Dreamscapes for 2021 and Beyond Travel in a Post COVID-19 World
By Craig Smith, President of Source Events | Photos Courtesy of Source Events
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n 2020 we had time to reflect on what we missed. Travel gives us more than new experiences and Instagram pics. Travel builds empathy, sparks connections and creates new friendships. We learn about remote cultures and different ways of life. As we explore faraway lands, we learn more about ourselves.
pandemic to spark a positive outlook on life, whether that’s a day trip to a museum or a journey abroad. During recent COVID-19 restrictions, 65% of travelers reported being excited about traveling in the future, while 61% suggested they are more appreciative of travel and won’t take it for granted when they can do so again.
This year we’ll see travelers looking to recoup these benefits as quickly as possible, making up for lost time. Traveler’s wanderlust will be stronger than ever. It will be a year of renewal and reconnection.
In between napping, working from home, and watching Netflix, many of us spend our free time scrolling through old vacation pics and ‘liking’ any image of a beach on Instagram. Almost all of us – 95% – have been spending much of our free time looking for travel inspiration, with over a third – 38% – looking for a potential destination as often as once a week!
Anticipating and Planning Travel Makes You Happier Even though you may not be traveling now, it doesn’t mean that trip planning is canceled too. There’s good news for globe-trotters: According to researchers, planning and anticipating a trip can be almost as enjoyable as going on the trip itself. A 2014 Cornell University study showed that the anticipation of an experience such as a trip can increase a person’s happiness substantially- much more so than anticipating the purchase of material goods. If traveling was previously considered a luxury, it’s now going to become a necessity post8 | OutClique.com
Travel Trends for 2021 and Beyond Travel Advisors: Don’t Leave Home Without One The pandemic only served to highlight the critical role of travel advisors – anyone who didn’t have an advisor in 2020 probably regretted it. As a result, in 2021 we will see travel agents having the required knowledge. Want some great travel inspiration? Check. Looking for the best deals? They have you covered. Need an update on the latest health and safety standards. Done.
