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Small plane flying close to hills in Uganda

Post-covid Travel Trends

Before 2020, most of us took travelling for granted, and sudden border closures, followed by continued restrictions, were a shock. In the recent Amex Trendex report, 48% of respondents said not being able to travel had increased their stress levels, while 3 in 4 highlighted travel as one of the main things they missed. Other studies show that online searches for holidays surged during lockdown. Being unable to travel certainly hasn’t stopped people pining for their next break, however, they’re likely to do things a bit differently moving forward. Take a look at our MD Declan’s thoughts on some of the travel industry trends we can expect:

1. Conscious travel
Most people are thinking more carefully about how they spend their time and money. Rather than choosing frequent short breaks or returning to the same place, they’re likely to go on longer trips less often, incorporate multiple destinations in one getaway, and seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences to maximise every moment.

2. Embracing nature
Months of being stuck inside have left us craving the great outdoors. Wide-open spaces, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife are in demand, as are adventure holidays. There is also a renewed interest in eco-tourism. People saw pollution levels decrease during the pandemic and they’ll look for ways to minimise their environmental impact as they start to travel again.

3. Wellness activities
Health and wellness holidays were already growing in popularity, and now even more so. People want to escape the pressures of everyday life and return home feeling happy and healthy. Smaller, independent wellness retreats that offer a holistic experience will probably benefit more than big luxury resorts.

4. Personalised service
With so much recent communication taking place online, the value of personal connection has never been higher. This is especially true in situations where consumers need extra reassurance. More travellers are choosing to book through travel agents, as opposed to online, because of the information and support we offer in a constantly changing environment.

5. Welcome to the workation
Remote working has opened up a world of possibilities. Employees and entrepreneurs who can do their job away from the office are taking advantage of this flexibility by combining an extended break with work.

Longer-stay packages are increasing as hotel companies catch on, and even some visa regulations are being adapted to accommodate virtual employment.

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