Virtuoso’s exclusive global travel community gathers annually to learn, network, and grow to create the best trips for all our clients. This year’s week-long conference was a hybrid event with attendees both virtual and in-person in Las Vegas. With the arrival of our newest little travel advisor this summer, we joined the events remotely from home in Colorado. After reconnecting with colleagues, hearing from those at the top of luxury travel, and networking with partners from around the world, we have the scoop on all the tips and trends for your upcoming post-COVID travel.

Travel with COVID 

Countries are opening up but what is the travel experience going to be like once you are there? Are there COVID requirements – vaccinations, masks, negative tests before departure and/or upon arrival? It can be a lot to keep straight, especially with the ever-changing regulations! Are you prepared for the worst-case scenario? Travel is more complex as each country sporadically reopens with its own guidelines and requirements. COVID seems to be here to stay (at least for a little while longer) so now we need to establish a new normal. 

With more country reopenings projected for 2022, it’s time to start planning! It’s going to be busy with trips from the last two years being rescheduled for 2022 and 2023, in addition to all the new travel being planned with everyone’s wanderlust from home. Availability is going to be tight. Concerned about another lockdown or spike in COVID cases? Don’t worry – our suppliers are offering flexible cancellation policies as well as reduced or no deposits. In today’s world with all of the new challenges presented by COVID travel, WE ARE HERE TO HELP! Travel professionals, like us at Walks Around The World, advise you through it all – flight cancellations, entry requirements, border closures and more. Our connections with on-the-ground partners provide 24/7 support while traveling as well. 

Want to travel now? It’s not too late to reach out! We have been seeing more and more last-minute bookings and can help you navigate all the twists and turns of travel today. 

Imagine What Can Be?

Imagine What Can Be – the tagline for this year’s VTW. And, we think it perfectly sums up the current travel trends. While travel may look slightly different, our goal is and has always been to make whatever you imagine a reality! 

We have been seeing an increase in single-country itineraries due to the ever-changing regulations. Subsequently, slower and more immersive travel with time spent soaking up the culture and destination. Hotels and resorts are “imagining what can be” as they place a focus on the unique experiences they can offer to enhance guests’ stay.

Not surprisingly, regional and domestic travel is extremely popular as travelers stay closer to home due to COVID regulations. However, bookings in cities are beginning to pick back up with a decrease in restrictions and reopening of restaurants and venues. 

After not seeing one another for so long, there has been an increase in multigenerational travel as families spend time together. Many hotels that don’t offer traditional villas have rooms and suites that can be combined to create your own private space to accommodate the entire family. Our knowledge and partners assist you in selecting the perfect setup for your situation!

With COVID, our connections and expertise will help you navigate any of the bumps you may encounter before, during, and after your trip. We cannot predict the future and what it holds but we are here to help you create the future together.