Luxury Travel Trends

The future of travel post-COVID – Emerging luxury travel trends in a new era

Written by Julie Graham

Understanding the future of travel post-COVID has never been more important. If there is one thing the past year and a half has revealed, apart from our undeniable capacity for resilience, it is that change is pretty much the only constant in life. The idea of trying to control life amidst a global pandemic has been a bit like trying to peg a tent down in gale force winds.

Fortunately, the wind has now become a gentle breeze. And, though we’re still learning to adapt to the aftermath, the future is in sight. And it’s looking bright. The question now is how to emerge in this new future safely, and regain our confidence in a new era of… well, everything.

Travel is, of course, no exception. In fact, quite the opposite. It has been a rocky road for the industry, but with the vaccination rollout thankfully well underway, the skies are reopening and there is hope in the air.

So, what can we expect the future of travel post-COVID to look like? A little different – but that is not a bad thing. In fact, 2021 is set to be the travel sector’s most important year to date, with a significant number of new emerging trends that are revolutionizing the way we travel.

See Updated Africa Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Safety first

Emerging into a new world safely and confidently is more important now than ever before. As travel resumes, health and safety protocols across the globe are adhering to the strictest levels of personal hygiene measures. In fact, most European countries are already exploring and implementing the ‘COVID Passport’ showing proof of a vaccination.

A woman welcomes guests to a lodge with her COVID mask on. Future of Travel Post-COVID

A staff member welcomes guests at Kruger Shalati with her mask on | Photo Credit: Kruger Shalati, Instagram

As travel resumes, health and safety protocols across the globe are adhering to the strictest levels of personal hygiene measures.

The long-lasting effects of the pandemic are going to be felt for some time to come. Health awareness and cleanliness are paramount in everything. For example transportation, accommodation, and everything in between.

Conscious traveling

An aardvark and a game drive vehicle on a safari in the Kalahari. Future of Travel Post-COVID

Aardvark conservation at Tswalu Kalahari

One silver lining to the world temporarily shutting down was the obvious effect on the environment. For the Earth, a year without tourists was a breath of fresh air – literally. Wildlife emerged, forests flourished, and the humpback whales sang a happy song.

More than ever, people are looking to travel with a conscience, act responsibly, and take a more considered approach to how we treat the planet’s land, wildlife, and people.

Wildlife tracking at Londolozi Private Game Reserve

It was a necessary awakening, and has changed the way we view travel for good. It has to be sustainable. Plain and simple. Responsible travel is a trend that has sky-rocketed. More than ever, people are looking to travel with a conscience, act responsibly, and take a more considered approach to how we treat the planet’s land, wildlife, and people.

The future of luxury travel is exclusivity

Xigera Safari Lodge villas and a man on a mokoro safari

Xigera Safari Lodge in the western Moremi Game Reserve of Botswana

The value of skipping crowds and seeking out the most remote destinations in the world is beyond a price tag. And this has made the idea of exclusive luxury travel even more alluring. The security and peace of mind that comes with avoiding queues and social distancing, flying on private jets, and staying in exclusive-use villas with private chefs and butlers is simply invaluable. For many, privacy and exclusivity has taken on a whole new level of luxury. And this trend is steadily on the rise.

The great outdoors

Future of Travel Post-COVID

The great outdoors is calling.

Crowded cities, bustling marketplaces, restaurants abuzz with activity, brimming tourist hotspots… Are you anxious yet? It’s not to say that these exciting travel experiences won’t return as trends, but for now, people want space.

The river channels of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Future of Travel Post-COVID

The expansive Okavango Delta in Botswana

The world, and particularly Africa, is full of wide open landscapes.

Perhaps the biggest surge in travel trends has been the desire to be outside, breathing fresh air, and rediscovering the extraordinary beauty of our natural world. The world, and particularly Africa, is full of wide open landscapes. From vast savannah plains and rainforests, to rugged coastlines and pristine island beaches, the great outdoors is calling. And its voice has never been louder.

Trusted allies

A man holding his phon. Future of Travel Post-COVID

Around-the-clock concierge service that is on speed dial for all of your needs as you travel is priceless.

If you think about the old adage, “uncertainty is the only certainty”, it helps to know that there is someone by your side as you travel in this new world. An experienced travel specialist and around-the-clock concierge service on speed dial for all of your needs as you go is priceless. This package deal will provide you with regular updates, invaluable advice, and first-hand knowledge of your destination. It will also provide flexible terms and conditions for peace of mind during what are certainly uncertain times.

While many of the obstacles presented by the pandemic have not yet gone away, there is a considerable rise in the luxury travel sector. Its very nature seems to have broadened in scope, appealing to a more adventurous and more exclusive clientele.

Our team of travel experts and avid adventurers at Ker & Downey Africa are more ready than ever to take on this new era of travel. We are here, by your side every step of the way, as we emerge safely and confidently into this ‘new normal’, together.

See you out there.

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