As we look towards 2024, an interesting trend is emerging. According to a report by Lonely Planet, 64% of travellers are adjusting their budgets in other areas of life to accommodate more holidays in the coming year. This means people are not just dreaming of distant shores and new experiences, they’re actively making plans to turn them into reality.
So, where to next? That’s the million-avios question. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top 8 trending destinations for 2024 that are high on travel wish lists and tell you how many Avios you’ll need to visit each destination.
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Mexico
Mexico offers two dramatically different yet equally captivating experiences with its two main cities: Cancun and Mexico City. The jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is a beach lover’s dream. For a change of pace, venture to Isla Mujeres or the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza for a glimpse into the Mayan civilization. In contrast, Mexico City is a busy metropolis. The city's main square, The Zocalo is surrounded by significant landmarks like the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Art buffs will love the Frida Kahlo Museum, and a leisurely boat ride through Xochimilco's colourful canals is a must. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's markets like La Ciudadela, for authentic local crafts and flavours.
As for BA reward flights, the options are plenty. For Cancun, there's excellent availability in Premium Economy and Business Class starting from June 2024. If you're eyeing a First Class experience, you'll currently need to set an Reward Flight Finder (RFF) Alert as there's no availability in 2024 yet. Mexico City has better seat availability across all classes starting from April 2024, including Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. In terms of costs, a return trip from London to Mexico in off-peak Premium Economy is 95,000 Avios plus £330, and in Business Class, it's 180,000 Avios plus £450.
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Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is not your typical Caribbean island. Sure, it has the pristine beaches and turquoise waters you expect, but it’s the dramatic flair of the twin Pitons rising majestically from the sea that steals the show. This island is a playground for both beach loungers and adventurers. Imagine sunbathing on sandy shores by day and venturing through lush rainforests to find hidden waterfalls like Toraille by afternoon. And let's not forget the thrill of visiting the Sulphur Springs – a volcano you can drive into!
Currently, there's good availability for Premium Economy reward seats from London starting from April 2024, with many dates offering two seats. Business Class seats become more readily available towards the end of June, with numerous dates offering up to four seats. For a round-trip from London in off-peak times, Premium Economy seats cost 95,000 Avios plus £330, while Business Class will set you back 180,000 Avios plus £450.
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Morocco
Morocco is a mix of the historic and the hectic. Its most popular city, Marrakech is like the charismatic uncle of Moroccan cities – full of stories, a little mysterious, and always ready for a good time. Here, ancient palaces stand as silent storytellers amidst the buzz of scooter-filled streets. Picture yourself bartering for a magic carpet in the souks, then escaping to the calm of the Jardin Majorelle, a garden where cacti and cobalt blue mingle. Wander through the maze-like streets of the Medina, explore hidden courtyard cafés, and when the sun sets, enjoy views of the distant Atlas Mountains over the lights of the city.
If you plan a trip to Marrakech, you’re lucky because British Airways has daily flights there. And with lots of seats available in both Economy and Business Class throughout 2024, booking with Avios is pretty straightforward. If you want to save your Avios, the Economy option is a good choice. A round trip from London in off-peak Economy costs 27,500 Avios plus £1. For a bit more comfort, Business Class is also affordable, at 48,500 Avios plus £1.
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Chile
Chile's capital city, Santiago, is not your usual cityscape. Located in the Andes' foothills, the city offers a unique mix of experiences, with modern buildings set against stunning mountain views. In the heart of Santiago is the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historic architecture and busy streets. Visit the Bellavista area for its vivid street art and nightlife, and climb up Santa Lucia Hill for a selfie that’ll make friends back home green with envy. A short drive from the city, you can explore the renowned Chilean wine regions or venture further to witness the awe-inspiring Andes.
For those planning to explore Santiago using Avios, advanced planning can make all the difference. Premium Economy seats are plentiful from May 2024, with many days offering two seats. Business Class availability is strong from June 2024, featuring many dates with up to four seats. If you're considering a First Class experience, you'll find excellent availability starting in June, with three seats available on select dates. In terms of how many Avios you’ll need, a return trip from London in off-peak times costs 110,000 Avios plus £430 for Premium Economy, 220,000 Avios plus £600 for Business Class, and 238,000 Avios plus £600/800 for First Class.
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Croatia
Croatia is an adventure across time and place. Dubrovnik is a fortress by the sea with its stunning Old Town encircled by massive stone walls. Split is the ultimate blend of sun, sea, and time travel. Then there’s Pula, where the Roman amphitheatre takes you back to gladiator battles, and the capital city Zagreb surprises visitors with its artistic vibe, café culture, and street life. From Dubrovnik's fortified beauty, Pula’s echoes of Rome, Split’s living history, to Zagreb's unexpected urban buzz, it's a country that keeps you on your toes, visually and culturally.
Thanks to an extensive flight schedule between London and Croatia, finding a seat to these Croatian gems in 2024 is easier than ever. Economy seats offer great value for your Avios, with off-peak returns costing just 23,500 Avios plus £1. If you prefer a bit more comfort, Business Class returns are also accessible at 40,000 Avios plus £1. There’s lots of availability in both Economy and Business Class cabins from April 2024.
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Kenya
Kenya is a destination where you can enjoy breakfast with a view of elephants and spend your afternoon wandering through the Maasai markets. Its capital city, Nairobi blends the wild with the metropolitan in a way that no other place does. Imagine skyscrapers with a backdrop of roaming giraffes at the Nairobi National Park – where else can you find such a scene? Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where you’ll find orphaned elephants being tenderly cared for, and step back in time at the Karen Blixen Museum. The city’s streets are a patchwork of modern cafes, traditional eateries, and art galleries showcasing the spirit of Africa.
In Premium Economy, seat availability is strong from March 2024, perfect for those who like a balance of comfort and value. For a more luxurious journey, Business Class opens up from April 2024, with up to six seats available on many days. A return trip from London to Nairobi in off-peak times costs 95,000 Avios plus £330 for Premium Economy, and 180,000 Avios plus £450 for Business Class.
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Turkey
From the cosmopolitan streets of Istanbul to the beaches of the Turquoise Coast, Turkey is a place where every visit tells a new story. Straddled between two continents, Istanbul is a mix of the East and the West. This city not only bridges Asia and Europe but also blends the ancient with the modern. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand as testaments to architectural grandeur, while the Grand Bazaar buzzes with modern-day commerce and culture.
Head south to Antalya, and you're greeted by the Turquoise Coast's sparkling waters and sun-soaked shores. The old town, Kaleiçi, is full of history, with its narrow streets leading to unexpected discoveries. Bodrum's charm lies in its whitewashed houses and the imposing castle, which offers a vista that's as much about history as it is about the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Then there's Dalaman, a haven of natural beauty.
For travellers planning to explore these Turkish delights, Economy BA reward flights offer great value, especially for family trips. With a comprehensive flight schedule and numerous destination airports, finding seats from London to Turkey will be easier from May 2024. A return trip in off-peak Economy costs 27,500 Avios plus £1, while Business Class offers a more luxurious experience at 48,500 Avios plus £1.
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Canada
Canada is like a choose-your-own-adventure book. One Canada trip can hold Banff and Jasper's lakes, Toronto's multicultural buzz and Quebec City's European streets without feeling stretched. It’s a country where you can start your day with a moose sighting and end it in a hip downtown bistro. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Canada's vast wilderness, perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. Cities like Vancouver combine city life with stunning natural backdrops, while Montreal’s blend of French and English cultures makes for a unique urban tapestry.
For travellers looking to explore Canada, Premium Economy seats are widely available throughout 2024, starting as early as January – ideal for those seeking comfort without the splurge. Business Class availability is more sporadic throughout the year, but you’ll find a good selection of seats in August, September, and November 2024. For a return trip from London in off-peak times, Premium Economy costs 95,000 Avios plus £330, and Business Class is 180,000 Avios plus £450. To stay ahead of availability and secure the best seats, setting up RFF Alerts is recommended.
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Making Travel Planning Easier with RFF
RFF makes the task of booking flights with Avios a whole lot easier. Let's explore how RFF can transform your travel planning:
Plan a Year in Advance: You’re no longer limited to short-term searches for flights. RFF allows you to plan your trips up to a year ahead. This means you can sync your Avios points perfectly with your holiday goals, whether it's a summer getaway or a winter escape.
Everything at a Glance: RFF turns the often-tedious task of finding British Airways reward flights into a breeze. Instead of getting lost in a sea of tabs, RFF brings all your options to one page. This bird's-eye view not only saves you time but also simplifies your decision-making process.
Instant Notifications: Forget the days of refreshing your browser for seat availability. RFF's alert system lets you know as soon as your preferred seats are up for grabs. Choose Silver membership for updates within an hour, or go Gold for instant notifications.
Worldwide Map: If you're ever feeling adventurous or just can't decide where to go next, RFF's Worldwide Map is your new best friend. It displays all available BA reward seats around the globe, making it perfect for spontaneous souls or those looking for a bit of travel inspiration.
Avios Calculator: Along with the year-long Search window and instant alerts, using an Avios Calculator can help you plan your trips more efficiently. The tool provides you with an estimate of the Avios needed for different destinations, so you’re well-prepared for your upcoming adventures.
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