10 pandemic travel trends that could be here to stay

With the lifting of COVID-19 testing requirements and the end of mask mandates, travel is back in full force. Although most of us want to forget the memories of the pandemic, some COVID-induced travel trends remain relevant. Meet 10 pandemic pivots worth keeping.

Stay close to home

Troutbeck is nestled in nature near New York — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Staying close to home has been a driving factor in pandemic vacation choices. High gas prices and airline hassles draw attention to easily accessible getaways.

Surrounded by farms and hills, Troutbeck is a resort just 90 miles from New York City that feels a million miles away. Relax in a hammock under the shade of sycamores and watch the butterflies frolic with the gentle trickling of a stream as your soundtrack. It’s no wonder Emerson and Thoreau were frequent guests of the original owners.

The seasons are on full display in this northeast corner, adding year-round escape potential. A fabulous restaurant, swimming pool and sauna are bonuses.

National parks are a balm

Solitude at Congaree National ParkSolitude at Congaree National Park — Photo courtesy of Discover South Carolina

As the virus spread, nature was a balm. National parks have seen an increase in visitation and numbers continue to be robust. If you crave solitude, consider a winter visit or choose a lesser-known park, like Congaree National Park in South Carolina, an old-growth hardwood forest bordered by elevated trails. Hike, kayak or fish in this ever-wild place of beauty and tranquility.

Hotels with outdoor options

Yoga at Flathead Lake Lodge in MontanaYoga at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

The pandemic has been a springboard for outdoor activities, from walking to pickleI. Our collective desire to be on the move in the great outdoors does not seem to diminish.

Flathead Lake Pavilion is a family ranch located on the shores of the lake of the same name. A range of daily activities, from horseback riding on pine-scented trails to sailing in crystal-clear waters to hilltop yoga, immerse guests in the Montana wilderness as they try old and new hobbies. It’s back to nature without the harshness, with delicious meals, fine wines and upscale chalets included.

Retro motor lodges

Rooms have lots of extras at Bluebird SunapeeRooms have lots of extras at Bluebird Sunapee — Photo courtesy of Bluebird by Lark

When travel anxiety was at its height, the limited interaction of a personal vehicle was perceived as safer, fueling an increase in road trips. Nostalgic roadside motels have captured attention and continue to attract customers.

Bluebird by Lark is a collection of newly opened roadside lodges that are designed to facilitate the great American road trip. They took existing properties and spruce them up while keeping prices within reach of the cheap. To blue bird sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire, design-conscious rooms feature beds with custom upholstered headboards and Pendleton blankets. An eclectic record collection, game room, and indoor saltwater pool adorn the common areas.

Residential neighborhoods as vacation resorts

Cycle around Cherry Creek NorthPedal around Cherry Creek North — Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North

Once upon a time, hotels in bustling city centers attracted tourists. But a growing number of people working from home has added vibrancy to neighborhoods that once emptied during the working day.

Staying in a hotel in a residential part of town offers a real sense of local life. Just outside of downtown Denver, Cherry Creek North is a mixed-use, pedestrian and bike-friendly area with the highest concentration of independent shops, art galleries and a tasty food scene in the city. Book a room at Clayton Hotell, with Denver-inspired decor and an on-site members’ club, for a real window into the Rockies lifestyle.

outdoor eye candy art

Sculpture gardens are a great way to experience artSculpture gardens are a great way to experience art — Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota

When museums closed, hundreds of outdoor sculpture parks continued to present an outdoor art experience in an ideal setting for practicing social distancing.

At Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center, art breaks free practical constraints of the four walls of a traditional museum. “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Claes Oldenburg serves as the inventive centerpiece of the garden. This gigantic spoon with a cherry features abstract proportions and whimsy. Free entry.

Rooftop lounges

The roof of the Hotel Brach offers a view of the Eiffel TowerThe roof of the Hotel Brach offers a view of the Eiffel Tower — Photo courtesy of Evok Hotels

The pandemic has pushed us to seek fresh air whenever possible. Rooftop lounges have sprung up in hotels around the world. At the high end Hotel Brach in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the rooftop is a respite with a Scandinavian-style hot tub and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Aromatic herbs grow in the garden, freshly chopped basil and mint adding spice to cocktails and appetizers. A trio of happy hens underlines the country-chic vibe.

Picnics are on the rise

Picnic on the Chanler lawn at Cliff WalkPicnic on the Chanler at Cliff Walk lawn — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Restaurants turned to outdoor dining at the start of the pandemic. What started as a necessity has spawned a cottage industry of companies offering luxury picnics. Planning the perfect picnic isn’t easy; selecting foods that complement each other and stay fresh, as well as creating floral centerpieces that are both sturdy and pretty, is practically an art form.

Hotels across the country are getting in on the act. To Jhe Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, customers can order a picnic served on a lawn overlooking the ocean. You’ll dine on handcrafted sandwiches and scrumptious desserts, accompanied by plush pillows.

Long-term vacation rentals are suitable for digital nomads

Palm Springs is popular with digital nomadsPalm Springs is popular with digital nomads — Photo courtesy of Airbnb

A boom in workers with flexible terms of employment has driven demand for long-term vacation rentals. High-speed Internet allows remote or hybrid workers to do their jobs from anywhere. Ads on sites such as Airbnb offer the privacy, space and comfort of home.

In California, the desert oasis Palm Springs is one of Airbnb’s top extended stay nesting sites. It’s on the map for stargazers, fans of mid-century modern architecture, and the LGBTQ+ community. A range of fabulous rental properties attract digital nomads like bees to honey.

Upgraded airplane seats

The Company offers a personal space and a high-end serviceLa Compagnie offers personal space and high-end service — Photo courtesy of La Compagnie

Those flying during the pandemic were more likely to splurge on seats in premium cabins in an attempt to facilitate social distancing in the air. Perks like comfort kits and upgraded meals were welcome additions to the roomier seats.

Airline passengers continue to pay for upgrades. To The company, a French carrier that flies from the United States to Paris, Nice and Milan, each plane has only 76 fully flat seats, offering passengers a personal space in addition to Wi-Fi, champagne, a mediation channel and gourmet meals. Ticket prices are approximately 50% lower than major carrier business fares, for a more affordable luxury travel experience.

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