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From now on, travel is going to look a good bit different. Airlines have been grounded indefinitely, flights are more involved, and borders have been closed. We’ve never seen anything like this occur in modern history. So what’s going to be the future of travel?
Airports
The world of airports will change as the years continue, and it’s already begun. New airports and updates to existing ones are occurring even now. Changes like adding in more ventilation, windows for sunlight and even semi-outdoor or green filled areas. Those changes will make travelers more comfortable, and ultimately safer with cleaner air. We’ve seen medical testing such as temperature checks, and there are even some airports offering COVID tests.
Airlines
Airlines have begun to turn bankrupt, and others are grounded indefinitely. I’d hoped more space on flights would stick around a bit longer, but so many airlines such as American, and Delta have already gone back to fully booked flights. Southwest is currently still keeping their middle seats open through October 31st.
Delta and United have implemented facial recognition at gates instead of scanning your tickets again. I’ve experienced this change, and was a bit shocked at the technology. Another welcome change, is automated check in. So much comes through our phones these days that why not this too? You can now do everything from book your tickets, check-in to your flight, and purchase your bags right on your phone or an app. Upon arrival at the airport, you check your bags in and print your luggage tags at a kiosk, put them at the drop off desk and off you go to security with your tickets on your phone. This will decrease the amount of contact made with travelers and airport staff and these days, it’s for the better.
Future of Travel and Moving Forward
When it comes to moving forward and what will happen next? We can only guess with what we have in front of us. The best bet though is that businesses will start asking their employees to head back into the office, and with that business trips will begin again. However, I doubt families will be so quick to jump on the travel train again. I can see millennials, and solo travelers taking the risk to jump on the incredibly cheap prices, but families and the older generations I’m sure will take a second look before traveling again. Before the pandemic, as a travel agent most of my clients snubbed the idea of travel insurance because nothing will happen to them. I think we’ve all learned a valuable lesson in that gamble. Always buy the travel insurance!!! I can see more and more clients opting to go for the travel insurance, seeing as so many people have had issues with their travel costs and the cancellation of flights, cruises, and more of the like.
That being said, I also see more travelers heading toward travel agents doors as travel becomes more complicated. With borders either closed to American travelers or with more extensive restrictions, a travel agent will be useful for any travel, especially international travel. Visas I’m sure will become more difficult to obtain, and may be even more involved. A travel agent knows how to maneuver these things.
The future of travel isn’t certain, but there are changes coming in our future. For many of us, you’ll meet a new travel agent to help you with your travel plans. I hope you’ll keep me in mind when that time comes!
If you are one of those brave souls who is ready to get traveling again, Check out my post on which Countries are Accessible to US Passport Holders! I’m also trying to boost my bucket list or Dream Travel list so I’m always looking for new ideas. This article, Dream Destinations:101 Incredible Places You Need To Visit is a great list that will give you more destinations to think about when saving and dreaming of future travel.
Resources
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/travel-trends/traveling-after-coronavirus
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/future-travel
https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-the-future-of-air-travel-look-like
Such a helpful guide! I think traveling is going to change a lot once borders start to open up, and we as travelers have to be mindful of that and be flexible!
Thank you! It’s definitely going to be interesting that’s for sure. It’s going to be different for a while.
Such an interesting time, I’m curious to see how it all plays out. While I know a lot of businesses in travel are struggling, I am also hopeful that there will be new policies and procedures in place that will protect people more. I’m always one to get sick on airplanes so even some of the measures in place for COVID would be good for just travel in general
I agree. I feel like some of these cleaning procedures may stick around longer, at least I’m hopeful that they do. I also think that with more people using travel agents, it makes it less stressful on the traveler and it can be more organized that way. You’ll get more out of your trip!
I’m kind of both excited and nervous to start traveling again!
I’m very excited. So ready to get out there!
It will be interesting to see how travel changes in the future. It’s a shame we are just now realizing how accessible travel was, and how freely we were able to move around the world. Hopefully things will start looking up soon!
I hope so too! If you haven’t yet, check out last weeks post. It’s about the countries that are accessible to US Passport holders as of now. It’s starting to open up, just very slowly to us. https://amermaidscompass.com/passport-holders/
I am very interested to see what the future of travel will be post COVID. I feel like some things will be a good different and some not so much.
Agreed. Hopefully they will continue these cleaning procedures, and I’d love it if they looked at airplane capacity. It could help prevent us from getting sick with anything.
Totally agree with this. The future of travel will be nothing like it was for the past few decades. Still, can’t wait to be able to travel again though!
I seriously can’t wait! I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there again!
It’s going to be VERY interesting to see this all unfold. Do we think it’ll ever go back to the way it was? It makes me really sad, and the unknown about future travel restrictions or requirements. Time will tell!
Idk, I’m not sure that it will go back to the way things were. I just hope that the changes will ultimately be for the betterment of all people.
This is really interesting. Some welcome changes, more green space at airports would be wonderful x
I totally agree! I love having plants around, even if I’m not so great with them lol
Everything is so uncertain these days and it’s so hard to plan. Like you say, we’ll just have to wait and see! I’m glad airlines are using technology to help them better their services. I wonder if business travel won’t be as big a thing going forward, since so many companies have been forced to do things virtually. Why pay to send someone abroad when they’ve proven they can do it from their laptop the last few months? Will be interesting to see how the travel world changes!
I’m sure so many business travel things will be cancelled. The companies have found out how inexpensive it is to hold online conferences and the like. I think it’ll change business travel for sure
What strange times we live in! I had to sadly cancel multiple trips due to COVID but I definitely won’t be travelling on airplanes anytime soon, as much as I’d love to. I am super curious to see how the pandemic will shape travel in the future, and love the idea of more light and green space at airports! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Definitely! I can’t wait to see what happens next… in a positive light
Thank you so much for the peek into both reality and hope. I feel so in the dark about the “rules” and this info helps!
Of course! I’m looking at it all the time, I can’t wait to jump back on a plane