We don’t know about you guys, but we miss seeing the world ? We miss the sights, smells, noises, and pretty much all the memories associated with travelling, especially once we’ve learned about countries that are open for travel now. Although international travel may currently be off the table for most of us, keeping tabs on the news and trusted travel blog has given us some idea on what to expect in the fast-approaching 2021. Armed with information on travel trends and the current situation, hopefully, you’ll be properly prepared to welcome the year when we’ll all be back to travelling again. ?

1. The early bird catches the dream destination

You can and should book your 2021 vacation early. A lot of the destinations that have been traditionally popular will continue to be just as (if not more) popular next year. Assuming that travel returns with a vengeance in 2021, capacities will no doubt become scarce - especially during the peak seasons. Also, if there’s anything the year 2020 has taught us in regards to travel, is that hotels and airlines may not even be able to survive if demands dwindle even further. Booking your trip early means providing security for both you and the travel industry; you get to secure your ideal hotel and flights, while hotels and airlines get the security of knowing that the demands are met, or at least, in the process of being met. It’s a win-win solution for everyone.

2. Be prepared to include extra fees in your budget

To keep everyone safe, we would all need to abide by the heightened safety rules and regulations concerning travelling. Many countries currently—and in the near future—require passengers to provide negative COVID-19 test results and abide by quarantine rules on arrival. When you’re creating your travel budget, it’s a good idea to factor in the extra costs for testing and possible quarantine.

3. Flying will look different

Naturally, sanitation will top the priorities of airlines worldwide. Practically all airlines are now requiring their passengers and crew to wear masks and sanitize their hands often. To further beef up their prevention measures, expect some airlines to block middle seats for social distancing purposes, with in-flight meals come prepackaged. Health screenings at departing/arriving airports will continue to be the norm. As these screenings have been known to get lengthy and arduous, the wearing of masks and proper social distancing measures will prove to be paramount to protect yourself and others. Well, at least until the vaccine has become widely available.

4. Vaccination will open doors (or borders)

Oh, and speaking of vaccines, there’s a good chance we’re gonna be able to get our hands on it sometime next year. As some airlines have stated that they would require passengers to get inoculated prior to departing on international flights, proof of vaccination will also be a must-have travel document to carry.

5. The digital and contactless traveller

As we travel the world once more, the industry will definitely attempt to alleviate health and safety concerns by adapting new contact-free measures. These measures will involve contactless payments, online digital booking as well as self check-in kiosks to significantly reduce the risk of infection. As the need for contactless travel continues to grow, test results and proof of vaccination (as it becomes available) will also need to be delivered to relevant parties in a safe and straightforward manner. This means that the all-digital travel process and documents will likely become huge in 2021.

6. Exploring your own backyard

Regional travel may be your first foray into international travel, as countries are linking up to create travel bubbles. However, agreements and situations may change at a drop of a hat, so unless you’re prepared to reschedule flights, it may be a better idea to look into domestic travel at least for the foreseeable future.

Getting Ready To Travel Again In 2021: What You Can Expect And Prepare From Now