versions of ourselves that we sometimes don’t get to fully explore at home – and it’s not just a boost in Vitamin D that enables this.
Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research found that more than three quarters (78%) of travelers feel more alive than ever on vacation, transporting them out of autopilot and into their best life, whether that’s chilling out (literally) in cooler climes, chasing culture or cycling through the charming curves of unfamiliar city streets.
While the passion and drive for travel is personal, to help people feel the pulse of travel in 2024, Booking.com has delved into global booking trends to share the top trending destinations for next year.
Spin the globe and get ready to raft river rapids, uncover subterranean wonderlands and be spiritually rebirthed with these ten invigorating destinations, each offering something unique to revitalize travelers in 2024.
Vlorë, Albania
The jewel of the Balkans, Albania is the trending beach escape for 2024 due to its azure waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers.
Tucked away in the southwest is the underrated seaside gem of Vlorë, the starting point of the Albanian Riviera and a great base for road trips to explore up and down this sunny coast.
Home to some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches, the glistening shoreline provides visitors with Europe’s answer to the Maldives – a welcome option for the 43% of travelers who will be searching for luxe-for-less copycat vacations to reduce costs.
By day, visitors can stroll along the palm tree-lined promenade, revive in Narta Lagoon, or enjoy a boat trip to the small but stunning Bay of Grama.
By night, this historic city comes alive in the vibrant old town bustling with boutique shops and eateries.
Vlorë is also emerging as a culinary destination: foodies will savor the taste of Italy just a hop across the Adriatic, which blesses the local cuisine with fresh seafood the star of the show.
For a day trip, head to Tirana, a two-hour drive north, for an Albanian Cooking Class to immerse in local traditions and make tavë kosi (tender lamb baked with rice in a spiced yogurt sauce) – an emblematic dish and soul food at its finest.
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