What Will Europe Travel Look Like After the Pandemic?
While we’re not in a post-pandemic world yet, there are glimmers of hope in the midst of some of the horrors that are still transpiring.
Many of us may travel this year — although maybe still relatively close to home.
Some of us, like me, are thinking about Europe travel later in 2021.
But I think there are a lot of folks looking to travel to Europe in 2022.
I’m beginning to get some inquiries as a travel agent and I do believe that come spring 2022 we will be able to visit Europe.
Of course, we know that things can change so quickly, so I say this knowing that I may have to take those words back.
But, barring some future calamity, I believe we’ll be starting to see some things return to a normal — whatever that normal looks like.
I do think the pandemic will change — maybe already has changed — how we travel and why we travel.
So in this post I’m going to offer up some ways I think the pandemic will change travel in general — mostly for the good — and for Europe travel specifically.
Let’s dive in.
We’ll have vaccine passports/document and we’ll buy travel insurance
So I’m going to get the boring one out of the way.
And I think this is neither good nor bad — it just is.
I do think we will see some sort of documentation needed to show proof of a COVID vaccine OR you will have to show a negative test to enter a country.
My belief is that countries want to protect their people and so want to ensure that travelers entering their borders aren’t going to spread COVID.
I get it — and happen to agree.
Vaccine passports aren’t new.
There are countries that already require immunizations such as for yellow fever.
So really, we shouldn’t raise a stink about this, in my opinion.
We are all citizens of the world so we should all be willing to do our part to protect each other.
The other piece of this is I do think we may see travel/health insurance requirements for some countries.
As a travel planner, I will definitely be recommending travel insurance to my clients.
And I do think more folks will be purchasing travel insurance in the coming years.
My biggest piece of advice is to do your homework — or have your travel advisor do the homework — so you know what is covered and what is not.
But more travelers will be buying insurance for sure.
We will spend more time in nature
One of the positive outcomes from this damn pandemic is that more folks are spending their free time — and holiday time — in nature.
You know me, I love my nature time!
So this tickles me pink (what the hell does that even mean).
Anyway…
I am so happy to see more people enjoying the mountains and beaches and forests.
This means that more travelers may take advantage of visiting some amazing natural destinations in Europe instead of spending time in the crowded cities.
I know that many people go to Europe for the grand cities to see great works of art, learn about history and experience a different culture.
But you know I’ll argue that there are some stunning natural places to visit in Europe.
Seriously.
I’m a huge fan of all that Europe offers up when it comes to mountains, beaches, forests, lakes, rivers, fields.
*Sigh*
So this future Europe travel trend warms my heart … so much!
We’ll focus more on sustainable travel and see less over tourism
I think with the above comes the idea that more travelers will consider being more thoughtful about their impact on destinations.
We all saw the images of goats roaming the streets of a small town in Wales or dolphins in the Bosphorus of Istanbul.
And we heard that CO2 levels were down during the first few months of the world lockdown.
It felt as though the world was breathing normally again.
The other thing we saw was locals taking back their cities — Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam.
Some of the cities that have been suffering from over tourism were able to reclaim their homes as they weren’t inundated with tourists.
So what does all this mean moving forward — especially for Europe travel?
It remains to be seen, but I do think there are many folks who will think about their impact on the environment.
Travelers may decide to do more walking or biking trips versus by car.
Instead of flying from point A to point B we may opt for trains or busses.
In fact, I do believe some airlines in Europe has stopped some flights between cities so travelers will opt for trains and/or busses or ferries.
We may take one long trip — so just one round trip flight — versus 4 small trips per year (and thus 4 round trip flights).
Cities and destinations that have struggled with over tourism may put caps on the amount of people coming in.
Some cities have already decided not to allow cruise ships in.
There may be extra taxes put onto travelers visiting certain destinations to curb impact.
I’m really curious as to how this is going to play out as travel picks up.
It’s my hope that we don’t go back to “business as usual” in those destinations where over tourism has been an issue.
And that we, as travelers, become more mindful and conscientious of our impact on the world.
All positive outcomes.
We will travel more slowly
If you read this blog on a regular basis and have been listening to the Wander Your Way podcast, you know that I’m a huge fan of slow travel.
And I think this is one of the aspects of travel that will change post-pandemic.
Instead of go-go-go on your Europe travels, you’re going to slow down.
At least, I hope so.
One thing we have learned through all this is to appreciate the little things, the small moments and to relish in the stillness.
And slow travel helps us do this.
We’re able to better appreciate where we are at that moment.
What the sounds are.
Who we are with.
The smells in the air.
The quality of the light.
We can truly be in that moment.
Slow travel is a true gift in my opinion.
It’s the only way I travel.
And I do believe more people will get with — and truly love — the slow travel movement.
The other bonuses of slow travel?
By slowing down we also happen to be kinder to the environment AND you can save some money!
And lastly, a bit of a prediction….
While my crystal ball 🔮 doesn’t always work, I have the feeling we are going to see prices go up for a while.
So do anticipate air, accommodation, car rental and maybe even tours to cost more over the next couple of years.
Air is the one thing I feel certain will go up for a while — and this will be not just for Europe travel but across all destinations.
In fact it already seems to be a bit higher than a couple of years ago.
But I don’t think prices will stay at a higher level for years and years to come.
The travel industry has been hit hard — very hard.
It’s been a tough time for all of us who work in the travel realm.
So we’re all trying to get back to normal — earning a living again.
Prices are bound to go up in the short term.
However, I think after a couple of years, it will level off and return to something more normal.
At least that is what my crystal ball is telling me!
Lastly, do remember to be kind to your travel workers — airline personnel, hotel workers, car rental employees and, of course, your travel planners.
We’ve had a rough year and a half, and we just want to get back to doing what we do best and what we love to do.
What do you think Europe travel looks like for the future?
I know there are a few other predictions out there.
Things like more folks taking bucket list trips or more trips with family and friends.
It’s hard to say.
I focused on the ones I think will be at the top — and probably the ones I also hope we’ll see more of.
What are your thoughts?
Drop them in the comments below.
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!
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Much of what you say resonates with the Scottish Tourism industry’s (Visit Scotland https://www.visitscotland.com) thoughts and advice, Lynne. I definitely agree with the slow tourism and enjoying open spaces approach – Scotland is the perfect place for that type of trip, but many places are less easy to reach by public transport. As a driver-guide I am also mindful of my impact on the environment, so now drive a hybrid vehicle and offset my carbon footprint by planting trees. This means that clients can feel secure in their own little ‘bubble’ of transport whilst also knowing that their tour is having minimal impact on the environment – we all want to keep Scotland beautiful!
I often rent a car because of wanting to get in those hard to reach places…plus as a photographer I want to stop and take many photos! I always tell my clients that we need to book the smallest car possible so the impact is less. And, to be honest, I would love to rent a hybrid. Good on you, Bo, for being a mindful guide! And yes, we want to keep Scotland beautiful!!!