Our Favorite Travel Trends of 2021

A new year means the thrill of new possibilities. And when it comes to travel, the path to adventure will look a little different—and more exciting—this year, from island hopping to a new take on the beauty and spontaneous freedom of the classic road trip.

As we look forward to the year ahead, these travel trends have us feeling hopeful for what’s to come—and buzzing with excitement for our next trip.

Loyalty and service matter even more

The best retail brands have always known that giving back to loyal shoppers is essential. Now, the best travel brands are taking their love for loyalty even further, too. From flexible change policies to top-notch service onsite, to a commitment to safety and cleanliness, leading resorts, airlines, and more are giving back to their customers in a big way. Influencers like Beachcomber Original Matt Bauer say they value transparency and quality service above all else, and this creative director-slash-photographer and dad says that choosing a place to call his home-away-from-home gives him peace of mind (and fun!) when traveling with the fam.

Road trips are going glam

The open road is calling. In 2021, travelers are hitting the road and exploring once they reach a destination in adventurous new ways. Road trips are more popular than ever, from #vanlife adventures in decked-out campervans to laid-back day trips and spontaneous getaways. And the best combo is rewarding yourself with a stay at a plush resort along the way. For some great island adventuring, try ocean-side food trucks en route from Waikiki to Oahu's North Shore or Maui’s famous Road to Hana, where road-trippers can stop for fresh coconuts at scenic lookouts or discover dreamy, secluded beaches and waterfalls.

WFH can mean “Work from Anywhere”

Have laptop; will travel. Those digital nomads might be onto something. Remote work is now more mainstream and many of us will be OOO (out of office) for the foreseeable future, so travelers are opting to swap their cluttered dining table for a poolside perch or oceanfront office to happily combine work and play. Plus, exotic locations like Mauritius are offering programs like year-long visas for remote workers, meaning travelers can enjoy some of the world's coolest destinations to not just travel but to work, play, and stay.

Island hopping isn’t just for A-Listers anymore

We may not all be able to fly our closest inner circle out to a private island—but we know the next best thing. When it comes to Hawaii, it can be hard to choose which island to explore, so we recommend island-hopping them all. From the surf-famous shores of Oahu to the jaw-dropping cliffs of Kauai, you can find your own private paradise(s) along the way via easy flights between the islands.

When you’re feeling ready to embrace any of these travel trends around the world, Outrigger Resorts destinations provide the perfect backdrop.