It’s probably an understatement that 2020 has been a year like no other for the majority of us. Covid-19 has affected each and every one of us and impacted aspects of our lives we took for granted. Without a doubt, the challenges we faced in 2020 were alien and unwelcome. But, change often brings positive things to light. Because we had to adapt so quickly, we’ve seen common practices change pretty much overnight. Unsurprisingly, the “new normal” has caused revelations in our perspectives, what we deem as important and our priorities. In particular, this new perspective and sense of self had a significant impact on travel trends which we’ve seen change and grow at record speed.

Are you curious? Below you’ll find the most intriguing travel trends for 2021.

1. Flexible booking conditions and fares

We all know about the anxiety we used to get before buying services associated with travel, especially for flights. Is the date correct, are the names spelled correctly, is it the right airport, what if I can’t go anymore?

If 2020 brought one positive change, it’s definitely flexible booking conditions. Most companies offer flexible bookings so you can move your holiday to a different date or destination at short notice. However, don’t assume the booking conditions are flexible. Always ensure your fare/booking entitles you to flexible booking conditions that work for your circumstances before you book!

Tucan Travel is offering flexible booking conditions so you can lock in your dream holiday without taking any risks. You can find out more about our flexible booking conditions here.

2. Vaccination passports and/or negative Covid-19 tests

Maybe one of the biggest trends for travel in 2021 that will have a significant impact on travellers is the need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or an immunisation before departure. There have even been talks of vaccination passports which need to be shown before departure to the airline and upon arrival to the immigration officers. While this may seem like a big change and will most certainly increase the overall cost of the holiday for many travellers, a “vaccination passport” isn’t all that new. 

Many countries are already requiring arrivals coming from or travelling to countries at risk of yellow fever to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. This often applies even if passengers have only transmitted through a country that is at risk. It’s true that a vaccination passport will be new for many travellers, depending on their travel history, but in reality, it’s a tried and tested practice.

3. Bring your smartphone

It doesn’t matter if it’s a city break, a jungle adventure or a cultural trip, technology has gained more and more importance for our overall holiday experience. Technology has certainly made our lives a lot easier when it comes to planning and a seamless itinerary while abroad. Booking tours and hotels in a few clicks, researching destinations without speaking to people who have been or having to make the journey to the high street to buy a book, just to realise the destination might not be the right fit and getting lost in a new city without Google Maps are all things of the past. Although the souks in Marrakech are still somewhat of a mystery.

It’s no surprise that this trend continues to grow every year. But especially in 2021, our smartphones may be crucial to allow us to make the trip. Many countries have track and trace apps and it’s reasonable to believe that it may be made mandatory for travellers to download these apps in order to be granted entry to the country.

So don’t forget this travel trend in 2021 and bring your smartphone!

4. Pre-book your excursions

We’ve all experienced it in 2020. You just showed up at a restaurant, a pub, a museum or even an outdoor attraction like in good old 2019. That’s when you see the sign “fully booked today”.

Reduced capacity to implement social distancing has made it crucial to plan ahead if you don’t want to spend your day outside the attraction. Sorry to all of you who like to live in the moment rather than plan ahead, but this trend is likely to continue for most of 2021.

When you plan your holiday, make sure you book as much as possible ahead of time. Attractions usually sell out a couple of weeks before, especially at weekends. Popular and globally famous attractions like Machu Picchu have sold out 6 months in advance during the high season before COVID-19 as the local authorities only issue 500 permits per day. This capacity is likely to be reduced further to maintain social distancing. If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime experience like Machu Picchu, make sure you plan well ahead! Don’t miss out, we recommend planning at least a year, if not more in advance.

5. Longer & Sustainable Tours

Responsible Travel is hardly a new travel trend for 2021. However, we have seen an increased demand and enquiries around sustainable tours. 2020 has given people time to reflect on priorities and the impact they want to have on the world. Especially the news that CO2 emissions have been lower in many countries in 2020 due to Covid-19 has given travellers something to think about. Many people are considering longer, in-depth holidays to make their holidays as sustainable as possible.

Find out more about our commitment to Responsible Travel here.

6. Hiking & Adventure trips

We’ve seen more travellers enquiring about hiking and adventure trips and less travellers enquiring about city holidays. Many people have been stuck in the city or simply at home in 2020. This may have caused them to rethink their choice in holidays. A holiday in another city? If you’ve been stuck in a city with restrictions then you’ve probably had enough of concrete and are craving a date with mother nature on a hike. If you’ve been stuck at home without much to do, then you’re probably after adventure and excitement in 2021.

7. Health conscious travellers

2020 has been a stressful year and without waiting for studies to publish, it’s probably safe to say that most of us feel rather tense. This is reflected in this next trend.

We’ve seen travellers enquire about more “health-conscious” holidays. This includes wanting to eat healthily, escape the crowds, avoid polluted cities and be active while you’re abroad.

We can only give the thumbs up to this travel trend as switching off and being mindful about our health is the best way to detox from the stress of our daily routine.

8. Unique experiences

Rather than going for the cheapest flight or a destination that is known to be cheap, travellers are reading up on unique experiences to make their holiday count. It makes sense as prices are increasing and the frequent weekend getaway may be out of the question for a while.

So why not look at your own bucket list and opt for a longer holiday this year, rather than several shorter trips? Not only will the experience of a lifetime be worth it, but also mother earth will be thanking you.

9. Most popular destinations for 2021

We’ve seen an increased demand for certain destinations. Some of our most popular destinations for 2021 include Sri Lanka, Patagonia, Tanzania and Peru. Find out more about our top destinations in 2021 here.

Anna is on the marketing team at Tucan Travel. From a young age, Anna has travelled solo and on group tours through Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. You can find her on LinkedIn here.