Travel is without a doubt one of the most worth it investments anyone can make! The experience alone of diving into a new country, learning about their culture, food and language truly are magical, however, due to recent events, travel has taken a huge hit and has put many travelers' plans on pause for the time being.
Whether you were planning on traveling next month, this summer or later this year, things have taken a turn for the worst and has put many plans on halt. With the current pandemic, COVID-19, wreaking havoc on the travel industry, many travelers are left with questions and feelings of uncertainty as to when they can travel, where, and how the situation will change the future of travel itself.
Although travel will return to normalcy one day, the industry has lost billions due to the virus, and losses are only expected to get worse as flights continue to cancel, countries impose strict rules to enter and global health advisories rise. Additionally, many countries are not taking matters as seriously as they should, which is only creating further issues. If you've got any questions or concerns about whether travel will be possible next month, here is everything you need to know.
10 Borders Across The Globe Are Still Closed
In addition to health advisories, strict lockdown, and flights being canceled left and right, travelers will continue to experience issues traveling as many countries have their borders closed at the moment. For instance, the Canadian and U.S border remains closed to this very day, making travel between the two countries impossible. This is the case for many other areas across the world including India, Spain, and Italy. While many countries have taken fast action, there are still some countries whose borders have not closed yet, where travel is not recommended!
9 Travel Industry Has Been Hit Really Hard
Although we would love to be hopping on a plane to a remote island, it appears we can kiss travel goodbye for a little bit longer. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, the travel industry has taken a massive hit and according to CNBC, they could lose a whopping $24 billion as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on tourism. With many airlines letting go of employees, canceling flights, and being forced to leave their fleet on the ground, they have definitely seen better days.
8 International Travel Is On Hold
In addition to airlines taking a hit due to fearful travelers, they have also taken a massive due to the many cancellations airlines have been forced to make. Considering non-essential travel is being discouraged by most nations, airlines are experiencing fewer and fewer flights than usual due to the pandemic. Many travelers through the United States and Canada, who had trips booked for this upcoming summer to Asia, Europe, and South America, are now canceling their trips or discouraging travel by their government.
7 There Is A Level 4 Global Health Advisory
Considering COVID-19 spares nobody, traveling is without a doubt one of the riskiest things anyone can do at the moment, particularly if you would be traveling to countries who are under strict lockdown. With that being said, countries such as the United States are currently under a Level 4 Global Health Advisory, meaning traveling from place to place is not the best idea at the moment, hindering tourists' chances of making any type of trip at the moment.
6 Domestic Travel Is Allowed But Discouraged
Although you are most likely unable to travel internationally at the moment, domestic travel is still allowed. Despite governments discouraging non-essential travel, you can, in fact, still book tickets to and from domestic locations. So, if you are looking to fly from New York to Los Angeles, you are still able to do so, however, travelers certainly run the risk of contracting COVID-19 due to an increase in exposure to people and shared places, which is exactly why the U.S government is discouraging these travel practices.
5 Protective Gear Should Be Worn If Travelling
If you are traveling during this pandemic, many airlines require travelers to wear protective gear such as gloves and masks throughout the duration of the flight. Most North American governments have imposed a mandatory mask rule if entering an airport and traveling domestically. In addition to wearing protective gear, we encourage all travelers to sanitize their seats, consistently wash their hands, and avoid touching your face during any of your travels.
4 Many Countries Down South Still Have Curfew
Although travel is by no means banned due to the pandemic, it is worth noting that many countries down south, which are popular vacation spots over the course of the Spring and Summer, have curfews. In this case, countries such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have imposed a strict 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew for all residents. A similar situation is being practiced in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, and France, which can make traveling to international countries extremely difficult.
3 Airlines Have Been Cancelling Flights
If you were expected to travel to Europe, South America, or Asia during the month of June, chances are you have received an email from your airline declaring that your flight has since been canceled. This has been the case for many airlines including AirTransat, American Airlines, and many European airlines such as EasyJet, Vueling, and RyanAir. Although some airlines are offering full refunds, many are only offering travelers with a voucher that will remain valid for 2 years from their return date.
2 Airports Are Not Fully Operational
Although there are still flights occurring across the globe, airports are unfortunately not operating as they once were. If you are traveling domestic or to an international country with low-risk, then chances are you will have limited access to areas in the airport. Apart from check-in desks, security, washrooms, and some restaurants, most of the airport stores, duty-free shops, sit down restaurants, and lounges are closed for the time being.
1 Some Countries Are Forbidding Tourists From Entering
If you have managed to score yourself a ticket for an international flight to a country that is allowing certain travelers in, then it's best to look into the fine print, as many countries are forbidding any foreign travelers, travelers with symptoms or travelers who have recently visited high-risk countries from entering their borders. For instance, Canada has imposed a ban on foreign travelers and anyone who is showing symptoms such as high fever or cough from entering the country.