The Future
Travel is resuming, but under different rules. We have seen this before, most notably when all that security was instantly added after 9/11. We grumbled, acknowledged the necessity, and jumped on board. Here are my thoughts about what we can expect, and actually look forward to, as we take to the roads, seas, and skies again.
Getting there. Our biggest misplaced concern may well be the airplane. Modern air filtration and enhanced sanitary wipe-downs and fogging have made airplanes safer environments than most offices. Yet it’s still difficult to maintain physical distancing even if middle seats are empty and boarding is staggered. Business and First class offers tremendous advantages here, with extra space, boarding at your leisure (less time on the aircraft), more carry-on allowance (avoiding luggage carrousels) and access to spacious lounges.
Ultra Private. Private villas, yacht charters, river barge charters, and private jets all keep you and your family in the “bubble” of safety. There has never been a better time for a multi-generational family trip. There’s safety AND economy in numbers!
Think Domestic. Wherever you live, your own country has some of the most beautiful, unexplored, exciting destinations in the world. We know it, we’re ashamed to admit we’ve not been there, and now is our chance. And the sooner we get there, the easier it will be to maintain social distancing, and the more eager will be the awaiting welcome!
Secluded Destinations. We will want more space, more physical distancing. Maldives, Seychelles, Iceland and French Polynesia are already experiencing increased interest compared to last year.
Islands. With the unfortunate exception of the UK, most of the world’s islands have shown the greatest successes in controlling the pandemic. In addition to the ones above, most other island nations are also worth considering: Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, now’s the time! Many island destinations within countries, too – like Vancouver Island, Crete, even the Canary Islands, all are beckoning.
Don’t paint with too wide a brush. As exemplified with the Islands above, not all parts of every country have shared the same situation. Southern Italy and Sicily, for example, are completely different stories to what we saw in the news from Milan and the north.
Longer trips. After a lockdown, the accumulated vacation days and increased desire to spread your wings and enjoy someone else’s cooking, combined with the wish to avoid check-in lines and insecure touchpoints, will contribute to longer vacations, with more planning, less frequent movement, more opportunity to “marinate” in the local culture. Day trips with a private driver, the same private driver and vehicle, or a rental car, will replace hotel-hopping and enhance your feeling of security and comfort while increasing your emotional connection with each new destination.
Cruising. This segment of our battered industry has taken the most heat, and rightfully so. However, did you notice the names vilified in the news were never the luxury lines of Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent, or any of the River Cruise lines? Remember these options as we return to the rivers and seas. And with enhanced sanitation (no more buffets!) and requirements for crew and passengers to be vaccinated, cruising is possibly the safest environment now! Another popular option is chartering a barge for your group of 8 to 12 family members.
Travel is resuming, but under different rules. We have seen this before, most notably when all that security was instantly added after 9/11. We grumbled, acknowledged the necessity, and jumped on board. Here are my thoughts about what we can expect, and actually look forward to, as we take to the roads, seas, and skies again.
Getting there. Our biggest misplaced concern may well be the airplane. Modern air filtration and enhanced sanitary wipe-downs and fogging have made airplanes safer environments than most offices. Yet it’s still difficult to maintain physical distancing even if middle seats are empty and boarding is staggered. Business and First class offers tremendous advantages here, with extra space, boarding at your leisure (less time on the aircraft), more carry-on allowance (avoiding luggage carrousels) and access to spacious lounges.
Ultra Private. Private villas, yacht charters, river barge charters, and private jets all keep you and your family in the “bubble” of safety. There has never been a better time for a multi-generational family trip. There’s safety AND economy in numbers!
Think Domestic. Wherever you live, your own country has some of the most beautiful, unexplored, exciting destinations in the world. We know it, we’re ashamed to admit we’ve not been there, and now is our chance. And the sooner we get there, the easier it will be to maintain social distancing, and the more eager will be the awaiting welcome!
Secluded Destinations. We will want more space, more physical distancing. Maldives, Seychelles, Iceland and French Polynesia are already experiencing increased interest compared to last year.
Islands. With the unfortunate exception of the UK, most of the world’s islands have shown the greatest successes in controlling the pandemic. In addition to the ones above, most other island nations are also worth considering: Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, now’s the time! Many island destinations within countries, too – like Vancouver Island, Crete, even the Canary Islands, all are beckoning.
Don’t paint with too wide a brush. As exemplified with the Islands above, not all parts of every country have shared the same situation. Southern Italy and Sicily, for example, are completely different stories to what we saw in the news from Milan and the north.
Longer trips. After a lockdown, the accumulated vacation days and increased desire to spread your wings and enjoy someone else’s cooking, combined with the wish to avoid check-in lines and insecure touchpoints, will contribute to longer vacations, with more planning, less frequent movement, more opportunity to “marinate” in the local culture. Day trips with a private driver, the same private driver and vehicle, or a rental car, will replace hotel-hopping and enhance your feeling of security and comfort while increasing your emotional connection with each new destination.
Cruising. This segment of our battered industry has taken the most heat, and rightfully so. However, did you notice the names vilified in the news were never the luxury lines of Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent, or any of the River Cruise lines? Remember these options as we return to the rivers and seas. And with enhanced sanitation (no more buffets!) and requirements for crew and passengers to be vaccinated, cruising is possibly the safest environment now! Another popular option is chartering a barge for your group of 8 to 12 family members.