Years 2020 and 2021 were incredible for everyone. It changed lifestyles, work arrangements, relationships, and the world itself. If there’s one business sector most disrupted by the pandemic years, it’s the tourism industry. The world stopped because of COVID-19, and some countries just recently opened up their borders for travelers after two long years. Some remain shut. Domestic and international tourism sectors incurred losses due to restrictions and lockdowns. However, they are hopeful that as curbs loosen, tourists will slowly arrive, eager to be out there again. Travel can wait or can’t wait — it’s up to the spender. Here are some tips on why they should go with the flow or wait for the call of the wild.
10 There’s Such A Thing Called Revenge Travel
Months of lockdown and restrictions drained many people’s energy. Who would’ve thought that staying at home can be a struggle, too? If that’s not cabin fever, it might be homesickness in its literal sense. When lockdowns were lifted, many people started going out to meet friends and relatives, catching up on lost moments, time, and opportunities. As for tourists, they did what they do best but upped the ante this time: revenge travel. It’s not about splurging the money saved during the lockdown or being careless after restrictions ease. It’s all about the strong desire to go to places again to be energized and, most importantly, to feel free.
9 Let Loose And Let the Stress Go Away
Even if some people were unscathed by the immediate effect of the pandemic — like testing positive for coronavirus — nobody was safe from its negative effects, especially during the peak when restrictions were imposed. At that time, stress levels for many people were through the roof, and their mental health greatly suffered. For some, more time is needed to recover, but one thing that can help them destress is travel. It’s all about hitting the restart button and along the way collecting new memories, plus having a fresh look at life. Going out there means letting it all out, then drinking in new perspectives.
8 Opportunities Abound As Tourism Restarts
The pandemic forced many tourist attractions to have a rest from the throngs of travelers. Tourist traps and those that do not adhere to sustainable tourism had their needed pause not just from the crowds but from the environmental disruption caused by tourism. As tourism restarts, it offers travelers some things that have always been there but are new to the eyes of many. For instance, in Hong Kong, the pink dolphins paid a visit again. In the Philippines, meanwhile, the waters of the world-famous Boracay have become cleaner and clearer. Such is proof that a break is always good, and it brings opportunities for tourists to experience new things.
7 It’s A Good Time To Reunite With Loved Ones
The pandemic deprived many people of their beloved social life. Remote work was implemented, and, as such, night-outs were gone. Distance learning was also enforced, stripping students of many school moments. Ultimately, many meetups and bonding sessions with friends and relatives were canceled. Traveling is one perfect way to reunite with those who matter and those who stayed at the most difficult times. Surely, when huddled together with their loved ones, tourists will have nothing but good stories to tell.
6 Don’t Miss The Exciting Offers
Those who want to bargain are in for a treat. When travel bans were imposed, another sector that was badly hit was aviation. However, when everything slowly returned to normal, they were quick to serve clients. Bargain fares were a thing in Asia to encourage tourists to return. Aside from hotel discounts, some places offered free entry to attractions, free coronavirus tests, reduced taxes, and lots of promos for travelers. Some offers might still be available, and it’s always a good thing to check them out.
WHY WAIT
5 There Are Still Health Concerns
Aside from zero-waste tourism, there’s an added ‘new normal’ in traveling but for the health-conscious, it might not be enough. Even as COVID-19 numbers in some destinations are already waning, the threat of the disease remains high. Health authorities are one with the economic sector in saying that it’s safe to reopen, but as some might say, tourists should travel at their own risk. Traveling is a concern, especially for those who live with an elderly or an immunocompromised person, worried they might bring the virus home. There are ways to protect them from harm, though. Some tourists, however, do not want to play with their peace of mind.
4 It Might Be Wise To Save Money
Possible surges of infections remain high in many parts of the world, especially after curbs were eased and mobility is back to its pre-pandemic level. The World Health Organization is still iffy about further loosening restrictions, as vaccination rates are still low in some regions. The uncertainty of it all is not attractive for some would-be tourists. It might be a wise decision to wait and save money instead of traveling — especially since, technically, there’s still a global health concern. Who knows what might happen next? It’s better to prepare if anything goes south.
3 Avoid The Crowds
Revenge travelers might be taking their time enjoying being back in their playgrounds while having their best days with the promos and discounts. Add that airfare is cheap, so anyone planning to travel should expect crowded destinations. For sure, the airport is brimming with travelers, too. The desire to be out there is high, and it’s best to pause and think twice if traveling is worth it if the attractions are jam-packed. Those who religiously follow physical distancing might not be amused with that.
2 Options Might Still Be Limited
There are still travel restrictions to some destinations, and even if tourists successfully finish all requirements, from testing to quarantine, their options might still be limited, especially for the unvaccinated. In Bhutan, for instance, tourists are required to quarantine from 14 to 21 days, basically eating the days that guests should be traveling. Restrictions vary, and strict planning is the key to avoiding hassle-free travel. Impatient travelers would not find that to be good news. Plus, there’s the uncertainty that some specific attractions might be closed or impose severe restrictions.
1 Are Destinations Safe And Observe The New Normal?
It’s not enticing to travel if the destination did not implement something new to ensure guests’ safety, like health protocols. The pandemic changed the way people travel, so the attractions should keep up with the new normal. With lots of questions regarding the destination, tourists should have a checklist. As such, due diligence is now part of travel planning. Having a vacation should not be work if destinations are certain about safety and security. After all, traveling is about rest and relaxation, not stress and confusion.