It would be an understatement to say 2020 will not be remembered fondly, especially for travel enthusiasts. Millions of people have had to bury their exotic travel plans which provided a route to much needed adventure and escapism from the daily humdrum. Families have been homebound with kids, with no scope of taking a break. Passports have started to accumulate dust in the recesses of cupboards.

The current scenario for the global tourism industry is arguably bleaker than at any point since the pandemic first hit. With the virus showing little signs of being tamed, major tourists spots, events and hotels have been forced to deal with lost revenue during some of the busiest times of the year. For businesses operating within the sector, maintaining relations with customers and stakeholders is one of the many challenges they are currently facing. Hotels and destinations are also hot by the number of occupancy they can accommodate and the social distancing protocol they have to follow.

But with vaccines rolling out at a fast pace, there is reason for some much-needed optimism. While it may take years before travel truly returns to pre-COVID state, people are now willing to bravely step out of their homes, endowed by the vaccine. But having spent so much time at home, there seems to be a shift in priorities for many travellers. The biggest thing on people’s minds right now, is to enjoy simple pleasures in life like hiking, travelling to nature spots, wellness centres and meditation retreats. Families are opting to go to places with low occupancy so that they don’t have to spend their vacation with face masks and sanitiser.

Hotels are diversifying their wellness experiences, allowing travellers to reconnect with nature and promoting personal well-being retreats where anyone can disconnect and enjoy experiences focusing on body and mind with meditation, yoga or spa therapies.

In the UAE there has been a rising demand for desert safaris mainly as it accommodates very cosy numbers. It also gives a complete desert experience, and gets you back home within a day. A complete experience includes dune bashing, camel rides, camp side bbqs, belly dancing and more

Another trend on the rise is glamour camping, or Glamping, where people can soak in the charm of rugged and quaint locales while enjoying five-star facilities and service. Many travel companies, which were reeling under the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, were reportedly sold out within minutes of opening up for reservations for glamping, notching up a 10-fold rise in capacity. Hotels across the UAE are also offering lucrative staycation deals to lure customers. From luxurious five star hotels in the metro cities of Dubai and UAE to the picturesque and quaint charm of emirates like Fujeirah and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE dwellers are spoilt for choice to take a well-deserved day out.

The UAE also offers plenty of scenic spots for a family road trip. From golden sand dunes to beautiful beaches, every thing is just a short drive away. So if you are looking to indulge in some water adventures or simply relax in a luxurious resort in the middle of the desert, all you need is a car and petrol and a few good melodies to enjoy during the trip.