New year, new you—but what does that exactly mean? For some, it’s a gentle push to kickstart a wellness routine, whether that’s finally enrolling in that kickboxing class or trying your luck at meditation. Meanwhile, others may view January as the perfect opportunity to organize every nook and cranny of their homes. But for those with stamp-packed passports and a thirst for adventure, the new year is a great time to update your travel wish list. (After all, there’s always somewhere new to go and something new to see.) Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to check out some of the coolest destinations. According to Airbnb’s 2024 Predictions, which breaks down all of the top travel locations, Colorado Springs will be trending come the new year.
According to Brian Quigley, founder of a Denver-based mortgage company called Beacon Lending, it’s easy to understand why Colorado Springs will be a sought-after place to rent a vacation home.
(Unsplash/Melanie Magdalena)
“Home to iconic landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs captivates visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility,” he says. “The welcoming community and the strategic positioning of the city for exploring the Rockies contribute to its current appeal.”
In fact, Quigley says 2024 will be a great time for homeowners and Airbnb hosts to reap the rewards of their real-estate investments. He adds: “The city’s diverse real estate offerings, from charming historic homes to modern developments, cater to a broad range of preferences.” Meanwhile, visitors will be able to choose from hundreds of Airbnb listings, ranging from budget-friendly private rooms for under $100 to a handful of scenic homes.
For locals, however, the reason for the hype is simple: Colorado Springs is a nature-lover’s oasis. “Colorado Springs has been my favorite location to live and has been so supportive of my mental health,” says Caroline Myers, a therapist who resides in the Briargate area of Colorado Springs. “Activity is valued a lot more than other places I have lived. There are beautiful views from almost anywhere and so many activities to do that aren’t necessarily hiking.”
Whether you visit Manitou Incline to push yourself to your physical limits, enjoy the lap of luxury at The Broadmoor, or enjoy some family fun at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is perched on the side of the mountain, Myers says there’s adventure for everyone. (Yes, even you.) Thanks to its bevy of small business–Myers says Josh and John’s Ice Cream and Poor Richard’s Downtown are local favorites–Colorado Springs has that perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Translation: It’s a wonderful place to take a well-deserved vacation–no jet lag required.
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But why stop at Colorado? Airbnb predicts smaller towns in the United States like Kerrville in Texas, Kentucky’s Louisville, and Indianapolis will be particularly popular this year—especially between April 4 and April 7, 2024, when they’ll reportedly offer excellent views of the total solar eclipse. In fact, the company reports that searches for listings along the eclipse’s United States path increased by 300 percent compared to the year prior. (Psst… Airbnb also says you can score an excellent eclipse sighting in Mountain Village, Colorado, providing yet another reason to add the Centennial State to your 2024 travel list.)
That said, if you want to clock in a few more frequent flyer miles, you might want to think outside of the United States. The trend report cites Japan as being the top travel destination in 2024. (With Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo included as trending trips, you’re just a reservation away from scarfing down delicious sushi or ramen.) Meanwhile, many of the trending spots are influenced by cultural and global events: for starters, Brazilian destinations like Salvador, Maceió, and Rio de Janeiro are seeing a 136 percent increase in searches for Carnival weekend. And, once summer comes along, travelers will arrive in the City of Lights in droves to hopefully catch a glimpse of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Regardless of which destination piques your interest, one thing’s for sure: 2024 is already poised to become one memorable year. Happy travels!
This story was originally published on Sunset.com. You can read it here.
