Revenge Travel – Are you Ready?

They are calling it revenge travel. Planning a big trip in 2021, because you could not travel in 2020. It’s revenge on 2020.

2020 was the year of COVID-19, and for most of us in the United States and Europe, that meant that we spent most of our time at home. It also meant that we cancelled travel plans. In many cases, that meant all travel plans. COVID-19 shut down borders, essentially blocking all travel. Even if you could travel, most of the places we want to visit were closed. That meant museums, theme parks, national parks, and historic sights. It also meant that many were not allowed to see family members living far away.

As we near the end of 2020, we are seeing change. You can now largely fly freely again, and restrictions have eased up. Hawaii, for example, spent most of the year out of reach (for most of us, anyway). You could fly in but were required to spend two weeks in quarantine (real quarantine at a state approved hotel where you were not allowed to leave your room). This made a vacation to Hawaii almost impossible for most people. Hawaii now allows you to visit without quarantine: you simply need to get a COVID test prior to travel.

With a vaccine now within sight, people are beginning to consider travel for 2021. Because many people cancelled travel plans in 2020, they are thinking bigger (but often quite different plans). Some are calling this revenge travel.

The travel industry is already seeing people upgrade their travel packages: they are staying longer and looking at more luxurious options. Demand for this type of vacations is increasing, but fortunately, there is still a lot a fair amount of supply.

Resorts, and others in the travel industry are doing two things to make their options appealing. First, they are looking to create incredible experiences. People want “revenge” because they could not travel in 2020. The travel industry realizes this, so they are optimizing what they offer. We are seeing lower prices, for better experiences. This can be as simple as a discounted luxury room. But it can also mean more personalized experiences.

Second, with COVID-19 still at the front of people’s minds, the travel industry is working hard to keep people safe. Your hotel room will likely be cleaned with safety in mind. It is possible that you will not have a housekeeper coming to your room every day. The beds will not be made, and the towels will not be changed. But (and here is the important part), many resorts are allowing you to personalize the housekeeping experience. If you need (or just want) new towels, more shampoo, or dry cleaning done, the resort will provide the service, either by dropping them (safely wrapped) at your door or allowing you to pick them up. You will see safety around every corner.

All this means that all-inclusive resorts have a big appeal. Additionally, vacations that provide activities that are outside are in demand. Dude ranches allow guests to stay in their own cabins (all safely cleaned), eat meals at a safe distance from others, and spend most of your day in nature. People spend their days riding horses, fishing, or hiking, often with only a single guide (and no other guests). People are also planning similar vacations in more exotic locations: African safaris, and trips to Norwegian fjords are more appealing because guests are being kept safe in their lodgings, while spending most of their time outside.

Ultimately, we do not know what 2021 will bring. COVID-19 vaccines may take a while to roll out. But if you are watching the travel industry, now is the time to plan that big trip. Get your revenge on 2020 and plan that vacation of a lifetime.