The travel industry has been one of the sectors worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with keen travellers wondering what the future holds for their favourite pastime. With nobody able to predict how long coronavirus will pose a threat for, nor when a vaccine will be available, it’s anyone’s guess what the future holds. Here is a list of potential changes facing travellers in the months and years post-Covid.
Fit-to fly will become an everyday phrase
As we all need to demonstrate that we are healthy, prior to leaving for a holiday, don’t be surprised if fit-to-fly certificates may become the norm. It seems safe to assume that they will not simply go away once the pandemic is under control, especially when they are doing such a good job of reducing the risk of transmitting the virus on airplanes.
Travellers with short deadlines can choose to visit a private facility, gaining verified test results within 24 hours and being able to access certificates that prove their fitness to fly. In the future, deadlines might not be as much of a concern, but proving there is no active illness will be.
Sustainability will be a driving force
The pandemic has been an eye-opener, especially for those who think there is a link between worldwide viruses, climate change and the way we are polluting the earth. With this in mind, don’t be surprised if travel starts to include far more sustainability initiatives than ever before. No-fly days are more than likely, with countries choosing to embargo flights into their airspace regularly to reduce carbon footprints. Green hotels are also springing up everywhere, giving conscious travellers an option to book with them to offset their travel footprint.
Quality will overtake quantity
People who have previously enjoyed numerous cheap holidays throughout the year might suddenly find that choosing one higher-quality getaway gives them more for their money. Given how much extra legwork it is going to take to leave the country now, with certificates, potential vaccines and tests all required, it seems reasonable that travellers will splurge on one expensive trip to somewhere they have always wanted to visit, as opposed to a few unremarkable but sunny vacations.
Travel agents will be called on for their knowledge
It’s going to be an interesting time for travel agents and advisors, as they will be expected to stay informed on the safest countries to visit and the protocols in place in all of the destinations they sell trips to. No longer will it be enough to broker a cost-effective deal for savvy consumers, as there is a higher level of responsibility now.
If you are planning to book a holiday in the near future, be sure to do so with a company that offers plenty of information about more than just the sights you should see.
Domestic travel will surge
Staying closer to home will definitely become a more popular option in the future, if for no other reason that it just feels safer. Now that the UK has left the EU, there will be no automatic access to healthcare in Europe as of 2021, meaning that extra expense has to be considered. Travel insurance and health cover will both be essential, though neither are necessary when holidaying in a domestic location.
For those in the UK, holidays can be more varied than you first think. During the summer months, there are numerous beaches to visit for a touch of sun, while active types can enjoy walking and hiking in the Peak District and even mountain biking trips to Scotland and Wales. Holidays can be educational, too, with some fantastic architectural and historical cities dotted around the country.
Road trips will get more fun
Previously, not everyone would have been willing to consider the idea of being stuck in a car with their family for a number of days, but in the future, there will be huge benefits to undertaking road trips.
The most obvious is the lack of interaction that other modes of transport make unavoidable, so travelling by car, even across to Europe and beyond, will be a safer option. Getting everybody involved will make the journey more enjoyable, with play lists and snack selections being easy tasks to divvy up.
It’s important to reiterate that right now, the Government strongly advises against all but essential travel, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop thinking about the future. Things will change – they have to – but not necessarily for the worse.
Increased awareness of personal safety and being forced to properly evaluate the importance of jetting off are no bad things and the entire industry is working hard to make things safer than ever. It might be different in years to come, but who’s to say that travel won’t be the best it’s ever been?