The travel market in 2024 is no longer like it was two years ago. Several popular destinations in Southern Europe have begun to restrict tourist access, the European Union has postponed the implementation of the ETIAS system, and travelers are facing entry and attendance conditions that change from season to season. Choosing a destination for a trip in 2024 requires looking beyond the usual rankings and integrating these new realities.
Overtourism in Southern Europe: destinations changing their face
Spain has implemented concrete measures to limit overtourism in several iconic areas since 2024. Restrictions on short-term tourist rentals, regulation of coastal developments, and limitations on access to certain islands and city centers: these decisions are altering the on-site experience.
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Greece is following a similar trajectory. The Greek Ministry of Culture announced in 2024 visitor management measures at certain archaeological sites and in the most frequented islands. Athens and the Cyclades remain top destinations, but access and attendance conditions are evolving rapidly.
Italy, on its part, is generalizing tools to regulate tourist flow in its most visited cities. For travelers planning a stay in these countries, checking local restrictions before booking has never been more relevant. Those looking to prepare a structured itinerary can visit the Excursion Info website to compare available options based on the chosen destination.
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Travel formalities in Europe: the postponement of ETIAS and its consequences
The ETIAS system, which was supposed to require prior authorization for visa-exempt travelers to enter the Schengen area, has had its timeline pushed back by the European Commission. This postponement changes the game for third-country nationals planning to travel to Europe in 2024.
Several online sources still present ETIAS as imminent. The reality is that the system is not yet in effect as originally scheduled. For a Canadian, Australian, or American traveler, this means that entry formalities into Europe remain unchanged for now.
The available data do not allow for a firm conclusion on an implementation date. Keeping an eye on official communications from the Council of the European Union remains the only reliable approach to anticipate a change in procedure.
Off-the-radar destinations in Europe: where tourism is growing without saturation
While Southern Europe manages its flows, other regions of the world are attracting a growing number of travelers without the constraints associated with overtourism. Three areas deserve special attention.
- North Macedonia and Eastern European countries offer cultural richness and natural landscapes at visitor levels that still allow for authentic discovery. Cities like Ohrid combine history, nature, and art without long queues.
- Mexico, and more specifically the Oaxaca region, attracts travelers seeking vibrant culture, gastronomy, and varied landscapes. The destination remains accessible, and while attendance is rising, it does not reach the critical thresholds of major European capitals.
- South Africa, with Cape Town as the gateway, offers a rare combination of cosmopolitan city, national parks, and spectacular coastlines. The country has been investing in its tourism infrastructure for several years.
These destinations share a common point: they offer a quality-experience ratio that is hard to match by the overcrowded classics.
Travel in 2024: the criteria that really matter for choosing a destination
Destination rankings are similar from one media outlet to another. Bali, Florence, Marrakech come up every year. The real selection work is done based on criteria that these lists do not always display.
Level of attendance and time of visit
A fantastic destination in the low season can become tedious in the high season. The month of departure weighs as much as the choice of country. Field reports vary on this point from year to year, but the general trend shows that intermediate periods (May-June, September-October) offer the best compromise between weather and crowding.
Changes in formalities and local costs
The cost of living, newly implemented tourist taxes, and any access restrictions alter the actual budget of a trip. A country labeled as “cheap” may see its tourist prices rise rapidly due to demand.
Before finalizing an itinerary, cross-referencing multiple sources of information on the current conditions of the destination remains the most useful reflex. Rankings inspire, but local conditions decide.
Nature, culture, or city: clarifying priorities
A successful trip often relies on a deliberate choice. Exploring landscapes and national parks does not require the same logistics as discovering the art and history of a capital. Mixing the two in a short stay dilutes the experience without satisfying either desire.
Travelers seeking nature will favor destinations where protected areas are accessible without endless transfers. Those aiming for culture will benefit from focusing on a single city or region rather than multiplying stops.
Travel in 2024 is being prepared differently than in 2019. There is no shortage of destinations, but access, attendance, and cost conditions are changing faster than guides can update. Checking the actual state of a destination before booking, rather than relying on a fixed ranking, is now part of the journey itself.