The last two years have been tough on the entire world. 2020 has become a historic year, where we have been confined to our houses, under strict Social Distancing regulations. The implications of this pandemic will filter through for generations to come. Many industries have been affected and the fight for them to survive begins now; everyone had been cooped up in their houses, itching to get out, but what will travel look like after covid19?

Worldwide the travel industry employs 10% of the population, the freedom of travel became an option for everyone. Corporates, singles, families the world of travel was affordable for all walks of life; the Industry grew to new heights and in the blink of an eye came to a complete standstill.

Planes being parked in the desert; cruise ships being drydocked and businesses losing their lively hood. Smaller business, tour operators, hostels and walking tours not being able to survive the shutdown; and forced to close their doors. In all honestly, it is going to take years for the travel industry to recover from this. I often sit and wonder if life as a traveller will ever be the same again.

I honestly do not think internationally travel will return until maybe the end of this year 2021; or even the start of 2022. Things will slowly start moving forward people will start travelling again, most likely the business traveller first. Most travellers are still cautious of being caught overseas in the middle of an outbreak; who knows after the vaccine is rolled out might be the opportunity to book that next big adventure.

So what will travel look like after covid19?

Entry and Exit

Expect entry and exit requirements to change dramatically for most countries. You will most likely have to prove you have had your COVID19 Vaccine (once it has been rolled out); just as some countries require the yellow fever vaccine. Some countries have indicated you will have to show a recent negative test result to enter.

Flying

You will be subject to temperature checks on entry to the airport and when boarding the plane. Coming through the airport you will have to pass through thermal scanners and there is even talk of “disinfection” tunnels. The planes will have to be deep cleaned and some airlines around the world have made masks mandatory. All of these new “sanitary” features costs them money; in turn, the prices of flights and travel overall is expected to rise significantly.

Cruising

The cruising industry will take the longest to recover from the pandemic; the cruise liners can keep everything sanity but unfortunately; the reality is that a cruise ship is a floating petri dish for infection. The larger cruise companies will adapt, and beloved cruising will return, temperature checks will be put in place. Hand sanitiser, touchless devices and the loved buffets meals will be no longer.

Attractions

Get used to buying a ticket and booking a specific time for everything; entry into museums, galleries or monuments will have to limit the number of people entering at one time. This one; to me is a silver lining from the pandemic; no more waiting in lines for hours to gain entry; no more pushing and shoving through the tight halls of the museums. There will finally be enough space for everyone to social distance and to enjoy the attraction.

Staying a little closer to home

Having so much time at home has given people the opportunity to rethink their current bucket/wish lists; adjust them slightly to have the time and money to find exciting opportunities; a little closer to home. Choosing to holiday or take weekend trips in their own state or country. This not only gets people moving again; but injects money into smaller towns and communities that have also been hit hard by this pandemic.

Reflecting on the last year; having our freedom taken away for our own good; having our rights taken away for our own good to keep us and others safe; is an odd concept, that can leave you feeling a little empty and uncertain. Questions such as; will our lives go back to normal? Will we get to explore the world so freely? And what will travel look like after covid19? These are all questions we know our fellow travellers will be pondering; do not let it get you down. Things will get better; maybe not this year, but it will get better, and we will be able to travel after covid19.

This pandemic has really put life into perspective; everything is temporary! Do Not wait, do not put things off. Do it now! If you want to see or experience something; do it now because the world can change in such a short amount of time. Keep your chins up fellow the travel industry needs us!

Until then fellow travellers; keep your travel dreams alive by checking out some random tips. Expectations and Attitude or you can read about the fantastic city of Amsterdam, Sex Drugs and Alcohol