There is a question that we can’t get out of our head: How, When and Where would be safe to travel after Coronavirus outbreak?
People who were busy making plans for spring and summer trips are thinking twice. A survey of 1,200 US adults by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that one in eight have already changed their travel plans due to concerns about the virus.
The travel industry has already taken a huge hit due to travel restrictions and canceled trips for both business and pleasure. It could be the worst crisis for the industry since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States,
The overall impact depends on how long the outbreak continues. Past health crises, such as SARS epidemic, indicate people will be willing to start traveling as normal again soon after there is a sense that is safe to do so, Sacks said.
"Travel globally is incredibly resilient," he said. "People's desire and need to travel outweigh their concerns fairly quickly."
Should You Cancel Your Spring or Summer Holiday?
With summer fast approaching, many families are wondering just how long coronavirus will remain at the center of our lives. The outbreak has sickened people worldwide and killed thousands, adding a new layer of anxiety when thinking about potential travel plans.
The situation won’t go back to normal until May in many countries and some of them are imposing COVID19 Lockdowns. So if you had a trip planned for April, the Coronavirus will probably affect your plans and it could be a good idea to postpone your travel if you want to be safe.
For May or June, the COVID-19 situation is expected to be under control in the countries that became first infected, especially if everyone respects the official measures, lockdowns and social distancing. We have seen that China, where everything started, has overcome the Coronavirus crisis in around 2 months, so we really hope that we don’t have to cancel our summer holidays.
The COVID-19 situation changes too fast so it is difficult to predict the future. Many airlines, hotels and other travel companies have loosened their cancellation policies to give travelers more flexibility during the pandemic, so you might not have a penalty for cancelling or postponing your trip last-minute. So, don’t stress about it until that ‘go or not-to-go date’ and leave it for last-minute.
Here’s the bottom line: Traveling presents a risk if the outbreak is not over yet. One of the most important things to think about is the well-being of your fellow passengers and family members. Even if you don’t fit the profile of someone who is at risk of developing severe symptoms, you might infect someone who is. World Health Organization (WHO) have posted several factors to take into consideration if you considering travel.
[Track the spread of the disease]
How Will People Travel After The Coronavirus?
Here's how people will travel after the coronavirus:
- They'll stay in the country. International travel will fall out of favor as people stay closer to the safety of home.
- They won't travel far from home. "Staycations" and road trips will be favored over flying or cruising.
- They'll make it quick. A softer economy will mean the traditional two-week summer vacation could turn into a long weekend.
What Will Travel Be Like After Coronavirus?
Chances are, your destination will immediately begin an aggressive coronavirus recovery program the moment the "all clear" signal is given. That's the prediction of Wayne Smith, chairman of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston.
"Most destinations will institute a recovery strategy in which discounts may be a part of the overall enticement to return to travel," he says.
But don't look for deep discounts. Smith says the best strategies may not necessarily have cheaper prices but to offer more value.
"Examples I have seen in the past would be a hotel offering free meals with room purchase and maybe even packaging in attraction tickets," he says. "Instead of looking for the cheapest price, I would be looking for the best value. There are going to be plenty of high-value travel packages available."
Here Are a Few Tips For Traveling After The Coronavirus Outbreak
No question, people will travel after the coronavirus. But how?
- Look for deals but focus on value. Assuming the coronavirus crisis is over, don't hesitate to book if you find a bargain for late spring or summer. But don't focus exclusively on price. Instead, look at the overall value of the deal. Are they throwing in attraction tickets or including meals?
- Focus on longevity. Stay away from too-good-to-be-true offers from unknown operators. Chances are, these are fire sales from desperate companies on the verge of bankruptcy. Focus on well-known brands that are financially stable.
- Consider travel insurance. A reputable insurance policy will protect you if an operator goes out of business. If you can't find a good policy, use a credit card to make your purchase. It can also offer protections from financial insolvency.
- Be ready to make some last-minute changes. This is a fast-changing situation so be ready to rearrange your travel plans according to the last Coronavirus updates. Even if you travel to an area without an outbreak, you should be prepared for the possibility of being quarantined if an outbreak develops in the region where you’re traveling.
- If you’re feeling very anxious, it might be best to stay home. News about the virus is changing by the day, and everyone has a different tolerance for risk. There are fewer and fewer places now where there aren’t reported cases. If you’re not going to enjoy your vacation because you’re nervous about this, then it’s probably not worth you going,
Travel will continue after the coronavirus outbreak. The industry will return sooner than you think, and with some great deals.
Related:
- Live Spread Map of Coronavirus