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Are you one of the forward-looking people who are setting 2021 up to be the Year of Travel? Americans are dusting off the disappointment of 2020 and planning more leisure trips for 2021 than they booked in either of the past two years. Search engines saw a jump of over 350% in searches for international destinations for the first half of 2021.
So, who are these people and where are they going? Some are making up for missed travel in 2020 or need to use travel credits before they expire. Others are ready to move forward with bucket-list travel or milestone celebrations. Many of us are excited for a refreshing change of scenery.
Still, travel conditions remain uncertain, so it's wise to plan carefully and seek trustworthy guidance. With that said, here are the Top 5 Travel Trends for 2021 that can help guide your next vacation brainstorming session:
Explore the Great Outdoors
Once we learned that the risk for coronavirus transmission is lower in outdoor spaces, travelers gravitated to areas with beautiful scenery and wildlife, a trend that will continue in 2021. Many choose destinations that foster social distancing, like the US National Parks, private beaches, and lodges on large acreage with fun, outdoor activities. Super-private options include renting a private villa, an RV, or signing on for a glamping experience. Don't worry - you don't have to DIY any of these options. I have fantastic supplier partners for all these alternatives.
Suggested Itinerary
Plan a cycling or multisport adventure with tour operator Backroads. These can be private, semi-private, or with a group. Choose a 3-day Active Weekend Getaway in a US destination, a hiking/cycling/snorkeling adventure in the Caribbean, or an Active Safari in South Africa and Botswana.
Make a Plan to Avoid Crowded Sites
Travelers will need to weigh the dilemma of visiting must-see attractions when they go somewhere new. It may be a good year to skip the big sites. If there's something you have your heart set on seeing, or you feel you may not have another opportunity to see, hire a guide. An experienced guide can help you avoid crowds and have a more private experience by carefully timing your visit, using skip-the-line privileges, or arranging an after-hours visit.
Suggested Tour
Visit Capri with IC Bellagio Tours. In Capri, the Blue Grotto tends to be on every visitor's list. IC Bellagio begins their tour later in the day with beautiful grottoes and small private beaches on the back of the island. Guests typically have these little havens all to themselves. When the group moves on to the front of the island where crowds for the Blue Grotto line up, these tour guests usually take a pass. They've already experienced paradise!
Plan a WFP (Work from Paradise) or Schoolcation
Have you heard about this trend? Families are temporarily relocating, taking their remote working and learning on the road. Destinations and properties are embracing the trend, offering programming and incentives for people who want to do work or school from somewhere more exotic than their kitchen table. Barbados introduced the 12 month Barbados Welcome Stamp, a visa that allows non-residents to stay on the island for up to one year. Chile is incentivizing technology startups to relocate there to build their businesses.
Suggested Property for Families
The Four Seasons Punta Mita on Mexico's Pacific coast introduced their new Knowledge for All Seasons, a worldschooling program that offers classes in art, culture, history, and after-school sports. Students have access to a tech hotline and Study Buddy program. Parents can relax by the pool or do their own remote work while the kids are engaged in the program.
Choose an Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination
Dig a little deeper and visit that lesser-known, unsung gem rather than a major destination. If Australia's on your list, head to the rugged mountain ranges and majestic coastline of the Kimberley Region. This sparsely-populated region is an adventurer's paradise where you can dive for pearls or take a sunset camel ride. If you're looking for something more relaxing, consider the Azores. These nine islands off the coast of Portugal feature picturesque villages, beautiful land and seascapes, perfect weather, and amazing cuisine.
Suggested Destination
If you're dreaming of the Tuscan countryside, steer clear of busy San Gimignano or Siena and choose a small town, like San Donato. Set on a hilltop in Chianti, the medieval village is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and traditional Tuscan farmhouses. Some of these historic homes serve as vacation rentals, providing an authentic agriturismo experience.
Cruise the USA
Border restrictions have limited most cruise options, but cruise fans can experience several US rivers, the Great Lakes, and Alaska. River cruises travel to the heart of historic cities, allowing travelers to experience the art, music, cuisine, and characters who shaped our country. Great Lakes Cruises explore British strongholds, New England Colonies, Victorian-era towns, and remote islands on all five lakes.
Suggested Itinerary
Adventure calls at every turn when you combine the wonders of an Alaska cruise with the beauty of Denali and the rich history and majesty of the Yukon Territory. This Itinerary includes both the "must-see" and "seldom seen" sites that make Alaska so memorable. Spend a full day cruising Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, embark on a thrilling Tundra Wilderness Tour, and retrace Klondike Gold Rush history, all in one trip.
Which option ignited your wanderlust? Let me know, and reach out if you'd like to start brainstorming for your 2021 or 2022 vacation. I would be honored to help.
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