6 Changes to Travel We Should Embrace
Traveling is different. The spirit of wanting to visit new places and go on new adventures remains, but the way we plan our trips has changed. The way we feel about traveling, how we decide to make plans and the expectations we have for the places we may stay have all been impacted by the idea that we may not be safe.
Every industry feels the effects of COVID-19, but travel was hit particularly hard following the pandemic. Currently, many people do not feel comfortable taking a trip anytime soon (forget internationally) and even after restrictions are lifted, people will likely still be uncertain about whether it is safe to travel. The sentiment is different, but wanting to seek adventure is the same, so how do we begin to travel again in a post-COVID world?
There are six changes that we should embrace to keep our spirit of adventure up while safely interacting with the world around us.
Outdoor adventure is the new thrill.
58.5% of travelers who participated in a Destination Analysts survey say they want to avoid crowds on their next trip. Your idea of an exciting trip may have previously included visiting the biggest cities, being immersed in the bustle of large crowds or attending that one event that everyone wants to be a part of. While it's certainly no Coachella, there is excitement in discovering nature. Take a road trip to your nearest natural park and find the wildlife, hike to a gorgeous waterfall or kayak a well-known river. There are so many places to explore and tons of activities you can do to enjoy the outdoors while remaining socially distant.
Road tripping is the preferred way to travel.
49.3% of travelers say they are more inclined to take a road trip as opposed to flying to a destination. This is a great way to get out and explore some of the popular places around you. A road trip is a perfect solution if you are not yet comfortable flying, but still want to plan a vacay. Pack up your car, create a new playlist, buy some tasty snacks and hit the road. There are tons of spots you can drive to for a weekend getaway.
Staycations are the new vacations.
54.1% of travelers have decided their summer vacation is going to be a staycation. Instead of cancelling their plans completely, people are deciding to stay locally and enjoy the entertainment around them. You don't have to miss out on summer fun if you are not yet comfortable leaving your city. Support one of your local resorts and book a luxury weekend getaway. You don't have to go far to enjoy your time off and it takes the stress of traveling away.
Cleanliness standards have risen.
While hotel-goers have always expected a clean room, cleanliness as a response to the pandemic is the hospitality industry's top priority. When you book your reservation, ask about the measures the property is taking to ensure the highest level of sanitation. I guarantee that your safety is top of mind and hotels are taking every precaution to make your stay as enjoyable and safe as possible.
So, there is a reason for travel insurance.
According to Inside Flyer, 59% of survey respondents are willing to purchase tickets to support the travel industry as long as there is an option for reimbursement. These policies are covered by travel insurance, which may have seemed like a nuisance in the past, but has proven to be very important. Yes, it is an extra expense which even I have opted to pass on in the past, but buying it is the safest option when planning your trip. As coronavirus has proven, unforeseen events are possible and the best way to protect yourself as a traveler is to purchase a quality insurance plan.
Crowded places will be less crowded.
Everyone has put guidelines in place to ensure the safety of their visitors. Restaurants have spaced out their tables, stores only let a certain number of people in at a time and places that usually have long lines are marking out six feet of space for us to line up.
According to the LA Times, Disneyland has re-opened in Shanghai with social distancing policies in place. They have spaced out all of their lines with marked boxes on the ground. People are no longer crammed together; everyone must stay inside their box, away from other guests. So, if crowds were a reason for you not to go somewhere, they don't have to be any longer.
The way to approach traveling as our cities begin to re-open is not to avoid it completely. There are many ways you can safely get away. Embrace the changes that we are seeing and plan your next trip according to your level of comfortability.