Covid-19 has left a lot of us wondering when is it going to be safe to travel. Travel restrictions have put a stop to most people’s travel plans, but for just how long? With lockdown restrictions in place across the globe and the vaccine beginning to be rolled out, just how long is it going to take for normal travel to resume?
The first ten months of 2020 saw 900 million fewer tourist international arrivals than the same period back in 2019. That’s a whopping 72% decrease in international tourism.
With several countries closing their doors to tourists, let’s take a look at when we can expect them to be open again.
Is it Safe to Travel?
Experts are claiming that the worse days of the pandemic are behind us now and that we are on the road to improvement. There are currently over 50 countries that have recently opened their doors to tourists from the US.
Unfortunately, travel to any of these countries still requires a 14-day isolated quarantine as well as comprehensive Covid-19 screening and health insurance. The good news is that most major travel agents are offering packages that contain everything you need to start your holiday.
If you’re in a position where you can afford the additional two-weeks at the beginning of your holiday then yes, it’s safe to travel. If you and the family are ready to get on a plane and unwind, why not check out these adventures trips for family vacations.
What About Domestic Travel?
Restrictions on domestic travel are easing and travelers can drive across state borders freely. There are a few exceptions if you’re traveling from a state with a higher covid-19 rate. If you’re flying then you’ll be expected to be able to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test or pay $250 for one when you land.
Will International Travel Ever Be the Same Again?
As the UK and South Africa have recently discovered, the virus is adapting and there are likely to be newer strains over time. For international tourism to resolve to anywhere near the level it was before the pandemic things are going to need to change.
Airport processing and security are likely to become touchless as air travel resumes. Biometric scanning will allow tourists to get from the curb to their plane without actually touching anything.
There is likely to be an updated check-in procedure that removes the need to stand around in long and compact check-in queues. Instead of arriving in a busy airport two hours before your flight, check-in procedures are likely to become automated.
We will all certainly benefit from increased cleanliness onboard our flights. An increased focus on hygiene and distancing will no doubt affect how plane cabins are designed for commercial flights.
Travel Safely
As restrictions gradually ease and safety measures are put in place to keep travelers safe it is becoming increasingly safe to travel. There is still a long way to go before tourism reaches anywhere near what it was before the pandemic. If you’re thinking about traveling then be sure to speak with a travel agent near you to discuss your options for traveling abroad before booking any flights.
For more travel and lifestyle tips be sure to check out our other blogs.
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