Five Emerging Trip Types for 2021
According to Booking.com, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel plans for 2021 is changing not just our choice of destination, but also the type of trips we’re most likely to take in the coming year. It has revealed five emerging trip types for 2021 to motivate and inspire travelers to choose trips that best fit their newfound travel preferences.
1. Solace in Solo Travel
Solo travel is set to gain momentum as travelers embrace the idea of exploring on their own in 2021. Prior to the pandemic, only 17% of travelers planned solo trips; now that number has risen to 30%. With 42% of travelers eager to make up for lost travel time, the mindset is shifting towards planning life-changing solo adventures.
2. Relaxury: The Luxury of Relaxation
The unexpected halt to travel plans has made even the act of traveling feel luxurious. Research indicates that only 13% of travelers are aiming for traditional luxury getaways like villas or five-star hotels. In contrast, 51% are seeking relaxing trips to escape reality, making relaxation the ultimate luxury in 2021.
If you’re considering a trip that blends relaxation with luxury, destinations such as a new cruise around Venice or a luxury tented camp in Kenya are enticing options.
3. Breakaway Bubbles
Extended time apart from friends and family during 2020 has heightened the desire to reconnect. According to research, 61% of travelers plan to use upcoming trips as an opportunity to reunite with loved ones. Consequently, traveling in pods with friends and family is becoming a popular trend for 2021.
4. Weekend Wonders
Many travelers are opting for shorter getaways in light of uncertainties surrounding future travel plans. Over half of travelers (53%) prefer shorter breaks compared to 2019, favoring weekend trips to minimize any potential disappointments while escaping reality, even if only for a few days.
5. Food for Thought
Local travel has emerged as a new way for travelers to explore the world, with a keen interest in indulging in local culinary delights. Approximately 36% of travelers are eager to experience authentic local cuisine while traveling, and 38% express a desire to dine out more frequently using funds saved from not traveling abroad.
For those passionate about food, exploring culinary experiences such as Italy’s Slow Food movement and Texas’ top food spots can enrich your travel experience.
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