My calendar reads May 27th. We’ve now spent an entire season in quarantine. Instead of Spring Break, we spring cleaned. Instead of gathering for Easter brunch, millions of people celebrated with their own banana bread. Instead of going to prom, seniors danced on TikTok. Bleak? Unfortunately so. These are UNPRECEDENTED times. Spring 2020, I’m not sad to see ya go. We can only hope summer brings an uptick in travel and a flattened curve. I believe in a world where both can exist at the same time.
With that being said, it’s no secret the virus has completely decimated the travel industry. Airlines are on their knees with traffic on U.S. airlines down 95 percent compared to last year, hotels are at their lowest occupancy in history and the cruise industry has come to a complete halt. As you read this, it’s important to note the publishing date. Things change by the minute during this pandemic, so today’s policy may change by the end of the week.
What does immediate travel look like?
The actual process of travel has already changed in response to COVID-19 with more changes to come, but the travel industry will adapt as it always has. For example, it’s hard to remember that we used to have zero restrictions on liquids and no need for a Ziploc bags. It quickly became accepted as part of the travel experience. Future experiences could involve wider spaces with expanded terminals to allow for distancing and thermal-imaging cameras to screen arriving passengers, triggering an alarm when a temperature of 100.3 or higher is registered.
While it’s impossible to predict the future, one thing is certain in my eyes: domestic travel will come back before international travel. More remote locations and private lodging options will likely be considered a key element to sustaining personal safety and security. Road trips within the U.S. will be gaining popularity over summering in Europe. Nature-based travel surrounding national parks where social distancing can occur will likely rise as well. Who’s up for an RV rental? With some states easing restrictions and other states being far more conservative on opening dates, it can be hard to know what lodging options, restaurants and shops will actually be open. RVs and van life may just have their moment to shine here.
How to stay safe while traveling
The truth is, you don’t get sick on airlines any more than anywhere else. That’s what Joseph Allen, assistant professor of exposure assessment science at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, states. Yes, planes can carry disease as sick people get on and off, but just like in other places, there are precautions you can take. Wearing a mask on planes should be mandated (and already is on many carriers), and wiping down tables and arm rests with a disinfectant provides an additional layer of defense. Other activities include washing hands before and after each step at the airport, keeping the personal overhead ventilation on and pointed down and maintaining physical distancing as much as possible. Planes use HEPA air filters recommended by the CDC that capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles. For those who have a compromised immune system and fall ill more easily than others, I imagine this sector, alongside older individuals, will travel less in the wake of the pandemic.
How airlines are handling the pandemic
I’ve spoken to many of my contacts in the travel industry, and airlines are doing a lot to minimize interaction and risk. Last week, United launched CleanPlus, a new standard of cleanliness and safety with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic. From using the same equipment used to clean hospitals to disinfect their aircrafts to testing UV sanitation deployed by drones to artificial intelligence that could assist with temperature screening, they’re raising the bar to provide a safe and clean travel experience.
Delta, like many other airlines, implemented social distancing markers at gates, electrostatic sprayers, cleaning crews between flights and blocked middle seats (alongside Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest) plus reduced the total number of passengers per flight to between 50% and 60% of capacity depending on aircraft type.
American Airlines is rolling out flexible rebooking options, similar to United, and allowing customers to move to more open flights when available, all without any extra charge. The airline is also waiving change fees for travel scheduled through Sept. 30.
Cathay Pacific‘s Philippe Lacamp, Senior Vice-President of the Americas, recently mentioned that the airline is celebrating 75 years of flying next year, and during the past seven decades, they’ve weathered many storms and adapted to the ‘new normal’ on many occasions from the end of World War II, through SARS, MERS and post 9/11. The airline has been ranked in the Top 10 of Skytrax’s ‘World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness’ list for five consecutive years.
Qatar cabin crew will wear PPE suits over their uniforms in addition to safety goggles, gloves and a mask. Passengers will be required to wear face coverings. In June, the airline will fly to 80 destinations including Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Sao Paulo (GRU), Montreal (YUL) in the Americas, 23 in Europe, 20 in Middle East/Africa and 33 in Asia-Pacific. For anyone with travel plans, note a new policy with Qatar where you can change your travel date or destination free of charge, as often as you need, for travel until December 31st, 2020. Change your origin to another city within the same country or any other destination within a 5,000 mile radius of your original destination (!).
Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for a limited number of passengers. The quick blood tests are administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and results are available within 10 minutes. Testing would go a long way in reassuring the public, of course, and hopefully it’s scalable.
Other news out of the airline industry includes LATAM filing for bankruptcy yesterday. LATAM is THE airline of South America and now the largest airline to have filed since the start of the pandemic. Like Virgin Australia and Avianca, the airline is being forced to restructure due to COVID-19. It’ll come back a smaller airline after having to return 19 leased aircrafts to their owners. LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo states, “During the process, LATAM’s operations will follow their usual course and this decision and will not affect our efforts to return to regular operations.” The reorganization does not include airline operations in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Where should you go first?
A road trip up the California coast is hard to beat in terms of domestic travel, and if you’re looking towards the tropics then look no further than the U.S.V.I. St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas will welcome back leisure travelers on June 1st, and guests won’t have to abide by the 14-day quarantine orders if they pass temperature checks upon arrival.
Have passport, will travel? All eyes are on the Caribbean right now with Antigua, St. Lucia and Aruba on the brink of reopening. The number of confirmed cases has been extremely low, and death tolls remain at 3 or less for each island. Antigua will allow flights from the U.S. starting June 4th. Travelers will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport. As for St. Lucia, Phase 1 begins June 4th with the government requiring all visitors to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flights and undergo temperature checks upon arrival. Travelers will be required to wear face masks and follow social-distancing measures during their stay on the island. Aruba plans to reopen sometime between June 15th and July 1st. Upon arrival, travelers can expect to undergo new screening measures including temperature checks. The tourism board doesn’t have information yet on whether travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival or need to bring proof of immunity with them.
Iceland has been a golden star throughout Europe for its proactive pandemic plan and sticking to it. The country began testing widely for Covid-19 in February, even before its first declared case. Its estimated mortality rate of 0.6% is lower than that of France, Italy and Sweden. It even tested people who showed no symptoms. The country is opening its borders on June 15th and offering visitors the choice between two-week quarantine or a Covid-19 test.
As for hotels, we can expect new physical-distancing protocols across the board like plexiglass barriers at desks, digital keys, and contactless check-in, plus elevated cleaning practices for luggage handling, food and beverage service, and more. “Covid-free” is the new five-star rating.
All in all, I believe it’s imperative to follow the many guidelines stated above in order to stop the spread of this virus. Travel is a privilege, and we should always look to being the best travelers we can be for the health of humankind. I also believe you can’t live your life in fear. The world will open up – it’s already starting. How each individual chooses to move forward is up to them – no travel shame included. My first trip in the wake of this virus is to Arkansas in June.
Per usual, your thoughtful writing, selfless actions and reasoned travel analysis are glowing! Your example to everyone has been remarkable ever since we all began sheltering in place. Both of our governors (CA/WA) have acted apolitically and put citizens’ health first. We have seen the best of people. . . . and unfortunately the worst in some cases.
What will I do? I will wear a mask in public, not because it is required, but because those with compromised immune systems have the same right to enter public spaces again as I do. I will wear a mask in public to give elders the freedom to see their families again, rather than experience a second viral surge and an extension of their current isolation. I pray for and hope for selflessness in these next months. And as you surmised, I hope to travel domestically first as planned to our planned remote locations—but expect we will no longer be alone when we get there. I miss everything—everything domestic and international about travel! No surprise to me that your first travel will be to see your family! Keep up the great work!! And fondest wishes for continued safety!
Thank you for this and for taking the necessary precautions for yourself as well as others. Best wishes to you!!
I heard thay Mexico will start to allow tourists again at the end of June! Around the 22nd I think? Have you heard anything about this??
Mexico is reopening region by region based on the number of local cases, so it’s hard to give an exact answer. Some regions are discussing a possible reopening for June or July with hopeful returns by summer or fall. The U.S. extended its travel advisory to MX through June 22nd, but it looks like Delta is restarting flights to Cancun and MX City daily in at some point in June.
Greece says they will reopen for international tourists in July. Hoping to go there for my end of July trip. Have you heard anything new on Greece?
Yes, Greece had a fast response to the pandemic. I think because of that, a lot of people are watching how they reopen. Tourism is important here obviously, and the government recently said it plans to allow international flights on July 1 but will refuse entry to citizens from countries with high infection rates until July 15th – time will tell if you are able to go!
Take precautions but don’t live in fear. I plan on doing just that! I have my first trip in June to Charleston. I plan on keeping my distance but none the less on vacation, ass in the sand, with a book in my hand. Life is still good💓
I’ve heard lots of talk on Charleston for this summer. It’s one of my favorite U.S. destinations.
Just road tripped up to Jackson Hole from Denver. Going to check out the southern loop of Yellowstone (only the WY entrances are currently open) and do some horseback riding, hiking and fly fishing. Also booked a July trip to St. Simon’s because I have a beach, BBQ and boiled peanuts deficiency!
I think those are both great options! Yellowstone…not enough adjectives to describe it! And have been lucky to visit St. Simon’s many times. Have a great time and keep your distance xoxo
Thank you for all of this information!! Love your way with words and writing!! Have you heard anything about travel to Africa?! I have a trip booked to Tanzania and Zanzibar in October!!! Wondering if it will get canceled or if you think there might still be hope?! I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, I’m so sad thinking it could possibly not happen!!! 😩
I’m an optimist, so I am keeping the faith for you as well as them. I worry about the fragile healthcare systems and the crippling economies only exacerbated due to this virus. My heart goes out to all the countries there.
I have seen a number of posts showing that social distancing was enforced at the airports and waiting loungesbut as soon as people get on the plane, it is packed and impossible to practice social distancing. What are your thoughts on that? I would love to start travelling again. It fills my soul. But I am still a bit nervous.
I totally get it. I think it’s about being proactive and doing research on which airlines are blocking seats and restricting passenger load. I mentioned a few above, and I’ve heard lots of people booking more and more business class tickets so they have a bit more space from other passengers. At the end of the day, it’s all about what your own individual threshold is on personal space.
Hello 🙂 what’s ur opinion on international travel I booked my first flight to London in August for my 30th and I’m scared but not sure if there starting open that part of the country
I think if you take all the necessary precautions, follow the guidelines and are a responsible traveler then it’s your call! I will wait a bit for international travel. For the UK, it sounds like travelers need to provide journey/contact details and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. This could change by August so just keep up to date with the policy!
Such a lovely and informative post, thank you for sharing all of this! As someone that is also in a relationship with an Aussie, do you know anything about when their border will open for us Americans? My boyfriend had to go home in March, 2 months before he was meant to, because of their border closures, and we obviously haven’t been able to see each other sense 🙁
I’m sorry about the distance y’all are experiencing. I know what it’s like. Unclear when Aus will take international travelers again 🙁 At this current time, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members are permitted to travel to Australia and must undergo a 2 week quarantine upon arrival. What’s in place today could change by end of week, so it’s important to keep checking their policy xo
We are doing a road trip at the end of June to Asheville to celebrate our anniversary. Then a beach trip with the family in July to make up for a cancelled cruise. Our trip to Germany and Copenhagen got cancelled and rescheduled to end of September. Hoping that works out at that time. I personally can not wait to get on a plane again. But until then road trips will do. I’m excited to travel in any capacity right now.
I took my first flight two weeks ago to see my in-laws in South Carolina. I have to say I felt safer from covid at the airport than I did in a grocery store. The airplane was a different story but I’ll choose my airline differently next time.
I’ve had a trip booked to U.S.V.I. since January for July and it looks like it’ll happen which is excited. To anyone here who’s never been to Saint John- it’s beautiful!
Although I’m sad I had to cancel other trips I am looking forward to possibly exploring more of the US. Thanks for your post!!
Thank you for the positive article. There are so many articles right now being written from a place of fear, so it was refreshing to read yours. Our family is heading to St. Pete’s Beach in July. 🤞🏼
Hi Lesley! I LOVE your blog. I have told my two pals about it – we have been trying to plan our pipe dream of road tripping this summer to celebrate finishing grad school!! Is there any way you will be posting a blog about best/safest places to travel specifically in the U.S. as far as National parks and such? We are all about the backpacking! I know you said California coast is the way to go..wondering if you have any other tips!
Thanks so much for all your words of wisdom!
We have a trip planned to Peru at the beginning of August. Any thoughts on if that will be possible? We’re only there for 2 weeks so if they are requiring 2 week quarantine we won’t actually be able to “vacation” or do activities?
Hi Lesley! Thank you for sharing your knowledge as we are going stir crazy and are counting down the days to when we can travel internationally again.
Have you heard anything about the process of returning to the states from an international destination? What are the protocols or expectations upon arrival? Worried about getting back in to the US!
Hi Leslie! Thanks for the great information. I am anxious to get traveling again myself and I totally agree that you can’t live your life in fear. Curious to know if you’ve booked any international travel yet and if not if you plan to do so anytime soon? Thank you 💗
Thank you for this in depth post about travel after the pandemic, Lesley. I‘m craving travel so much, but it’s also still so unsure. We will start our first trip in a few weeks to Dresden. We live in the South of Germany and booked this trip back in September. Originally there was supposed to be a Taylor Swift concert in Berlin on June 24 within this trip. It was canceled and the ticket company will not give any money back…..but we will travel to Dresden, as we have already lost a lot of money for a trip to Iceland, we couldn’t take in March😔 your post gave me some important insights and encouragement to not feel travel shamed. We have to start some where and the travel industry needs us.
We were planning a trip to Iceland on September 23rd and just received an email this week that our flight has been cancelled. I’m confused why the Icelandic Air would cancel our flight so far in advance if they’re easing restrictions next month. Bummed our trip is cancelled for this year but at least they gave us a credit voucher for 100% of the ticket cost.