A client database survey by Original Travel found that when travel restrictions are lifted, the three types of holiday preferred by luxury customers were crowd-free destinations, romantic breaks and sustainable travel.
In regard to plans to change travel habits post-pandemic, 30% of respondents expressed an interest in travelling more sustainably by either opting for short-haul destinations or travelling less often but for longer periods.
For the much-anticipated first trip after lockdown, 48% of respondents said they were looking to go somewhere with wide open spaces, 27% are looking for a low-key, relaxed break in keeping with a new, slower pace of life, 15% want to travel somewhere "busy and buzzy" to be around people again, and 10% are seeking an adrenalin-focused holiday.
Most respondents (59%) plan to travel with their partner and this is reflected in the enquiries Original Travel is receiving during the lockdown with 80% from couples who have cancelled their weddings and honeymoons and want to make up for it with an extended trip in 2021. If a baby boom happens in nine months time, the company predicts a rise in last-minute "babymoon" getaways. A further 18% plan to travel with their partner and children, 11% are looking for a solo break and 5% are planning a multi-generation holiday.
The overwhelming majority (85%) say the purpose of their first trip when restrictions are lifted will be to "simply enjoy being able to travel again", while 12% will travel for a special occasion to make up for a missed celebration, such as a birthday or anniversary.
Original Travel?s co-founder, Tom Barber, commented: ?The survey has been such a useful exercise to get a steer on what our clients? key travel priorities will be, once the restrictions have lifted ... Plus, we have long championed off-the-beaten-track destinations to encourage undertourism, which means more space and fewer people, which is essentially what those wanting to get out into wide open spaces are looking for."
