How Has COVID-19 Changed the Way We Travel?

With so many changes that have taken place over the past couple of years, it’s safe to say COVID has changed the way we travel. Between precautions we are taking, places we are exploring, and trends we are seeing, the travel industry has certainly gone through some changes with travelers adjusting their habits and priorities. Discover the top ways for how COVID-19 changed the way we travel for more insight!

How COVID-19 Changed the Way We Travel

We Are Noticing the Beauty Around Us

One of the most common ways we are seeing COVID-19 has changed the way we travel is more travelers are exploring the sites and destinations close to them. While it used to be glamorous to travel to Europe or explore destinations far and wide, many travelers are realizing there are beautiful sites around them, which attract the attention of foreigners all around the world. If you are in the US, you might realize that with famous sites like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Lake Powell, which are teeming with beauty and mystery, or famous cities like Las Vegas, NYC, or Miami will be enough to keep you busy for days. One of the most popular options is to go on a 17-day journey from New York to Hollywood.            

For the Canadians out there, British Columbia is filled with sites to see, between the coastal splendors of Vancouver, the natural wonders of Victoria, the spectacular slopes of Whistler, and the gorgeous greenery of Squamish. Meanwhile, Alberta is also teeming with glacial lakes and breathtaking landscapes. You can see it all with a tour of the Canadian West, or head out east to explore Ontario and Quebec, known for their big-city wonders and architectural wonders. You can even venture out a tiny bit further while staying in the continent while heading into a tropical paradise known for its beaches, dishes, culture, and history with a trip to Mexico.

We Have Become More Appreciative of Nature

Not only are travelers staying close to home to discover incredible new places, but they are also getting more in touch with nature. It has become very popular for travelers to set out to explore national parks, beautiful lakes, and head up mountainous terrains for scenic hikes with spectacular lookout points. While this trend may have started with lockdowns and limited capacity for indoor sites to see, or the urge to stay socially distanced, many have realized the incredible health benefits of spending time in nature. Stepping foot out of the complex world of technology and into a natural haven can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul, as you breathe in the fresh air and head on an active adventure filled with opportunities for hiking, biking, trekking, or even walking, to get out and keep moving.

Costa Rica is a popular destination to see golden beaches, tropical jungles, and lots of wildlife while getting your adrenaline pumping with plenty of adventure activities to choose between — not to mention for a great price. If you’d prefer to see in North America, Hawaii is filled with spectacular surfing beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, exotic volcanoes, and plenty of opportunities for adventure activities that will leave you in awe, as you experience the refreshing Aloha spirit and try tropical fruits that will leave you energized. A trip to Banff would make for a breathtaking adventure, filled with mountainous terrains and glass-like glacial lakes that will absolutely take your breath away.

Check out these ideas for outdoor activities during COVID-19!

Self-Drive Vacations Are on the Rise

Another one of the popular trends for how COVID-19 has changed the way we travel is the rise of socially distanced vacation packages. These are a great option to choose from when planning a trip during COVID-19, as self-drives are one of the best ways to keep your distance. There is no better way to explore the world with freedom and flexibility while staying safe and comfortable as you can sit back in your own private vehicle, only seeing sites you truly want to see, as you enjoy the convenience that comes with having pre-planned accommodations in every city. Make your way down the suggested route or find your own way to get to your destinations. This is a great option for a hassle-free experience traveling to remote places.

One of the best places to head on a self-drive vacation is Iceland. With scenic roads and fascinating sites in some of the most remote places around the country, picking up your own rental car and setting out to see these destinations on your own is perhaps the best way to see them. Portugal is another great option, as the country is filled with beautiful beaches, famous sites, and spiritual landmarks depending on where you go, which you can explore for a fantastic price. We would also recommend booking a self-drive vacation to Ireland, as the country is filled with beautiful landscapes and cliffs that are best explored by car, and will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot into the world of Game of Thrones. Self-drives are not only great for social distancing, but they are easy on your wallet as well!

More Travelers Are Buying Travel Insurance

While the importance of investing in travel insurance has always been high, as accidents, emergencies, and cancellations are often unforeseen. However, it’s best to always be protected in the worst-case scenarios — and there has never been a more important time to purchase a travel insurance package than now. While following the safety tips for traveling during COVID-19 can certainly help you stay as protected as possible, you never know when you might develop last-minute symptoms and need to cancel your trip on the last possible day. A great piece of advice is to expect the best and be prepared for the worst, so you can head out on a great trip and be able to set your worries to ease. This way, you will be able to focus your energy on having a wonderful time and making fantastic memories abroad.

We currently offer great deals for emergency medical travel insurance that covers COVID-19. That means if any accidents or unforeseen circumstances were to occur, or if you were to feel sick before flying out, you would be able to save hundreds or thousands of dollars for your trip, so you can easily postpone it to a time that is better for you — all for a very reasonable price. Reach out to our travel experts to have your questions answered for rates or how this works. You can also keep in mind that we offer a Safe Travels Assurance Policy as well, so if you know you will need to cancel your trip in advance, we’ve got you covered.

New Health and Safety Standards Are Being Established

While hygiene has always been a priority for certain travelers, many of us have never considered the importance of having all of our surfaces sanitized to a T. But with a pandemic that’s been going on for over two years, it’s safe to say that new health and safety guidelines have been set in place by the World Health Organization. One of the best safety tips for traveling during COVID-19 involves only booking hotels and transportation services that strictly follow these guidelines, set in place to keep travelers and staff as safe as possible. And people are really realizing the importance of this now, as wearing a face mask certainly helps in public areas, but you will want to make sure your areas are properly cleaned in between travelers, as this is another very important way to help keep yourself and others safe.

Indus Travels works with hotels and transportation providers that strictly follow these guidelines by the WHO. Our top priority is to protect our travelers and staff, so that everyone can feel safe and comfortable during their trip, and not have to worry about hygiene during their vacation. You can read more about our Safe Travels Assurance Policy to learn about the COVID-19 precautions we are taking, to help our travelers as much as we can. 

Need Travel Tips or Help Booking Your Trip?

We hope this article has given you some valuable insight for how COVID-19 has changed the way we travel. If you have any questions about traveling during COVID-19 or booking a trip, feel free to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable experts, who will be ready to help answer any questions you may have or give you personalized recommendations according to your travel needs and interests. With over hundreds of vacation packages with varying travel styles, prices, and standards offered to over 80 beautiful destinations around the world, we are confident you will be able to find the perfect package for you. Happy and safe travels!