Travellers are planning further ahead compared to last year, marking a return to traditional seasonality in 2024, according to latest Skyscanner research.
Those in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are “exhibiting strong confidence”, with increases in trips for this summer booked further in advance, resulting in a greater share of 60-89 day and 90-plus day booking windows.
Destinations in Spain and Greece destinations dominate searches from the region on Skyscanner, with Bangkok, New York City and Sydney also popular for long-haul travel.
More than half (53%) of EMEA travellers are opting to explore Europe, up 4% year-on-year. Southeast Asia also sees a rise in popularity, “suggesting a trend towards both proximity and affordability”.
Average trip lengths are also slightly down or flat year-on-year for many popular destinations.
Skyscanner claimed record travel demand at the start of the year, outperforming the global flights market.
The report, covering analysis of January flight searches for departures between June and August, said: “Alongside booking windows stabilising year-on-year, we’re seeing increases in search volumes to destinations closer to home, like EMEA travellers choosing Europe, as well as a shortening of trip lengths, especially for long-haul travel, as travellers increasingly look for value.
Head of destination partnerships Zeynep Mutlu Bigalı:“Our latest insights reveal a travel landscape that is both familiar and evolving.
“While traditional seasonality is returning and popular destinations remain in demand, travellers are also seeking value and exploring options closer-to-home.
“Across Skyscanner’s platforms we have seen incredible demand at the start of the year and we expect this to continue as we head into the summer, especially in regions such as Europe, North America and north Asia.”