With vigilance and strong enforcement policies as far as masks and social distancing, there are some countries that are already re-opened and free of pandemic-induced mandates. In time, it's everyone's hope that the rest of the world will be back to some sense of normalcy by the end of 2021. It won't happen immediately and will take effort on the part of everyone to ensure that travel is safe again, but it's beginning to look like brighter days are ahead. With that being said, travel might feel a bit strange when we finally get back into the routine of trip-planning and long-distance public transportation.
It will undoubtedly be an overwhelming experience to jump back into being on a crowded plane or be able to walk into a rest stop without wearing a mask, and when the time finally comes, many people might be wondering how they can go about easing back into it. Sure, some will splurge with the trip of a lifetime without giving a second thought to embracing the world again, but for those who need some time to adjust, here's how you can reunite with travel once again when it's finally safe to do so.
Start Small, Plan Small
Traveling prior to a pandemic had the potential to be overwhelming and since the world will likely never look the same, new future guidelines will be a new experience for many. In the process of getting used to these guidelines and accepting the new travel experience, planning a small trip can help to alleviate some of the stress from it all.
A road trip still provides the driver with enough freedom and personal space, while still getting them to a destination that's not halfway across the world. Alternatively, a short plane ride, such as a few states away or a nearby country, is a good way to break the ice.
Go With A Friend
After so much isolation (we've all felt the need to be around people lately), it's a welcome change to plan a trip with a friend, or several, when it's safe to do so. Having friends or family along for the ride can take away so much pressure and keeps the responsibility from falling on one person.
It's also a good way to bond with people you haven't seen often because you'll all be going through the same experience together and making decisions with multiple minds, not just your own.
Or, Visit A Family Member Or Friend
For those who don't mind the personal space or alone time, a trip to see family or a long-distance friend is the perfect way to re-introduce travel into one's life and embrace the open road (or air travel) again.
There will be a happy welcome waiting on the other end, giving the trip meaning and purpose as well as a friendly face to look forward to.
Splurge On The Comforts And Amenities, Even If You Don't Think You Need Them
We could all use a little more comfort and nowadays, it's better to overestimate the amenities we need rather than underestimate them. Rather than booking a hotel with a complimentary breakfast, opt for room service. Go with an Airbnb over a motel. Opt for a glamping trip rather than camping.
Upgrading just a little bit for the first trip, at least, will ensure that we have a happy and comforting place to land if the actual travel itself is more stressful than originally anticipated. Even if stepping into the role of a traveler is like riding a bike, it sometimes takes more time than we think to get the hang of moving again.
Don't Immediately Go For Claustrophobic-Type Of Trips
Cruises, for example, are something that many people have already put on their 'iffy' list in terms of future travel.
While the cruise industry will undoubtedly need some help in the future, that doesn't mean the first trip a person plans will need to be spent on a ship for a week. Give yourself time to embrace travel and explore your options.
Be Patient With Yourself And Know Your Limits
At the end of the day, it's okay to not know if you're ready to go out into the world again just yet. There's no need to get FOMO over watching other people take trips as soon as the world opens up - everyone is different and will move at a different pace, and there are plenty of people who will be hesitant or want to simply enjoy their own town, city, family, and friends who are close to home, that they may not have seen in months or a year.