Even in distant dreams, nobody had imagined a health crisis this bad when we stepped in 2020. The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has not just rocked the world but has also brought a significant change in the way we live our lives. And while things may not be the same as they used to be, it is for sure that the world won’t be under lockdown forever.
Among several other things, pleasure travelling will also transform. The conventional ways to holiday (be it active or passive) will give way to new travel hacks that ensure minimal contact with other people.
Eco-tourism, camping, and road trips will take over exploring big cities, staying in grand hotels, and flight journeys.
Here is how the travel landscape is likely to change in the post Covid-19 world:-
Road trips: As distancing norms go for a toss in public transportations with several people sitting together, travelers will pick road trips over bus, train, or flight journeys. This may cost them a few more bucks but it will also give them the thrill of exploring all the places along the way. Sometimes, the journey itself may become more memorable than your stay at the destination.
Offbeat destinations: Rather thangoing foroverbooked tourist attractions, travelers will now go for unexplored islands, peaks, and cities. People will ditch New York’s Times Square and Eiffel Tower in Paris for less heard but more serene places.
Eco-tourism: The trend has been picking up for quite some time now but in the post Covid-19 world, eco-tourism demand will sky rocket. People would prefer going on jungle safaris. National Parks and sanctuaries will see greater tourist turnout.
Camping and hiking: Theconceptis wildly popular in European nations,Canada and the USA and is fast gaining steam in Asia as well.In South Korea, locals and tourists love the concept of weekend camping along the river in Seoul. More and more cities should come up with affordable camping sites for travelers. Similarly, those who love active holidays will go for different types of hiking — including alpine hiking, forest hiking, jungle hiking, beach hike, among others.
Advance bookings: To avoid overcrowding, authorities may even limit the number of tourists like it has been done in Bhutan, Ladakh, and several other places. Tourists will have to get advance bookings done to enjoy the beauty of their selected destination. If this happens, those who like to take impromptu travel decisions may have to get used planning their trip.
In view of this tourism transformation, governments must also do their bit to keep up with the change. The tourism boards should invest and promote the concept of camping sites, eco-tourism and more. To facilitate travelers and to reduce their trip expenses, the private hospitality sector can also rent their unused space for campsites.
Once we get past this pandemic, travelling will become popular again as this lockdown period has made us realize the value of roaming free in open spaces. So, keep your backpacks close as we will defeat this virus and become free birds again.
Authored by Varun Vagish, Founder of Mountain Trekker
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