COVID Five Years Later: Impact on Travel

Five years after the pandemic left airports deserted and cruise ships stranded, travel is on a dramatic rebound. Back in 2020, Americans faced lockdowns that grounded flights, docked cruises, and halted all non-essential movement. Fast forward to today, and the travel industry looks entirely different. Stacey Barber, Vice President of Travel at AAA, captures the mood succinctly: "People are taking the trip. They're not postponing it. They're not waiting for kids to be off school. And they're not only taking one trip—they're taking multiple trips."

An emerging trend is the rise of year-round travel. Gone are the days of strict peak season vacations. Flexible remote work arrangements have enabled travelers to work from picturesque locales at any time of the year. Barber elaborates, "They want to enjoy these beautiful destinations and activities while working from home. Remote availability has really increased that opportunity." Honestly, who wouldn’t want to swap their kitchen table for a beachfront setup?

The shift in travel preferences also highlights a focus on mental health and personalized experiences. Starlight Williams, Digital Editor at National Geographic, notes, "Everyone is thinking about how they're stressed out, tired, and burnt out. 'How can I create a healing moment through travel?'" From less crowded destinations to wellness retreats, it seems that travelers are chasing a sense of restoration as much as adventure.

These changing demands are reshaping the industry. Suppliers are upping their game with stronger health protocols, enhanced cleaning measures, and more robust insurance options. Barber points out that these efforts are designed to protect and reassure consumers.

But let’s talk about cruises—an industry that faced its fair share of turbulence during the pandemic. Barber acknowledges, "They were the last industry to really rebound from COVID." However, cruises have staged a major comeback. Enhanced ships, expanded inventory, and a renewed focus on creating unforgettable experiences have rejuvenated this sector.

Air travel, on the other hand, has struggled to fully recover. Williams explains, "Global airline capacity is only 2.4% above 2019 levels." Aircraft shortages and crew deficits have grounded the industry’s potential for a smoother ascent. If you’ve ever waited hours at a packed terminal, you’ll understand just how tangible these challenges are.

Looking ahead, experts predict even more dramatic changes in travel. Barber anticipates advances in technology to better anticipate consumer needs and save time. Williams paints an exciting picture of supersonic flights, increased popularity for cold destinations due to rising global temperatures, and an amplified focus on wellness travel. (Supersonic flights? Count me in!)

One surprising potential trend? A resurgence in the use of travel agents, especially among younger generations. It seems the convenience of personalized planning might just outweigh DIY booking fatigue.