Last Christmas, many of us were starting to look ahead and plan our adventures for 2020. Unknown to us, there was a pandemic about to unfold across all corners of the globe, causing misery and fear and putting paid to all our travel plans. By spring, travel was totally off the table – with flights grounded, travel companies – some of which had been in business for decades – going bust, and travel magazines closing. It was an unmitigated disaster for the industry and for the millions of people who work and are supported by tourism and associated businesses. 

Now, with the prospect of vaccines and new treatments for Covid, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we are slowly emerging out into the world again. So, what will 2021 bring? In the first of my features looking at travel forecasts for 2021, today, I reveal two trends predicted to be on the rise for next year: wellness travel and a new demand for seclusion and privacy.

One thing Covid has taught us is just how fragile our health can be, and how not to take it for granted. With wellbeing a priority for many, therefore, there is a rise in a focus on holidays which boost our mental wellbeing and encourage us to embrace a healthy lifestyle with very specific, targeted retreats and packages.

Months spent apart from others, and the importance of social distancing, has led us to crave space and privacy – to avoid the dangers of too much close contact with strangers. Due to this, it is likely that next year many of us will seek out places that offer us room to breathe, while enjoying new surroundings.