The global pandemic turned travellers’ plans upside down in 2020. Looking ahead to 2021, the impact of the pandemic is changing not just our choice of destination but also the type of trips we’re most likely to take in the coming year. New research from booking.com reveals the five emerging trip types for 2021 to motivate and inspire travellers to take a trip (or five) to best fit their newfound travel preferences.
1. Weekend Wonders
With many travellers feeling apprehensive that future travel plans could be disrupted again, 36%* of travellers revealed their preference for a weekend break, showing Kiwis’ desires to be able to escape reality, even for just a few days. A palm-lined garden with expansive views across Mercury Bay makes Whitianga’s Beachfront Resort the perfect spot for transporting yourself to paradise for a weekend.
2. Food for Thought
One of the joys of travel is discovering new and exciting culinary delights while globe-hopping. While international travel may be off the menu, local travel with a focus on cuisine is the new way of exploring the world. And with taste buds at the ready, travellers are keen to taste and indulge in local fare while travelling, with 45%* of travellers wanting to eat out more often with the money saved from not travelling abroad. Nestled amongst bush above Arthur’s Bay in the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves offers fine dining featuring locally-sourced and sustainable produce that chefs gather from the surrounding sea and land.
3. Relaxury
The unexpected halt to travel plans for most travellers has meant that just being able to travel at all is a luxury. While research shows that travellers still have a high intention to travel again, only 17%* are now actually planning a luxury getaway (such as a villa or 5-star hotel), with half planning a relaxing trip to get away from it all making relaxation the real luxury of 2021. Offering a touch of luxe away from it all, Wanaka Haven offers the best of both worlds.
4. Solace in Solo
The solo travel trend is likely to gather even greater momentum as people’s thirst to travel, which was stymied by the pandemic, will nudge them to take the plunge to travel on their own in 2021. One quarter of Kiwis say they will be planning a solo trip in the future. With 30%* of travellers saying they want to travel more in the future to make up for travel time lost in 2020, this mentality is no doubt encouraging travellers to plan a solo trip of a lifetime! Mangawhai Chalets, a little over an hour north of Auckland, is a great spot for R&R, a short walk from the village shops and with a private garden for quiet reflection.
5. Breakaway Bubbles
In 2020, many New Zealanders have had extended time apart from friends and family. For many, it appears that distance has made the heart grow fonder as 55%* of travellers plan to use future travel as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. In fact, while being apart, 35%* of travellers have revealed that talking to friends and family about travelling is one of their main inspirations to travel again. Providing an affordable family getaway located close to activities for kids and adults alike is Wine Country Motel in Havelock North. With multiple units, the motel is perfect for a stay with your extended bubble.
* Statistics mentioned in this article are provided by booking.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with booking.com. Visit booking.com to delve deeper into emerging trip types and predictions for the Future of Travel.
