Are you looking forward to traveling in 2021? We’ve tapped into some of the trends we’re seeing to help you make your future travel plans.
1. Italy’s still a traveler-favorite destination
Our travelers have always loved Italy, and 2021 looks no different. From exploring Rome’s ancient ruins to tasting the freshest flavors of Sicily on a Food & Wine Tour, there are so many ways to soak in the beauty of il bel paese. Even travelers who’ve visited Italy before are looking to get back. “I’ve been to Rome,” says our staffer Jamie, “but Puglia and Southern Italy are on my list next!”
See Italy on our top tours:
2. Great Britain & Ireland are a close second
Could England, Scotland, and Ireland unseat Italy as a traveler-favorite destination? In 2021, the region is coming in as a very close second. People picking our Great Britain & Ireland tours love that there’s a mix of lively cities, beautiful landscapes, and historical sites to explore. Plus, it’s easy to get to all three countries in one trip!
Explore Great Britain and Ireland on tour:
Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland
3. U.S. & Canada trips are getting more popular
People who are eager to get away ASAP are looking to adventures closer to home. In 2021, trips in the U.S. and Canada made it into the top 10 most popular destinations for our travelers. With great national parks and exciting, refreshed itineraries to California and the American South—well, for many, there’s no place quite like home!
See the best of the U.S. and Canada on tour:
U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Zion
4. Shorter tours are trending
In 2021, more people are booking trips that are between 6–9 days long. Quick getaways can still make for big adventures! Week-long trips to places like Greece, Eastern Europe, and Switzerland make it easy to fit in a vacation to one of next year’s trending destinations.
Plan a quick getaway for 2021:
A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
5. People are going off the beaten path
Trips to destinations like Costa Rica, Kenya, and the countries of Eastern Europe are gaining in popularity for 2021. The European region of Benelux—that’s Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—saw the biggest increase in popularity of all regions! What that says is that travelers are eager to see the world again, but are looking for quieter locales and lots of open space.
Explore an up-and-coming destination in 2021:
Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Wildlife
6. Travelers want smaller groups (but big adventures!)
Right now, people are gravitating toward tours with smaller group sizes—and enjoying the benefit of more immersive experiences. Our Food & Wine Tours, Walking Tours, and Safaris are popular trips for travelers looking for a tour that’s all about giving you an insider’s look at your destination. Another option? Now, you can make any of our itineraries a Private Tour with just 7 people.
Enjoy a smaller group experience:
7. Late summer 2021 is looking hot
Last but not least, as travelers are looking ahead to next year, they’re still planning for summer adventures. The months of July–September are the most popular departure months, so travelers looking to avoid crowds may want to check out trips in the off-season.
Plan ahead with top trips for 2021:
Are your travel plans trending in 2021? Tell us where you’d like to go next year on Facebook!
