The future of travel is still a bit uncertain but in recent weeks, there seems to be more promise than there has been in months about the state of it returning to 'normal,' or some level of normal, anyway. While the ways we travel via plane and through crowded destinations might never be the same, by the end of next year, everyone, including experts, are hoping that there will be a reasonable level of safety when traveling the world once again.

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Among hopes for a bright travel future come the predictions of how travel will change, and what will become popular when that finally does happen. The global pandemic has not only changed the way many live their lives at home but will also shape the future of travel as we know it, altering our perception of both the world around us and ourselves. Of those changes, these are the trends that travel experts are predicting will draw the most attention.

Vacation Destinations Will Include Less Crowds

It's almost a certainty at this point that destinations that were once full of people will become a thing of the past. While there are some landmarks that will never lose their allure or popularity, it's believed that there will be a significant number of travelers who opt for low-key vacations in lesser-visited destinations rather than planning a trip to a location they know will inevitably be crowded.

It could be said that lesser-known destinations or locations just outside of popular tourist hot spots will become more popular, especially now that the entire world is hyper-aware of the proximity in which they get to large gatherings.

Sustainable Travel Will Be Prevalent

In a similar thought, it's predicted that lesser-known destinations will now be on the radar. When news circulated about locations that depended on tourism for business and are now suffering without almost one year of travel-generated profit, the world began listening.

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And now, it's anticipated that many of these places have jumped to the top list of 'to-travel' places for those seeking to plan a trip within the next few years. Therefore, sustainable travel will undoubtedly be trending as many take the road less traveled to boost the industry and explore someplace new.

Staying Local Will Be A Way Of Life Rather Than A Trend

We've seen this happening already and it's a trend that's predicted to continue into the new year. With state-to-state travel restricted and international travel out of the question, local travel began trending over the summer and through the fall of 2020.

Airbnb was a popular option as it allowed travelers to rent an entire space for themselves without needing to interact much, if at all, with others. Driving a few hours away provided many with the relief from restlessness and cabin fever they'd been seeking, and it's predicted that many will continue appreciating the little things, including their local surroundings.

Road Trips Will Take Center Stage

With air travel being such an uncertainty with travelers right now, this is something that will continue being questioned into the new year. Planes were dicey territory throughout the beginning of the pandemic and continued to be questioned by experts as to whether or not they were actually safe, even with masks and the proper precautions.

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Some airlines even left the middle seats on their flights vacant in order to provide some space between passengers but even that wasn't enough to convince some that it was safe enough to travel. Therefore, many turned to travel via car and realized that it was either cheaper, or that traveling locally could provide just as much of a vacation as traveling somewhere far off and exotic. This is a trend that will likely continue as many discover how far they can actually go when they're in the driver's seat.

The Importance Of Travel Agents Will Be Revived

The biggest travel agent, so to speak, of 2020 was the CDC. It was here that people turned when they needed to know what was safe and what wasn't and while some travelers decided not to comply, many did. In the future, this dependency will likely be shifted to include travel agents, as they're experts in the field of travel and knowing everything there is to know about a destination. Prior to booking trips, many will probably begin consulting experts before committing, thus revitalizing the travel agent industry and bringing about a renewed sense of purpose in those who plan trips and organize travel plans.

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