After a year and a half of social distancing and sparse road trips, many see this summer as the light at the end of the wanderlust tunnel. The 2021 “Vrbo Trend Report” shows 82% of surveyed families already have travel plans for 2021, and 65% plan on traveling more than they did pre-COVID. See how locals are adapting to 2021 travel guidelines and where they are planning to vacation.
Vaccination Reassurance
While many locals were actively traveling through 2020 and the early portion of 2021, the release of the COVID-19 vaccines helped those on the fence feel more confident about booking vacations. In travel insurance and assistance provider Allianz Partners’ recent USA survey, 67% of respondents said a COVID-19 vaccine will make them feel safe enough to travel again.
The CDC updated its traveling recommendations this spring, stating fully vaccinated individuals can safely travel within the United States, do not need to get tested before or after travel unless the destination requires it and do not need to self-quarantine. These extra liberties and the promise of prospective herd immunity gave many the boost they needed to book the getaway they’ve been dreaming about.
Eyes On Hot Destinations
Local travel agent Brenda Tosso says she saw some hesitancy start to form earlier this year when airports required a negative test for entry back into the U.S. But people are growing more comfortable with the new policy.
Brenda says she’s booking domestic trips for locals everywhere from national parks and dude ranches to farther locales like Hawaii and Alaska. Those preferences seem to match national trends; Orlando, Maui, Honolulu, Seattle and Anchorage made up Allianz Partners’ top five 2021 domestic travel destinations.
But Brenda says several popular areas are already booking up, so under-the-radar locations like North Carolina, Florida’s east coast and upstate New York are providing escapes for those looking for last-minute vacations.
And if you’re thinking about waiting to book any holiday vacations, don’t. Popular destinations’ November and December reservations are already stacking up.
Farther Excursions
Many travelers are booking transcontinental flights, with others’ eyes on farther horizons. The CDC requires a negative test before international travelers arrive back in the U.S., but that isn’t slowing some down. Travel and insurance company International Medical Group (IMG)’s “Future of Travel Survey” found 71% of its respondents plan to travel internationally in 2021, with 49% expecting to embark prior to September.
Both the CDC and the U.S. government are asking travelers to use caution. In April, the State Department announced approximately 80% of countries will carry a level 4, do not travel, advisory. “CNN” reported earlier that month that only about 16% of countries had that rating prior to the change.
Whether she’s planning an excursion in Greece, an Alaskan cruise for 2022 or a quick trip to Montana, Brenda says she sees it all.
“Everyone is going to the destination they are the most comfortable with,” Brenda says. “People are ready to go somewhere.”