While we may have had to put our travel dreams to one side in 2020, we’re hopeful that 2021 and 2022 will see a return to jet-setting around the globe once the vaccines are rolled out and travel routes are agreed between countries.
After a year of lockdowns and quarantining, we’re expecting that the world of travel will look a little different to what we’re used to. These are the trends that we’re predicting will take hold over the next two years and beyond.
Six travel trends for 2021/2022
- WFP - working from pool
- Rural adventures
- Family affairs
- Safety first
- Feed-worthy holidays
- Tech-free trips
1. WFP - working from pool
This year has seen the 9-5 office job come to a standstill, and an increased flexibility around working hours and working from home. Gone are the days of working in an office five days a week: instead, there’s been a rise of so-called ‘workcations’.
With research showing that around 60% of the UK now work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we predict a huge surge in people bringing their laptops with them on their next vacation.
What we’ve learned in 2020 is that employees can work from anywhere – and where better than beside a sun-soaked infinity pool? And for those inescapable Zoom calls, there’s your hotel room for peace, quiet and a stunning background beyond the window!
We recommend: if you’re able to work remotely, then the world truly is your oyster. Whether you want a holiday in a peaceful beach resort in the Maldives or a lively city break in Barcelona, you can enjoy the benefits of flexible working anywhere in the world – just double check there’s Wi-Fi!
2. Rural adventures
Many of us are feeling the effects of 2020’s lockdown, so it should come as no surprise that people want to get out and explore. Break out of your bubble by heading into the great outdoors; you’ll be rewarded with incredible views, unbeatable landscapes and a completely rejuvenated mindset.
Head off the beaten track, hiking through forests and mountains, filling your lungs with fresh air as you reinvigorate your body after spending many months stuck inside. After all, we’ve all done enough staying inside to last us a lifetime!
We recommend: St Lucia has some incredible hiking trails, as do Italy and Greece. Escape the mundane in 2021 by exploring the many natural wonders these beloved destinations have to offer.
3. Family affairs
Having spent much of 2020 and early 2021 apart, this year will see families joyfully reuniting, taking the opportunity to spend much-needed time together. We suspect this will lead to a rise in multi-generational family holidays, with All Inclusive options likely to be one of the most popular choices.
Without the pressures of juggling work, childcare and home-schooling, families will be able to leave the mundane behind in favour of quality time together on holiday, swapping conference calls and homework for new adventures whether it’s snorkelling coral reefs or going horseback riding along the beach.
We recommend: While you’ll find family-friendly resorts all around the globe, our top picks for a family getaway include Florida for its fantastic theme parks, Majorca for a short-haul beach break and Dubai for its waterparks and cultural attractions.
4. Safety first
Now more than ever, travellers will want to ensure that the hotels and resorts they are staying in, are adhering to strict health and safety guidelines. We expect that some measures, from reducing capacity in restaurants and bars to ensuring social distancing takes place in public spaces, will continue to be enforced for some time, reassuring guests that their safety comes first. Other ways to alleviate any anxiety about travelling include visiting during low season, taking private transport to and from airports and speaking to your travel expert about what measures will be in place when you arrive.
We recommend: Checking government advice for the country you’re thinking about visiting, as well as reaching out to the resort to see what they’re doing to actively help prevent COVID-19 cases.
5. Feed-worthy holidays
It’s fair to say that 2020 gave us very few chances to make amazing lifelong travel memories… in fact the closest most of us got to a holiday was scrolling through Instagram, wistfully ‘liking’ images of dream-worthy destinations from far-flung beaches to picturesque towns.
So, it’ll come as no surprise that we’re predicting that this year and into 2022 people will be adding ‘travel more’ to the top of their ‘to do’ list And because travel has been side-lined for so long, we’re expecting travellers go to big with their holiday plans, ticking off those once-in-a-lifetime trips.
We recommend: For big ticket dream trips, you can’t go past a South African safari filled with game drives and sundowners. Or up the romance quota on your next getaway with a memorable stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives.
6. Tech-free trips
After spending a lot of time gazing at television screens, hunched over laptops and mindlessly scrolling through social media, we’ll be seeing holidaymakers seeking technology-free holidays over the next year. Instead, they’ll soak up the sun on golden sand beaches and give their eyes a much-needed rest from screens.
A digital detox offers a wealth of benefits, including improved mental health, brain function and sleep. And where better to do it than beside a glistening pool overlooking the ocean with a cocktail in hand? Time to turn off your phone!
We recommend: If it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after, head to the island of Mauritius for beach bliss. Or escape to Barbados where you’ll find a stunning coastline and vibrant culture. In need of reset to mind, body and soul? Consider a spiritual retreat in Thailand, with many hotels and resorts offering yoga and meditation packages.
If you’re looking to plan your next holiday, look no further than Best at Travel. We offer a wide selection of luxury hotels and resorts all over the world. No matter what your preferences, we’re committed to finding the very best option for you.