Travel Tips & Trends from Showcase Pensacola
A Baby Boomer couple was recently discussing receiving their first Covid vaccine shot, when they commented: “We get our 2nd shot the first week of February and two weeks after that we are hitting the road!” When asked where they were going, they responded, “We don’t know where we’re going yet, we just know we’re going somewhere”.
This couple reflects the pent-up demand to travel among couples and families of all generations.
In 2021, as vaccinations are received, more destinations open up and travel restrictions ease, expect travel demand to increase. It will come first from vaccinated Boomers, Gen-Z and Millennial travelers.
“We don’t know where we’re going yet” reflects a short booking window trend that unfolded during the pandemic. In 2021 expect a majority of travelers to book travel less than a month out from travel dates.
Other Key Travel Trends to expect in 2021:
- 63% of American travelers plan to travel in the first six months of 2021, up from 57% in December.
- Road Trips Rule. During the Codid-19 pandemic many Americans turned to road trips as an easy, safe way to travel. Expect this trend to continue well into 2021.
- Family First, after missing traditional holiday gatherings with loved ones, reconnecting with family members will drive more travel in 2021.
- Beach Vacations. Because it offers a way to maintain social distance, traveling to beach destinations will be popular in the coming year. This trend certainly bodes well for Pensacola.
- Remote working, the trend in remote working opens up possibilities for remote work while traveling. Consider accommodating traveling remote worker’s needs…perhaps a Work Well package for remote working on the Beach?
- Flexibility is required. In 2021 flexibility will continue to be important to travelers. In 2020 travelers booked refundable rates at a significantly higher percentage than in previous years.
- Health and Safety. Concerns about being safe will continue to influence every aspect of traveling,
from what type of accommodations to choose, to where to travel and who to travel with. Enhanced cleaning protocol’s, contactless check-in, social distancing and other guest safety measures will be essential.
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