Top Travel Trend Predictions for 2021
After the year that has been, many people are keen to roll out their luggage and start packing for a holiday. Getting away – whether locally or internationally – is a chance to refresh, unplug, take a break and explore the world, which is why we’ve gathered some of our insights into 2021 travel trends as well as what is important to our travellers, now.
Here are a number of interesting facts that have emerged from numerous travel surveys of prospective travellers around the world:
- Up to 71% of would-be travellers would like to travel immediately or at least within 3 months of restrictions being lifted at their chosen destination.
- Travellers want to go farther, for longer but less often – an about turn from the trend prior to Covid-19.
- They will plan between 1 to 6 months in advance.
- Safety during the entire trip is paramount.
- Value for money is most important.
New travel trends are also emerging in line with restrictions being lifted and the perception of safety at the destination. These include:
- Heading to destinations with open spaces to explore the natural environment.
- Of-the-beaten-track locations where people can explore, hike, cycle and walk as couples or family groups.
- Game and safari lodges – which offer natural social distancing.
- Beach destinations that are not crowded – or out of season.
- Destinations with outdoor activities for the whole family including sporting activities like golf, horse riding, tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.
- Destinations that assure clients of their safety protocols.
Popular destinations around the world that are currently trending include:
- Travelling in South Africa is currently popular – both for locals wanting a getaway in their own country, and for internationals looking to escape dreary weather and lockdown restrictions at home, especially smaller hotels, game lodges and the wide-open spaces at resorts in places such as the Drakensberg.
- The Indian Ocean Islands are welcoming guests with up-market resorts in Zanzibar in the top spot. Seychelles and Maldives are also popular holiday choices with resorts offering excellent discounts.
- Greece holidays are popular – especially the smaller islands.
- A holiday in Mozambique and the islands are ideal as the resorts are small and far apart with superb and uncrowded beaches.
- The ever-popular trip to Victoria Falls is back on the menu with many exciting outdoor activities and easily accessed from South Africa.
- Something new to the South African market is Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, in the Arctic Circle with unusual snow activities including dog sleigh rides.
- The UAE is also offering excellent holiday deals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with more outdoor activities than you can cram into a holiday!
Not all your favourite destinations are open to travel just yet but keep on dreaming and planning and soon you will be enjoying a well-earned and long overdue break.
Call Thompsons for up-to-date information on available holidays for 2021 as well as what new destinations that are re-opening for international travel. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of special deals.
Happy holidays!
