At the time of going to press, we are in lockdown for the second time in England with a scheduled end to this in early December.
With this throwing travel plans out of the metaphorical window yet again, many people are crossing their fingers that they will be able to go on a well-deserved holiday abroad next year.
Rob Gower of Dragonfly Traveller explained:
“During 2020, the coronavirus pandemic and government restrictions have had a devastating impact on the travel industry. And I truly believe that the respite and relief that comes with a holiday has been sorely missed by most people, as they have had a lot to deal with, from managing their businesses to home schooling children as they work from home. We are all so tired of this situation and looking at booking a holiday for 2021 gives us something to look forward to.”
To whet your appetite, Rob has some recommendations of where to travel in 2021.
South Africa
There are lots of new hotels and lodges waiting to welcome travellers in South Africa in 2021. For example, the Kruger Shalati is a smart and trendy hotel situated on a railway line.
Or, if you prefer to get back to nature, there is the Ngala Treehouse. A brand new solar-powered sanctuary that rises above the bush on the edges of Kruger National Park.
Helsinki, Finland
The architecture in Helsinki stands out as it mixes Scandinavian and modernist styles while remaining industrial, utilitarian and cool. The city is a palette of colours, contrasting between vivid greens, intense blues, and crystal white. The harbour and Market Square are great to visit too.
El Hierro, Canary Islands
El Hierro is one of the lesser-known Canary Islands and is stepping into the spotlight for 2021. A network of black, white and golden beaches, El Hierro is also home to stunning landscapes, from banana plantations to forests. The island also has ambitions to become the world’s first sustainable and self-sufficient island, ploughing eco-efforts into everything from energy to food.
Melides, Portugal
With pristine white sands and tiny, picturesque village squares, Melides sits right in the middle of the untouched Alentejo coast. While there is little in the way of boutique hotels or trendy art galleries, instead, you will find uninhabited beaches and miles of vineyards and rice fields.
The famous shoe creator, Christian Louboutin is currently building a boutique hideout near the centre. Until then, pop into the town to grab some lunch from one of the many little cafes dotted around, then spend the afternoon dipping your toes in the waters at Praia da Galé – a stretch of beach with natural sandstone sculptures.
Travel restrictions are ever changing, so, before travelling anywhere, be sure to check the latest government guidance and ensure your insurance covers you for any travel disruption brought about as a result of coronavirus.
You can find a full list of Rob’s Places To Go in 2021 on the Dragonfly Traveller website blog.
Rob Gower of Dragonfly Traveller works as a travel PA, building bespoke holidays and trips for customers. Call 01604 661100 or visit www.dragonflytraveller.co.uk to find out more.
