Last Updated on December 4, 2021 by snaphappytravel
Unique tips for supporting local tourism in the time of Coronavirus. How you can support the travel industry in your hometown (specifically smaller travel businesses) through these difficult times.
The Coronavirus situation is changing at lightning speed, imagine how different the travel world is now in comparison to January 2020. Completely different. If you do decide to travel internationally it is likely you will have to self-isolate for 14 days at your destination or on your return to your home country.
These are scary times for everyone. The global travel industry is being hit hard – with millions of travelers cancelling their upcoming vacations. It is estimated the travel industry will lose billions due to Coronavirus. You know I love to travel, but even I won’t be travelling for the next few months. So, I’ve come up with a few ideas as to how you can still support travel without leaving your hometown or even your couch! I like to call this local tourism, and it’s what I plan to do a lot of over the coming weeks & months. Luckily for me, I live in beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand.
I’m sure your home country or city too has something worth exploring.
Say no to cheap travel deals abroad for now
There are so many cheap travel deals right now, but as much as it pains me to say I recommended avoiding all non-essential travel abroad for at least a month. Or at the very least until things start to get better.
However, using the weak market to your advantage to book in a Autumn or Winter vacation may be a wise move according to the experts. Cancellation policies in the travel industry have never been more flexible. And with room rates at hotels as well as air tickets being slashed across the world, it may be a wise investment.
Have a read of my very popular article | Should I travel during Coronavirus
Be a tourist in your hometown
We’ve become so preoccupied with travelling to far-flung and exotic locations. That we often forget the beauty our home country has to offer. This year, why not take that road-trip you’ve been meaning to take. Stay at that fancy hotel you may have put off because you’ve been saving for your exotic vacation abroad. Remember, the tourism industry in your home country needs your business too, so, why not show them love at a time when they need it most.
And remember, tourists come to your country for a reason. Try to open your eyes to the beauty they see. The familiar doesn’t have to be boring or ugly. Local tourism too can be fascinating!
When you do go out exploring locally, take precautions until the spread of the Coronavirus slows. Go to places or parks that won’t have crowds. If you touch anything that doesn’t belong to you wash your hands with warm soapy water or carry hand-sanitizer.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland here are the coolest places to stay in Ireland
Support smaller hotels & restaurants through these difficult times
Here’s a great idea – treat yourself to a gift voucher for that small hotel or B&B you’ve been meaning to stay at. Or if you can afford it, start your Christmas shopping early and buy your loved ones a gift voucher for their local restaurant or spa. These small businesses usually operate on small margins, so this decline in tourism will likely hit them hard. Buy the gift voucher online if you can, or email the business direct and they will post one out to you. That way the business can use the money from your gift voucher now and you can use the gift voucher when its safe to travel again.
The reason I suggest small hotels and B&B’s, is because the “big boys” (the Hilton’s, Marriott’s, Holiday Inn’s etc. of the world) are huge global companies who can take the hit. A mass decline in tourism,will unfortunately cause a lot of small businesses to close down. Let’s do what we can to keep them afloat.
Dine at your local restaurant or coffee shop
Use websites like First Table or Groupon to get a great deal for your meal. We use First Table frequently here in Queenstown, you are simply booking the first table of the night for a 50% discount.
A lot of restaurants have implemented measures to ensure the protection of their customers. Like limiting the amount of diners at any one time and moving tables to a minimum of 3 metres apart. Call the restaurant ahead of time to ensure they are implementing these measures.
Here are the very best Cafes in New Zealand, if you fancy a nosey
Get inspiration for your next vacation by looking at travel websites
A lot of travel websites and travel bloggers will too be feeling the pinch. A lot of us travel bloggers make our money through you browsing our website, then, clicking on an advertisement and purchasing something. With the interest in travel decreasing significantly it means less and less people are browsing for travel inspiration. And so less people are clicking on those advertisements preventing money going into our pockets.
My advice is, this travel ban won’t last forever and when it is eventually lifted I bet you will all be itching to travel. So, why not get ahead of yourself and start planning that dream vacation now.
Browse all my dreamy travel articles here.
Another great website I came across recently is Mapcrunch. This website drops you randomly somewhere in the world using google streetview. So, you can carry on travelling, from the comfort of your own couch.
Do not take unnecessary risks
As much as I’m an advocate for travel and local tourism in this instance. If you’re in the high-risk category or are just plain scared of leaving the house, then, please stay at home. There are many ways you can get your travel fix without leaving the comfort of your home. Here are just a few ideas to keep you sane during these travel-free times:
- Watch a travel TV show on Netflix. Here’s a list of the best travel TV show’s currently showing.
- Browse your favourite travel bloggers website. Here’s some great travel bloggers to browse for inspiration
- Watch youtube videos of your favorite travel destinations to inspire you
- Read a travel-related book. Here’s a list from Nomadic Matt on the best travel books you should be reading
- Make a photo album of your favourite travel photos
To conclude, there are plenty of ways you can support local tourism in the time of Coronavirus. I hope you’ve found inspiration from my idea’s here. It’s been a tough year so far for everyone, but, if we support each-other, take precautions and stay positive we can get through this together. I for one am staying as positive as usual and looking forward to planning my next vacation.
P.S I’ve also written an awesome guide about creating a unique gift with Paint Your Life!
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