My Views On The Future Of Travel Post COVID-19

I wasn’t originally planning on writing this blog today, but as we still haven’t had 100% confirmation of the air bridges (although that term seems a bit redundant now) or what is happening with regards to travel throughout Europe and beyond, I thought it would be a good time to express some of my views and maybe even concerns of the future of travel post COVID-19.

If you follow me in Instagram, you will have seen (and probably been a bit bored of me harping on about it) that I had 8 flights cancelled this year due to the global pandemic. I saw 2020 as ticking some more places off my travel bucket list, but alas, the dreaded coronavirus reared its ugly head, and I was unable to go on the trips I had planned.

Although I was upset at the time, and I’m still battling to get most of the money back, it has been an interesting time to think about what might happen to the travel industry. We’ve seen first hand the demise of some airlines (maybe slightly before COVID struck, but nevertheless, it seems like they wouldn’t have been able to survive in this current climate) but also it’s been a time to think about our travel plans if the restrictions are lifted.

As an avid traveller, I’ve found it hard to be in one place for so long, and although there are good things have come out of lockdown, I’m still itching to get away, so I thought this post would be a good place to start to get my thoughts in order.

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Does it feel safe to travel?

Quite a subjective one I guess, and completely different in personal circumstances but I for one do think it feels safe to travel. I know you might be thinking that because I’m desperate to get away, I might be putting myself at risk, but as someone who has suffered from coronavirus, I really do think that even the simplest safety measures will make a lot of difference to the cleanliness of planes.

From seeing what Ryanair and EasyJet are doing to their fleets (which I feel like will be the bare minimum in order to cram as many people in as possible) it does seem as though airlines are taking new measures very seriously in order to get people back aboard.

On the flip side, it seems as though UK staycations will also be the preferred break of choice for a lot of Brits, myself included, and I’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in this blog here.

I guess it’s down to personal preference and belief, but I personally think that airlines, hotels and local governments will do everything they can to increase tourism but keep people safe – no one wants another lockdown, that’s for sure!

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Will I travel this year?

Although I say I’m itching to get away, I’m slightly reluctant to book any flights as I’m still £££s out of pocket from earlier in the year which makes it tricky to want to book flights with these companies.

A lot of airlines are offering vouchers first, saying that you’ll be put in a queue if you want a cash refund, and although that’s great if you have something in mind for later in the year, it’s also frustrating that you can’t get your money back… which is the law by the way!

So if I’m honest, I’m not sure! Now we have the puppy as well, we’re looking at renting somewhere by the beach for a few days instead of jetting away somewhere warmer (English heatwave, please come back!) I would like to say yes we’ll make it abroad this year, but I guess watch this space!

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What does the future of travel look like?

Again a tricky one to answer, but I, in all honesty, see people taking summer holidays that they’ve planned or rescheduled with next to no complications in summer 2020. Whatever comes out of today’s briefing with regards to self-quarantine on return to the UK, I think that it’s a really good step for the travel industry to pick up again.

I also see people in the same boat as me being annoyed with the cheaper airlines not giving refunds as easily as some of the others, and although I do see if from their point of view trying to save their reputation and to not go bust, the customer needs should outweigh theirs.

Fingers crossed things start to get back to our usual ways, and although there may be less flights than usual, I do hope that families get the time away they need. It’s been a tricky time for the country as a whole, and we all deserve a little break!

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I hope this post has given you some insight into the travel industry and what might happen next, but my advice would be to keep up to date with the latest news before booking anything abroad!