The travel trends released at the beginning of 2020, like many things, have changed in a big way. So what are people doing if they aren't taking those big vacation trips?
Editor of Travel and Style Magazine, Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington, stopped by the Fox 17 Morning Mix via Zoom to talk about the new trends in travel amid the pandemic.
Small Travel
Forget that big bucket checklist, the small travel trend can give you all the wanderlust minus the plane ride... that can mean visiting a town two hours outside your home city or even hitting up neighborhoods in an urban setting.
Staycations
If you’re someone who has vacation days to use or had money set aside for a bigger trip, you can use up those days for a quick staycation in your own city. It gives you a chance to feel like you are getting away, without going too far, a chance to explore a part of your city or hometown you may not have experienced and can really open you up to all the great things you have in your own backyard.
Live/Work From Abroad
There are some destinations that are enticing people to not only visit, but stay for 6 months to a year, so if you have a job that allows you to work from home, perhaps working on a tropical island with a beach as your backyard would be a great option? The only issues here are you want to make sure you’d be covered if there is an outbreak or issue, and you are responsible for finding your own place to live.
US Travel
The best way to support local communities, American businesses, and airlines is to get out there and explore our own country. One of the best things about America is the fact that it has absolutely everything you could want when planning a vacation. Mountains, beaches, deserts, rivers, small towns, big cities… it’s going to be a big trend for Americans to explore and travel within the states (where it’s safe to). Remember to keep in mind any quarantine restrictions some states or cities may have! There are also a lot of deals happening right now within the states, from hotels to airfare… and airlines like United, American, and Alaskan Airlines are all eliminating change fees for economy and premium tickets for travel within the US which makes booking those flights so much easier and less stressful.
Road Trips
A recent study shows that 94 percent of North Americans say they feel less stressed and happier after a road trip. RV sales and rentals have exploded this year, proving that more people still want to get out and explore, just by doing it in a more safe way with their own vehicle.
Stargazing
Less traffic, less air pollution equals prime stargazing opportunities are happening right now across America. Whether you’re booking a remote camping spot, or just getting outside of the city lights, there are some great opportunities to witness some amazing stargazing this fall. In Michigan and theUpper Peninsula, in particular, there are perfect stargazing conditions because the Great Lakes surround the state in near-total darkness.
For more travel tips, follow @Jennweatherhead and @travelstylemag on Instagram.
