With 2020 now behind us, we are curious if you plan to travel in 2021?
Think of 2020 as a bump in the road. It played a role in reminding us that our dreams for adventures are not over. It helped us to reflect and reassess our past travels, better preparing us for new and greater adventures yet to come. 2020 was not entirely “bad.” We have had time to reconnect with friends and family, to take stock of what is important in life, and to create new, exciting plans. However, it is definitely time to turn a new page. To that end, we are working on new tours that we can’t wait to share with you! It is in that context that we are offering the following predictions and recommendations about travel in 2021.
INITIAL PREDICTIONS
1st Quarter (January, February, March)
I expect some currently closed destinations to open up to those with proof of vaccination, or with a negative COVID test. Travel will continue to be slow. Most people will prefer driving and domestic trips. A limited few may venture to destinations such as the Caribbean islands, and possibly Hawaii.
2nd Quarter (April, May, June)
I predict that Canada and most of Europe will open to US travelers, with proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test. I also imagine Japan (mainly because of the Olympics) will start easing travel restrictions. Yet, I expect that only a few Americans will travel overseas this quarter. Popular resort destinations will start to fill up.
3rd Quarter (July, August, September)
US citizens will be able to travel to almost anywhere in the world with proof of vaccinations and/or a negative COVID test. Some destinations may wave travel restrictions and entry prerequisites to the pre-COVID levels. Domestic leisure travel will see a significant increase. People again will feel safe to travel, but most Americans will prefer to be in the western hemisphere (North American, Central America, South America).
4th Quarter (October, November, December)
In a new twist, it will be the US that will impose health restrictions on arrivals from countries that have not yet fully brought the virus under control. Americans will continue to travel. Domestic travel will be back to near pre-COVID levels. International travel will also improve, but not as robustly as domestic. Most lodging and airfare pricing will be back to pre-COVID levels and patterns.
INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The roll out of a vaccine for COVID is a major step toward re-starting travel. Many governmental travel restrictions are projected to ease as early as March 2021. Many local policies will be relaxed at that time as well, giving us access to experiencing Europe like a local, again.
I plan to head over to Europe as soon as it is safe to do so. Otherwise I will be staying in Oklahoma until we get news that local European restrictions are lifted. If all goes well, I expect that we will offer tours to Scotland, England, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Italy, and Germany in 2021.
My feeling is that it will be in the second quarter, at the earliest, before travel starts to return to a “new normal.” That is at least four months away. Here, are my recommendations for the next 4 months:
- Following assumptions that planning travel adventures is a positive activity – maybe even necessary – for our mental well-being, I strongly suggest that you select destinations that you want to visit and to explore this year!
- As you dare to dream of traveling again, follow our specials to make your travel more affordable and more rewarding.
- Sign up for your favorite destination with a peace of mind, knowing that if your travel plans have to change, you can easily plan ahead with guaranteed flexibility, including unlimited tour and destination changes.
- Take a trip as soon as you are ready!
So, where will you go in 2021? When do you plan to travel again?
I have tried to provide the most likely scenario going forward with travel in 2021. Only time will tell if I got it right. Yet, if I have missed anything in my initial predictions, please let me know!
Yours in travels!
