2020 was probably the most challenging year ever for the global travel industry, but thankfully 2021 is looking more optimistic. The covid-19 pandemic will continue to have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry and it will certainly shape the way we travel in 2021. The way we live, work and, to a certain extent, think has changed, and that’s going to impact the way we travel, too. Besides, after months of lockdowns and restrictions, most people are just desperate to get on a plane again! Here are the top luxury travel trends to look out for in 2021. 

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A Rise in Long-Term Travel 

The digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular throughout the past decade and the major shift towards remote working during the pandemic means that this will be possible for more people than ever. 

We’d all love to jet off for months on end, but it can take years to save up for a long trip overseas. Remote working allows you to make money as you go, so this barrier will be removed. In fact, moving to a country with a lower cost of living is a great way to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle for less. For inspiration on where to go, check out this article. 

Private Islands & Secluded Resorts 

One of the most intriguing luxury travel trends to emerge from the pandemic was the popularity of private islands. People were angry and envious in equal measure when Kim Kardashian bragged about renting Brando Island in French Polynesia for her 40th birthday. 

Renting a private island allows you to enjoy a covid-free bubble and escape reality for a while – and who doesn’t want that right now? 

Whilst I’m yet to rent a private island, I have to admit that travelling to secluded island resorts in the Maldives last year felt amazing. There was something so special about forgetting the harsh realities of the pandemic for a while and luxuriating a dreamy, topical bubble. Privacy and seclusion are going to be very high up on every traveler’s list of priorities in 2021.

Domestic Travel 

I predict that 2021 will be a good year in terms of domestic travel. It’s still easier to travel domestically than internationally right now, and it means you don’t have to deal with all the extra documentation, covid tests and quarantine. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to go, check out this list of the best US cities for a staycation. There are so many beautiful resorts where you can pamper yourself in cities like New York, Miami and San Francisco.

Road Trips 

In a similar vein, road trips are now more popular than ever… but I’ll have to be honest, the idea has never really appealed to me. I like to fly business class, not live out of a cramped car or van! 

However, I could get on board with a glamper van. More and more travelers are renting or buying luxury motorhomes to travel across the USA in. These vehicles are less like campervans and more like yachts on wheels.

 

Luxury Luggage

As a society, we’re becoming more eco-conscious, which can only be a good thing. Consumers are coming to realize the environmental benefits of buying products that are built to last. In the travel space, I think we’ll see a rise in the popularity of luxury luggage with lifetime guarantees, as opposed to cheap suitcases that scuff and break easily.

Flexible Booking 

I’m confident that the flexible booking policies that so many hotels and airlines adopted during the pandemic will stick around in 2021. The pandemic is far from over and even by the end of the year, things probably won’t be totally back to normal. This means that it’s in the best interests of travel companies to offer their customers flexible policies so that they can change or cancel easily if they need to. This leads me to my next point…

Spontaneity 

We’re definitely going to see a rise in spontaneous travel in 2021. Remote working, flexible booking policies and pent-up wanderlust mean that more people than ever will be booking last-minute trips. And why not? The pandemic has made us all realise that life is short, so seize every opportunity to travel while you can! 

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like these pandemic travel tips or this guide to where to travel after covid.