How are we going to travel after the pandemic?
This is a question that has haunted a lot of people, because in fact, nothing will be like before!
Thinking about traveling after the Pandemic is for many of us (if not all) an unknown. Because, we don't know what's going to result at the end of all this, in terms of restrictions, visas, etc.
What's going to change then?
While we don't know what changes will actually take place so we can travel after the Pandemic, Steve Brock Nat Geo, wrote an article, interviewing several experts, about 8 Behavioral changes in the way we will travel after the Pandemic.
With coronavirus cases are rising around the world, travelers around the world have been forced to stay on land. Although air travel is not completely canceled,“ the ghost of mandatory quarantine” looms, we think to schedule an international trip. Thus, most travelers will remain on hold until it is safe to cross borders again.
How much longer are we going to have to wait?
Honestly, no one knows yet.
Some countries have already moved forward with the vaccination plan, but the truth is that, and according to Elizabeth Becker – Author, of Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism – the “pandemic decimated overnight an industry of 8 billion dollars”. “The essential pillars of XXI Century global travel – open borders, unrestricted destinations and – visa-free travel will not return in the short term, or even in the medium term.
What does this mean for the future of travel agents?
According to Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Adventure Travel Agency G Adventuressays, not only will we travel again, but travel will be even better. Bruce still believes that travel can be the greatest distributor of wealth the world has ever seen. This pause gives us the blessing of time to reflect on how to travel more consciously.
What will be the 8 behavioral changes that are expected to happen in a post-Pandemic world?
More sustainable travel
This is considered one of the good things about the Pandemic. Consumers are focusing on sustainability in general, and travel is not left out.
Increasingly, we will become “concerned citizens” instead of just “tourists”.
We will value more what is real and authentic, requiring responsible travel policies. On the other hand, companies will have to respond with active sustainability measures to the detriment of profits.
More inclusive travel
This is a topic that has already been gaining ground in the world of travel. Nowadays, we see more and more manifestations by “those who are different”. It is important to keep in mind that we are not all the same, but we all have the same rights.
Increasingly tourist agents understand that people with disabilities, LGBT, obese, of color, or any other “difference” have the right to enjoy the same activities under the same conditions as all other people.
It is increasingly unthinkable to think that a blind person cannot travel because their suppliers do not have access to alternatives in Braille or audio, allowing you to enjoy your trip in the same conditions as a person without disability.
Lesser-known destinations will gain more importance
We certainly know, as travelers that, we have made a much more positive impact by visiting a small region than a mainstream. Just think of this example: where your money will have most impact : in Lisbon or in Geres?
Thus, after the pandemic it will be inevitable to change this behavior in many of us. Many will decide to abandon their mainstreamdestinations, , in order to avoid agglomerations, to choose less known destinations. This phenomenon we can call Slow Travel and personally this is one of the ways I like to travel the most.
It is imperative that we diversify our tourist destinations so that we make travel a major driver of global sustainability and avoid mass tourism (often causing destruction and dependence on regions) and help the places that really need it.
Porto
Quality over Quantity
We will readjust the so called "bucket-lists”.
Yes, we will realize (if we do not realize it already) that travel is a privilege that can be withdrawn at any time.
However, it is predicted that more and more of us will travel intentionally and less often. We will give priority to the quality of our choice and the reward that this trip will bring us emotionally.
We will be willing to spend more time in a country that we really like or identify with instead of, for example, doing a kind of interrail and visit several countries, superficially.
The return of Roadtrips
This year, motorhome vacations won a lot of fans in Portugal. In fact, many fans around the world.
When it was impossible for us to travel internationally many turned to car trips and motorhome.
From a personal perspective, traveling by car is all about the famous quote " the important is not the destination, but the trip itself"
It is expected to be a return that is here to stay, at least for a while.
Travel agents and consultants will be essential.
Travel agents have never been more important than this year.
After all, many of us have realized the security and support we have when booking with a licensed agent. The experience, knowledge and financial protection that comes from this type of reserves, far exceeds the amount paid in commissions.
As the trend is for the demand for lesser known destinations to increase, it is also expected that more and more travel agents will be sought to help in this choice.
We will enjoy the holidays in a different way
However,, during the pandemic, there were several bloggers or travel consultants who have innovated in the art of "travel without leaving home"
One of the was Gonçalo Cruz from Viajantes Minimalistas. During the pandemic, Goncalo created a “series” of videos with travel-related themes, inviting bloggers and tour leaders from Portugal.
Therefore, thousands of people traveled without leaving their homes., keeping alive the hope that one day they too will live those adventures.
When we are confined at home, a walk on the street is already considered a trip. We began to value and miss things we gave as acquired.
Planning trips will again be a joy again
The moment we can again freely plan a trip, will be an amazing moment.
If for those who like to travel, planning a trip was already an immense joy, then now it will be even greater.
Surely those who took travel for granted will now see it as a gift.
And you when you're going to book your next trip?
