6 tips for planning travel in 2021, according to travel experts, infectious disease doctors, and current industry trends

Until a vaccine is widely available, domestic travel will continue to draw travelers away from farther-flung international locations requiring long flights and exposure to potentially busy airports. A recent 2021 trend report from Vrbo reveals that 59% of families say they are more likely to drive instead of fly on their next trip.

Driving to a regional destination is our first doctor-approved tip: If no passengers from outside the household are with you in the car, medical professionals generally consider driving trips safe, even in rented cars.

"Remember that most of the transmission of the coronavirus is respiratory — it's not through inanimate objects," says Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo. "When you're in a rental car, the greatest risk is if you happen to be in the car with someone else and they could be infected."

If it makes you more comfortable, wipe down high-touch areas of your rented car, such as the steering wheel, door handles, radio knobs, and window controls (although this is likely not necessary given the major brands' sanitization practice overhauls).

If you do have to fly, be sure to read up on the potential risks and expert-backed precautions to take. You may also want to consider packing this COVID-19 safety gear, whether you plan to fly, drive, or take the train.

With travelers prioritizing safety above all, many will continue to direct their business to home-sharing platforms in 2021. And doctors say doing so is an important, science-backed tip for mitigating risks associated with lodging.

In a private rental, contact with other people is minimal compared with hotel environments; comparatively, infectious disease experts say the private residential environment poses low risk for virus transmission.

"Anything you can do to decrease your encounters with other individuals will be safer," Dr. Russo says. And that means, he says, this style of option is safer than a hotel. The CDC agrees and has noted that a private home rental is safer than a hotel stay. However, keep in mind that this is only true if you stay in a vacation rental with just the members of your immediate household. Adding other family or friends to the mix increases risks significantly.

And, again, wiping down any high-touch surfaces such as countertops and light switches can provide additional cleanliness as well as peace of mind.

Because far fewer people are expected to report to an office daily, and far fewer school children are expected on campus, traditional vacation periods will change, even blurring the distinction between traveling and meeting the everyday commitments of life. 

And that can be a good thing. Take advantage of the opportunities this unusual time affords by booking trips for surprising dates with a newly wide-open calendar and remote precedent.

A full fourth of respondents to an Airbnb survey believe they will be able to "live where they want and work remotely" in the coming year. A fifth said they've already relocated their living situation during the pandemic, either temporarily or permanently. And 60% of parents said they're very or somewhat likely to consider working remotely and traveling with kids if school continues to be disrupted.

According to Vrbo's data, more than half of travelers who took this type of vacation this year — a stay combining work and leisure — found the experience refreshing, and 67% said they would do it again.

To make your stay fun as well as productive, make sure your lodging has a dedicated study or workspace, as well as the speedy connectivity required. If you're staying in a hotel, you can take advantage of many major chains' work-from-hotel promotions and programs, which have popped up widely around the country.

With travelers' focus on health and safety comes increased interest in booking remote lodgings in natural environments. Overall, 61% of US families said they are more likely to visit an outdoorsy destination than an urban one, according to Vrbo's data.

Pediatric psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shared insights on the importance of changing up our routines and scenery these days. "Neurologically, our brain doesn't like monotony because we lose our motivation. We become exhausted, agitated, and irritable when it's too much of the same stuff, so changing your environment is important," she explained.

To help support your mental and physical safety, consider booking a remote stay in a beautiful natural environment, where you can find peace of mind and opportunities for distanced physical activities. Book a cozy cabin, perhaps near a body of water where you can swim or fish. Or book an isolated lodging near a national park, and hike, bike, or ski amid the protected natural splendor.

With so many unknowns, booking any type of travel can be daunting and potentially risky. The good news is that travelers can take advantage of historically flexible booking options, which airlines, hotels, and even booking sites are allowing in the hopes of capturing more business in the current climate.

Trusted booking sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and CheapTickets are offering — and encouraging users to book — refundable options for hotels. These sites are making it easier for travelers to find such options too, now offering a "free cancelation" filter for searches.

Flight bookings are also historically flexible. "Many airlines are now offering free change fees and extending these policies. It may be beneficial to purchase tickets now with the added peace of mind that you will be able to change your tickets," says Erica Landerson, co-owner of AdventureWomen, a travel company specializing in adventure trips for women.

However, know that these policies change frequently, and airlines are generally refunding for credit, not cash — so read closely before clicking the book button.

On the flip side, you can also help get rid of some of those unknowns by booking last-minute trips, especially right now while most hotels and airlines have plenty of availability.

"Airfares are reasonable, and space is available," explains Julie Danziger, Managing Partner, Director of Leisure at the luxury travel outfit Embark Beyond. "Some of our clients are planning very last minute. They are calling even within the same week of travel. Advance planning is so unpredictable, so talking in advance but booking close to the travel date seems to be a continuing trend." 

We're living in an in-between phase of the pandemic: The virus is currently spreading widely and uncontrollably, but there are also multiple vaccines that look promising. So there is appropriate optimism about much safer travel in the coming months.

That's why it makes sense to start thinking about some of those big trips you've been missing, but for dates well into the future. "We are also seeing clients that want to dream. They are hungry to travel and are discussing bucket list travel, and a five-year plan," notes Danziger.

Those who did have to postpone big trips in 2020 are eagerly looking to rebook those trips for the upcoming year. According to Mike Lowery, SVP & General Manager of CheapCaribbean.com, a whopping 65% of 2021 bookings are from travelers who had to push their travels this year due to COVID-19.

If you are looking to tentatively start planning or rebooking a bucket list trip for later in 2021 or beyond, consider starting with our guides to the best hotels in Maui and the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, or take inspiration from this honeymooners paradise hotel in the Maldives.