The New Normal for Travel

Lockdowns are loosening up across the U.S. this month, but what does that mean for travel for the rest of this year? Like everything else, there will be many changes in the coming months as we transition into different phases.

Some of us won’t be comfortable going anywhere anytime soon. Some of us are desperate to go somewhere besides Food Lion and Walgreens. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 1 in 5 Americans will book a trip as soon as the lockdown is lifted.

85% polled say they will feel safe flying domestically this fall and 74% indicate they will feel safe flying internationally this fall.

Flights

Speaking of flying, here’s what the airlines are doing to address our concerns. Effective May 11, face masks will be required for all passengers (flight attendants were required to wear them effective May 1). Most airlines will distribute sanitizing wipes or gel as well. The cleaning protocol will include sanitizing high traffic areas, including arm rests, seatbelts, window shades, seatback screens, lavatories, jumpseats, galley, and cockpit before every flight. Airplane HEPA air filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles throughout the aircraft to ensure you are breathing clean air.

Food service will be limited during this initial phase. Alcoholic beverages will only be available to first class passengers. Also, first class passengers will board last on planes so that they are not exposed to all the passengers who normally walk past them to reach the other cabins.

Best of all, airlines are capping capacity so no one will be seated in the middle seats. Yeah! But the bad news is that you cannot spread out and take two or three seats if that puts you too close to another passenger. Airports will also maintain strict cleaning protocols, but I also suggest wearing a mask in the airport as least for the next couple of months.

Hotels & Resorts

All chains are ramping up their cleaning procedures to meet new health and safety guidelines. Marriott International will be using electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize all surfaces throughout their properties. They are also testing ultraviolent light for sanitizing room keys and shared devices. Hyatt Corp is hiring hygiene managers to ensure all cleaning practices are being closely followed. Other chains are doing similar things to keep staff and guests safe, such as Hilton’s CleanStay with Lysol program. They consulted with the Mayo Clinic to get the best information on disinfecting protocols.

Social distancing will remain in place in all travel venues, including lobbies, restaurants, and airport lines. Furniture is being rearranged to reflect the six foot rule. Glass partitions like you see in the stores are being set up at front desks and similar areas. Hand sanitizing stations will be plentiful.

Mobile check-in will be offered. Housekeeping will be limited to protect guests and staff. There will not be any mini-bars or in-room coffeemakers initially. However, no contact room service will be available.

Tours & More

Great news! Carefree Bookings are being offered by Overseas Leisure Group. This is a luxury travel operator representing 1,000 destinations and experiences in thirty-four countries around the world. They are currently offering an amazing guarantee. If you book through OLG, no deposit is required and there is no cancellation fee. If you do not make the payment within seven days of travel, your booking is automatically cancelled without penalty! This incredible no money down and no payment until a week before you trip is good for travel between June 1 – October 31, 2020. Check out CareFreeBookings to learn more.

Cruises

We’re probably all most apprehensive about taking a cruise considering all we’ve seen and heard in the news. However, there are some crazy great deals and the cruise industry has taken unprecedented measures to ensure the safety of their crew and passengers. For example, Carnival Corp (one of the biggest cruise companies and parent company of Cunard, Holland America, and Princess) has created a Health Operations Center (HOC) that will work in conjunction with on board cleaning crews and medical staff. The HOC is comprised of epidemiologists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and medical directors who will look after passengers on every cruise.

Moreover, frequent sanitizing of public places and high traffic surfaces, such as slot machines and fitness machines, will be done.

Sanitizing stations will be all over the ship and all laundry will be cleaned using hot water and and high heat dryers. Overnight, electrostatic cleaning applications will be applied all over the ship, including crew quarters, public restrooms, hallways, and all restaurants. If buffets are offered, I would avoid them for now.

Theme Parks

Many parks will remain closed for several months or even through 2020. Some, such as Disney, will keep capacity at 50% during Phase 1 and 75% during Phase 2. Rest assured, Disney will not open any of its parks or resorts until it is certain its cleaning and socializing protocols are as good as possible. Employees will be required to wear a face mask and have their temperatures checked at every shift. Social distancing will be enforced and sanitizing stations will be all over the place. There will be 24/7 cleaning crews too. But Disney is not opening anytime soon and may not even re-open until 2021.

National Parks

It’s about time! The NPS has announced that it will start opening up many parks. However, campgrounds, and picnic areas will remain closed for a few more weeks, at least. You will have to check with National Park Service for specific park details as they do not have a blanket policy for all parks at this time. For example, Bryce Canyon opened on May 1 but Great Smoky Mountains National Park will not open until May 9 and only then a phased re-opening. Denali National Park in Alaska has already partially re-opened. Please don’t cluster so they don’t close again!

Travel Bubbles & Least-visited Destinations

Travel bubbles are when government permits travelers to freely move between two countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. This limits the possibility of virus spread but keeps economies moving forward. Other governments discussing travel bubbles include Canada and Canadian territories/provinces and the Florida Keys. Since late March, there has been a checkpoint at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and the other one is at Co. Road 905. Only people who live and work in the Keys are allowed into them. There has been talk of a regional travel bubble involving Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and California.

If you feel safer vacationing at remote locales with very few tourists, here are some suggestions:

*Madagascar (Africa/Indian Ocean)

*Tuvalu (South Pacific)

*Easter Island (Chile)

*Bhutan (Asia)

*Cook Islands (South Pacific)

Antigua (Caribbean)

Antarctica

Cape York Peninsula (Australia)

Nauru (Micronesian Island)

Travel News & Trends

According to polls, three areas of travel that will resume first are road trips, business travel, and luxury trips, which includes safaris, resorts, and cruises. Think semi-private island resorts, exclusive safari camps, and boutique (luxury) cruises.

I predict the new normal will include:

1. travel insurance rates will increase
2. travelers will go for their “dream trips” rather than put them off until retirement because of the uncertain future
3. travelers will be more cautious about online bookings (cancellation fees, refund policies, and brand reputation). Travel agencies could make a comeback!
4. No more hoarding frequent flier miles. Travelers will use them as quickly as possible in case an airline goes defunct or changes the terms of their loyalty program.
5. Big crowd events will be avoided for some time, such as the Olympics, Superbowl, Oktoberfest, and Running with the Bulls.

Travel Advice

I am not advising you to book a trip. I am merely providing you with important travel information so you can make an informed decision. I think you should do whatever you are comfortable doing. If that is staying home for the rest of the year, good for you. If it is taking a roadtrip in July, good for you. If it is going on a fall cruise, good for you. If it is going to a nearby beach for the weekend sometime soon, good for you. I just hope that you do ultimately follow your travel bliss. Just be smart. Research your destination and safety protocols. Make sure you know what is open or closed. Practice social distancing and good hygiene…and have a great time!

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