Although we don’t know what to expect from 2021 and many of us have put our travel plans on hold, it’s important to be optimistic and look forward to a time when we can travel once again.
Of course, the way we travel may also be very different. Socially distant travel will definitely be something that we have to take into consideration, as will travelling responsibly and sustainably. We will be embracing more eco-friendly, carbon-neutral methods of travel and will be sourcing destinations that take responsibility for their impact on the environment.
Travelling by road will be a top trend with ‘super-charged’ road trips becoming popular, and there has already been a rise in sales or rentals of Glampervans, luxury motorhomes, with bookings at camp sites sky high as people look for ways to continue to enjoy holidays without flying abroad.
For those of us who can’t wait until we can get out and explore the world, here are some top suggestions that you can add to your wish list that we hope will whet your appetite and inspire you to travel in the future.
UK
Only a flight away, the UK offers some stunning cities and beautifully scenic rural areas to explore. Social distancing is possible if you book a country cottage rather than a hotel, or even consider ‘glamping’. Explore the picture postcard towns full of history and charm in areas such as the Cotswolds or Sussex.
The Peak District, at the southern end of the Pennines, is always a popular destination full of wide open spaces that makes it popular with walkers and for hardy hikers the views are worth the climb up some of the highest mountain peaks that tower over the rugged landscape. The area also includes some of Britain’s most impressive stately homes including Chatsworth House.
Ireland is a must-visit destination for 2021. If you haven’t been before there’s a wealth of magical places to see. For a relatively small country, there is plenty do, from sightseeing in Dublin, to visiting the Voya Seaweed Baths in Sligo to the unmissable landmark and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway in Antrim.
The Burren EcoTourism Network in County Clare has been named one of the best places to travel to next year by Lonely Planet where it was described as the best in ‘regenerative travel’. One of six national parks in Ireland, The Burren is an area of glaciated limestone which looks like a moonscape and is completely dissimilar to the landscape in the rest of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher situated along the Atlantic Way, are Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction, and alongside Burren are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology
Africa
Separated from us by the Strait of Gibraltar, much of the African continent relies on tourism and the coronavirus pandemic saw this sector hit particularly hard.
Kenya is an incredible destination where you can enjoy spectacular wildlife amid breath-taking scenery and definitely one to consider if you have always wanted to tick a safari off your bucket list. Have you heard about Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, a unique boutique hotel famous for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes who often pop their heads in through the restaurant windows to join you for breakfast or afternoon tea?
Japan
If you have a yearning to follow in Joanna Lumley’s footsteps after watching the television series that featured her travelling around Japan, 2021 may be the just the right time to do so. Japan is reportedly thinking about reopening to international tourists in the spring ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games that were postponed from 2020. Whether you want to go to the Olympics or not, there are some good deals and great savings to be had as the country tries to revive the tourism industry. The best time to visit Japan is from March to May during the late spring and also in the autumn months from September to November.
South Africa
South Africa has been listed as one of the best places to go next year by Forbes and also came eighth in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for the Top 20 countries in the world. Not only does it have some of the best wildlife reserves in Africa but it also has endless miles of coastline, perfect for joining in the whale watching season which runs from June until November.
New Zealand
New Zealand, famously known as the setting for the Lord of the Rings fantasy trilogy, is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world and no wonder, with its majestic beauty and unspoiled natural wonders. The North Island is home to the country’s largest city, Auckland, surrounded by bays and islands, it’s known as the ‘City of Sails’. At its southern tips is the harbour side capital Wellington, home to government.
If you want to experience the best of the South Island’s striking natural landscape, consider taking a ride on the TranzAlpine, a train with large reclining seats and huge panoramic windows that goes between Christchurch and Greymouth in just under 5 hours.
2021
Most of us were unable to travel overseas last year due to travel restrictions constantly changing, meaning that we had to cancel or defer holidays Let’s hope that 2021 will be a brighter year for all of us and we will be able to get back to travelling again. Just a reminder that it is more than likely that some travel restrictions will remain, so keep an eye on what is going on and if in doubt get in touch with a reputable travel agent for assistance.
