It has been a while since we’ve travelled anywhere outside of our provincial borders. Trips to Croatia and a Viking Ocean cruise to the Caribbean were cancelled and we’ve spent the past year cooped-up at home (for the most part) fantasizing about future travel plans.
With vaccines now rolling out across the world there’s growing optimism that we’ll return to some kind of normal by this summer or early fall. Those fantasies might soon turn to reality as industry experts predict an unprecedented amount of travel as soon as we’re able to do so. Dubbed “revenge travel “, the pent-up demand to get away after a year of domestic drudgery is expected to lead to an incredible surge in travel bookings later this year and into 2022.
Though it might not be exactly what it sounds like, revenge travel is describing a very real anticipated trend in the leisure travel realm: travellers are going to be embarking on extra trips or splurging on amenities post-pandemic due to the feeling of being deprived of travel (as we knew it) for over a year.
For some people, revenge travel will have a lot to do with the number of trips they’re looking to take. For others, this might be the push they’ve needed to finally book that dream vacation to a destination they’ve always wanted to explore. And this really could be the time for planning these types of trips, as prices are likely to be somewhat lower than in years past.
Prices Will Initially Be Low, But Not For Long
Responding to the pandemic scare, airlines will still operate in a reduced demand scenario, meaning that flight tickets will initially be available at lower rates. To sweeten the deal, flights and hotels have also been offering flexible cancellation and reschedule policies.
However, with greater confidence from the global vaccination campaign and the intent for travelling steadily rising, the demand for flight tickets and hotel reservations will inevitably surge, and with it, increased prices.
So, enterprising travellers may look into securing their flights and hotels before spring 2021 ends—right about now—both to catch up on their globetrotting and to take full advantage of the lower rates and generous policies.
How Travellers Will Decide Their Destination
While travellers are understandably antsy to get back out there, in light of the heightened awareness brought about by the pandemic, they will inevitably consider the following:
- Is the virus spreading where they live?
- Is the virus spreading where they want to go?
Even if travellers have dutifully been vaccinated for the coronavirus prior to their travels, most will likely practice care in the weeks leading to their departure. The destination countries may even mandate them to do so with mask-wearing and social distancing rules.
Travellers will also consciously avoid destinations with high community transmission rates and places that will put their health at a higher risk.
More Travel Purchases
People will continue to be mindful of their health and safety in a post-pandemic reality. In regard to travelling, this will mean face masks, hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes and so on will practically be mandatory items and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, as revenge travel means releasing the urge to travel by going on longer and farther trips, some travel accessories may be warranted to make those long flights a lot more bearable.
While most people have been saving a good deal of money due to travel cancellations and restrictions, many initially will still be cautious about spending as the economy is being rebuilt all around the world. In response to this, expect your favorite e-commerce and coupon website to dole out deals on hygiene and travel-related items to encourage customers to jump on the revenge travel frenzy.
Do you have some revenge travel destinations in mind for when the world opens up again? Let me know in the comments below.
