2021 Travel Trends Report

In December 2020, Expedia Group conducted

a study of 1,000 Britons in collaboration with data

intelligence firm The Morning Consult to better

understand how the travel industry has evolved since

the outset of the pandemic, and the way consumers

are feeling about travelling in the year ahead. 

Overview

The generations include:

The purpose of this report is to provide a holistic view of the outlook on travel. We encourage all travellers to make responsible travel decisions, including adhering to guidance issued by governments and health authorities.

Gen Z Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers: 1997-2012 1981-1996 1965-1980 1946-1964

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2Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

Looking back at 2020

Travellers had to endure a change of plans — but the trips taken were worth it.

Still, the majority of travellers discovered  unexpected benefits of taking trips for leisure or business

during the pandemic.

76%enjoyed pandemic travel more than anticipated

34%experienced less crowded restaurants, bars and shops

33%explored a new destination outside their area

26%explored a new destination in their area

42%

23%

had a shorter booking window

opted to drive over other methods of transportation 

Before we dive into 2021, let’s reflect.

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3Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

Predictions for 2021

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Travel will serve as a force for good.#1

In the year ahead, travel will play an increasingly critical role in strengthening connections, broadening horizons, and bridging divides.

The majority of Britons agree that travel:

67%

Creates greater cultural

understanding

62%Has the power to

break down barriers between people

Makes me feel more connected

to the world

65%

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5Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

Initiatives to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will fuel travel industry recovery.

#2

The graphs below represent the percent of respondents who re-port being more willing to travel as soon as a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available:

56% 46% 42%are more likely to travel when a COVID-19 vaccine is made widely available

said positive news surrounding a COVID-19 vaccine made them more hopeful about travel, or drove them to book a trip

believe instituting travel bubbles will help keep communities safe 

Married couples and city dwellers will be first to travel following the wide release of a COVID-19 vaccine.

60%

Urban

59%

Suburban

51%

Rural

64%

54%

Married

Unmarried

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6Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

#3Travellers will embark on more trips and extend their vacations.

After months in relative isolation, the pent-up demand for travel is significant. With

the advent of the vaccine and other treatments, people are starting to believe

normal life is within reach — and they can’t wait to explore the world and see

loved ones.

hope to take more trips in 2021 compared to 2020, with women taking the lead in this category.

say their next vacation will be at least a week.

46%

43%

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7Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

41%dining out or getting takeout

37%alcohol 19%

streaming services

Consumer spending on travel will be high in 2021.

Among those who plan to travel, Gen X will spend the most overall. More women (54%) compared to men (40%) said they have plans to travel in 2021, dependent on restrictions — but men (55%) are more likely than women (42%) to spend money saved since the beginning of the pandemic on trips.

And travellers are willing to cut back on personal expenses to afford more trips. Here’s what they would give up:

£2,324

£1,660saved on

average for the next trip in 2021.

But, Gen X are spending far more

#4

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8Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

#5Travellers will use their savings on a dream vacation.

64%

urban

46%

42%Rural

Want a beach vacation

Would love a cross-continent European tour

Can’t wait to board a cruise

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9Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

People will travel with those they’ve been closest to throughout the pandemic.

#6

Most popular travel companions:

Least popular travel companions:

1

Children

2

Quaranteam

3Friends or family outside my quaranteam

12

3Persons at risk of contracting COVID-19

Those with di�erent views on the pandemic My pet

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10Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

Here’s a snapshot of what several Expedia Group brands are forecasting

in the year ahead

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#7Younger generations will lead travel recovery.

An Expedia Group Media Solutions survey fielded in October 2020 of more than 11,000 individuals in 11 countries found that Millennials and Gen Z estimate travelling the most this year, dependent on restrictions. All generations are hopeful about travel in the spring and summer compared to early in the year. Seasonality plays a role here, but this trend could in part be due to optimism about travelling a bit more freely and internationally in the latter half of the year.

Estimated Future Trips

Leisure

Q42020

Q12021

Q22021

Q32021

75%

50%

25%

0%

Gen X Boomers Silent GenerationGlobal Gen Z Millenials

View the full report by Expedia Group Media Solutions, Understanding Traveler Sentiment & Influences

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12Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

International travel will start to make a comeback.

#8

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Maldives

French Polynesia

Barbados

Mexico

Koh Samui

Mauritius

Dominican Republic

Antigua and Barbuda

St. Lucia

Top Fly-To Destinations

Saturday

Thursday/ Friday

Best day of the week to book air travel

Best days to depart for travel

View Brand Expedia’s 2021 travel trends report and resources

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13Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

In the second half of the year, Brand Expedia® is seeing interest in the following international destinations among Britons based on a combination of flight demand and search data.

#9Families still want plenty of space and outdoor activities while on vacation.

And, in a separate study of 2,000 British families, Vrbo found that 69% of those longing for a summer holiday would get the COVID-19 vaccine — especially if the destination they wanted to travel to required it.

54%want to travel to a newdestination rather than one they’ve been to before 54% prefer outdoor adventures

compared to indoor activities

64%say they prefer outdoorsydestinations over urban settings 58% plan to make their trip longer

than usual

View Vrbo’s full 2021 travel trends report and resources

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14Expedia Group’s 2021 Travel Trends Report

By conducting a survey of 8,000+ parents across 8 countries, Vrbo® found that British families remain mindful of social distancing, and continue to crave new destinations with natural beauty, plus plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and swim.

Travel is a force for good.