After being on lockdown for so long, many of us, including me, are eager to get back to traveling again. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we had to cancel vacations, are not able to see family, and are missing important milestone celebrations. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything better, but the unfortunate reality is it will take time, lots of time, for travelers to feel comfortable traveling again. However, there are several travel trends during this pandemic that are starting to emerge that can help ease us back into the mindset of travel.
Road Trips are Part of Popular Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
Americans will likely take an increased amount of road trips this year. Many want to travel but don’t want to venture far from home or get on an airplane. As a compromise, you can pack up your car and drive a couple of hours to an incredible destination.
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extended trip where you can explore more of the countryside, road trips are high on the list of pandemic travel trends for the foreseeable future. For road trip ideas, check out my Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip post and Tips for Planning the Perfect Road Trip.
RV Rentals are High on the List of Pandemic Travel Trends
Recreational vehicles or RVs are part of the pandemic travel trends. RV rentals are great for those looking to hit the road but don’t want to stay in a hotel.
Over the years, RVs have come a long way in terms of luxury, and there are numerous options when choosing an RV to rent. RVs, like cars, run the gambit in terms of luxury, brand, and size. Before renting an RV, do your research to make sure you are renting from a reputable company with no hidden fees.
Did you know RV parks can be luxurious too? I had no idea that RV parks have amenities like golf courses and tennis courts! These ten RV parks may have you rethinking your next road trip.
Private Planes are Part of Pandemic Travel Trends Here for the Foreseeable Future
Private jet charter operators are planning for a pandemic boom. People still want to travel, but would rather avoid a crowded commercial plane and a large airport. In an age where people are trying to social distance, a private flight (if you can afford it) is a preferable option for some travelers.
With travel down globally, it’s a buyer’s market. According to Conde Naste Traveler, private charter rates are 20-30 percent below average, and the 7.5 percent Federal Excise Tax on air transportation has been eliminated through January 1, 2021, thanks to the CARES Act.
With prices at a low, it’s a good time to start looking into booking a private charter for your next vacation.
For more information about flying private in a world with COVID-19, click here.
Travel Insurance Makes a Comeback and Ranks on the List of Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
Travel insurance is just that, insurance in case something goes wrong with your travel plans. Whether you need to cancel your trip because someone is sick (Coronavirus or otherwise), or you’re just not comfortable traveling based on the state of the world, travel insurance can give you peace of mind.
Before purchasing a policy, you might want to consider a cancel for any reason provision. You might also want to check whether there is a pandemic exclusion. Just remember, you get what you pay for. The more coverage you want, the more expensive your policy may be in the current climate.
Travel Agents and Advisors Make the List of Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
Another Coronavirus travel trend is the resurgence of travel agents and advisors. Over the last decade, technology has made it easier for people to research and book vacations themselves. However, when you book your own trip, and something goes wrong, you are responsible for fixing the problem.
Travelers are learning the additional perks of working with a travel advisor. Not only do travel agents and advisors help you book your trip and make vetted recommendations for your itinerary, but they also advocate for you in both good times and bad. Travel advisors have been very busy helping their clients cancel trips, postpone vacations, and re-book travel.
Before becoming a travel blogger, if I needed assistance with a trip, I called Laurie Stalick of Arvida Travel. I have worked with Laurie over the years on numerous vacations, and full disclosure, I have known her my entire life. She has significant experience in luxury travel, is a pleasure to work with, and is committed to providing excellent service to her clients. Her extraordinary service also includes helping her clients secure a no-hassle refund and going the extra mile to get them home, if necessary.
If you are looking for a fabulous travel agent who will be there for you 24/7, Arvida Travel is the way to go!
Private Hotel Villas / Residences are More Popular and Rank on the Pandemic Travel Trends List
With people shying away from sharing common areas with large groups of people, expect to hear more travelers booking private villas and residences. With these types of rentals, you often get all of the benefits of a hotel, but you are secluded from most guests. Plus, you have more privacy, and you may even have your own private pool or beach. For these reasons, private villas and residences make the list of pandemic travel trends on the rise.
Houses for Rent Continue to Make the List of Pandemic Travel Trends
As alternatives to hotels, travelers are turning to vacation rental companies such as Airbnb and VRBO to make plans for summer travel.
There are several benefits to renting a house in this Covid-19 world. Theoretically, a house reduces your exposure to people, potentially gives you more space, and provides for private amenities such as a swimming pool.
However, there is one significant difference between staying in a hotel versus a house rental – the cleanliness standards. Hotels are taking substantial steps to continuously and thoroughly clean their properties. Hotels are issuing enhanced cleaning guidelines and publishing their updated standards on their websites.
Airbnb has also issued its heightened cleaning guidelines. However, it’s important to note that these properties are run by individuals who may or may not take extra cleaning precautions during the pandemic. Therefore, you might want to pack sanitizing tools (disinfectant wipes or sprays) to wipe down high-touch areas yourself, even if it’s just for peace of mind.
Boutique Hotels are Part of the Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
With the pandemic still a risk to our health, travelers may be wary about staying at large hotels. Instead, travelers may stay at smaller boutique hotels where there are fewer visitors.
Many boutique hotels, such as Post Ranch Inn and Carmel Valley Ranch in California, have significant acreages for guests to wander in nature without crowds. During our stay at both of these hotels during our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip (pre-Coronavirus), we were able to walk around these properties often without running into another person.
The freedom to leave your room and be in nature is a perk that is hard to find at a large hotel. Plus, these types of hotels are single-story and do not have high touch-points like elevators or corridors. With these benefits, boutique hotels make the pandemic travel trends list.
Ordering Take-Out and In-Room Dining are Increasing Popular Pandemic Travel Trends
Going out to eat at restaurants is usually part of the fun of traveling. Unfortunately, restaurants might not be open at full capacity making it difficult to get a reservation. It is also possible that you might not be ready to eat out.
As a compromise, you can order take-out or order in-room dining. In any given city, there are multiple options like UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates available for food delivery service. So, even if you cannot go out to a restaurant, you don’t have to miss out on the food experience. You can still order right to your hotel room (or vacation home rental) door.
Yachting is a Luxurious Way to Travel and Makes the List of Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
Yachting makes the pandemic travel trends list because private boats (not cruise ships) give travelers the ability to see the world while still being able to isolate themselves from the public. Think about how amazing it would be to step onto a boat and head out to the Bahamas where you can experience the island life without other people.
When we sailed the Exumas in the Bahamas, we hardly saw another soul for days. It was incredible to have beaches and sandbars to ourselves, snorkel in remote locations, and swim in the translucent waters without seeing another person. You, too, can have these experiences. If you are interested in renting a boat, check out my post on Boating in the Exumas to learn more about a yachting vacation.
Staycations Rank as Part of the Popular Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
A staycation is quickly becoming part of the pandemic travel trends on the rise as people want to get out of the house, but are not yet ready to stay at a hotel. As summer is upon us and the country starts to reopen, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of the city you live in and explore all it has to offer. In Los Angeles, for example, there are countless outdoor activities you can do while social distancing. You can see the Hollywood sign, stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the famous Walk of Fame, head to the beach, or try paddle boarding or surfing. Regardless of where you live, there are activities you might not have otherwise tried, but now, you might.
If you are not an outdoorsy person, there is a lot you can do from the comfort of your own home. In my post, How to Turn the Coronavirus into a Staycation, you learn, among other things, how to see a Broadway show or wander the halls of a museum from your couch.
Wellness Travel Kits Make the List of Pandemic Travel Trends on the Rise
While hotels and airlines are increasing their health and safety standards, it’s also vital that we, the travel community, do our part to keep ourselves and our fellow travelers safe. Here are a few items I plan to pack in my carry-on and car bag as part of my pandemic wellness kit. You may want to pack these items too:
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
For more about travel during the Coronavirus, visit my Tips and Tricks page or click here for Coronavirus travel safety tips. Don’t miss out on the seventeen essential items every traveler needs.
Safe travels and let me know where you plan to go next!
These are great ideas, not the same old, same old ones. And packing a wellness kit is a very helpful suggestion. Love the images, too.
Thank you for visiting my travel blog!
Thank you for this informational post! As of now we are staying out, our spring break vacation in March had to be postponed and we still haven’t decided when to venture out next. You have shared great tips!
Thanks so much for commenting! We had to cancel our plans for March and May too. I hope you get to travel again soon.
I agree, these are hot trends in travel right now. We did a road trip and it was so fun. We also went to a more popular destination and stayed in luxury hotels and they were empty!
Thanks for sharing! We are headed out on a road trip next month and I’m hoping the hotels are not too crowded.
Omg, I think everyone needs to read this blog. It’s so amazing, and so helpful. Thank you for sharing, I may need to take a road trip myself.
Thank you! Your comment means so much to me!
This is a great post! Love the dreaming that comes along with these pictures!
Thanks! I hope you get to make your dreams a reality soon!
This is actually a great reminder for me to make a wellness travel kit before we leave for our road trip this weekend! Thanks!
I hope you have a great time this weekend!
Great information, Michelle! Chris has been eyeing a retrofitted camper van (an adventure van as he calls it) for us to travel around in. I’ve been seeing them all over NorCal.
Thanks for reading my post on the current pandemic travel trends. Sounds like you are in for an adventure! I cannot wait to hear all about it.
What a detailed article. Thank you for sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for your continued support and feedback! I love that you find the articles helpful. This means so much to me!
Yachts and villas sound fantastic why not haha
Sounds like the makings for a great vacation!
What wonderful ideas. Vacationing on a yacht has always been a dream of mine. Maybe someday.
Thank you! Fingers crossed you get to enjoy a yacht vacation!