When can I travel again? (COVID-19 series)

When can I travel again after COVID-19? The question on everyone’s lips at the moment. In this post (through hours of research) I will give the best estimate on when your next vacation will be.

When we emerge from lock-down, I think the first thought on a lot of people’s minds (after hugging their loved ones of course) will be – when can I travel again? And for good reason, we deserve it!

If your income has been significantly affected by COVID-19 then you may not have travel as a priority. That is completely fair, travel is a luxury. You can follow these steps to help you put money aside over the coming months for that vacation.

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When can I travel again after COVID-19?

From my research I have found the following information, which leads me to believe travel restrictions will be lifted in most countries by July 2020:

• In Europe – budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and others have announced they aim to start operating flights from June 21st 2020.

• On June 3rd Italy opened its borders to all travelers from the European Union and Schengen area, these tourists will not need to self-quarantine.

• Also, France has put an end to the 14-day isolation period for citizens from European countries.

• In Spain, borders will remain closed to tourists until late June at an estimate. The Canary Islands are expected to re-open to tourists in early July.

• Greece will open direct international fights to the country’s tourist destinations from 1st July. On entry to Greece tourists will be required to take a COVID-19 test. Greece is also making travel cheaper by temporarily reducing VAT on flights, bus journeys and rail travel – to 13% from 24%.

• EasyJet have also announced they will do cheap holiday packages from 2021. Thus, they foresee the need for cheap travel options. Hopefully other travel companies will follow suit.

• Some countries may require a Certificate of Health upon entry to show that you are not showing any COVID-19 symptoms. You will likely need to get this certificate from your doctor 72 hours before you fly.

Where will we travel to?

Recent reports suggest that searches for holidays in Spain and Italy are up 2000% compared to the same time last year. So, based off this information the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy and Greece will likely be a popular choice.

We also have a lot of sympathy for these countries after witnessing how badly they were affected by COVID-19. The scenes on the news of thousands of coffins lined up for burial in Italy and Spain, will forever be etched into our brains. As humans, it’s natural for us to want to support those who have gone through hardship. The media has painted a picture of a very much damaged Europe. Andrea Bocelli’s hopeful live performance on Easter Sunday only added to our supportive spirit for Italy especially.

Puerto Rico will likely be very cheap to get to from the US – JetBlue just announced some very cheap fares from November 2020. Considering the Caribbean islands very low rate of infection, I think the Caribbean islands will be a popular choice for Americans.

Travel may be cheaper until Summer 2021

If you can afford to travel once this is all over, then I think you will find some very cheap travel deals for this Summer. It will be a case of ‘every man for himself’ in the travel industry as travel companies compete against one another for customers. The best way to get customers in a financially-limited time like this will be to offer cheap prices. Many airlines and hotels will be just covering their overheads in the beginning. Prices are likely to rise again from the beginning of 2021 as travel companies try to make a profit.

The travel industry will look a lot different

The fact of the matter is that many airlines, travel agencies and accommodation providers will not survive this. Sadly, it will likely be the smaller businesses who will fall first. Travel insurance policies will be more limited and so customers will likely only want to travel to countries nearby or to countries they are familiar with.

I too think that people will be pushing for more sustainable travel options. After this pandemic I think people will emerge more sensitive to the health of people and of our planet. The images of dolphins returning to the canals of Venice and the drastic decrease in pollution over China pulled at all of our heartstrings. We have seen first-hand the positive effects COVID-19 has had on the environment and we will want to try to maintain the health of our planet. Thus, I’m sure we will be hearing more and more about eco-tourism.

Bucket-list destinations like a Safari in Africa or a vacation to a unique destination like Cuba will garner a lot of interest. As people look to fulfill their bucket lists after such a scary and trying period.

The return of the staycation

All signs are pointing towards the fact that a staycation will be the vacation of choice for most people this Summer. Fear of catching something on planes and in airports will keep more people in their home countries this Summer. People will also be afraid that if the virus was to get a second-wave this Summer, they may be forced to stay abroad or go into self-isolation upon their return home.

This is a good thing – a staycation is a great way to pump some money back into the local tourism economy. ‘Support your own’ as the phrase goes!

For your staycation, why not explore stunning Ireland.

Whatever happens, and I am well aware that this may go on a lot longer than I predicted. I think we need to remember why travel was so important to us before this. And remember that reason when you feel a little fearful of booking your vacation. Travel is an important part of most of us, we mustn’t lose that adventurous spirit especially at a time when the travel industry will need us more than ever.

And until we can start traveling again stay safe.

Tell me – when do you think you can travel again after COVID-19?

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