Share
What. A. Year. If you are wondering what travel professionals are thinking right now, you have come to the right place. We made it. Another year. And if we have learned anything, it would be that nothing stays the same, especially during a worldwide pandemic. Here’s our 2021 year in review.
Where did you travel this year?
While overall we saw fewer people traveling internationally this year, our clients didn’t shy away from getting out there and experiencing the world. Our most-traveled destination this year was South Africa, followed by Tanzania, and then Botswana. Unlike years past, however, we saw a huge jump in travel in the United States. Some other countries that saw a significant number of travelers this year were Egypt and Rwanda.
Upon their return, the overwhelming response from those who traveled was joy, excitement, and gratitude. Of those who traveled in 2021, 30% have already booked at least one other trip, with many having booked more than one. What we have learned this year is once you take the leap and go, it is much easier to do it a second and third time.
What we have learned this year
Working in the travel business is not for the faint of heart. However, this year our commitment to provide seamless, tailor-made luxury travel grew tenfold. Our experience, combined with your passion for travel, has allowed us to create some unique and one-of-a-kind trips that otherwise would not have happened. Yes, there were more obstacles. Yes, many times we had to think creatively, but the positive reviews upon our clients’ return were so worth it. And it has only made us better.
What we did this year
Our expert staff also traveled all over the world including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, France, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Maldives and throughout the United States. We launched Luxury Small Group Tours by Ker & Downey, we recorded 8 episodes of On the Horizon – a travel series designed to keep you updated and learn about all the fascinating countries of the world, and we released THREE issues of Quest in 2022. Here you’ll find our Spring 2021 issue which includes our top itineraries for the year, our South Korea Travel Guide, and our African Travel Guide.
This year, we were also voted among the best tour operators of the world by Conde Nast. It is an honor we do not take lightly. Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote. For a small, family-owned business, it really means a lot that you continue to support us in ways such as this.
2021 Year in Review – The Big Lesson
As we look back at 2021 in review, and begin 2022, we are reminded that TRAVEL IS WORTH IT. One of our travelers, Suzy Kramer summed it up perfectly when she said, “Everyone was doing their part; distancing, wearing masks; sanitizing hands everywhere. So do your part too. Travel. It’s OK, you’ll be fine. Get vaccinated and go. People everywhere are waiting. And hoping. Just go. The perk? There’s not a lot of tourists out there right now. We had the national park in our area to ourselves rarely sighting a safari vehicle from another camp. It meant being able to see the animals without other vehicles jockeying for position. So, go. Experience unique and beautiful locations around the world without the crowds.”
With 2021 in the rearview mirror, we’re looking ahead to 2022. Where do you want to go? Is it on an African safari or a European vacation? Are you looking to relax on the beach or set out on an adventure? Wherever it is in the world that you’d like to travel, Ker & Downey can take you there. Our team of designers are at their best when crafting a journey unique to you. Contact us today to start planning your next getaway. And for daily travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
