Solo travel has gained popularity. Brief domestic escapes have been a key attraction for travelers recently. Long journeys through Europe have fluctuated in trend. Between the mid-1960s and late 1980s, many travelers enjoyed the excitement of mystery tours: purchasing a ticket, boarding the motor coach, and discovering the destination upon arrival. We’ve experienced it all, and we enjoy watching it happen. Solo travel has been popular. Quick, domestic getaways have been a highlight for travelers in recent years. The weeks-long trek across Europe fades in and out of fashion. From the mid-60s to the late 1980s, many travelers even loved mystery tours: buying a ticket, hopping on the motor coach, and finding out where your tour was going when you got there. We’ve seen it all. And we love to watch it unfold.

Fully engaging with the local culture and truly understanding a destination, rather than simply visiting, is a significant aspect of what makes travel enchanting. Travelers share this sentiment.Immersing yourself in the local culture and getting to understand a place versus just visiting it is a big part of what makes travel magical. And we know travelers feel the same.

The trends of this year have confirmed it. As we move further into 2024, we are both confident and excited that this will be the year of the culturally curious adventurer.This year’s trends have proven it.

Well into 2024, we’re confident (and excited) to see that this is the year of the culturally curious adventurer.

Off-Season Travel

Since we’re discussing trends, let’s frame this a bit like fashion. Summer travel is somewhat like floral prints in spring, right? It’s predictable… and often just a tad too busy.Since we’re talking about trends, let’s frame this a little like fashion. Summer travel is a bit like floral prints in spring, right? It’s predictable… and often just a little too busy.

Traveling during off-peak seasons allows you to experience must-see attractions with greater ease and at a reduced cost. Savvy travelers recognize this, as evidenced by a 23% increase in our year-on-year bookings for Europe in November. They understand that the advantages extend beyond mere savings. With fewer crowds, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, providing a greater chance to observe genuine daily life. Additionally, it’s easier to gain insights into the local perspective when more residents are present. When you opt to travel during off-peak times, you can get closer to those must-sees a little more easily and save some money. Savvy travelers know this. It’s why our year-over-year bookings for Europe in November are up 23%.

Shoulder Season in Sicily

I went to Italy for the first time ever this March, and members of our team had a meeting in Sicily in April. After reading a blog by a tour designer about some of the crowding in Italy’s top trending destinations, I was excited to visit the country during a quieter time.

The team in Sicily was in full agreement. We all felt this was an ideal moment to visit Italy.The crew in Sicily completely agreed. There was a consensus among all of us that this was a perfect time to travel to Italy.

There are some highly valuable trade-offs to consider. Some smaller shops might not yet be open for the season. While the weather is fairly mild, it isn’t quite warm enough for swimming outdoors. In March, you may have to put in a bit more effort in a small town to locate a restaurant that serves gelato this early in the season.There are some incredibly worthy trade-offs. Some smaller shops may not be open for the season yet. The weather is pretty mild, but it’s not quite swimming weather outdoors yet. In March, you may have to work a little harder in a small town to find a restaurant that has gelato available so early in the season.

Picture yourself on our Old World Sicily and Malta tour in March or April. During your leisure time, you can enjoy a small cup of espresso at an outdoor café. You’ll savor the pleasant, mild weather without breaking a sweat while sipping your coffee. Instead of hearing people ask for directions in English, you’ll listen to lively conversations among the locals in Sicilian, But imagine being on our Old World Sicily and Malta tour in March or April. During some free time, you’re able to sit at an outdoor café with your small cup of espresso. You can take in the warm, mild weather without sweating with a hot coffee. You’ll be able listen to the locals have a vibrant conversation in Sicilian, instead of listening to people ask for directions in English.

Off-Peak Peru

Peru’s peak tourist season occurs from May to August, bringing warmer temperatures along with larger crowds. By opting for guided tours, you secure reservations at major attractions such as Machu Picchu and gain access to challenging destinations like the Galapagos Islands. However, expect crowds during this period. Peru’s high season falls between May and August. You’ll find warmer weather, but also more crowds during this time. Going guided means you’ll have guaranteed reservations to those key sites like Machu Picchu, and guaranteed access to tough places to reach like the Galapagos Islands. But there will still be crowds during that time.

Our recommendation to beat the crowds? Book your spot on the Machu Picchu and Galapagos Wonders tour between November and March. Bonus for foodies: These months are ideal for securing reservations at some of Lima’s top restaurants. Our favorites for ceviche in the city are Awicha, Astrid y Gaston, and La Mar!Our recommendation to beat the crowds? Book your spot on the Machu Picchu and Galapagos Wonders tour somewhere between November through March. Bonus for foodies: These are great months to get reservations in some of Lima’s top restaurants. Our favorites for ceviche in the city are Awicha, Astrid y Gaston, and La Mar!

The Off-Peak Season in Costa Rica

The idea of a “rainy” season can seem a bit intimidating, don’t you think? Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about exploring Costa Rica with my grandma, and, to be honest, we specifically chose to visit during the dry season. Yet, the truth is, we encountered periods of rain regardless!The distinction of a “rainy” season sounds a little daunting, right? Here is  a blog about touring Costa Rica earlier this year, and they aimed for the dry season. But truthfully? We still had bouts of rain!

Costa Rica has a dozen different climate zones, and some are more prone to rain year-round. The Monteverde Rain Forest, for example, gets about 120 inches of rain a year. No matter when you go to Costa Rica, you should have a light rain jacket ready in these more rain-prone regions.

But the good news? Rainy season tends to have short lived tropical downpours. And the result of those? Access to stunning, lush greenery. Rainy season is also referred to as green season, and it’s worth braving some quick rain for those views.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses While Traveling

Shopping from women-owned businesses has become a popular practice in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It provides an opportunity to support diverse business owners with our spending. By shopping small at women-owned enterprises, we elevate their creativity and unique perspectives.

This holds true as much abroad as it does at home, but there’s a deeper global impact, according to Melissa Snape, our Head of Corporate Citizenship. “Women are the backbone of their communities,” she said. “They are more likely to invest earnings back into their local communities and family. The tourism industry plays a critical role in supporting women-owned enterprises and promoting sustainable economic growth. As a company, we are constantly looking for opportunities to partner with women-owned businesses.”

Here are some female-led operations you’ll find on our tours: Shopping from women-owned businesses has become a popular practice in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is an opportunity to invest in diverse business owners. By shopping small at women-owned enterprises, we elevate their creativity and unique perspectives.

This is just as true afar as it is at home, but there’s a deeper impact globally according to Melissa Snape, our Head of Corporate Citizenship. “Women are the backbone of their communities,” she said. “They are more likely to invest earnings back into their local communities and family. The tourism industry plays a critical role in supporting women owned enterprises and promoting sustainable economic growth. As a company, we are constantly looking for opportunities to partner with women owned businesses.”

Here are some female-led operations you’ll find on our tours:

Women in Agriculture and Foraging

• On our Japan: Past & Present tour, meet the Ama Pearl divers. These women defy conventional gender roles every day. They are extraordinary freestyle divers who dive for fish, seaweed, and pearls. 
• Discover the remarkable efforts at Jóhanna’s goat farm on the Icelandic Adventure tour. Owner Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir has devoted her life to protecting the Icelandic Goat from extinction. You can sample and purchase products made at her farm, such as various types of goat cheeses with fresh herbs, jams, and syrups.On our Japan: Past & Present tour, meet Ama Pearl divers. These women defy conventional gender roles every day. They are extraordinary freestyle divers who dive for fish, seaweed, and pearls. 
• Learn about the incredible efforts at Jóhanna’s goat farm on the Icelandic Adventure tour. Owner Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir has dedicated her life to keep the Icelandic Goat from facing extinction. You can sample and purchase products made at her farm, like different types of goat cheeses with fresh herbs, jams, and syrups.

Culinary Experts

• For six intensive months, women at the Amal Center, who have faced disenfranchisement, receive comprehensive training in the restaurant industry, all aimed at achieving one goal — gaining employment and attaining financial independence. Join them for an engaging hands-on class to discover their stories and sample Moroccan cuisine on the Colors of Morocco tour.
• Just half a mile from the Taj Mahal, you’ll find the Sheroes’ Hangout, managed and staffed entirely by women who are survivors of acid attacks. This inspiring venue supports women in rebuilding their lives while fostering a strong sense of community over coffee. A visit here is included in the Mysteries of India tour.For six intensive months, disenfranchised women at the Amal Center train in every aspect of the restaurant industry, with one goal in mind — to secure a job, and secure their own financial independence. Enjoy a hands-on class with them to learn a bit about their stories (and Moroccan cuisine) on the Colors of Morocco tour.
• A half a mile from the Taj Mahal is the Sheroes’ Hangout, run by five women and staffed by women who are the victims of acid attacks. The Sheroes’ Hangout is an inspiring place, empowering women to build back their lives and find community over a cup of coffee. You’ll stop by on the Mysteries of India tour.