7 Top Travel Trends for 2021

While the travel industry experienced an unprecedented slowdown last year, and although we are still in the grip of a pandemic, there is a glimmer of optimism. With the rollout of vaccines, the world is starting to get back on the move again. So, what does the immediate future look like for travel and tourism? We can’t predict with any certainty what’s going to happen, but here are seven travel trends we expect to see during 2021.

1) Socially Distanced Travel

The impact of the pandemic has changed the way we live. Social distancing is the new normal and is likely to remain that way for a while. Therefore, it's only natural that people will seek out vacations that offer opportunities to continue social distancing. Big city breaks may well take a back seat for a while as people are keen to avoid crowded places.

With concerns about future coronavirus waves, the first post-pandemic trips for many will be places where it is easy to maintain a distance from others. For example, remote island escapes, houseboats, and vacation homes.

2) Outdoor Experiences

The desire for socially distanced getaways will also see a surge of interest in the great outdoors. After spending so much time cooped up indoors staring at the four walls or computer and smartphone screens, people will want to get out and embrace wide-open spaces and reconnect with the natural world. The Earth is calling, and consequently, nature travel will be a huge trend in 2021.

3) Multi-Generational Travel

Families have spent a lot of time apart during the past 12 months, so quality time where they're able to chill out and enjoy each other's company will be big this year. Once it is safe to do so, travelers with their immediate and extended families will be off to travel the world together, making up for lost time.

Families weren't the only ones separated during 2020, so too were friends. As such, experts expect to see an increase in group travel among friends during the coming months.

4) Bucket-List Travel

We've had lots of time to think about visiting our dream destinations during the past year, once-in-a-lifetime vacations in faraway places. Whether exploring the pyramids of Giza, going on an African safari, hiking through the Amazon rainforest, chilling out on a Caribbean cruise, or looking down on Paris from the Eiffel Tower, bucket-list trips are likely to be in high demand.

5) Domestic Travel and Staycations

While some travelers will be crossing faraway destinations off their bucket list, others will be exploring the gems in their own backyard. Staycations have been popular for years, but interest and take-up will spike this year. Even with the vaccine and strict safety measures, some people will be nervous about traveling to other countries, especially if they could be stuck in a foreign location while there is a virus resurgence. Their preference will be to stay within their borders for a little while longer, at least. Staycations could include camping under the stars in national parks, cruising along rivers, heading to seaside resorts and enjoying extended stays in spa hotels in their hometowns and cities.

6) Last-Minute Bookings

Although many companies offer flexible booking policies, there is still a lot of uncertainty around. Therefore, many travelers will only truly feel comfortable making last-minute reservations, booking trips much closer to their travel dates. As lockdowns come and go and restrictions are tightened or relaxed, tourists can be more responsive to the changing situation during 2021.

7) A Rise In 'Workcations'

The daily commute to the 9-5 office job is well and truly on standby as millions of non-essential workers continue to work at home. This situation is unlikely to change anytime soon as companies have discovered they don't require everyone to work together in the same space. Industry insiders are predicting a significant rise in 'workcations.'

Free from the constraints of the office people will temporarily relocate to foreign destinations for a week, two weeks, or even a month, and factor in holiday time around their work responsibilities.

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