December 30, 2024 at 11:30 am IST
In 2024, travel has taken a bold turn with viral trends like flying naked and getting divorced while sleeping. Here’s a look at the top trends that defined travel this year.
If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug this year, chances are you’ve taken advantage of a few travel trends yourself or noticed them all over your social media feeds. As 2024 comes to an end and we prepare to welcome 2025, let’s take a look at some of the hottest travel trends that have everyone packing their bags and heading out on adventures. (Also read: Villas, hidden gems and unique vacations: 7 top travel trends of 2024 that will redefine the way we explore the world )
1. Gate louse
“Lice” is the term used for passengers who try to sneak into queues with the hope of getting an early flight. To combat this problem, American Airlines has announced that it will roll out its new technology to more than 100 airports. The system will now beep if anyone tries to board before the assigned group is called and automatically deny the ticket.
2. Mattress runs
A trend known as “mattress runs” has people booking hotel rooms just to earn free nights or collect status points. However, these travelers often don’t complete their stay, instead booking rooms solely for rewards.
3. Flying naked
“Flying naked” is a trend where passengers travel without checked or carry-on luggage, taking only the essentials such as a phone, charger and wallet. Followers of this trend enjoy the convenience of skipping baggage fees and avoiding the stress of finding overhead bin space. On the other hand, critics argue that the concept seems too restrictive for those who prefer to have more items on hand when traveling.
4. Squatting
The term “squatters” refers to airline passengers who occupy seats not assigned to them in order to get a better seat without paying additional fees. This trend has gained traction on social media, with travelers sharing stories of encounters with these individuals and sometimes confronting them about the situation.
5. Divorce of sleep
“Sleep divorce,” where couples choose to sleep separately for better sleep quality, is becoming increasingly popular, especially while on vacation. According to the 2025 Hilton Trends report, 63% of travelers say they prefer to sleep alone, while 37% prefer separate beds when traveling with their partners.
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