After a year of being grounded, we look set to take off once more. But what will the world of travel look like in the year to come? We at Plum Guide provide our insight into the travel trends of 2021, with a focus on the differences in both the industry and the way that we will move around this year. We’ll consider how the pandemic will change the destinations we book, the modes of transport we choose and the activities we undertake. After Boris Johnson told the UK that travel for international holidays will likely be allowed from mid-May, we will think about where his citizens will be looking to flock. And we wonder whether there’ll be any lasting fear and worries that’ll shape the future of flight. Also, we’ve scattered a few homes we would recommend into the mix. After all, if you do take up holidays once more, you’ll need somewhere to stay, and at Plum Guide we can make that decision for you.
A move to countryside activities awaits
We’ve all either been keeping up – or pretending to do so – with the exercise regimes of Joe Wicks and other personal trainers during the pandemic. And as we move out of lockdown across the world, we’ll be looking at how we can continue staying fit while avoiding other people. Bike tours around the Costa del Sol might be a great idea, for example, and we’re stacked with homes in and around Andalusia. If you can brave the city for a moment, you could even check out the Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba historical ruins, before retiring to the golden beaches and coastal cycle paths.
A view of Malaga Cathedral, Spain
Visiones del Lago, Plum Guide home in Spain
Reunion travel will be very popular
They’ve coined a new term: reunion travel, and this is definitely going to be one of the hottest travel trends of 2021. Once things open up again in May and June, it’s expected that a large proportion of those traveling will be looking to meet up with loved ones they may not have seen for months or even more than a year. It means that, rather than focus on package deals at all-inclusive resorts, travel companies will be looking at solo voyagers flying to stay with their families and friends. Price, expediency and time become the main factors in deciding which airline and travel companies to go with. If you happen to be returning or reuniting with people, we have Plum Guide homes situated around the world, whether you’re summering in Somerset, crashing in Cornwall or dreaming of Dorset. You can book at the drop of a hat, and should Covid spoil your plans, we have a refund system in place.
Tintagel, Cornwall
Atlantic Whispers, Plum Guide home in Cornwall
Short haul travel could be the way forward
We imagine the first wave of travellers will be focussing on destinations that are relatively nearby, both international and within their home countries. That is partly due to remnants of Covid and an anxiety hangover that may extend into the coming years. People won’t like the idea of being on a plane for more than a few hours. Also, it’s likely that we’ll still be expected to wear masks, and who wants to wear a mask for a 24-hour flight to Australia? When it does come to picking flights, it may be that people choose airlines on hygiene practices over price. People will also travel less often in big groups of families and friends, so we expect to see more solo travellers and couples on flights, heading off to the likes of Tuscany, with its wide-open space. If you do brave the cities, head to the Gallerie degli Uffizi in the heart of Florence.
A large sculpture in the hallway at Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy
Wall Flower, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Villa holidays are likely to increase
Rather than stay in crowded hotels, we think people will opt for villa holidays as one of the travel trends of 2021. The space and isolation mean you can stay away from other people and any hint of Covid, while enjoying some of the stunning villas and cottages that Plum Guide has to offer. If you’re in New York, you might enjoy taking a short trip (a defining factor above) to The Hamptons. You’ll stay in exclusive villas and mansions right by the beach, allowing for a holiday free from the stress and anxiety brought on by the past year. If it’s good enough for all the celebs to take up vacation residence to escape their fans, then it might just work for you to get away from the pandemic.
Dune Road, Southhampton, New Jersey
Ocean Spray, Plum Guide home in East Hampton, New York
