Have you postponed a trip? Or maybe cancelled one because of the Coronavirus? I know I have. I should have been in Seoul last month eating samgyupsal and getting drunk on Soju in Itaewon. As I wait for my refund to be credited to me (just like a lot of you guys are), I wonder when we can travel internationally again? Right now it's tough to say.
Depending on where you're from and where you are going can matter a lot. For the Philippines it's not looking so good with 9000+ cases as of this writing and several other countries with increasing number of cases as well. Even when the "Enhanced Community Quarantine" gets lifted and airlines can resume flights several Filipinos would normally be afraid to travel until the situation eases globally.
While there is potential to travel again this 2020, some things will surely change in the aftermath of this pandemic.
1. More people will choose shorter trips
When it is relatively safe(ish) to travel again people will most likely be booking shorter trips and vacations closer to home instead of big international trips. This is because it is easier to get back home in case you do get sick abroad and less of a financial dip to travel closer to home.
2. People will be more hygienic
One of the good things to come out of this pandemic is that people will be more hygienic and a tad bit closer to being a germaphobe as people have been more increasingly aware on how germs can spread and companies putting more effort into cleaning and preventive measures.
3. Travel will become a bit more of a luxury
Have you been laid off from your company? or know someone who has in the past couple of months? Not a surprise since several people have lost their jobs and businesses due to the Coronavirus, travel will once again be a luxury most people can't afford. This is exactly why now is the best time for you to start and earn points to travel for free in the future. Click here to find out how!
Photo from Hilton
4. People will feel safer in hotels rather than vacation rentals
If you're an avid traveler and one that sticks to a budget then for sure you've stayed at an Airbnb at least once during the past few years. I mean they're cheap, homey, and can be better than hotels in a lot of ways. But once we start traveling again people will feel safer in hotels mainly because there is a better cleaning system as compared to a home or vacation rental like Airbnb.
5. Travel insurance adjusting policies
The Coronavirus pandemic will be affecting travel insurance in a big way as companies, including credit cards that offer travel insurance, will be creating new policies with more limitations and new restrictions so it's better to be knowledgeable and aware of these changes before you travel.
6. Travel will be more meaningful
Admit it. All this time indoors has made us realize that we took travel for granted and we miss it more than ever. Just by seeing how many of our friends (including ourselves) have been posting a ton of throwback travel photos is proof enough of how badly we miss traveling. When we return to travel it will be more meaningful as we remember all the days we were staring at the ceiling to the moment and feeling of being grateful that we're finally outside at the beach, eating airplane food again, and capturing a breathtaking view.
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