Changes to travel are evolving each day, particularly during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re familiar with travel for work or are an eager adventure-seeker, it’s likely your plans were put on pause for quite some time. However, as more destinations and attractions slowly begin to reopen in a safe and limited capacity, many wonder what the future of travel will look like in this new reality.
The U.S. Travel Association says domestic travel spending will drop by 40 percent (from $927 billion in 2019 to $583 billion this year) because of the pandemic, according to AP News. We’ve all been keeping our wanderlust sustained on virtual tours and other digital opportunities—but what does travel look like while emerging from a pandemic? We’re looking ahead at what could be next on the horizon:
The rise of the safecation.
A safecation asks people to rediscover new adventures in their own backyard. Whether you are taking a road trip into the mountains, experiencing a foodie tour at a restaurant across town or camping for the first time, people are likely to focus on the excursions they can take while remaining close to home.
Employing more rural options.
Small towns are the new big deal. People are looking for ways to get outside without the concern of an overpopulated big city. They will want to physically distance while avoiding large gatherings or mainstream popular attractions. Embracing rural towns will have travelers taking under-the-radar tours and experiencing an overall more personalized vacation with small town charm.
On the road again.
Not only are more travelers likely to opt for the open road instead of purchasing an airline ticket, but they’ll want to do it in style! Recreational vehicles (RVs) and other similar luxury yet isolated touring will be the way to go for future group explorations. This aligns with more outdoor-focused travel as more people embrace the rise of the road trip.
Safety is key.
Safety is a top priority. At the end of the day, those who are traveling will want to do it the safest way possible. They’ll be researching safety guidelines, taking cautious measures and—most importantly—planning a trip to destinations which meet those criteria. As health concerns move to top of mind for travelers, more destinations will be providing reliable guidelines and transparent information about how they are helping to keep travelers safe.
While some may look toward traveling as soon as possible, others may slowly test the waters and emerge at their own comfort level. But don’t worry. Timeless attractions, such as our very own Grand Canyon, will still be here when it is safe to travel again.
What do you think future travel trends will look like?
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