Travel Trends 2021

Happy new year to all! With a new year comes thoughts of realizing hopes and dreams, and often that happens through travel. Yes, we’re still in a global pandemic and our world – whether in the United States or beyond – sometimes feels downright crazy. But this ironically fuels both a desire to hunker in and batten down the hatches and alternatively to take flight. Most of us have been juggling this juxtaposition since last March yet with the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out all over the globe, people are gearing up to head out and spread their wings. Whether plans are being made for this spring or next fall, there’s definitely a lot of pent up energy that needs to be released in terms of travel.

One thing is sure is that it seems as though people are going to be more discriminating about the how, when and where of travel than ever before. The Map Geek has culled information from travel trend stories that appeared in a boatload of publications, pondered it and is now presenting some of the central themes to you below. Let them be your guide when contemplating travels in the year ahead. Or find your own way, which is exactly what so many of us have been doing during these unpredictable times. There are a handful of stringent rules to follow: be safe, have fun and always open yourself up to discovery. Oh, and if possible, make sure you take in at least one Discovery Map destination along the way. We have too many that are extraordinary not to!

Travel Advisors

What comes around goes around. Remember when travel agents were out and that people felt they no longer needed them? Well, the one theme that has been cited the most is to consider hiring an expert to help you navigate travel during these ever-changing times. In truth, the Map Geek feels that DM peeps are super resourceful and likely don’t need to follow this trend, especially since there’s so much that you can book and plan yourself with an abundance of online resources, flexible travel offerings and your trusty Discovery Map – paper or online. But if you do, have no shame and know that you’ll be part of the biggest travel trend of 2021.

Embracing Outdoor Fun

Launching oneself into the great outdoors took off faster than a bunny rabbit trying to outrun a coyote last May. Come summer, it became challenging to buy (and often rent) paddle boards, bikes, camping equipment and all kinds of other fun and necessary items for recreating in nature. The “trend” continued through the fall and even into this winter season. Try to order a pair of snowshoes and see how easy that is for you. Who ever would have imagined that? It’s true and during these pandemic times production of our favorite gear and clothing for outdoor play can only be ramped up just so much. But don’t let this deter you; get in line and order your goods and in the meantime go take a hike in the woods. The fresh air provides a healthy and safe environment for promoting well being all year long.

Road Trip Palooza

How many glampervans did you find yourself stuck behind this past summer and fall? You know what I mean, those super tall vans that look slick enough to appear in a James Bond movie. Well, almost. They’re not going away and yes, RV rentals and purchases will still be off the charts, too. Both are central components of outdoor fun. Wouldn’t you love to take a look inside of some of those rigs? You know they’re stuffed with all kinds of great playthings. Whether you go big or just cruise off into the sunset in your family’s SUV, know that it’s still super cool to hit the road within your own self-contained mode of transportation where you can roll maskless and barefooted into your next vacation destination.

Out of the Office

Condé Nast Traveler cites Always OOO (out of the office) as its top travel trend for the new year. Many of us have had a taste this past year of the convenienceand joys of working remotely (OK, most of the time; but not always) and there’s no race to go back to the office. Working electronically from the beach is sweet. Looking to head out and do a few turns on the slopes mid day? Sure, why not? This life appeals to so many for so many reasons. It just so happens, too, that most of our Discovery Map destinations are located in towns that are experiencing an uptick of visitors from this big-city exodus. There’s nothing like great scenery, ambiance and charm to lure in folks from near and far. Some refer to this shift as the Nomadic Lifestyle and people are looking for stays of longer duration than before. It’s an interesting phenomenon because we also have become more home-oriented; apparently home away from home has even more meaning than before.

Here are a couple of quickies to share with you: It’s predicted that Disney World and dream trips will be top choices for 2021 as well. How about a dream trip to Disney World? Or even better, a family gathering to any place that will woo all of you. That’s what makes dreams come true.