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The pandemic has dramatically reshaped the fabric of American life, including our travel and hospitality industries. Travel is slowly opening back up, but it will undoubtedly look different than in the pre-COVID world. In addition to all the usual travel stressors you have to consider, here are six ways travel will likely change in 2021.
Emphasis on sustainability
Current travel trends show that more people are putting a well-needed emphasis on sustainability. Not only are travelers embracing sustainability in their own travels, but they are also putting pressure on companies to adopt responsible policies for travel, such as limiting empty flights.
Travelers will vacation for longer
Short vacations are a thing of the past, especially with ongoing travel restrictions and quarantine periods. Since many people can now work remotely, there’s no need to rush through a vacation because you’re worried about PTO running out. Workers now have the option to stay for weeks or even months enjoying the local life.
If you don’t want to rely on public transportation while you’re out and about, you can always use a car shipping service to ship your car to another state. With the help of a auto transportation company, you can spend months on end in your dream vacation spot, without spending a small fortune on rideshare services.
Expert help will become commonplace
In addition to hunting for cheap flights and researching different destinations, travelers will need to rely on expert help to get from place to place. COVID restrictions, lockdowns, and visa requirement changes are an ongoing reality, and the last thing you want is to get trapped in another country because you didn’t read the fine print. Seasoned travel agents will keep apprised of all necessary information, so your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.
Airlines will go easier on you
During the pandemic, the airline industry took its lumps, and now consumers are in the proverbial pilot’s seat. Get used to white-glove treatment from airlines, including reduced change fees and less strict cancellation policies. You also might enjoy a temporary dip in the cost of your routine flights.
Prepare to show documentation
Nearly every country on the planet requires vaccination proof or a negative PCR test for foreign travelers. If you don’t have the proper documentation, you could get booted off your flight or even detained at the airport. It’s essential to check what documentation you need before flying, as rush PCR tests can be expensive or inaccessible.
In general, it’s a good idea to have more documentation than you think you will need. That way, you can rest and fly easy knowing that you’re fully covered. If you’re vaccinated, keep your paper vaccination card with you and take a photo of it as well.
More road trips
Prepare to hit the road. Many people are taking a break from flying and opting to drive instead. Driving is better for the environment and gives wanderlust enthusiasts more time to stop and smell the roses. Exploring by car can provide you with access to all hidden gems along the route to your destination.
Before you go
The world is changing, and the way that we explore it is changing too. Do your research, make multiple copies of your documentation, and don’t forget your mask on your next trip.
