COVID-19 is reshaping the future of travel – for better or for worse. The virus shook the world when it spread like wildfire in a matter of one month. Over 900,000 reported cases of people in the U.S. are infected by the coronavirus. Many industries were impacted by stay-home measures to flatten the curve. The travel industry and its affiliates have felt the effect of COVID-19 in a magnified way.
Brian and I are in the middle of planning our destination wedding in Bali. As a result, we made the decision late last year to keep traveling to a minimum for financial reasons. Though we weren’t affected by canceled travel plans, it broke my heart to learn about 2020 brides having to cancel or postpone their weddings. Thus, fueling my anxiety for our 2021 wedding. (We are still proceeding as planned, which I will explain in my upcoming wedding series.)
On the plus side: social distancing is working and the curve is flattening in some countries. But how will society reach a new normal once this is all over?
Traveling As We Know It Will Be Different
Temperature checks, seating maximums, and travel demands are just some of the new shifts we will see in the foreseeable future. Many businesses and countries that depend on tourism will take months, if not years, to bounce back economically. The United States’ unemployment rate is over 20% right now which then may impact how much U.S. citizens can actually afford to travel.
It’s not an overreaction to think that airport security will also be stricter, not just with terrorism, but with people’s health. Since no COVID-19 vaccine has yet to be released to the public, TSA lines will likely be longer. Travelers may need to be scanned through security machines for temperature checks which means a new process for those of us with TSA PreCheck or Clear memberships.
There’s also the question: will airlines make changes to their cabins and space out seating arrangements? Seats, especially in economy, have become more compact through the years. With no cure in sight, will airlines redesign their planes or simply sell fewer tickets to avoid a full flight?
Some Things Will Change for the Good
What are some of the positive outcomes post-coronavirus? To start, I foresee a detailed level of cleanliness and upkeep in planes and airports. After one too many times of catching a cold after my travels, I was becoming more proactive in wiping down my seating areas. I would feel a tinge of embarrassment whenever I would whip out a pack of antibacterial wipes on a plane because it’s uncommon to see people with meticulous sanitary travel habits. Once we are cleared to travel, I am hopeful most of us, along with airlines, will do our due diligence in maintaining a cleaner environment.
With unemployment at an all-time high globally, demands in tourist-dense locations will likely take time. Places that depend on tourism, like Bali, Cabo, and even Catalina Island will need to strategize incentives to attract visitors. This will be financially challenging for tour groups, small shops, and airlines, but will be beneficial for travelers.
We Will Travel Again After COVID-19
During times of uncertainty, it’s hard to imagine a time when we will travel again. Some countries will be slow to open up their borders. Most people will need to reassess their priorities, incomes, and careers in this financial crisis. An appetite for travel may stall, but I think the spirit of travel isn’t lost amongst people. Road trips will make a comeback, not that it’s ever left to begin with. Business travel will proceed as normal. The slowest to recuperate is likely international travel for pleasure as the entire world evolves through the new normal.
As we collectively brace for the grey areas in the next few months, enjoy the stillness of life. Give thanks to essential and front-of-the-line workers who are working to keep society moving and people healthy. With that, I’ll leave you with this viral article on what will happen after COVID-19.
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