Pandemic Travel Trends 2021

It’s time to have a closer look at Pandemic Travel Trends in 2021.

What a year 2020 has been. For most of us, this has been our first time experiencing a global pandemic. Our first time sitting in isolation. Feeling worried, sick or simply wishing we’d taken advantage of the times we could leave our front doors. As we enter 2021, we all hope for some normalcy or dare I say adventure. Let’s look forward and see some pandemic travel trends that could ease guests into traveling safely once again.

 

Office spaces

Although there were a lot of remote workers traveling the world pre-pandemic, a co-working/ office space could be useful for hotel guests. With more people finding they no longer need to be in ‘the office’ remote office spaces will be a bonus when deciding where to stay. 

 

Remote learning Space

Some of the most affected people by COVID19 are school kids. Children and their poor parents have been at home remote learning since March! When it’s safe to travel, families will find comfort in a remote learning space for kids to catch up on school work. It’s also of great comfort to know that if they get stuck in a lockdown, the kids have a space for learning. 

 

Biophilic design for quarantine 

Many countries are allowing travel but require travelers to stay in quarantine. Fourteen days ‘locked’ in a room away from home could get the better of anyone. By following the design tactics of biophilia,  guests could feel they are still connected to nature and a little more at ease. By adding plants, a natural air purification, in the room the air is cleaned and healthier for guests. Why not add plants, organic materials, and natural colors to a quarantine room. (refer to Adding Biophilia to Your Space)https://www.islandsupply.co.za/?p=3272

 

Extra essential ‘toiletries’ 

In hospitality, the fortune establishments that have been able to stay open during 2020 now have some extra essential toiletries. These include facemasks (and lots of them), disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer. Always ensure guests have an abundance of these in their rooms as well as the foyer and other public spaces.

 

Outdoor Entertainment Areas

As travel bubbles and restrictions are constantly changing, guests will be looking for places with good entertainment and activities right in their own hotels. By ensuring there are beautifully designed outdoor spaces guests don’t have to travel far to ‘getaway’. Adding firepits and outdoor restaurant seating are a way to keep guests from feeling isolated indoors as well as keeping to social distancing.

 

Lastly, ensuring nervous guests that all is being handled safely is of the utmost importance. A flexible cancellation policy couldn’t hurt as well!

Here’s to a hopeful 2021 for the hospitality industry. 

Article written by Christine Fay Smith

“Christine is a freelance lifestyle writer who focuses on interior and hospitality design. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Christine has embraced her knowledge of the visual world with her passion for culture and the exploration of visual experiences.”