2021 Travel Trends

In 2020, travel came almost to a complete standstill, with flights cancelled, hotels closed, cruises and tours postponed and rules on travel changing on a weekly, if not daily, basis. As a result, many of us chose (or were forced) to put our travel plans on hold. But now with several vaccines for Covid-19 slowly becoming more widely available, we’re starting to get itchy feet and think of all of the possibilities that might be afforded to us once we can embrace travel in a post-pandemic world. So what will that world look like?

SAFETY FIRST

Travelers gained a newfound understanding of safety and cleanliness when it comes to traveling during the pandemic. Consumers will travel first to those destinations they consider safe AND accessible. Early on expect pre-departure and upon arrival COVID testing. Mid year expect to see a rise in “Vax-ications” as individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID feel more confident to travel and travel restrictions begin to ease. “Vaccination Passports” with proof of vaccination may be required to board planes and enter certain countries. Travel Insurance and medical evacuation protection (Medjet) will continue to be “must-haves” for many tour operators and clients.

WANDER-MUST

If travel was considered a luxury pre-pandemic, now many people are seeing it as a necessity in a post-pandemic world. Many families are pulling big-ticket “once-in-a-lifetime” trips forward. Many want to travel to make up for lost time - traveling to make up for a missed celebration or to rebook a trip they were forced to cancel in 2020. Reunion travel to see family and friends as soon as possible will be focused on safely getting to the destination and finding memorable experiences and accommodations to celebrate being together once again. Rather than waiting for a special occasion, travelers are bringing their bucket-list trips to the front of their travel planning

WFH FROM ANYWHERE

In 2020 workers traded downtown offices for home offices, students left classrooms for ZOOM-rooms and we experimented with “remote life.” Many of us became digital nomads and quickly discovered “home” and where we work or study could really be anywhere. So much so that some countries offer digital nomad visas for travelers to come visit and work for extended periods (Maldives, Bermuda, Barbados). Some resorts and home rental companies offer significant discounts for long term stays of 30 days or more. “On-resort-learning programs” targeted to younger guests include programs focused on the environment, ecology and marine life. Expect the “work-cation” to continue in 2021

SELF-CARE

A travel trend for the past decade, wellness travel is not new, but the pandemic has focused us on the need for self-care. Stressed out Moms and Dads who can now add teacher, daycare provider, chef and transportation coordinator to their CVs, along with ZOOM’d out employees are actively seeking out restorative destinations. Destination spas, health resorts and all-inclusive ranches with family programs where travelers can allow themselves to be taken care of so they can focus on their own personal physical and mental health are in high demand.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Never has the great outdoors been so great. The pandemic forced us all to socially distance and where better to do that than outdoors. RV rentals jumped through the roof in 2020 providing families a safe way to vacation by traveling, eating and sleeping in one place. The local beauty of state parks, the fun of a tent pitched in a remote campsite and the majesty of our national parks brought much needed respite from our computers. Restaurants, severely impacted by restricted indoor dining got creative with al fresco seating on sidewalks and closed streets, providing cool weather dining in yurts and plastic igloos. Travelers will continue to choose outdoor vacation destinations and experiences in 2021 to improve their physical and mental health.

TOUCHLESS TRAVEL TECH

The pandemic gave the travel industry a not-so-subtle nudge into a new world of touchless travel technology. Those who traveled during the pandemic saw more widespread use of contactless check-in, QR-coded menus, reservation-required fitness centers, streamlined hotel room services and improved cleanliness protocols. Many didn’t need to travel at all as tour operators and hospitality companies invested in their online portfolios to offer clients (and potential clients) virtual travel experiences. Expect these tools to become part of the mainstream travel experience in 2021.

FAREWELL FEES. HELLO FLEXIBILITY

Consumers will remain hesitant to book travel too far in advance as the pandemic surges and retreats and lockdowns continue to be implemented on a seemingly random basis. For those who are willing to book a bit further out there are rewards in the form of attractive pricing, increased availability and flexible cancellation policies. Many airlines have permanently discontinued cancellation/change fees and hotels have significantly eased their cancellation and change policies.

TRAVEL ADVISORS - DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE

The pandemic only served to highlight the critical role of travel professionals, and anyone who didn't have one in 2020 probably regretted it. 2021 will see a resurgence in the use of travel advisors doing exactly that - advising. With a considerable amount of uncertainty still remaining into 2021 and quarantine rules and lockdowns changing daily there are significant opportunities for travel agents to become your invaluable partner and trusted source of information. Want some great travel inspiration? Check. Looking for the best deals? Check. Need an update on the latest health and safety standards? Check. Need help booking or rebooking after a disruption? We’re there for you. From the time you begin planning until you’re safely returned from your adventures.