Pinterest Predicts released its annual trend forecast last month, and it appears 2024 will be a great year for staycations and relaxing, unhurried trips. Here’s how to plan yours

If just the idea of going on vacation is stressful, don’t worry — you’re not alone. And there is a solution.

This year, travel focused on rest and relaxation is expected to become a major trend, paving the way for adventurers and homebodies alike to use travel as an opportunity to recharge.

According to Pinterest Predicts, which forecasts expected trends each coming year, “rest stops,” or restful, unhurried vacations, will be the focus of travel in 2024.

“This year, people will plan trips that take it extra slow — and help them catch up on some precious z’s,” the website reads. “Fewer nights out on the town, more lazy mornings in bed. In 2024, there’ll be no shame in your slowcation game.”

Here are a couple of ways you can plan a laid-back vacation.

Tips for a restful vacation

1. Opt for a staycation

One of the biggest stressors around travel is the fact that it can get quite expensive. Another issue is that the actual act of traveling — whether you’re driving a car for hours on end or cramped in a tiny airplane seat — isn’t all that fun.

You can largely avoid both of those problems by giving yourself a staycation, where you stay in your own town or somewhere nearby and dedicate a period of time to rest and relaxation.

You can stay at home, which will definitely cut costs, or you can set yourself up in a local Airbnb or hotel. Either way, make sure you make your environment as relaxing as possible by eliminating clutter and distractions and cultivating a space that puts your mind at ease when you enter it. Take this time to explore new areas of your hometown, stay off social media for a while and reconnect with yourself.

2. Choose a relaxing travel destination.

While it can be thrilling to visit a big city and visit dozens of museums, monuments and other attractions every day, it can also be kind of exhausting. If you’re hoping to slow down your travel, try visiting a locale with a slower pace and put fewer destinations on your itinerary. Small towns are great for this, and as an added bonus, the cost of accommodations tends to be cheaper outside of larger cities.

You could also visit places known for their relaxed, peaceful vibes, such as one of the most peaceful countries in the world or a location with natural beauty, whether that’s a mountain resort or beach town.

3. Give yourself time

Even if you do have a long itinerary, you can keep your vacation peaceful by allowing yourself ample time to visit every destination on your list. Make sure you’ve set aside enough time for you to fully experience your destination rather than jumping through it.

Additionally, rather than trying to plan everything ahead and fit a new activity into each hour, focus on one big activity and a few smaller ones each day with plenty of time to cushion them. Don’t worry about jumping from one thing to the next; take your time enjoying each new sight and experience.

Travelling can be physically and mentally taxing, so taking care of your health is important

Travelling is all about taking a break from the monotony and soaking in the beauty and culture of a new place, and enjoying local delicacies. But, for many people, it might also mean missing out on their everyday diet and fitness regime — which can bring them back to square one on getting back. That is because it is only common to binge on junk foods on travels but do little to no exercise to burn the extra calories. But, what if we introduce you to some simple tweaks that can make your travels the perfect combination of fun and wellness?

In an Instagram video, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shared three tips that she herself follows while travelling to stay fit. “Whenever I am travelling, I take the opportunity to walk around and soak in the local culture. This gives you a better understanding of the areas as well as the food available,” she said.

She added that an easy trick to squeeze in some healthy workout is by performing five Surya Namaskars in the morning, which will make you set for the day. “You need no workout equipment for these yoga poses,” she continued.

Finally, she suggested eating rice for dinner to wash away all your food sins and compensate for the lack of healthy meals. “No matter where you travel, rice is readily available in all regions. Rice and Surya Namaskar are my go-to strategy on travel,” she concluded.

Shedding more light on the above-mentioned three tips, Dr Aditya Chowti, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore said that while travelling can pose a challenge when it come to maintaining a regular exercise routine, there are several ways to stay active while on the go.

“One way is to choose hotels or accommodations that have a gym or pool where you can work out. Another option is to bring portable exercise equipment, such as resistance bands or a yoga mat, so you can work out in your hotel room or outside. You can also take advantage of local outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling to get some exercise while exploring your new location. Walking or jogging around your new surroundings can also be a great way to explore while also getting exercise,” he told

He added that carrying healthy snacks like fresh fruits and nuts can help one avoid unhealthy snacking. “When eating out, choose healthy options like grilled proteins and vegetables and avoid fast food and fried foods that can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks can also help you maintain good health.”

Concluding, he said, “Travelling can be physically and mentally taxing, so taking care of your health is important. Allowing yourself time to rest and recharge rather than constantly being on the go can help you maintain overall wellbeing.”

Travelling with your family can be greatly rewarding, even if the trip only lasts for a day. However, planning an unforgettable day trip requires careful consideration. In the end, you want each member of your family to have as much fun as possible.

If a day trip is on the cards for you and your family, here are a few tips to consider:

Prepare a budget

Having a budget for your day trip is of utmost importance. Think of all the expenses involved such as fuel, snacks, entrance fees and food. Where possible, compare prices and see where you can save.

Choose a place that is family-friendly

Ensure that your chosen destination for the day is family-friendly. In doing so, you increase the chances of having a trip that is enjoyable for each member of the family, regardless of age. Places to consider include parks, farms, beaches, museums and amusement parks.

Always find stops along your route

When travelling to and from your chosen destination, ensure that you have refreshment stops along the way. This will allow each family member to get off and stretch their legs or use the toilet.

You can also use these stops to fill up on any needed snacks or drinks that may have run out.

Be intentional about making memories

On your day trip, there may be a few things that go wrong. You can also expect a meltdown or two. However, day trips with the family are a lovely opportunity to make unforgettable memories.

Therefore, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rather, focus on making the trip memorable. Have your camera ready to capture all the beautiful moments.

Don’t forget to involve the children

Children can get bored quite easily. As such, ensure that the activities on the day’s itinerary involve them and are fun.

To make things more interesting, you can have a little bag of surprises or treats which you will unveil during different parts of the day to delight them.

One of the best things about the start to a new year is all the planning, plotting, and daydreaming that comes along with it. With a fresh start comes a blank calendar and endless opportunities to fill your months with trips—from weekends at the lake to longer stays in more distant destinations. There’s no time like the present to explore something—or someplace—new, and the coming year is bursting with opportunities to experience everything our big, beautiful world has to offer. While your vacation can (and should!) be exactly what you want it to be, whether a fast-paced tour of a foreign country or a leisurely staycation at a local bed and breakfast, these 2024 travel trends may be worth considering if you need of a little inspiration to get your wheels turning. Once you find something that suits your fancy, the only thing left to do is pack your bags, set that “out of office” reply, and get going!

1. Rest and Relaxation Retreats

2023 went by in a whirlwind, so loads of travelers are still catching their breath after a hectic, jam-packed year. As a result, relaxation retreats, or trips taken for the purpose of resting and resetting, will be big in 2024. A study done by Hilton found that the number one reason people across all generations want to travel in 2024 is to rest and recharge. This year, it’s not about packing as many international cities into one two-week span as you can. Instead, slow down, take your time, and invest in your physical and mental health with a trip that brings rest to the top of the to-do list.

2. “In Your Backyard” Travel

The pandemic effectively shut down international travel, creating a balloon effect over the last couple of years when it seemed like everyone and their mother was jetting off for a European vacation. With rising travel costs and inflation to consider, 2024 will be a year of scaling back. Travelers are keen on exploring the wonders found in their own backyards, so to speak. Destinations within easy driving distance, and easy one- or two-day trips, will be big for travelers looking to maximize their time and money, but still have an unforgettable experience.

3. Destination Dupes

Travelers are taking a page from TikTok with the introduction of destination dupes. If it’s not in the cards to visit your dream destination this year, you can always substitute the aspirational adventure for a trip that’s more attainable but still offers many of the same characteristics and experiences as your dream destination. The South is full of great destination dupes. For example, if you’re fantasizing about a trip to the Greek isles, try Tarpon Springs, Florida instead. Itching to spend time in a quaint German town, consider Helen, Georgia.

4. Music Tourism

Call it the Taylor Swift Effect or something different but there’s no denying that music tourism has exploded over the past year. If you didn’t snag tickets to one of Swift’s U.S. performances, the 48 shows scheduled for Europe in 2024 will certainly draw a significant number of overseas travelers. Seeing your favorite artist is a great excuse to plan a trip. And a vacation budget is a great excuse to splurge to see your favorite artists. How’s that for a two-in-one?

5. Experience Stays

Traditional hotels will never go completely out of style (sometimes you just can’t beat their convenience and comfort), but travelers are increasingly interested in accommodations that offer something beyond a cozy bed and lobby bar. Whether you want to sleep in a renovated train caboose or a magical treehouse in the woods, there’s an experiential stay for you. Want to get away from it all? A luxury farm resort may be just the ticket.

6. Astronomical Adventures

Mark this date in your calendar: April 8, 2024. On this day, you’ll want to head outside to experience the total solar eclipse, an astronomical event that last happened in 2017 and won’t happen again for another 20 years after 2024. Those set on seeing the spectacular phenomenon in all its glory will be heading to San Antonio, Texas or Albuquerque, New Mexico, two places where chances are highest to see the sun’s corona during the eclipse.

7. Small Group Travel

2023 was a big year for multigenerational travel with extended families reuniting after a period of separation due to the pandemic. That trend will continue into 2024 but expand to include more types of small groups, from young families traveling together to friend groups planning large gatherings. You might see groups renting out a large vacation home or private villa, and they may even take over a floor of a hotel. I jumped on this trend at the end of 2023 with a New Year’s Eve gathering in St. Augustine, and am planning another at an tropical all-inclusive resort this summer.