We are currently in the midst of the greatest global crisis in our lifetimes, with countries enforcing tough lockdown measures as a means of battling against the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world, we are being encouraged to keep our distance from one another, going against our instincts, forced to quickly adapt to a ‘new normal’, as it is being called.
These times will not last, but in the short-term, we will have to get used to a different way of doing things. Mundane tasks such as going shopping, how we work and even how we walk the street have all changed, but there is one aspect of our lives that has perhaps changed more than any other: how we go on holiday. So, what can we expect from holidays after lockdown?
Travel Restrictions
Right now many countries have imposed highly restrictive travel restrictions or have closed their borders completely. This, of course, means that this will be a summer like no other, with international tourism set to be at a record low. For tourist hotspots such as Spanish islands and coastal towns, Greece, Portugal and many, many more destinations that rely so heavily on holidaymakers spending their money, this is going to be a tough time.
As a result of these international restrictions, assuming that as the summer goes on, we are allowed more freedom to travel within our own country, this means that the hospitality and leisure industries will be highly reliant on domestic tourism. In the United Kingdom, where the effects of COVID-19 have been amongst some of the worst in the world, holiday parks and resorts are desperate to welcome in guests following months of closure.
Changing Our Habits
Rather than planning our holidays further afield, we are likely to have to look closer to home for our slice of summer. While many Brits will be looking at caravans for hire for a UK holiday set in amongst beautiful countryside, wherever you are in the world you will likely be discovering the sights that are right on your doorstep.
Where international tourism is set to take a hit in the short-to-medium-term, domestic tourism could be set to thrive. After months of highly restrictive measures which, for many, have meant almost complete isolation from society, it is natural to be chomping at the bit to make the most of what summer we will have left as and when we can.
Brits and Americans, on the account of their countries high infection rates, aren’t likely to be globetrotting this year. With each country holding such allure to holidaymakers around the world, this situation may just be a blessing in disguise as far as forcing us to appreciate the place in which we live.
Looking Ahead
Looking a year or two ahead, when the world has hopefully returned to normal and this is all just a distant memory, we should never forget how we feel right now. When we can travel without restrictions and finally enjoy holidays after lockdown, we should never take for granted just how lucky we are to explore this fantastic world.
There will be a time when we can look forward to flying without fear of what we may bring back home, without having to wear face masks that stop you from reading the expressions of the person sitting next to you and, most importantly, you will be able to love and hug without regret. When those times come, it will be magical.
Until then, we must make the best out of the hand we have been dealt with. Yes, this year may have been the year you were supposed to see the world, but having been allowed to venture little further than the front door, realising the beauty of the country in which we live shouldn’t be taken for granted.
