To say that the pandemic has struck the travel industry in 2020 is an understatement. The good news is we’re in the second half of 2021 and the past is almost behind us. With more people getting vaccinated all over the world and travel restrictions becoming more at ease, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Many of us hope to travel again in the near future, if not next month.
Are you ready to travel again?
You might be wondering: What’s the safest destination to visit? What should we do? And lastly, what are the factors that will shape our travel decisions in a post-pandemic era?
If you’re planning to travel anytime soon, here are 7 post-pandemic travel trends that’ll help you plan the best comeback adventure.
1. Vaccine passports will be a thing
And a two-week quarantine requirement might be a thing of the past.
Vaccine passports, which can act as digital proof of vaccination against Covid-19, are potentially on the horizon. When implemented, people can travel freely without the need for quarantine. This will be a game-changer in the travel industry, and may eventually be a way for us to go back to normal. Vaccine passports, however, are a controversial topic since not everyone is willing to receive their Covid-19 jab.
2. Domestic tourism and staycation
It’s 2021 but we can’t deny that there’s still a lot of limitations on international travel. With this, there’s still a surge of domestic and “staycation” travel to give travelers their well-deserved break without having to fly.
Put that out-of-the-country trip on hold again and look for amazing travel destinations in your home country that you haven’t been to yet. From urban attractions in your home city, like museums, parks, cafes, and bars, to lovely sights in the countryside, you can surely find astounding destinations that are just a couple of hours away from home.
3. “Workation” a.k.a work + vacation
Are you working from home? While the remote work setup gives us more flexibility and freedom from our fixed, 9-5 office routine, we’re still far from being free. With the majority of the working class confined in their homes, the lines between work and leisure are often blurred.
This kind of longing for the outdoors resulted in an emerging trend in the travel industry: Work From Anywhere. This trend integrates travel into a regular working day, instead of marketing it as “an act of escape.” Why wait for the weekend when you can travel during the weekdays without your boss watching you from behind? If the accommodation has speedy internet, then there’s no reason to miss this opportunity.
So go ahead and work from a luxury hotel in Kilkenny, Ireland and take a medieval tour after. Cheque emails from a castle hotel on a hill. Finish your tasks from a beach resort where you can take a plunge right after you unplug your laptop.
Also Read: 5 Proven Ways To Increase Your Hotel Revenue During The Low Season
4. Outdoor activities and other nature-themed adventures
If you’re like most travelers, then your idea of a perfect post-pandemic vacation involves open spaces, fresh air, and nature escapes. National parks and other nature getaways are going to be a hit. We’ll see families opting for camping trips, picnics, nature sightseeing, fishing, and other activities that are close to nature.
5. The quest for adventure
Let’s be honest: this whole year of isolation and loneliness has caused us to reflect on life and even changed our perspective on our own mortality. We realized that life’s too short. We promised ourselves to do more, see more, and appreciate things more when given the chance, even if that means stepping out of our comfort zones.
With this, travel experts claim that people are looking to be more physically challenged. They’ll be gravitating towards more adventurous experiences than they might have done pre-pandemic. We’ll see more hiking trips and expeditions to the tallest mountains, scuba diving and snorkeling, whitewater rafting, and other exhilarating adventures.
6. More road trips, less flying
Post-pandemic, plane travel is still on the decline. Travellers are opting to go for “low travel”, which refers to any travel that takes place on the ground: car, train, bus, or bike.
And since some travellers are still hesitant to travel via public transportation, they’re more likely to hit the road with their own cars or car rentals. This is mostly true for families with children who have travel plans for 2021.
7. Health tourism is booming
Post-pandemic, health, and safety will be as important as the price and beauty of the destination, if not more. We’re more health-conscious than ever, and our demand for wellbeing and safety will shape our decisions when it comes to choosing where to go, what to do, and where to stay.
With this, there’ll be higher expectations for hospitality service providers. Next to the amenities and location, you’re better off patronising hotels with high hygiene standards. You may also opt for hotel accommodation properties that offer services, facilities, and experiences that cater to overall wellbeing.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a travel and lifestyle writer. Aside from taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny.
