5 Travel Trends- we are taking into 2021

The last decade saw over-tourism become a buzz word and from the Faroe Islands, Venice to Machu Pichu and Vatican to mention but a few, the pressure of over-tourism became evident across the world with pleas of bans and actual bans on some of the world famous destinations to curb the numbers of tourists and the environmental and social effects of mass tourism.

From peddle bikes, trams to travel on foot and boats, there are plenty of travel options to choose from to slow down the way we see the world.

Thailand's popular tourist spot Manda Bay had to be shut down to let the marine life and resources return to their normal condition so clearly over-tourism needs to remain in the last decade but here are top travel trends to carry into the next millennium.

Sustainable Travel

Necessity is the mother of all inventions and with the ugly environmental repercussions of mass tourism like increase in water consumption, air pollution, litter and waste, sustainable travel trend was born. Even though this brought about flight shaming, it has also seen efforts made to curb Co2 emissions while travelling and this is definitely a trend to keep as we ride out of 2020 into 2021. More and more travelers are being mindful of how our holiday can be beneficial to the local communities. For example considering taking slower modes of transport not only helps to reduce the environmental impact but also gives you time to enjoy your surroundings and experience more of your journey, its a win win if you ask me!

Tech Travel

Technologically challenged or not, if you live in the millennium then I bet you can admit to using an app to book a hotel in real time or have used one that allows you to pre-plan your travel activities. Technology has never been more important when it comes to making trips around the globe so it is safe to say that artificial intelligence will continue to affect the way we conduct holiday research for more tailored suggestions of unique destinations and accommodation.

Domestic Tourism

If there's one positive thing for the travel industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic chaos, it is the fact that domestic tourism is king right now and I see this trend carrying over into the year 2021. With trips cancelled in their numbers and dreams of vacationing abroad dashed, most travelers believe it is safe to travel domestically and are are turning their attention to exploring their figurative backyards even as they dream of venturing out internationally again It is no wonder staycation deals are flying everywhere.

Boutique Travel

Instagram ushered in the age of visuals and travel became one of the most popular content genre with instagram travel influencers on the rise. While this led to some sights becoming insanely famous, FOMO became a real thing and alas in tow with it, too good to be true fake photos! But with a good percentage of travelers seeking experience and personal satisfaction over social approval, we are slowly but surely coming to an era of the death of travel for social media. In a survey done by bookings.com a whopping 51% said they would swap famous destinations for a lesser known but similar alternative. If this is any indication to go by, remote islands , under the radar destinations and eateries off the beaten track are officially vogue.

PS: Discover what type of traveler you are here

Cultural Tours

I'm not talking dark tourism involving tourists flocking cemeteries, killing fields and concentration camps, personally I think we should leave that to the movies, check out my list of binge worthy travel movies and yes the movie Dark tourist made the list. One of the major reasons I travel is to experience and learn different cultures and it is true that you can understand a lot about a people's culture through their food and music. Cultural tours are the best and fun way of engaging with a peoples lifestyle and history through their art, architecture, religions and elements that shape their way of life. Kenya for example is largely known for the Masai culture but the country's rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted and defined by a collective representation from 44 ethnic communities. The ultimate cultural tour (Kenya) has designed a 360 degree cultural immersion and wildlife adventure trip bound to leave you with permanent and special memories to cherish forever.

Grand Getaways

Another thing the pandemic has made us acutely aware of is that life is truly shot and making memories with our loved ones is worth the investment. Moving forward the term family vacations just got redefined! With the urgency placed on the false sense of how much time we actually have with each other, grand getaways that involve grandparents and grand children should be a huge trend.

To further shake things up more and more travelers are looking for a near all inclusive experience in one holiday where going for hike and nightclub scene or a surf and swimming retreat is not limited to just that. The next decade of travel will be about embracing each and everyone of their personal tastes when travelling. Destinations that offer a variety of activities, sights and sounds within proximity to each other are in.

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