After 2020 derailed travel plans for many, Americans are ready to travel in 2021. South West News Service, Exodus Travels and OnePoll conducted a study of 2,000 American travelers regarding their travel forecast for 2021. Seven out of 10 respondents said the year without travel took a toll on their happiness, though 57 percent of respondents feel hopeful for 2021.

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In order to stay positive during 2020, 82 percent said they made a conscious effort to do things that made them happy, with 79 percent taking up new hobbies. To keep optimistic, respondents read about travel (49 percent) and watched travel shows (45 percent).

As far as where people want to go, Europe was the top choice at 37 percent, with Central America (36 percent) and Asia (34 percent) just behind. Some respondents were less picky, with 14 percent stating they want to travel “anywhere and everywhere.” The study showed 67 percent want to travel as soon as they can. Safety is important to those considering trips. Seventy-seven percent said they pay close attention to how the companies they travel with are dealing with COVID-19 health and safety precautions.

Where do you want to go in 2021? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director