Here’s where your fellow members are traveling in the coming year. Where will you go next?
By J.B. Bissell
Interval is approaching its golden anniversary, and while benefits and program offerings have evolved over the course of the past few decades, the art of travel has always been the foundation of membership. In turn, Interval’s members continue to take advantage of exchange and other opportunities — Getaways, for example — to explore the world’s most desired destinations. And now, pulling data* from its nearly 1.6 million member families worldwide, Interval is unveiling a list of its most in-demand destinations across its network of more than 3,200 member resorts in over 90 countries and territories.
As savvy travelers, you’ll certainly be able to guess some of the places that made the list: the Hawaiian Islands and Florida, for example, where sun-loving travelers continue to flock for the inviting year-round weather and assortment of activities. International travel, though — along with lesser-known locations — is gaining in popularity. European destinations such as Portugal and Scotland have increased in demand, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have become a recent favorite among Caribbean islands. Whistler, British Columbia, also made the list, joining Interval’s traditional top U.S. ski resorts, including Vail, Colorado, and Park City, Utah.
Click through the tabs below to see the list by category — and to discover renewed inspiration for your next vacation!
* Based on booking requests made by Interval members as of September 2023, with arrival dates Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024.
Islands
1. The Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and the Big Island
3. Aruba
5. Key West, Florida
6. U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. John and St. Thomas
7. St. Maarten and St. Martin
An island vacation remains the quintessential escape from the real world. There’s just something about a sandy beach and palm trees — all surrounded by clear, warm water — that makes it easy to disconnect and truly recharge. Water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and so on, typically get all the attention, but island fun isn’t restricted only to the shoreline. Depending on which landmass you choose, interior adventures can include hiking, visiting protected wildlife sanctuaries, spirited nightlife scenes, touring historic structures, and dining at gourmet restaurants.
Mountains
9. Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek, Colorado
10. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
11. Park City and Snowbird, Utah
14. Breckenridge, Colorado
18. Whistler, British Columbia
The mountain towns on Interval’s Top 20 list are all world-renowned skiing and snowboarding destinations. And for good reason: All regularly receive big-time winter snow and are home to large resorts with varied terrain that will keep every level of downhill enthusiast challenged and content, from gentle green and blue cruisers to steep and deep double-black-diamond trails. When the snow melts, an entirely different world of outdoor recreation is revealed. Hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, and … shopping at unique little small-town boutiques are perfect ways to spend warm days in and around charming mountain communities.
American Southeast
2. Orlando, Florida
4. Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Naples and Marco Island, the Sarasota Area and Englewood, and Tampa Bay
7. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
20. Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina
The southeastern U.S. is a smorgasbord of diverse travel possibilities. At its heart, Orlando — with multiple theme parks, countless kid-centric attractions, and a wide range of dining options — is essentially a family-vacation rite of passage. The other popular destinations in this region are known for quiet walks along the shore, upscale shopping, golf, distinct local cuisine, and an assortment of affordable entertainment. They’re still multigenerational-friendly, but also make for wonderful adult-oriented trips when you want to unwind at your own pace.
American Southwest and Mexico
8. Southern Coast, California, including Newport Coast
13. Phoenix Area, Arizona
16. South Baja, Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas
Spellbinding rock formations and expansive desert landscapes punctuate the American Southwest, where scenic day-trips to national monuments, national parks, and other nationally recognized attractions fill plenty of visitors’ vacation itineraries. Farther west, on the California coast, the famous boardwalks provide a plethora of shopping, nightlife, and people-watching possibilities, along with Pacific Ocean views and the urban delights of Southern California’s beach towns. Desert and ocean vistas merge in South Baja, Mexico, as do opportunities for various water activities, golf, and simply digging your toes in the sand.
Europe
12. Costa del Sol, Spain
15. Algarve, Portugal
19. Scotland and Northumbria
Cinematic vistas and emerald-green wild landscapes extend far into the distance across Scotland, while farther south in Europe, the glistening seas of the North Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping caramel-colored coastlines of Portugal and Spain enhance the continent’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer to relax or explore — or plan a mixture of the two — there is plenty to do and see throughout these European regions. Visit ancient castles and monumental buildings steeped in history, hike or bike in the mountainous countryside, find the most unique souvenirs, take advantage of Europe’s diverse culinary delights, and simply relax beachside.
