The last 18 months have been tough on the travel industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought down entire businesses and ground the industry to an abrupt halt. But for those of us still standing on the other side, there’s a great deal to look forward to. As vaccines roll out around the globe, travel options are starting to look realistic again for many people.

Now is the perfect time to take a look at what to expect of the industry in the next couple of years. The world is not the same place as it was two years ago; attitudes have changed and we’re looking at the world of travel with fresh eyes. Let’s explore the top five travel experiences that are trending in 2021 and beyond.

Safety is the top priority right now

COVID-19 is still a big concern for a lot of people. For many, though, getting out into the world is just as important. Audiences around the globe are looking to balance these two conflicting factors; they want safe, responsible travel experiences that offer much-needed stress release. For some people, that means travel domestically. For others, it means ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all parts of their travel experience. Successful businesses will be taking both of these ideas into consideration. Access to hand sanitizer and masks are a must no matter where you provide your services.

Regenerative travel solutions are the future

The pandemic has left many of us feeling more globally conscious than ever before. That has translated into increased demand for travel products marketed as sustainable. But around the world, governments are looking for ways to not only protect our natural resources but replenish and enhance them. The result is a new trend in regenerative travel –  business models that make environmental protections profitable and leave a net gain on our global resources.

Work and travel are no longer at odds

The pandemic brought with it a global switch to digital working patterns. And whilst some of us are heading back into the office, many others will find themselves working more flexibly than ever before. That means that, for many, work is no longer a barrier to our travel ambitions. The ‘workation’ brings new considerations into the travel sphere, like having access to a comfortable desk and high-speed internet at all times.

Solo experiences are back in a big way

According to Booking.com, solo travel nearly doubled between 2019 and 2020. It’s hard to say exactly why this is and whether the pandemic had much of an effect. What we do know, though, is that there is more demand than ever for experiences that allow customers to go it alone. According to some sources, solo trips are even beating out traditional family holidays in popularity. The needs of solo travelers are vastly different to those of groups, so make sure you have packages that fit them.

Authenticity is paramount

No matter where or how customers choose to travel today, they’re on the hunt for more authentic local experiences. We’ve become increasingly wary of the fake influencer reality of the Instagram sphere and know that nothing really looks the way it does in photos. Instead, travelers want to get in touch with the reality of a destination, often with a more conscious understanding of their own impact. For brands, that means it might be time to trade up the glossy marketing images for more real, down-to-earth takes on travel locations. And as technology becomes increasingly accessible, it’s easier than ever to offer those kinds of marketing experiences.