The global pandemic turned travellers' plans upside down in 2020. Looking ahead to 2021, the impact of the pandemic is changing not just our choice of destination but also the type of trips we’re most likely to take in the coming year. New research by Booking.com reveals the five emerging trip types for 2021 to motivate and inspire travellers to take a trip (or five) to best fit their newfound travel preferences.

 

1. Solace in Solo

The solo travel trend is likely to gather even greater momentum as people’s thirst to travel, which was stymied by the pandemic, will nudge them to take the plunge to travel on their own in 2021. Booking.com's data pre-pandemic saw only 17 per cent of travellers planning a trip on their own, while 30 per cent now say they will be planning a solo trip in the future. Additionally, 42 per cent of travellers say they want to travel more in the future to make up for travel time lost in 2020.

 

2. Relaxury

The unexpected halt to travel plans for most travellers has meant that just being able to travel at all is a luxury, in fact, 61 per cent of travellers have pledged to not take travel for granted in the future. So while research shows that travellers still have a high intention to travel again, only 13 per cent are now actually planning a luxury getaway (such as a villa, five-star hotel), with the majority (51 per cent) planning a relaxing trip to get away from it all.

 

3. Breakaway Bubbles

In 2020, most travellers have had extended time apart from friends and family. According to Booking.com's research, 61 per cent of travellers plan to use future travel as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. In fact, while being apart, 36 per cent of travellers have revealed that talking to friends and family about traveling is one of their main inspirations to travel again.

 

4. Weekend Wonders

With many travellers feeling apprehensive that future travel plans could be disrupted again, there will be an increased demand for a quick trip as over half of travellers (53 per cent) want to take more shorter breaks in 2021 than they did in 2019 to minimise any disappointment. A further 28 per cent also revealed their preference of a weekend break for their first trip once restrictions are lifted, showing travellers’ desires to be able to escape reality, even for just a few days.

 

5. Food for Thought

Travellers’ desire to explore the world has not diminished but traveling abroad is still being avoided by a majority of travelers (53 per cent) as travel restrictions are lifted. That is why local travel is the new way of exploring the world, with culinary delights being top of the list. And with taste buds at the ready, 36 per cent of travellers are keen to taste and indulge in local cuisine while traveling, with 38 per cent wanting to eat out more often with the money saved from not traveling abroad. - TradeArabia News Service