A (Mostly) Optimistic Look Ahead to Travel in 2021
Typically at this time of year I take a look back at the year in travel and then look ahead to what travel might look like in the new year.
Well….
Let’s just forget all about that looking back on travel in 2020 because, let’s face it, there wasn’t much travel going on.
I did manage a trip to Paris in late January (thank the travel gods!) which reminded me how much I love this city.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday and to see Europe in winter.
But that was it.
Then, pandemic pandemonium.
So let’s look ahead to 2021 in the hopes (fingers and toes crossed) that we can do a bit more traveling in the new year.
Here are a few trends that I think we’ll see in 2021.
Health Passport
There is a lot of chatter about this idea of a health passport which is not new.
For those who travel to places that require a yellow fever vaccination, they’re used to showing this card of proof along with their actual passport.
So with the COVID vaccine beginning to roll out, don’t be surprised if you need to show proof of having this vaccine in order to travel in 2021 (and beyond) to other countries.
Or you may have to be willing to be tested for COVID before leaving your country, upon arrival and perhaps even a few days after you arrive at your destination.
But this health passport is going to be something that will most likely begin to pop up and be with us for the foreseeable future.
The bonus is that with technology we will most likely be able to have it all stored on our smartphones.
Of course, this leads to some concern over privacy issues.
So we’ll see how this looks as some companies begin developing these apps.
But I see a health passport of sorts becoming the norm — very soon.
Fewer Fees
When all hell broke loose back in March 2020 folks were cancelling flights left and right.
And the airlines were being … well, the airlines … and just issuing vouchers for future travel.
But when it became clear that this was not going to be over in a couple of months, people started complaining and demanding a full refund.
And the airlines eventually broke down and started issuing refunds.
Fast forward to the end of the year, and many of the change fees are gone.
It remains to be seen if this will continue, but I do think for the next couple of years as we slowly return to a new normal, there will be fewer fees from airlines.
I also think many hotels, cruise lines and tour companies will also keep those change or cancellation fees to a minimum mostly due to the fact that we are going to be in limbo for a couple of years.
So travel in 2021 — and maybe into 2022 — could be a bit more flexible.
Yay!
More Time in Nature
One benefit to the pandemic is that more folks are taking trips that involve getting out into nature — folks that maybe aren’t the typical outdoors person.
So these folks are experiencing the natural beauty of this world.
Yay!
Now, here’s the bad news.
First of all some of the parks and trails and lakes can’t handle the influx of people.
Secondly, the newcomers aren’t exactly being kind to Mother Earth.
Thirdly, there has also been an uptick in people getting hurt or lost or are just ill prepared so they need to be rescued.
Oops!
I’m a nature lover, as you know, so I know the rule of leaving only footprints — leave no trace, trash, nor take anything.
And I am always prepared for bad weather and I don’t go off trail.
I know my limits.
Apparently the newbies didn’t get the memo.
So while I applaud the fact that some travelers are now getting into the great outdoors, I wish they would do so responsibly and safely.
I’ll just leave it there.
Focus on Small, Locally Owned Businesses
So many small businesses — from family run restaurants, cafes, pubs and B&B’s to specialty shops or tour companies — have suffered due to the pandemic.
Wander Your Way is a small business.
My travel business dried up 100% in 2020.
It sucks.
I’m fortunate in my situation that I should be okay.
However, many of these small businesses won’t survive which is too bad.
My heart goes out to them.
Those that do make it need our help as we venture back out in the world.
I believe that many of us are cognizant of this so we’ll all try to find the small businesses as we travel in 2021 — and beyond.
We’ll stay at the small family run guesthouse.
We’ll eat at the little restaurant on the corner.
And we’ll use the tour company owned by a couple of friends.
Supporting those locally owned businesses and giving back to that community we travel to is a trend that I hope stays — for good.
More Road Trips
Road trips are going to continue to be a big deal.
When things opened back up at the beginning of summer in 2020, this is what many folks decided to do: get in the car and drive.
I’m quite sure most people didn’t even care where they went.
They just needed to get out.
And because the coronavirus is not going to miraculously go away, road tripping will still be the number 1 thing travelers will do as a vacation — at least through 2021 and maybe even into early 2022.
RV and camper van rentals will continue to be popular in the US, Canada and across Europe.
So travel in 2021 is still about getting out on the open road so you can keep your distance.
Will this trend continue into 2022 and beyond?
Time will tell!
Higher Standards of Cleanliness and Mask Wearing
Our cleanliness standards have been raised — significantly.
Even as more and more people get vaccinated, we’ll expect a higher level of cleanliness from airlines, accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, and especially from those cruise ships as we travel in 2021 and beyond.
I also think we’ll travel with our own disinfecting wipes and sprays and hand sanitizer will be everywhere.
The other trend is mask wearing.
I know we get tired of being behind a mask, but I believe we’ll have to wear masks on airplanes, trains, busses and ferries for awhile — just to be on the safe side.
This may well go into 2022.
So be sure to have a couple of reliable and comfortable masks!
Europe Travel in 2021?
I wish I could say that we’ll be able to travel to Europe from the USA or Canada by spring of 2021.
But I don’t think we’ll fully be able to go until the 2nd half of the year.
And, if I’m being completely honest, it will be closer to autumn.
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if it’s even 2022.
Not that travel won’t open somewhat in late 2021, but realistically, 2022 is looking better.
So I think many travelers will probably stay more local — in their home country — for travel in 2021.
Sure, there will be those who are more adventurous (ME!) and they’ll travel internationally once they are allowed and it feels safe enough to do so.
But most folks will take a wait and see attitude.
More Purchasing of Travel Insurance
We’re already seeing an increase in travelers buying travel insurance.
This is a good thing.
Of course, most “normal” travel insurance will not necessarily cover everything.
So a lot of people are spending the extra money — and it is quite a bit more — to purchase cancel for any reason insurance.
This way, if they are feeling uneasy about travel, they can cancel and get some — not all — of their money refunded.
I highly recommend buying travel insurance, just be sure you know what you are getting — what is covered.
Do your homework on this for sure.
Use of Travel Planners and Advisors
Because travel in 2021 — and beyond — is going to be more complex — especially international travel — I think more travelers will turn to travel planners and travel advisors like yours truly.
This simply ensures some peace of mind as we all navigate what travel looks like in the post-pandemic world.
Because, let’s face it, travel probably won’t ever be quite the same again.
Now, obviously, as a travel planner, I’ve always been an advocate of using one of us to assist you in your travel plans.
But with the uncertainty of travel in the next few years, I do believe using one of us to help you navigate all the ins and outs of travel is a worthwhile investment.
What do you think of these travel trends?
I always welcome your thoughts and opinions even if you disagree with me.
And if you have some to add, I’d love to hear about them.
Drop them in the comments below or send me a message.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, safe and (fingers crossed) travel-filled 2021!
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
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I really enjoyed your article. I’ve also noticed a large number of people in the outdoors especially at the most picturesque places. the excellent site.
Yes. Many people are opting to be in the outdoors. It’s good and bad.
Probably realistic insights, but definitely not happy with the European closures. I am not a road trip kind of person so I am getting very antsy to leave to somewhere. I agree that we will need health passports showing vaccination. Also, I agree that airlines will continue to shoe flexibility in order to generate back some business.
I know that many of us are very antsy to really travel. I certainly am. But this is all going to take time. So I guess we just need to keep being patient.
Some good insights… I think you’re right that people will continue to explore in their home countries (and surrounding areas). I’m currently based in France so will be looking to do more exploring here!
I think 2021 is our gradual transition year. I personally hope to leave the US by early autumn for Europe. But I think many folks will stay closer to home. 2022 looks better (I hope)!
This was a very interesting read! Thanks for sharing. Crossing my fingers that we are able to travel again soon 😀
I think we are all crossing our fingers for 2021 travel!
Me too, Charlotte. I soooo want to travel in 2021!
I really enjoyed your article. I’ve also noticed the large number of people in the outdoors especially at the most picturesque places. Whilst it’s great that more people are connecting with nature, I agree with you, many still don’t respect it and leave all sorts behind. I really hope that this will change going forward.
I hope so too, Kitti. It’s nice to more people enjoying nature, but they really must learn to be respectful. Let’s hope they do!
I really enjoyed reading this. Your perspective was well considered. I hope your realistic optimism will be true. And yes, to supporting small travel businesses. They are really the most interesting way to travel anyway.
I hope my optimism pans out. I do remain hopeful, but am trying to balance it out with being realistic. As a travel planner, I read so many different articles from different sources on what the future of travel looks like. Fingers crossed we can travel soon.
These are definitely some nice insights and I’m glad to read you will be okay despite the hit to your business this year. People are resilient and we’ll figure it out!
Awww…thanks Amanda. Yes, we are resilient. 2020 has definitely taught me that…and much more!
It’s great to read an optimistic post about travel in 2021! I really hope we’ll be able to travel again this year! I definitely agree that the way we travel will change. I think 2021 will continue to see a lot of people looking to the outdoors for a more local escape. As an outdoors lover, it’s a nice trend to see but does mean sharing my hiking trails with more people! I also like that people are supporting local businesses more and I hope this will continue into 2021 and beyond!
I think you and I are alike in that we love the outdoors, Hannah. And while I love to see this, I am like you in that it means sharing the trails with them. I am hoping to still find those spots where I can find peace and quiet.
These are all really great tips! Especially focusing on small local shops! That is so important this year!
Yes, supporting small businesses is important…always.