Family Holiday Insider
Not a regular trend report, the Family Holiday Insider reveals the emotional and psychological impact travel has on families’ wellbeing and families’ hopes and expectations for their first getaway together after a very unusual year. It looks into aspects of how confident families are about getting away again, the impact the last year of restricted travel has had on their family’s wellbeing and their excitement of finally exploring the world again. The report also delves into 2021 holiday opportunities and discloses expert insights to help families make informed travel decisions for a new year.
Foreword – Jeff Hurst, President of Vrbo
Welcome to the second edition of Vrbo’s Family Holiday Insider. I am Jeff Hurst, the President of Vrbo, a world leader in family holiday rentals.
For 25 years, we have been bringing together families all over the world to help them create unforgettable holiday memories in the holiday homes of our hosts. Last year though, the world was a very different place.
With the travel industry one of the worst hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families had to change their travel plans and postpone them to a later date in 2020 or even into the new year. But there was also a silver lining over the summer months when lockdowns lifted worldwide. Families temporarily had the chance to exchange the tedium of their own four walls for an escape to a holiday home, bringing a much- needed change of scene and some added sparkle to their lives.
Being a father and holiday homeowner myself, I also experienced first-hand the disappointment of cancelled holidays, the emotional consequences of the ever-changing situation on my family and the relief and relaxation brought by even a short weekend trip away to a nearby destination.
And while the development and roll out of the vaccines have created some much needed hope and a more positive outlook, last year’s experiences made us at Vrbo even more determined to support holidaymakers and holiday homeowners through this uncertain time and the expected recovery, when families all over the world will be able to go on holiday again. We are here to help by providing valuable insights into how to make the most of the quality time spent together, with expert guidance so you can make an informed decision about where your next together awaits.
That is what our Family Holiday Insider does: It looks into the emotional and psychological impact that travel has on families’ wellbeing and into families’ hopes and expectations for their first getaway together after a very unusual year. It takes a look behind the scenes at how they feel about going away again, how the last year shaped the significance of a family break from day-to-day life, the repercussions of not being able to travel on the children’s happiness and the excitement of finally exploring the world once again. As the families’ travel ally, we also explore 2021 holiday opportunities, on home-soil and abroad, and provide tips on where to find the perfect place to stay for every budget.
The past 12 months have demanded a great deal from every single one of us personally and, for so many, also professionally. But despite this legacy, we are convinced that the 2021 travel year will create some of the most memorable experiences for families worldwide. And we are here to assist all of you in creating those special moments because we believe in travel as a force for good.
Have a good browse around the Family Holiday Insider and enjoy exploring.
Jeff Hurst, President Vrbo, an Expedia Group company
