The future of travel may be up in the air, but will this change anytime soon?

By Zoe Schulz, myGwork

We’ve now all had many months to come to terms with our new reality, and while things, at least in some parts of the world, are gradually improving, the world we are entering is still drastically different to any we have seen before. Looking around at mask-covered faces and signs reminding us to keep our distance, it’s difficult not to feel as though this is a bizarre dystopian reality. Yet, while we begin to creep out of lockdown many are asking when we’ll be able to visit relatives in other parts of the world again, to read a book on a distant beach or to revel in the normalcy of a summer-getaway. On one hand, it may seem selfish to worry about a vacation when we are still feeling the cold repercussions of the virus, yet on the other hand, it is only human nature to ask during a crisis when things may return to normal. Plus, for those who rely on the travel industry to put a roof over their head and food on their table, this is a question of rightful importance. However, the answer involves a certain level of guessing what our future looks like, and if Coronavirus has taught us anything this year, it’s that often we just don’t know what lies ahead.

It's no surprise that a holiday can be the perfect antidote to stress, but there’s also a lot of evidence suggesting it has a long-term positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Taking a vacation can give you that much-needed space from the worries of work and time to connect with your loved ones, plus research suggests that these psychological benefits last up to a month after you’ve returned home. Scientists have also found that those who don’t take such breaks have higher blood pressure, higher stress level and more trouble sleeping. A city-break can also keep us active, which in turn further benefits our mental health and wellbeing. What may not be obvious, however, is the link between travelling and creativity, with many scientists saying time abroad has a direct correlation to an increase in creative and unique ideas. Travelling abroad, or just to a different part of our own backyard, can help shape our world views and offer a chance to learn about people and places that are different to our usual experience, this, in turn, can grow our empathy for others and expand our sense of self. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, an associate professor of education and psychology at the University of Southern California, explains that “what a lot of psychological research has shown now is that the ability to engage with people from different backgrounds than yourself, and the ability to get out of your own social comfort zone, is helping you to build a strong and acculturated sense of your own self, our ability to differentiate our own beliefs and values is tied up in the richness of the cultural experiences that we have had.”

The benefits and pleasure that come along with travelling, means that over the last few decades it’s an industry that has exploded. In 2019 it was estimated that travel and tourism contributed 2.9 trillion US dollars in GDP, a number that is almost impossible to fathom. In the UK there are approximately 3.1 million jobs in this sector, making up almost 10% of all jobs in the country and this isn’t surprising considering 37.9 million tourists enter London alone each year. Tourism has historically been so successful that it’s often cited as one of the most effective ways in creating sustainable and long-term economic growth. However, we’ve all now seen what was previously thought of as impossible (or at least very improbable) as the industry has come to screeching halt. Those working in tourism, alongside those in many other industries, have seen almost every part of their working world come to a standstill. Hotels, bars and restaurants all closed their doors, and simultaneously most countries slammed their borders shut. Tourists left in foreign places all scrambled to find a way home and the industry has been left to wait out the storm ever since. As with any other storm though, there is hope that it will pass, but what remains is unlikely to resemble the industry we once knew. As many countries cautiously open their curtains after many months of lockdowns, we’re all left wondering what will happen to travel as we knew it?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen European borders gingerly peek open, as travel restrictions ease. With the use of ‘travel corridors’ some have been able to visit foreign shores without the need to quarantine on return, with the idea behind these corridors being that travel should be allowed between countries least affected by the virus. Currently, there are many countries in Europe testing this method, with Britons being able to travel to several holiday destinations, including Croatia, Greece, France and Italy. However, as many tourists recently experienced in Spain, these passages can close as quickly as they opened. Just days ago, Spain has confirmed what many of us have feared when they were hit with a second wave, thus their border quickly closed and flights were grounded, leaving those on vacation scrambling to get back to their homeland. It is likely any holidays we do take this summer will be tinged with a constant refreshing of the news, ensuring our route home is still viable and accepting the possibility of packing up and going home at a moment’s notice if needed.

Greek Island Mykonos would usually be packed with tourists at this point in the summer

There is also the suggestion of another method that may become the norm, which would involve the need for a negative coronavirus test before hopping on a plane. This is one way in which countries could ensure tourists are not spreading the virus, whilst still reaping the benefits of a bustling tourism industry. Emirates has already tested this method, offering rapid blood tests in as little as 10 minutes as a part of their check-in process, whilst others are looking at the option of passengers needing to travel with proof of recent test results. Face masks will likely be commonplace for a very long time and Korean Air have taken this even further with cabin crew wearing full PPE (personal protective equipment) whilst working. When the long-awaited moment of a vaccine finally arrives, it’s even suggested that proof of this will be needed alongside your passport before border-hopping commences, and until then social distancing and temperature checks are likely to stay.

Travellers checking in to their departing flight

Travel can be the perfect remedy for those feeling burnt out, and after the year we’ve had, that’s a lot of us. However, this is not travel as we knew it and airports are likely to have a Black Mirror-esque feel to them for some time. It’s also important to remember, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, so perhaps there’s no need to rush abroad just yet. Whether you’re worried about visiting mum for Christmas or wondering when it’s safe to start planning a wedding, the future of travel is up in the air, and what’s possible today may not be tomorrow. If you are heading off though, don’t forget to pack your mask and hand sanitizer alongside your clean socks and travel guide.