I am ready to leave 2021 behind. Travel in 2021 felt very much like a game—any plans had to align with COVID-19 infection rates and travel restrictions so as not to risk cancellation.
Some of us were fortunate enough to have traveled domestically and even internationally: returning home, visiting loved ones, or checking off a bucket list trip. Others, less fortunate, have a lifetime of stories detailing cancellations, quarantines, and restrictions.
We dipped our toes back into travel with short trips within driving distance. After having our lives confined to screens for so long, we craved to connect with nature. Camping, hiking and road trips became more popular as a means of escape—a break from the overdrive of information, decision-making, and pivoting that became the norm of pandemic life.
Regardless, 2022 provides a fresh start to re-imagine what travel can mean during this time. The monotony of working and staying at home certainly has us all seeking new experiences—experiences that serve to rekindle our curiosity about the world. Technology provides us with so many conveniences, but most people would agree that after 2 years of connecting virtually, nothing will replace in-person connection: learning from strangers, experiencing a new culture, and sharing a meal together.
Travel fuels my intellectual curiosity disconnects me from the day-to-day and replenishes my sense of well-being. I am certainly not alone in feeling that travel improves my feelings of wellness—a recent Wellness Travel Association (WTA) survey highlighted a general desire to focus more on self-care. Some of the top priorities for people looking to travel in 2022 were safety, cleanliness, access to stillness and quiet spaces, and nature.
Reflecting on these past two years has certainly given us much food for thought. Wellness travel was a growing trend even prior to the pandemic. Given our experiences during the pandemic, we are all exploring our own journey into staying well. Many of us are reimagining our surroundings, our lifestyle, and our purpose.
Travel will be part of that journey. With the focus on the environment, on learning about other cultures, and on self-care, the industry is adapting to our new travel values. The demand for experiences that heighten our senses will continue, as will our demand for better health and environmental standards.
We are all seeking new experiences whether as a solo traveler, with friends, or with our families. Innovations, whether new or returning to old, will help us reimagine travel in 2022 and beyond.
As we head into the holiday season and final days of 2021, many of us are still reeling from the rollercoaster-like pandemic experience. As we reflect on what matters to us, many have made the choice to take better care of themselves—will you?
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Dr. Jenny Yu
Healthline's Medical Expert and Lonely Planet Travel Health Expert
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