Travel trends of 2021

The bucket list

2021 is the year of the “big trip”, as not many of us had any kind of holiday last year. And what could be more exciting than staying in the Little Kulala luxurious camp in the Namib Desert in southern Africa? Situated in one of the finest locations in the exclusive 27,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala is the only lodge in a private reserve with direct access to Sossusvlei’s magnificent red dunes. The 11 desert suites have been expanded to offer better airflow, featuring a spacious deck and plunge pool. Each room has a private rooftop area where you can enjoy a chilled sundowner, al fresco dinner, or simply relax and stargaze. There is something for everyone at the reserve – for those who want to admire from a distance, those who want to be at one with the wilderness and those looking for a child-friendly desert experience.

• Nightly rates start from £470 per person. To book, visit Wilderness-safaris.com

A workcation country stay

With so many of us now working from home, a coastal walk at lunchtime, a morning run in the countryside, or perhaps splitting a week away between work time and holiday time is now an option that can keep spirits high and leave us feeling refreshed. A change of scenery is more welcome than ever before!

Book a stay at eco-friendly Mountain View Cottage in the Lake District. This stylish two-bedroom converted former coach house with a wood burner has a lovely cosy feel. Most rooms have stunning views, and there’s also a balcony for outdoor dining while taking in the incredible scenery. If fitness is your thing, you also have access to a shared, fully-equipped gym.

• A seven-night stay costs from £710. To book, visit Holidaycottages.co.uk

The UK staycation

If you’re still unsure about travelling abroad this year, consider staying in the UK and branching out a little further than you normally would. Think about choosing a not-so-well-known or lesser populated area. Next year, we will hopefully be able to travel with larger groups of family and friends, making up for lost time spent apart.

A great find is Castle Balbegno in the small village of Fettercairn in Aberdeenshire. It’s away from the crowds and sleeps 13, so is great for extended family holidays. This grand 18th-century house – with part of it a 15th-century castle – was once home to William Ewart Gladstone, a former British Prime Minister, and his family. The castle still has family portraits on the walls, along with antique furnishings and a dungeon, which has been transformed into an underground games room. Set in 20,000 acres of land, the property has plenty of fresh air and no worry of crowds. If you want to explore, you could head over to nearby St Cyrus National Nature Reserve to see local wildlife and beaches.

• Seven nights costs from £1,814. To book this wonderful house, visit Sykescottages.co.uk

The eco-friendly trip

Eco-friendly travel has become more important to travellers and is a huge trend for 2021. For the dreamiest of stays, The Edge in east Cornwall is the most perfect self-catering beach hut. It’s settled into the cliffs with a bird’s-eye view over Whitsand Bay and the surrounding coastline, which seems to stretch on forever. This amazing bolthole has immaculate attention to detail, a sea-view hot tub and its own yoga deck. Cosy up by the log fire while the wind whips up on the surf, and on balmy days, throw open the doors to let the sea breeze wash through the cabin.

• A one-week stay for two costs from £1,895 per week. To book, visit Theedge.uniquehomestays.com

The luxurious holiday

Let’s face it, we all deserve a treat right now, and we really can’t think of anything better than lying on a beach with an endless supply of cocktails! Known for its fine white sand and turquoise waters, the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados is unsurprisingly a popular destination for Brits and is perfect for this. The very luxurious Sandals Barbados is offering a seven-night stay for two people in a Caribbean Deluxe Room costing from £1,835 per person. The price includes Luxury Included (all-inclusive) accommodation, return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow and resort transfers. Price is valid for travel on select dates between 1 September – 12 October 2021. Pricing is subject to change and may vary. Subject to availability.

• To book or for more information on Sandals Resorts, visit Sandals.co.uk or call 0800 597 0002.

Please check Gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus for travelling advice following the outbreak of the coronavirus

Words: Carly Honeyfield