At TierOne Travel, we believe that the future of travel may look quite different in comparison to what travelers may have been used to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As people begin to think about traveling again, it is important for them to be able to anticipate what potential changes they can expect, so that their future adventures can happen as smoothly as possible. No one can know exactly what the world of post-pandemic travel will look like, but here are our top anticipations:

When Will Travel Recover?

Domestic Travel

Domestic travel is already in the process of reopening in some countries, and many countries are hoping to be completely open to their residents by this summer!  For example, the United Kingdom is hoping to have all of its restrictions lifted by June 21, 2021. And Italy is safely reopening bars, restaurants, beaches, museums, and more. In the USA, residents can easily travel around the country and even go to Walt Disney World!

International travel

The return of international travel will depend on how quickly the COVID-19 vaccine can be distributed around the world and its uptake. The good news is that international travel is expected to increase again around summer this year.

Fully vaccinated travelers are expected to be the first people to be able to travel again.

What to Expect When Travel Begins Again

Be Prepared to be Patient

Before you depart on a trip, you may be required to present a negative COVID-19 test. Depending upon when and where you are traveling, you may also have to present a negative test once you arrive at your destination. Some countries are even requiring travelers to be tested once they arrive at their destination! This may create even longer lines at the airport than what we are used to during pre-pandemic travel. Travelers may need to allow more time in between airport travel, such as when scheduling a shuttle or rental car pickup time.

It is also currently unclear when quarantine requirements will be lifted, both when arriving at a destination that requires quarantine upon arrival, or when returning home to Canada. Because arrival quarantine requirements will vary on a destination-to-destination basis, additional research will be required from the traveler before selecting where to travel, to make sure you know what to anticipate in terms of quarantine requirements. Working with an accredited travel consultant can greatly help reduce anxiety and confusion in this area, as your travel consultant remains up to date with the ever-changing landscape of destination requirements.

You’ll Need More Than Just a Passport

Some travelers might be refused entry into some countries unless they have proof of vaccination, or a certificate of immunity (if the traveler has recovered from COVID-19 and has developed antibodies naturally).

Travelers need to be aware of the constantly changing requirements regarding vaccination/immunity, which can vary on a destination-to-destination basis. For example, some countries might not let travelers in if they’ve been vaccinated with Sputnik instead of Pfizer or Moderna. For example, The Bahamas will only allow vaccinated travel in if they’ve been vaccinated with PfizerBioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca.

As previously mentioned, travelers might also be required to bring a negative COVID-19 test result with them when arriving at their destination, as well as schedule another test appointment in destination for the journey back. Some hotels are currently providing tests both free of charge, or for a nominal fee – ask your travel consultant for more information. Your travel consultant can also provide a list of testing facilities you can visit or schedule an appointment within your destination.

Travelers Will Need to Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Travel restrictions around the world are constantly changing, so windows of opportunity to travel may come and go. The travel windows in each destination may be shortened because governments may decide to turn lockdown measures on and off (depending on the number of active COVID-19 cases), to ensure the healthcare systems don’t become overwhelmed. Travelers will need to learn to be more flexible than in the past when planning their upcoming trips until the world slowly returns to its pre-pandemic operations. Even then, the future of travel may still look different than we’re used to.

Travelers Should Expect Higher Travel Prices Due to Increased Demand

Airlines are desperate to start flying again, and there will be a high demand for that space, due to months and months of pent-up travel desire from consumers. Thus, seat availability may be limited, and travelers could potentially see dramatic increases in pricing for travel. This won’t be the case for flight costs only, and the entire travel industry is expecting to see an increase in prices. For instance, cruise prices, hotel rates, tour costs and more may be higher than in the past, as companies pivot their old procedures to meet new requirements. Many travel agencies are also reintroducing agent fees, but many clients feel that the peace of mind a travel consultant brings to the table when navigating this new world of travel planning is more than worth the additional fees.

If you’re eager to pack your bags once it’s safe to travel, we recommend putting down a deposit for a future trip in advance. Contact your TierOne Consultant to discuss options to lock in your preferred travel dates and preferences.

Last-Minute Deals May Become a Thing of the Past

Travelers mustn’t expect to find the same great last-minute deals that once existed. Prices will most likely increase across the entire travel industry, as demand will skyrocket! Flights and hotels have historically been known to automatically increase their prices when an uptick in demand is detected.

Recovery Won’t be Linear

Every country will recover from the pandemic at different rates, and once international travel is possible again, travelers must not expect to suddenly be able to travel wherever they want to. There may still be a handful of countries that can’t reopen to travelers due to slow vaccine rollouts, lockdown measures, etc.

Your Packing Process May Look a Bit Different, too

Travelers will begin to pack items that they did not bring along before, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and anything else that might make travelers feel safer.

You’ll Be Spending More on “Extras”

In the past, many people might have passed on paying extra for seat selection, extra baggage, travel insurance, and more. However, in a post-pandemic world, adding these items to your trip may make the process easier. It will be especially important to purchase travel insurance that will cover travelers for unprecedented situations, such as a health pandemic.

The Air Quality on Airplanes Will Be an Advertised Feature

Many airlines have already begun marketing information about how safe the air quality is on their aircraft. This information is important to provide passengers with complete peace of mind knowing that they’re safe once they finally stop onboard a plane again.

Booking with Travel Consultants Will be Essential

So many people have had their travel canceled in 2020 and dealing with it all was accompanied by many headaches. When you book your next vacation with a Travel Consultant, you won’t need to worry about anything going wrong, because your travel consultant will be there for you until the moment you get back home! Travel Consultants are experts in their field: they can protect you from scams, help in emergencies, and with last-minute changes. They are also familiar with the travel restrictions and can find you the best deals and help you plan your dream itineraries! Learn about the top 6 Benefits of Booking with a Travel Consultant here.

START PLANNING YOUR VACATION TODAY

When you’re ready to explore a new or favorite destination and make your travel dreams come true, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents! They have extensive experience in life-changing travel and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs. One call; endless experiences!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous