As the dreaded second wave of the coronavirus crests and crashes on the world’s shores it is hard to be hopeful this early in the New Year, but hopeful we are. The vaccine is being administered, airlines are offering flights and cruise lines will soon be dipping their proverbial toes back into the global waters.
I recently came across a new television episode from travel guru Rick Steves’ entitled Why We Travel. I would strongly suggest you watch it. At my lowest, it reminded me why travel is such an important part of our lives. Check it out at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/why-we-travel or on YouTube, and then come back here.
So with all that in mind, here is what I know that gives me hope for 2021;
Cruise lines appear to have weathered the worst of the storm so far. Despite a significant reduction in revenue they never gave up. Now we are seeing a surge in future bookings on itineraries that have been released well in 2023. The Healthy Sail plan, which we have discussed here, outlines the new technologies and protocols that will be put in place to expedite a return to sea.
Travel agents are reporting that there is a high level of enthusiasm for future travel, evidenced by intent, bookings and planning. Many folks are considering that “bucket list” trip that had been put on hold due to the pandemic, or may have been postponed for other reasons that used to make sense.
Many of us are sitting on travel vouchers leftover from 2020 cancellations. Some have expiry dates which, if the company that honours them has not already changed, may be challenged in the courts. Others have a budget set aside and are itching to spend that on a trip. All of this seems to indicate there will be a surge in bookings as soon as it appears safe to travel again. The question many of us are considering is do we book now at sale prices and potentially have to cancel again or wait until later when prices may go up.
Newswire.ca published the results from a report by Expedia in mid-November that indicated Canadians are searching sunny locales and other destinations closer to home for 2021 that offer flexibility, health and safety advancements, alternate accommodations and a shorter window to book. Outdoor spaces and lots of social distancing options will be popular for travelers in the New Year.
Some of the biggest changes to impact travel in the coming year have already occurred. Despite being more risk adverse, we understand the virus better. We are used to mask wearing, social distancing and avoiding physical contact and that will carry over into and complement the changes already being made by air and cruise lines. And we have vaccines coming. These reasons alone will entice many avid travelers to venture out sooner rather than later.
We have to trust that the vaccine will contain the spread of the pandemic but continue to demonstrate patience as it will take time for everyone to get it. Consideration is being given on how to prove that you have had the vaccine before you travel. For example, the government is considering a type of vaccine passport. That does not mean the mask wearing or other safety and containment measures will relax anytime soon but it is a giant first leap forward.
One of my favourite quotes by Pico Iyer on Why We Travel states “We travel initially to lose ourselves; and we travel next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe where riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in, and to fall in love once more.”
I cannot wait to fall in love again! Hello 2021.