As The World Turns: Reflections & Projections about Travel in 2021 and Beyond
The pandemic knew no borders. It affected every country, imperial city, local village and corner of the world.
It all but blurred normal everyday life. It was a time when we reflected that while our circles got smaller, perhaps our visions got larger.
As the world slowly moves toward reopening and vaccines become more available, what will travel look like?
There is a continuum. There are people who are ready to travel as soon as borders open; there are those who may not travel for the foreseeable future and those who will carefully and thoughtfully consider travel again, as they feel comfortable.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind and safety for travelers will be paramount, which translates to travel insurance to protect their investment, flexibility for changes and yes the trusted advice from a professional travel advisor.
The right travel advisor does more than just plan trips. They help find the right places, at the right time so that the vacation is an enjoyable, stress-free experience. A travel advisor navigates which locations are open and reputable, assesses protocols and constantly changing policies, as well provides the research and options to allow for a vacation to exceed expectations.
The Internet Abyss
The pandemic knew no borders. It affected every country, imperial city, local village and corner of the world.
It all but blurred normal everyday life. It was a time when we reflected that while our circles got smaller, perhaps our visions got larger.
While the internet is a powerful tool, oftentimes as it relates to travel, the path can be precarious, with unwelcome surprises. Conflicting reviews, misleading photos and vague descriptions can result in frustration and disappointment. The opportunity to even speak to a person through an online booking is doubtful. When the world stopped turning a year ago, people who had booked travel online found themselves with no recourse and unresolved cancellations and credits. Out of this chaos brought to light the true value of a travel advisor. A travel professional provides personalized service, research and support from the planning process until the return to your front door. Advisors are committed to working on behalf of the traveler, their valued client, coordinating with vetted industry professionals.
Deliberate Vacation Decisions
Perhaps it was the isolation-- the small bubble of people we have been limited to-- or the many cancellations that have sparked people to make intentional plans for vacations in the future.
Due to many vacations that were postponed into 2021 and 2022, limited availability is the next challenge to the traveler.
For all the missed celebrations - the milestone birthdays and anniversaries, the graduations and retirements - making plans to travel with your extended family and friends is a way to recognize and treasure those memories. Multigenerational families are considering places with more space and less crowds. Quality resorts with excellent cleaning procedures and expansive grounds are interesting options for groups looking to minimize their risk.
European river cruises, which are on small ships with 150-person capacity are in high demand. AmaWaterways River Cruises reports record sales for 2021 and 2022, with 2023 itineraries available now, so planning now for the future is wise. Low deposits and full payments not due until 90 days before sailing make for flexible planning. These are not “your Mama’s river cruises” as they feature open air yoga decks, gourmet dining, immersive excursions included and bicycles on board to explore villages and vineyards along the way. As borders open, the landscape of travel is changing by the day.
Broader Perspective
Travel provides a broader perspective on our everyday lives and travel memories shared with loved ones are the best souvenirs of all. Travel engages our senses, and allows us to see nature with an adventurous spirit, to feel appreciation for other people and cultures, to taste the unfamiliar and to hear a different voice or perspective. Rick Steves, the American travel writer says, “More than just a holiday, travel gives us new experiences, acts a teacher and makes life richer and more meaningful.”
Fine Print As of publication date:
· The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance is that fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or quarantining. People should still wear a mask, social distance and avoid crowds the agency says.
· For international travel, the CDC says people do not need to get a COVID-19 test before leaving, though some destinations may require it. Vaccinated people still need to get a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the U.S. and be tested 3-5 days after returning. Quarantining is not required.
· Check your passport today. Passports need to be valid 6 months AFTER returning from a trip.
To renew a passport, be sure to go to Travel.state.gov, the US Department of State website. There are many scam operations who claim to expedite passports. Beware.
· Real ID. Real ID is a security-enhanced ID that will be required for U.S. travel as of October 1, 2021. This will become one of the accepted forms of identification travelers will need to use to get through airport security under the Federal Real ID law. Alternately, a valid passport or passport card are acceptable but a traditional driver’s license will no longer be acceptable for Transportation Security Authority (TSA) screenings before commercial flights, or for entering certain federal facilities. Visit DHS.gov/Real-ID for instructions.
As the world recalibrates to the new norm in 2021 and beyond, I believe in CondéNast Traveler’s central proposition: Travel is a force for good on planet Earth, both for the travelers and for those whose lives are touched by travel.
Kathi Russ, Owner
Epic Travel LLC
603-738-4404
www.epictravelbykathi.com
