Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2021! We hope you had a happy New Year, took some time to reflect on the good that came out of 2020 and look forward to great things in the year ahead. We are definitely looking forward to getting back on the road again and visiting new lands and people. Debi and her family visited the “I Love Christmas Movies” at the Gaylord Rockies and enjoyed the outdoor lights. And the view of the Rockies is spectacular!
Debi attended the Tahiti Toursim Board Travel show virtually in December and the keynote speaker was Michaela Guzy, founder of Oh The People You Meet. Michaela presented five travel trends for authentic and mindful experiences.
Sustainability and giving back
Travelers are looking for ways to support local communities that provide the backbone for travel experiences. From supporting financially to preserving local heritage and culture, travelers want to tread lightly and experience deeply.
Wellness and transformation
Given the struggles of 2020, travelers want some space to reflect and grow. Destinations and resorts that offer spas, yoga, meditation and guided times of reflection are getting new attention now.
After a stressful 2020, many are looking for ways to restore balance and wellness in their lives.
Immersion and local connection
Travelers want to interact with locals and learn from their life experiences. From cooking classes offered in a private home to taking a hike with an indigenous guide, there are so many unique opportunities to meet new friends around the world.
Experiences not stuff
Despite frustrations with not being able to shop and experience life in our “normal” way, many found that they didn’t miss “things” as much as they thought they would but really missed experiencing life with friends and family. “Traveling with a purpose” is high on many people’s considerations when planning a trip.
Travelers are seeking out unique and private experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
What’s old is new again
The pandemic created a shift in curiosity of how early cultures handled crises, and travelers are looking to visit and learn from ancient sites and cultures. One popular way to do this is to experience a modern experience with authentic, ancient influences like enjoying a true farm-to-table meal in the middle of the Serengeti or alongside ruins in Turkey.
One lesson that was reinforced to us last year is “we don’t know what tomorrow holds” so we don’t want to put off our dreams. Whatever your dreams are, we hope you go after them with gusto this year. And please reach out to us for help with your travel dreams! We do all the work and research to stay current on travel issues and can guide you in making the best vacation choice for you.
New Year fireworks in Hô Chí Minh, Viêt Nam