Thoughts on Traveling Post Covid-19

I must admit, this is not an easy time to be a travel blogger. With the world in the midst of a pandemic, people all around the globe are dealing with a host of concerns. From health issues to financial challenges to new routines for working and completing school work from home, these are challenging times.

I in no way want to minimize the epic hurdles so many people are dealing with on a daily and even hourly basis.

We are all in this crisis together.

And we will all get through it together.

Our current reality in regards to travel is that pretty much nobody is going anywhere.  For a travel enthusiast like me, this is a struggle and impacts both my mental and physical health.

My passion, and one of my outlets beyond traveling, is encouraging other people to travel through my travel blog. But that doesn’t feel right in this moment. So what’s a travel blogger to do?

I continue to dream about travel.

I usually share travel tips with my followers, but I’m at a loss for solid tips on planning your next trip. There are too many unknowns.

So this article will be a bit different. In fact, I may be writing it more for myself than I am for you. I simply want to share the thoughts and questions on my mind when it comes to traveling post C0vid-19. Because I do believe we will travel again.

I will travel again.

I just wish I had a crystal ball that could tell me when.

Honestly, I have more questions than I do answers. But for now, indulge me in these thoughts about traveling and what it might look like post Covid-19.

When Will People Travel?

The uncertainty of the timeline has been one of the most challenging aspects for me personally. I thrive on some kind of structure and order as well as some basic freedoms to determine that structure and order in my daily life.

When I can’t travel, I love knowing that I have a trip coming up. But for now, I don’t know exactly when that next trip will be possible.

What I do know is the world will not go back to normal as quickly as a light switch clicks on. Most things in our life will phase back in over time, and I suspect travel will follow that same path.

My hope is that sometime this summer we will not be confined to our homes. As restrictions are lifted in certain areas I am hopeful that road trips will be possible and will allow for much needed getaways for families who have been cooped up far too long.

The reality is that it could be this fall or even into 2021 before we feel comfortable safely moving around in our own country. And it will likely be longer before travel beyond our borders will again be commonplace.

Where Will People Travel?

After being confined to our homes, a simple trip to a local restaurant, the mall, or a neighboring town will surely feel like a big outing! And that day will come.

Most in the travel industry feel that initial travel plans for many people will include road trips to regional destinations. As confidence grows regarding everyone’s safety and the coronavirus (ideally) becomes a part of our history, travelers will likely venture further out to destinations across the country and eventually internationally.

Factors affecting the decision on where to travel will come from many angles. Each country’s government will play a pivotal role as to who will be allowed in and out and what that process will entail. Airlines and cruise ships will surely be implementing new health protocols and working to convince travelers on the safety and appeal of their vessels.

Ultimately, it will come down to individuals and their desire to travel and the perceived risk versus benefit.

How Will Travel Change?

Some form of social distancing will undoubtably become the new norm for the foreseeable future. Will kisses, hugs, and handshakes be replaced with subtle nods and smiles as the acceptable greeting between friends? Personal space needs will be reevaluated by everyone and every situation.

Outdoor adventures may take precedence over crowded museum experiences. Bars and restaurants may alter their capacity limits and seating arrangements to allow for social distancing. Will airplanes and cruise ships do the same? Or will personal vehicles become the preferred mode of travel?

Who Will Travel?

Similar to the analogy that things will not get back to normal with the simple flip of a switch, I believe getting the government approval to travel will not be like the floodgates lifting with everyone returning to travel as usual.

Those who have suffered negative health and financial impacts related to Covid-19 will be those least likely to be able to experience travel for some time. Yet there will be many travel enthusiasts who will be the first to book flights and venture abroad once given the green light.

For some, fear will keep them grounded. For others, they will jump at the chance to travel and create once-in-a-lifetime memories knowing full well that circumstances beyond their control, such as the coronavirus, could take those travel opportunities from them again in the future. So they will seize the day.

How Will the Travel Industry Change?

Again, I have way more questions than I do answers when it comes to the impact on tourism and the many businesses and people whose livelihood depends on it.

• Can small tour companies, restaurants, and travel businesses survive?
• Will travel costs rise to keep the travel industry afloat or will they drop to incentivize reluctant travelers?
• Can new virtual experiences replace in-person visits to key landmarks?
• Will heightened emphasis be placed on travel insurance and will the coverage options change?

These are just some of the questions rolling around in my head, and all the answers are still pretty foggy. Only time will tell.

For now, the best we can do is stay at home and know that we are doing our part to shorten the lifespan of this pandemic. We can support those in the travel industry by sharing kind words and discussing our kindred wanderlust on social media. And if we are able, we can support these businesses with online purchases.

Keeping Travel in Our Hearts

I fear that this article has painted a bleak future as I have highlighted the many, many unknowns around the future of travel. But my new mantra during this uncertain time is to keep travel in our hearts. And that is exactly what I plan to do.

I’m going to reminisce about the amazing travel memories I have made. I will keep dreaming about the many destinations I have yet to visit. I will keep travel in my heart as I look forward to the time when we can safely travel the world again, with a newfound appreciation for all the benefits travel provides.

Do you have a question about travel post Covid-19? What are your thoughts on what the new normal might look like for travelers in the coming months and years? Comment below and let’s discuss this uncharted territory together.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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