10 TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2021
The way we see the world is always changing. Keep your finger on the pulse with our pick of the top trends for the year ahead
1
FEEL THE BENEFITS OF ‘FRILUFTSLIV’
The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv translates loosely as ‘open-air living’. Rooted in a Nordic passion for the great outdoors and the well-being benefits this brings, it marks a new mood for post-2020 travel. Think fresh air, big spaces, natural beauty – and the simple pleasure of exploring, come rain or shine. Being at one with nature is good for us: a 2019 paper published in the journal Nature reveals that spending just two hours a week in a natural environment can make you happier. From hiking in Norway to admiring flowers in Madeira’s interior, there are many ways to find your friluftsliv with P&O Cruises.
2
SECOND CITIES
According to the travel experts at booking.com, 54 per cent of global travellers want to help reduce over-tourism. Enter ‘second city’ travel – destinations that offer the same experiences as their larger or better-known counterparts, but on a smaller scale. Seville, for example, offers all the fiery flair of Barcelona, and Rotterdam’s cosmopolitan culture more than matches Amsterdam’s. Stay on the beaten path or try somewhere unexpected. Your curiosity will be rewarded.
3
TRAVEL OFF-PEAK
Off-peak holidays can still deliver on good weather and long days. The Norwegian fjords and countryside are stunning in May or September, as are the Canary Islands, which offer sunshine and warm temperatures all year round but tend to see fewer visitors in spring and autumn. The Caribbean is perhaps the ultimate mid-winter escape, but to see it from a different perspective, why not try a repositioning cruise in October or March?
4
AUTHENTIC FOOD
A 2020 report from the World Food Travel Association reports that in the past two years, 93 per cent of travellers took part in a unique food or drink activity, and 83 per cent think foodie experiences help to create a lasting impression of a destination. Our crafted foodie shore experiences will give you a true local flavour, while Local Food Heroes Kjartan Skjelde and José Pizarro will serve up an authentic taste of Norway and Spain on Iona.
5
GOING LOCAL
From street food to bike tours, travellers are seeking ways to give their holidays a local spin. Experiences that offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of residents give visitors a better understanding of local life and an unforgettable holiday. We’re working with in-country travel experts to provide city guides directly from locals (click here for their take on New York), and with tour operator Urban Adventures to bring you unique shore experiences. Both let you dive deep into a destination.
6
TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES
One size no longer fits all. Travellers are looking for ways to make their holidays personal and unique, and what could be better than exploring a destination by car or minivan in a tailor-made way? P&O Cruises offers personalised private vehicle experiences to let you explore further in any destination we visit – just imagine discovering the picturesque towns and villages of the Amalfi Coast at your own pace. Start planning your perfect day at my.pocruises.com
7
SHORT BREAKS
Life can be hectic, and sometimes a two-week holiday isn’t practical – even when we need one the most. Embrace the trend of the mini-escape: two- to five-night holidays that give us the chance to switch off from the daily grind and recharge our batteries. P&O Cruises Short Breaks from Southampton to vibrant Northern European cities such as Bruges or Amsterdam give you a great fix of local culture and adventure on shore plus rest, relaxation, delicious food and top entertainment on ship.
8
NEW FAMILY HOLIDAYS
A multigenerational family holiday used to mean packing the children off to the grandparents for the summer. Times have changed. Baby Boomers and Gens X, Y and Z are coming together for holidays that tick all the age-range boxes. Be it a milestone birthday, a retirement celebration or simply a chance to spend quality time together, try a P&O Cruises Suite. They can sleep up to six guests (depending on the ship) with plenty of living space.
9
ACTION AND ADVENTURE
Travellers are finding fun ways to get their heart rates up while seeing the sights: think city cycling or paddleboarding in a glittering bay. According to 2020 research from ABTA – The Travel Association, nine out of 10 UK families are planning holidays that will broaden their horizons and offer greater adventure. Try hiking the Atlantic forest in La Coruña, Spain, or exploring Trondheim in Norway by bike. You’ll enjoy a workout and see the sights in a new way.
10
WELLNESS TRAVEL
Research from ABTA – The Travel Association reveals that 34 per cent of travellers plan to take part in activities focused on improving their well-being, such as yoga, meditation, spa and holistic treatments, or taking time away from tech. We’re responding to offer you healthy, rejuvenating experiences centred around the natural world: soak your troubles away at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, hike or bike in glorious Olden in Norway or gaze up at the redwoods of Muir Woods in San Francisco, USA. On board, our ships offer spas, gyms, fitness classes and plenty of healthy food options – a floating wellness centre with glorious ocean views.
Search and book holidays at www.pocruises.com or call us on 0333 300 0108*
*Local call charges apply