The world saw the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 and that turned our world around in a way nobody could ever phantom. It wasn’t for the short term and the travel industry was also not left unaffected.
World governments ordered and advised the people to stay home. And follow the COVID-19 guidelines for safety with travel getting halted locally, domestically or internationally, regardless.
This action for the better faced the worst of the aviation and travel industry with airlines going bankrupt, travel companies laying off many of their workers, and hotels being shut off or going out of business.
Now the situation has progressed for the better with the rollout of the different vaccinations and campaigns going around actively with many people participating enthusiastically.
It does shine as a sign of the world going back on its feet and standing together stronger with ‘new normal’.
This latest term has also raised questions and has intrigued interest about the future of travel after the COVID-19 pandemic or how travel in the near future would possibly be unique from the past years.
That introduced, my dear readers, here are some changes we might see opening up to all.
Travel in the near future?
A question we all wish we had a precise answer for! Well, nobody knows anything for sure. So far, as we notice, we can make out that travel is opening up in stages.
Starting from the local region, then domestically between states borders and then finally Internationally which will happen in its due course.
What’s more is that there are surely some important factors that may determine retargeting of travel worldwide such as -would following social distancing norms on planes be economically viable for the carriers, entry requirements differ from one country to another, vaccination campaigns, and any rule permitting only vaccinated passengers.
As of now, domestic travel has been reopened in some countries keeping COVID-19 norms in mind, while international travel will depend on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the number of active cases worldwide or country-wise. Return and future of travelling depend on individual efforts and following COVID-19 norms.
Safe contact with touchless travel
Future of travel most probably will hold a visible touchless travel transition, from airport services to hotel check-in and other related procedures.
No matter what, strict cleaning protocols will be a new normal everywhere and the exchange of travel documents, touching surfaces while check-in, security, and while boarding would present a significant risk of infection for both parties, travellers and staff.
The spread of new, advanced, easily available technology and automation of all procedures across the entire sector will be a scoring point for many. Biometrics and QR codes are already leading the way as a widespread and accessible solution for identity verification, to provide information of both the agency, guide or the traveller for the purpose of bookings, etc.
This technology may see advancement with more touchless options such as contactless fingerprints, iris and face recognition. Such measures might become a core part of the future of travel after COVID-19.
Find customized trekking, camping, and sightseeing across India at an affordable rate here!
Digital health passports
In the future of travelling, health seems to be embedded in every aspect. A survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that the measures such as visible sanitizing, screening and people wearing masks, such practices increase passengers’ feelings of safety when it comes to travelling after COVID-19.
Another point is that even those who have recovered from COVID-19. They are believed to have built up immunity would not want to nor would anyone else like to travel with an individual having cold or symptoms.
First of all, the looks a person will get from co-passengers and might put a lot of people off. So digital health passports could be the life-saving option for the future of travel post-COVID-19.
Everlong immigration queues
To the concerns for travellers would be the immigration control lines. we are already witnessing this, too, at some destinations open for travellers as new variants or infections might be carried by travellers.
Which remains a big concern for every country. Unique or shared protocols are being followed at the airports with mandatory isolation or home quarantine after the arrivals, depending upon the COVID-19 test or even otherwise.
Manufacturers of heat cameras and related devices have seen a hike in demand for obvious reasons. So, long immigration lines probably would be the future and nature of travel amid or after the world pandemic as you line up for a swab test, and wait for the results.
More documents than just the passport
If a traveller arrives from a country of outbreak hotspot, some countries might not even consider the chance of testing.
At the border and entrance might depend only upon a certificate of immunity indicating the fact of recovery from the infection or being vaccinated. Some countries might also take a note of what vaccination.
They have been vaccinated with such as with Sputnik instead of Pfizer or Covaxin or any other.
Travel with a purpose
The future of travel after the pandemic might highly depend. The purpose for travelling in the first place, certainly for the short term.
Any of these business travel would need to be strictly confirmed as an economic activity. Also, companies might contract or consider the numbers of employees who would travel for them.
Now to follow this vision, countries will likely watch the merit and the safety behind the purpose. To the visit to let travellers through which may indicate us towards temporary visas and even more detailed documentation. That you’ll need to carry with you at all times while travelling.
High cost bounded travel
Some governments change COVID-19 guidelines often according to the situation at present and for the best interest. This implies that there will be fewer doors of timeliness.
To travel and that may only last weeks or even days. With the aviation sector’s desperation to relive again. With the safety of all, seats will be limited.
We could see a dramatic spike in pricing during such conditions. Such travel restrictions will continue to regulate and affect travel in the future after COVID-19 and months to come.
You’ll pack differently
Travelling in the near future and after COVID-19 would ask for a backpacker to pack differently. Well, it could be something you might have already started to observe in daily life.
Even while going to work, to buy groceries or just to get essentials. We find ourselves fitting hand sanitisers, an extra mask. Our personal essentials so to follow the rules and to avoid the hassle of buying and visiting stores.
Similarly, while travelling across the boundaries or domestically. We may as well see the relaxing of liquid carry-on rules as travellers might carry more than 100ml of hand sanitisers, especially on long hour flights.
Hand sanitiser, locally, domestically or internationally, at any rate, you are obligated to travel with face masks on. Some countries advise you to wear 2 masks. If you are not having a certain kind of mask following the guidelines by a particular airline or region.
Fulfilling travel experience
Recent surveys have directed the future of travel after COVID-19 in India towards fulfilment and rich experience. Times have been tough and challenging and after the world pandemic, travellers would love to look forward to a trip.
To reconnect with their friends and family with a feeling of serenity, finally. More and more people will prefer a trip that offers a balanced itinerary with an easy pace supporting them. With the time to time explore more and relax better.
Yeah, so what are your thoughts on the future of travel post the world pandemic?