After a year that left much of the world locked down and staring at the same four walls at home, Tripadvisor research, based on global traveler search and survey data across six markets (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan and Singapore), today reveals a new 2021 travel mindset.

Having sacrificed vacation time in 2020, people want to make this year count - and that means leveling up their travel plans by spending more on luxury accommodation and destinations, and planning more trips. Out with the weekend backpacking and budget hotels, and in with the beachside villas and picture-perfect locations.

Despite the financial impact of COVID-19 hitting many hard, in the first three weeks of January, Tripadvisor travelers were searching for pricier trips than they had in the past two years during the same period. In fact, the average cost of a single future trip in 2021 has jumped 13% since January 2019.

Travelers are seeking Vitamin D

U.S. travelers were longing for high end trips and sunny beach getaways, both domestically and internationally. Miami Beach is the fastest recovering domestic destination, and southern neighbors Cancun, Mexico and Puerto Rico are also popular.

Travelers are also adding the white sands and stunning volcanic landscapes of Martinique, the gastronomic delights of Armacao dos Buzios, and the bustling and vibrant Male in the heart of the Maldives to their travel wish lists for 2021. To get inspired by other emerging destinations for 2021, check out the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award-winning destinations.

Travelers are going for luxe hotels

More than one in ten (12%) U.S. travelers said that they plan to splurge on more luxurious accommodations in 2021. Americans are among the most likely to have already booked a luxury hotel stay in 2021, and almost one in five have already done so (18%).

With more than a year of self-care to make up for, it's no wonder that Luxury Beach Resorts and Luxury Spa Resorts have had high search demand in January 2021, and are recovering faster year-on-year than other accommodation types.

Travelers are planning multiple trips

About a quarter (24%) of global travelers surveyed said that they plan to take three or more international trips in 2021, with Americans leading the globe - a third (33%) of U.S. travelers anticipate taking three or more trips abroad.

"If dipping your toes in the bath was the closest you came to a 'water view' last year, then you are not alone," said Val Anthony, senior research analyst, Tripadvisor. "2020 made travelers everywhere more determined than ever to spend big on adventure and exploration in 2021, and we are seeing that in the trips millions are planning around the world."

Methodology

The data cited was gathered and analyzed from 3 key sources:

  • A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of 2,330 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between 12/28/20 through 01/10/21 across six countries - U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan
  • Site behavioral data sourced from first party traffic data on the Tripadvisor platform, gathered between 1/4/21 - 1/28/21
  • Travelers' Choice® Best of the Best Awards for Destinations 2021, based on reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, and things to do in destinations worldwide over a 12-month period (12/1/19-11/30/20) from Tripadvisor travelers

About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps hundreds of millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. As a travel guidance company available in 43 markets and 22 languages, Tripadvisor makes planning easy no matter the trip type. The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.

* Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, March 2023
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files

For further information: [email protected].

Casey Brogan