2021 Wellness Travel Predictions

2021 Wellness Travel Predictions

The travel industry has been hit hard during this past year.  It has been clear that this amazing industry helps keep the world moving, people exploring, and economies thriving.  While it may take some time for the industry to recover, one thing is certain and that is traveling will never be the same again.  Specifically, the desire for a new kind of wellness travel is emerging, a holistic view is taking shape as we start to evaluate living a more purposeful life.  Wellness travel is becoming the new norm as we all try to rebalance our lives.  Additionally, we are noticing a shift in consciousness by travelers and suppliers to be more aware of the impact traveling has on the environment and her people and the valuable privilege that travelers have to make positive change.  Our top 5 predictions for traveling next year all lean towards a sustainable way of exploring this world while we restore a healthier balance in our lives.

Nature Travel
It is not a secret that spending time in nature is one of the best things you can do for your well-being.  People are realizing this and finding ways to get outside now more than ever.  Bike riding has taken off as the favorite past-time. Families are walking together in their neighborhoods, and the hiking trails are active.  Making your travel experience focused on nature is a definite way to restore yourself and return home feeling renewed.  Put away the devices, give yourself a digital detox, and let the trees, waters, mountains, and rocks renew you. I am wildly passionate about the healing powers of nature.

Private
Social distancing at its best – private villas, houses, tours, experiences, even private air cabins.  This is going to be one of the most requested ways to travel.  Traveling in large groups, tours, and in spaces crammed together is a thing of the past.  We have all seen the benefits of keeping distance and now with the world opening up we need to continue being vigilant everywhere we go.  Partaking in private experiences is also a great way to get one on one learning from a coach, chef, spiritual leader, teacher or whatever you may need.   It allows you to travel a little deeper and enjoy a personally designed journey targeted towards your specific wellness needs.

Sustainable
Traveling in a more sustainable, conscious, responsible manner is the only way forward.  Travel partners are finding ways to shift their business practices to be better stewards of their communities and therefore easier for consumers to make lasting, positive impacts.  It is just a fact of the changing times that we need to be more aware of choices, how we spend our money and economies we choose to support.  Our world is not filled with unlimited resources, we must protect what we have, the people, and the planet.  We must work towards making the world a better place for the generations to come.  As the World Tourism Organization states “Sustainability must no longer be a niche part of tourism but must be the new norm for every part of the sector.” We as travelers must accept our part.  This is an incredible way to restore balance to ourselves while doing good for others. 

Business/leisure
While more people have the flexibility to work from home (or anywhere other than an office), the idea of being able to travel and work is taking off.  Instead of rushing through a trip or feeling like a tourist, you can stay a little longer, work, and explore a new area in a deeper way.  Instead of taking a couple trips a year, you may choose to spend a longer time in one destination and learn to become a local, while still working.  Changing your scenery is a great way to stay motivated and creative with your work while you develop new ways to create a work life balance.  Think, morning run or yoga on the beach, followed by your zoom calls with a gorgeous view.  Learning how to incorporate wellness activities into your every day life will help you sustain a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Slow Travel
By far, one of the best predictions we can think of for the coming years is going slow! Slowing down how we get to our destinations, slowing down what we do once we get there, eating slower, exploring slower etc.  Gone are the days of cramming in multiple activities, multiple cities, or jetting from one country to the next in a 2-week timeframe.  There are more travel restrictions, more rules, and travelers are going to need to adapt.  If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we all need to slow down, and it is such a gift to do so!  Traveling slow is an incredible way to learn more or dig deeper into a practice, a custom, a new form of cooking, a new landscape…you have an opportunity to open your eyes to what is in front you.