Three pandemic-triggered travel changes that are here to stay

Summary

• Health and personal wellbeing were the top priority for the travellers in 2020.
• Travellers are doing thorough research before even booking a restaurant table.
• Authorities are being watchful in order to assist contact tracers.

The year 2020 has made it clear that few things will never remain the same because of the coronavirus pandemic. Such as - travelling.

As the pandemic started, international travel came to a standstill. Slowly, the pandemic led to a change in the behaviour of travellers.  Travellers are now more aware of the situation than they were before. They are taking utmost precautions, following guidelines and hygiene standards.

On the other hand, the travel industry members have also changed the way they operate. Most of the airlines and hotels offer contactless check-in and have implemented extra cleaning measures. Offering face masks and hand sanitisers with every transaction is a new normal now. In the restaurants, contactless sitting arrangements are provided, and if not, many customers demand it.

Who would have thought the industry and the consumer behaviour would change drastically within less than 12 months? However, it is essential to see if the changes will remain persistent or will the things go back to the way they were during the pre-pandemic times, once the vaccine is introduced. Will the transformation be permanent, and will we be considering these sanitation protocols before booking a hotel room?

Let us discuss three things that are likely to remain with us even beyond 2020 while travelling domestically or internationally.

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Health will be a priority

There is no doubt that we are more considerate about our health now than ever. From wiping the food table at the airport to always sanitising hands, from spraying the bags with disinfectant to cautiously checking the restaurant's hygiene standards before going to eat out, travellers have become obsessed with their health. And given the aftermath of the crisis, it is not even a questionable approach anymore. However, it will be interesting to see if the focus changes after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

However, at least in 2021, according to the experts in the travel industry, the health and safety protocols will have to be adhered to. The sector is expanding safer experiences for the travellers, be it for booking or contactless check-in. These things are likely to remain permanent.

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Due diligence before venturing out:

If there was one thing that most of the travellers were certain about this year, it was - uncertainty. Millions of people lost their jobs in the travel and tourism industry because millions of others had to cancel their travel plans abruptly. Nobody knew what was coming for them in the face of COVID-19. Nobody was prepared to face such a full-blown worldwide pandemic. 2020 taught the travellers to be ready for such worst circumstances.

Even though the borders are slowly reopening now, the new COVID-19 virus strain emerging from England is likely to impact the border openings. For example, those Sydneysiders who booked their flights to go out of NSW for Christmas Holidays, had to abort their plans as the new cluster forced the nearby states to close the borders again.

Therefore, it is essential not to plan vacations beyond one’s means. People who received refunds or miles upon cancellations were considered lucky. The travellers in 2021 will focus on the due diligence and invest in travel insurances, which will save them from losing their money amid uncertainty. People will choose to go for domestic travel rather than planning an international holiday. More and more holidays will be adequately planned in contrast to spontaneous trips.

Also, travellers are now reading all the terms and conditions while booking a flight ticket and considering safety measures protocols at the planned hotel or homestays and are expected to carry on this meticulous approach in 2021.

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We are being watched:

Whether you go to a restaurant, or check-in at an airport, your body temperature is being checked before you are allowed in. It has become a standard habit across the globe.

Therefore, another aspect which is likely to stay with us in 2021 and beyond is - contact tracing. Many tourist destinations are already making it mandatory for travellers to take the health test or register on some platform before visiting. Authorities are cautious while taking advantage of surveillance technology. Each traveller's digital identity will help the health regulators in contact tracing, quickly halting the virus's spread.