With the world inching back to normalcy, wanderers have increasingly started embarking on adventures of their own, too. And, thus, the top travel trends of 2021 have emerged. Scroll down below to know how travellers are exploring right now, and what is in vogue. By Bayar Jain
As per a joint report by Airbnb and YouGov, Indian travellers have started checking off their travel bucket-list once again, with most looking to reconnect with loved ones and enjoying unique experiences which allow them to #DiscoverTheUndiscovered. The report further notes that safety and health have emerged as key concerns when planning getaways.
Of the people surveyed, 77 per cent reportedly prefer authentic experiences, while 44 per cent want to be close to nature. More than half the people (57 per cent) reportedly wish to reconnect with family or friends. Interestingly, the same percentage of people also have already vetted out itineraries for 2021, finds the survey.
Reconnecting is key
View this post on Instagram
Owing to the months-long lockdown, the feeling of disconnect among people has surfaced as a common phenomenon. As a result, the survey found that family travel and personal vacationing has taken centre-stage. Reportedly, 57 per cent of the respondents across age groups prefer connecting with immediate family members once travel resumes. Further, exactly half of the millennials surveyed state that they would like to travel with—or visit—family and friends.
Unique stays surge
Of the people looking to travel again, 85 per cent wish to stay at unique accommodations. Thus, in 2021, hosted travel is predicted to make an overhaul, too. The latest travel trend is expected to see a rise in demand for heritage homes, havelis, farm-stays and villas. Visiting local host-recommended destinations and experiences is expected to see a rise, too.
Notably, GenX and millennials are leading this trend, at 89 per cent and 86 per cent, respectively. Moreover, 39 per cent of these millennials further asserted a firm intent to travel this year.
Travelling for the ‘gram!
Since most rebound travel is expected to be fuelled by millennials, it comes as no surprise that 63 per cent of this particular demographic is reportedly open to sharing their travel experiences on social media. In fact, 66 per cent of the respondents across age groups reportedly said that they love taking photographs to share on family and friends groups.
Slow and steady
View this post on Instagram
Exclusive and secluded holidays amid nature is the latest travel trend of 2021. According to the survey, 50 per cent of the future travellers consider recharging in the lap of nature more meaningful, relaxing, and rejuvenating than a vacation at urban destinations (53 per cent of the GenZ and GenX, and 44 per cent millennials reportedly chose holidaying in nature). Thus, slow and sustainable travel is expected to see a rise.
Destinations such as Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Munnar, and Coorg have reportedly emerged as highly sought-after destinations, with close to one-fourth of the respondents looking for a holiday in the hills.
Safety first
Fifty-nine per cent of the people aged 40 and above chose health and safety as their key concerns going forward. As a result, enhanced cleaning protocols and stringent compliance with regulations is expected to boost confidence among travellers.
Conscious travelling takes centre-stage
An overwhelming 94 per cent of the respondents are reportedly eyeing travelling sustainably in their rebound trips. Making environment-friendly choices, indulging in socio-cultural experiences, and boosting local communities are some of the key trends expected to resurface.
Related: #TnlOutreach: Travel + Leisure India’s Annual Luxury Travel Trends Report 2020-21 Is Here!
