[Updated: 25/01/2021]
After a poor year for travel (that’s putting it lightly!), people are hungry to get out and back to exploring the world in 2021. Sadly, the question still remains whether this will be a possibility at all and if so, when, where to and how. Going into the new year, we don’t know exactly what it’ll be like yet, but there are a few things that are likely to play out – let’s have a look at what we know so far!
Vaccinations are beginning to roll out
As of January 2021, several Covid-19 vaccines have started to roll out and become available. Although these are not currently available for the general population, by protecting large groups of those at more risk, it’s still likely to help and slowly open things up again.
Depending on how quickly companies can produce the vaccines, and how quickly they can be distributed, it’s likely that most healthy adults under 65 will have to wait until late summer to get a vaccine – and that’s a best-case scenario.
That means a lot of waiting, but it also shows some hope that more travel opportunities will open up towards the second half of the year. I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed!
If we can travel, it’s going to be more expensive
Unfortunately for travellers who enjoy sticking to a budget – like me – the pandemic has led to an increase in prices. Whether it’s for flights, trains, cruises or accommodation, prices are expected to continue to rise in 2021.
Tui stated that their prices are currently around one seventh higher than in 2019 (the last normal travel year).
Due to travel companies having a shocking 2020, they’re looking to recuperate as much of their losses as possible, whenever and wherever they can. What’s more is that now, less flights are going, with far fewer seats available so naturally, individual prices are likely to rise in accordance with the lack of supply.
The good news in all of this is that flights and hotels in some areas are still running and open, which provides hope for at least some kind of trip during the year – even if it does burn a slightly bigger hole in the savings pot.
Short-Haul is your best bet
There’s no doubt that travelling within your own country, or sticking to nearby destinations will be your safest bet in 2021. You’re less likely to require a vaccine and there’s more chance you’ll even be allowed in in the first place.
Most countries at the moment, including Australia, the US, Canada and the EU have strict long-haul restrictions that prevent travellers entering and it’s likely to remain that way for a fair while. I’m desperate for a long-haul adventure, trust me, but I’m keeping my hopes way down for 2021!
Having said that, there are a huge range of nearby options for everyone that can still satisfy that wanderlust. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post on how to make the most of travel within your own and neighbouring countries!
Many countries with improved Covid conditions, such as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe allow movement within the border and with any luck, this will continue to improve throughout the year. Much like 2020, summer is expected to bring fewer cases and with it, more freedom.
Travel by car or train
This ties in with making the most of nearby destinations; the closer you are to home, the easier it makes it to drive or catch a train rather than flying.
As flights are being cancelled more and more, it’s a risky transport method for 2021 and is best avoided if you can. Your safest option is to drive as you won’t be mixing with any other groups of people. You’ll also have more freedom to go where you want, plus it can often be cheaper than flying.
Another alternative is to take the train, as these are still running far more frequently than flights. It’s also easier to stick to social distancing rules with certain seats being blocked out, allowing passengers to sit further apart. Although trains are generally more expensive than flights, at least they’re likely to get you where you’re going, and you won’t have to worry as much about cancellations.
Remember: you should only take a train or go away if you’re healthy and are able to adhere to all measures in place. We all love to travel, but safety comes first!
So there’s hope for Summer – but what about Winter skiing?
For those who are keen to hit the slopes again this year – I know I bloody well am – it looks like there are one or two options. Although, if you’re from the UK looking to go abroad, your chances aren’t great at the moment, with the majority of countries banning all travellers entering from the UK.
In Europe, there are a number of ski resorts still open, albeit with limited capacity, fewer lift passes being given out and fewer catering options. That means that cooking your own food, avoiding bars and visiting supermarkets will all be a must if you manage to get out there. What’s more is that any night life or ski events are now obviously not running, so that should be taken into account as well.
The best places to find an open ski resort in Europe currently are Austria, Switzerland and the south of Germany, each with a number of ski resorts open. Be sure to double check recent closures though as changes are constantly being made. Those of you who are able to ski in the US and Canada stand more chance, with over 200 resorts currently opening or reopening!
So it looks like there’s a small chance that skiing could happen in the first quarter of 2021 – the main question is: can you get there? As flights are being cancelled and with borders closing, this will be your main challenge this season. If you’re one of the lucky ones who lives in a country with mountains and snow, then I’m envious. Hopes for you look relatively high!
For the rest of us – especially those in the UK – we’ll need to keep an eye out for any changes to travel regulations and maybe, just maybe, a last minute week of skiing is on the cards!
That is of course as long as you can do it safely, without carrying Covid-19 and whilst sticking to all safety measures. Safety still remains a number one priority, so it’s not worth pushing the limits!
