Travel Tips for 2021

7 April 21

After a year of isolation many people are climbing the walls, desperate for hope on the horizon and ready for their next ESCAPE.

But where to go? And is it even possible? Keeping up to date on current travel guidelines can be daunting at the best of times, and in our current environment of constant change its maddening. In addition, the possibility of illness before a much-anticipated adventure can create anxiety and prompt the question of delaying travel altogether.

Here are OUR tips for Travel in 2021:

1. Be PATIENT. Traveling now is quite different than 12 months ago. While hotels are limiting occupancy and crowding is very unlikely, the hospitality staff are still adapting to new health & safety protocols. Risk tolerance varies widely from one person to the next, so many suppliers are defaulting to the most restrictive policies to maximize protection for all. Be Patient.

2. Be FLEXIBLE. You never know when events around the world can interrupt your plans, but a pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges. Because of public health concerns and governmental policies, hotels, and airlines – along with a host of other industries we often overlook – are constantly changing their own actions to meet expectations. It is wise to hope for the best, prepare for the worst and take what comes.

3. Give GRACE. Prior to the year 2020, living at a frantic pace had become the norm for many of us. After being forced to slow down, spending time at home with our families and learning to appreciate the solitude, we must be on guard not to pressure ourselves into rash decisions. While travel tends to be a common love for many of us, we also need to pause and realize a profound truth – the destinations we long for aren’t going anywhere. If you’re still feeling fearful or simply cautious, that’s okay! Travel will be waiting – ready for you to enjoy again! – when you are ready. We all live under enough pressure already, there is no need to add more.

4. Plan Ahead. NOW is the time to begin planning your vacation time for 2022 and 2023. Why so far in advance? it is simple economics. Capacity will be limited in many places, demand is at an all-time high and places will get booked up. With fewer people will be traveling in the next 2 years to foreign destinations, those who are vaccinated and ready to go will have amazing experiences. This also means you might actually see the Mona Lisa up close and personal without 1,000 other people around you. We recommend exotic bigger cities in the next 2-3 years for a better travel experience.

5. Start CLOSE TO HOME. Focus on the US, Caribbean, and Central America for now (meaning the next 4-6 months). For years we have advised clients to prioritize distant destinations first, as managing long flights and exotic destinations is easier when travelers are younger. But sometimes life throws a curve ball. While you’re limited by restrictions, why not conquer a few travel goals closer to home? From national parks to historic sites, the US is full of amazing places that allow for natural social distancing. (update: National Parks will be VERY crowded this Summer, June – August) consider planning NOW for a National Parks trip for 2022 instead.)

6. Get HELP. When you ARE ready to pack your bags and begin exploring once more, make sure you have an experienced, knowledgeable advisor to help you navigate the evolving landscape of travel. The team at Global Escapes is ready, willing, and able to answer your questions.

We’ll be here when you are ready. And remember . . .