TRAVEL

The search for coziness and comfort is nothing new for travelers, and the pandemic has only heightened the need for a place to relax and unwind. Many travelers looking for an escape are opting for cabins and chalets, which provide inviting spaces to make family memories while also recharging the proverbial batteries.

Typically nestled near mountainsides, forests and lakes, cabins and chalets offer open spaces so families can leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life while being surrounded by natural beauty, which has led to an increase in demand for Vrbo cabins by nearly 25% and chalets by almost 20% year-overyear.

Going All Out

After a year of canceled trips, families may have found a new appreciation for travel and have a sense of urgency to finally take that dream vacation. When travel eventually returns to preCOVID-19 levels, many are thinking big - 65% of respondents plan to travel more than they did prior to the pandemic, 33% are willing to spend more money than they traditionally would and 54% said they're more likely to book that bucket list vacation.

Among those willing to increase their vacation budgets, 46% plan to travel farther away, 55% said they'll stay longer and 48% have nicer accommodations in mind.

A Vacation Do-Over

It's common for families to miss their loved ones and seek to make up for lost time. In fact, according to the survey, families who were forced to cancel a 2020 vacation are ready for a redo. Rather than scrapping their trips entirely:

• 44% of travelers who had a trip canceled due to COVID-19 plan on rescheduling the same vacation. • 54% of respondents who want a redo said they were looking forward to going to that destination. • 31% of travelers said the main reason they want to go on their next trip is to spend quality time with family.

Find more 2021 travel inspiration along with the full Trend Report at vrbo.com.

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How to Combat Social Isolation

Even before COVID-19 limited social contact with friends, family and colleagues, many adults experienced loneliness and depression due to limited contact with others. Now, a year after the pandemic forced many people into even greater levels of isolation, the issue of social isolation is especially prevalent in Americans over the age of 50.

Despite the physical implications of a global pandemic, research shows the mental health stakes are high, too. A nationwide survey, commissioned by Barclays, found that half of Americans over the age of 50 said the isolation from their friends and family has been more challenging than concerns over health risks they may face. (90%) have re-evaluated their post age-50 goals and put spending more time with family at the top of their lists. In fact, the most common first thing 50-plus Americans will do once COVID-19 is over is to see and spend time with their families (41%).

"While restrictions are beginning to ease, many older adults are still isolated from friends and family, and that takes a toll on their mental well-being" said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation. "We must do all we can to help older adults, who have suffered greatly during COVID-19, strengthen the social connections that are so essential to their ability to lead longer, healthier lives."

For example, AARP Foundation's Connect2Affect platform equips older adults with the tools they need to stay physically

Social isolation has provided plenty of time for Americans to reflect on their priorities. The majority of Americans surveyed

"While restrictions are beginning to ease, many older adults are still isolated from friends and family, and that takes a toll on their mental well-being"