Making travel meaningful
by Caitrina Cody
When we’re allowed to travel again, where will you go? It’s one of our favourite conversation topics as we wait…. and wait… and wait some more to resume our holiday-making ways.
Because we’ve all had so much time to ponder the question, it feels like a week at the beach on the Costa del Sol just won’t cut it once restrictions ease and increasing numbers of the world’s population are vaccinated.
There will be several important travel trends under the spotlight this summer and autumn as the restless and home-bound begin to make tentative travel plans — or at the very least, dream of making their escape.
The enduring appeal of the staycation
The staycation remains a reliable theme for 2021, with many holiday-makers nervous about booking holidays abroad. Even if travel does resume, testing protocols and travel insurance complications are worries for many — the main appeal of the staycation is not running afoul of COVID-19 restrictions elsewhere.
In Ireland, hotels and resorts across the land are preparing to welcome an influx of staycationers this summer — as soon as inter-county travel is permitted.
One such property is the Ice House hotel in Mayo: nestled at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and a short distance from Ballina, the Ice House offers an enticing combination of remote wilderness and energising spa treatments. There's plenty of family appeal too with walking trails, cycling paths and surfing lessons all available.
Sustainable holidays
With travel at a standstill for almost a year and virtual business trips becoming the norm, the Earth is reaping the environmental benefits. As a result, many consumers are eager to rethink how they holiday and avail of new eco-oriented programmes, trips and transportation initiatives.
Executive Director of the Center for Responsible Travel Gregory Miller believes there are opportunities there. “I think we will see a significant pivot in the tourism industry in 2021,” he said, noting that the focus is “not on who is benefiting the travel business, but who’s benefiting the community.”
Companies like Steppes Travel are now providing experiences that integrate local projects, giving participants the chance to contribute and get involved with a conservation program or offer support to a social enterprise in the area.
Through the Steppes Fund for Change, Steppes Travel has even supported nuclear fusion research for green energy solutions, specifically the work of Nicolas Christen, a doctorate student with the Plasma Physics Group at the University of Oxford. They currently operate a waiting list for an invite-only behind-the-scenes tour of the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Abingdon.
Steppes Travel pledges £50 per person per booking, adding it to a fund that supports 20 women’s empowerment, girls’ education and wildlife conservation programmes across the world.
The company also supports the work of Nicolas Christen, a doctorate student with the Plasma Physics Group at the University of Oxford, and his research into nuclear fusion and green energy solutions.
Working holidays
With remote working becoming a permanent feature for many, opportunities to grab your laptop and run to the sun are on the rise. Many tourist destinations are now promoting themselves as ‘workoliday’ hubs, eager to host digital nomads in all the tech-savvy comfort they require.
Luxury Algarve-based resort Quinta do Lago now offers packages tailored specifically towards digital nomads. “With almost 50% of employed adults in the UK working from home this year, there is a rising trend in people looking to maximise this flexibility and carry out their job from the luxury of a sunnier climate,” the resort says.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, General Manager Mark McSorley describes it as “the ideal destination for young professionals looking to work hard, play hard and experience a change of scene after nearly a full year of taking Zoom calls in their bedroom.”
Off the beaten track
Destinations that prioritise beautiful design in rugged, remote locations will be popular this year, with cabin feverish consumers eager for something special. Last month ALHAUS magazine profiled Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites, an 'elemental travel experience' designed to embrace the natural beauty of its environment; with all suites already booked out for 2021, it’s clear that destinations like this one will be popular with those looking for a memorable experience.
As a remote, eco-friendly destination, Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites taps into a growing demand for unique travel experiences.
Private travel
Of all the travel sectors, the private airline industry has been least affected by the global health crisis with more and more consumers opting for the increased space and flexibility it offers.
During 2020, global business aviation company VistaJet saw an increase of 29% in new members, year-on-year. “Pre-pandemic, only around 10% of people who could afford to fly private did. Now, 71% of our new incoming requests are from passengers who haven’t regularly used our business aviation solutions before,” says Ian Moore, chief commercial officer for VistaJet.