Every year, different companies make their lists of the most popular and emerging travel destinations that will draw our attention next year. This time, Lonely Planet has published its own list. The hottest travel destinations are different every year because tourism is changing, and new factors shape this industry. Today, diversity and sustainability are the key factors that influence the future of travel. Of course, COVID-19 also has a great impact on the industry.
At the moment, travel is more considerate than ever. COVID-19 might still limit travel next year, and some destinations may remain closed for tourists from certain countries. The company decided to make its Best in Travel 2021 list in several categories, namely, sustainability, diversity, and community. Rather than booking a hotel in Paris or leisurely enjoying a beachside Mallorca hotel, modern travelers are conscious about how they travel and how not to disrupt the lifestyle of communities that they want to explore. To prepare this list, Lonely Planet collaborated with writers, photographers, bloggers, publishing partners, etc. Naturally, COVID-19 put travel plans on halt for everyone. Nevertheless, tourism professionals are sure that 2021 will be a year of less famous destinations and bigger engagement with the communities that tourists visit.
Here are the best travel destinations for 2021 in the “sustainability” category: Antigua & Barbuda, Le Vie di Dante (Roads of Dante), Rocky Mountaineer destinations, Rwanda, Grootberg Lodge (Namibia), Gothenburg (Sweden), Palau, Greece, and Virginia Mountain Bike Trail. These amazing places with amazing people are shaping the tomorrow of travel in the opinion of the publisher.
Diversity is the next category of the hottest destinations. The places mentioned in this list can help modern travelers to learn more about the world and hear the stories of people that live in different countries. The top destinations are the following: Hiakai (New Zealand), Costa Rica, Gullah Islands (USA), San Diego (USA), and Amman (Jordan).
Finally, travel can help local communities to develop, and tourists can enjoy unique and authentic experiences that will stay in their memory forever. The winners in this category are the following: Invisible Cities (the U.K.), Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Tesfa Tours (Ethiopia), Australia, MedellĂn (Colombia), Hesham Moadamani (Refugee Voices Tours), and Burren EcoTourism Network (Ireland).