WHY PAARL AND WELLINGTON WILL BE TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN 2021!

Posted by Sunè Samuels on 12 January 2021 3:40 PM CAT

It is with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty of what the future holds that we enter 2021. Much was experienced and learnt during last year’s COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is still very much a reality and is directly influencing our travelling decisions.

We wish we could look into a crystal ball and tell you what travel in 2021 holds, but we can’t. We do not know when then the pandemic will be over and we do not know when travel bans will be lifted.
What we do know is that the desire to travel after months of lockdown is still there and stronger than ever! Humans have a deep desire to connect, to socialize and to maintain and strengthen family bonds. What we also do know is that Paarl and Wellington will be top of people’s travelling lists during 2021 for very good reasons.
Here is why.
Paarl and Wellington are two Cape Winelands’ towns which are not congested, they are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, which has recently been voted on the ‘world’s best cities for working remotely’ list, and it is easy to maintain social distancing practices when visiting us. Fondly known as the pearl and the heart of the Winelands, Paarl and Wellington do not have overcrowded attractions and you will never see people queuing for the opportunity to take a hike or pose for a selfie at an iconic spot. We are the perfect option for a last-minute get-away, mini-break and short easy-access stay.
It is predicted that road trips will rule in 2021. We are the perfect stop over for any road-trip itinerary providing scenic surrounds, comfortable accommodation and good food and wine.
Paarl and Wellington have ample spaces to connect with nature, which we see has proven to be a very good mood enhancer during the pandemic. Social distancing and steering clear of crowds will continue during 2021 and because of that outdoor activities will remain popular. Paarl and Wellington’s nature reserves and MTB and hiking trails set in nature reserves as well as on our wine estates are perfect to connect with nature, get enough fresh air and stay active.

Photo: picardieguestfarm on IG

The pandemic has made us look at our lives in very, very different ways. We have taken stock and assessed where our lives were and where we want it to go. Purpose driven travels will be important this year. Travelers are more conscientious about how they travel and they want the money they spend to go back into their host destination. They want their presence to have a positive impact on their host destinations.

Paarl and Wellington offer the opportunity for purpose driven travel. Our towns are small and community driven and many of our wineries, restaurants, stay options and visitor attractions abide by the principles of minimizing their ecological and environmental footprints, educating and creating awareness and respect for our destinations, promoting conservation and protection of local nature and wildlife and engaging with local community in a respectful, positive and mutually beneficial way.

The spotlight is shining brightly on mental and physical wellness. We experience life through our bodies, how they feel and move every day and that has a big impact on our mental health.  Active outdoor experiences, spas, wellness retreats, views of nature, rockpool swimming, meditational sunsets on granite boulders, walks through forests doing some birdwatching and stargazing makes our towns ideal locations for rest and restoration purposes.

With the World Travel Tourism Council (WTCC) ‘Safe travels’ approval, our destinations’ adhere to the strict guidelines and protocols set by this global industry representative. Travelers can visit our region and our tourism attractions with confidence in 2021!

For visitors’ assistance and information please feel free to contact our Visitor Information Centres, Visit Paarl and Visit Wellington as well as visit our websites.

Visit Paarl – +27 (0) 21 872 4848/ www.paarlonline.com

Visit Wellington – +27 (0) 21 864 1378/ www.wellington.co.za