Future Of The Travel
Do you know that about 36% of travelers rate travel as their foremost priority?
Well, if you are bitten by a travel bug and lockdown has put a long hold on it, you can cheer now! Finally, it is the time you can start traveling again but with all the new norms.
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world earlier this year, borders were closed, cities shut down, flights canceled, and almost all of us locked indoors. The entire travel industry was paralyzed leaving no hope of traveling again for a long time. With thousands of planes grounded, trains suspended, and a rapid drop in the use of local transport, my every plan of touring was sunk.
A traveler can’t sit indoors and not travel. Right?
Just like you all I’ve too waited a long time to step outside and travel again. However, making plans while being indoors was like dreaming- I’ll step out when this will all be over, but when? The plans to create a picture-perfect postcard, memories of a leisurely journey were crumbled.
The lockdown did put a huge pause on my plans. However, now with time when the countries are beginning to reopen tentatively, the traveler in me is ready to board again. Every day is focused on survival- what should be done and what all can wait.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
Or maybe, more than once?
Why Do I Travel?
Being born to a family of corporate business, travel was never a natural fit for me. I chose it over everything else. I’ve been traveling every year since my 20s and this pandemic pause came as a sad part to me. However, with everything getting back to normal, travelers like me would definitely be happy. It’s just the self-protective measures that we have to focus on more!
: The curiosity to travel the world out there and discover everything I haven’t seen before, kept me rolling on the path of travel. To be a part of other cultures, enjoy discrete traditions, experience the life of people on mountains, and getting to know about so much more made me eager to solo travel.
The more I travel, the more I get to know about what’s unseen from our eyes while we lay at our homes’.
How Do I Choose My Next Place To Travel?
Although I have a list of places in hand that I’ve planned to visit, I rather make instant plans. Mostly I make plans keeping in mind my budget, what kind of content I can get from a place, and which weather I want to enjoy next.
After framing all these on a paper, I decide the best relatable place my instincts suggest. If you travel once every 1-2 months, you can cover some short trips. While if you take trips twice in 6 months, you can travel long distance places.
The Challenges I Face As A Solo Traveler
The first question that pops up in our mind, every time we hear “Solo Travel”- Is it safe to travel solo?
Well, without someone to watch your back, you become more vulnerable to scam artists, and other criminals out there. The challenges you will face while traveling alone are- problems with navigation, translating or guessing native languages, and your safety and health issues. However, if you travel frequently, you master most of the things. And even if you have not, you have to make some hard decisions.
It is better to do your homework before you arrive (I mean research well about the place you are traveling to!). Also, look for the right place of accommodations, exude confidence, stick to public places, and trust yourself (if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it).
Traveling After Lockdown
Amid this pandemic crisis should we halt our travel plans for now?
Obviously, not!
Although with the COVID-19 pandemic relenting its grip on people across the world, we can start with smart travel ideas. Responsible tourism is the future of travel. It’s time that we learn to avoid the mad dash for tickets, crowded immigration lines, and of course comprehend social distancing in our actions too.
Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with family, taking precautions has become the new normal of life. Take them as the suggestions from one traveler to another-
- Evaluate Your Risks And Personal Factors!
Risks of catching COVID-19 are relatively higher for elderly and old-age people, and those suffering from other health problems as well. Reconsider your traveling plans if it involves even a single such person. For me, I prefer traveling solo and so even during this time, I have to keep a check only on myself.
However, if you are a solo traveler too, check in with your health and start making plans if you are perfectly fit!
- Choose Modes Of Transportation Carefully
If possible, hire a private vehicle while on a trip. COVID has created a big mess around us. And we can’t rely on our surroundings to support us anymore. So, try being more careful with your transports. For long distances, airways and railway travel is a good option.
- Carry The Disinfectants, Masks, And Sanitizers
You can forget your charger, but forgetting the masks or sanitizer is a big NO! Not only the government has made it mandatory, but it is also essential for your safety. Apart from this, disinfectants for toilet seats, wipes, and tissues can also be counted as a must.
- Minimize Contacting While Tripping!
Sanitize your hands, get your boarding pass yourself from the machine, and sanitize your hands again. Avoid touching everything or any person, not even your face. I personally don’t feel good to touch any common surface in use at airports, restaurants, or stations anymore.
- Carry Your Own Food And Water
It is best to carry your food and water bottle for short distances. I try to carry almost 2-3 bottles of water while traveling, to avoid asking it from someone or filling it now and then. Remember the days aren’t normal anymore, it is best to inculcate smart ways of traveling!
- Sickness Means Staying Home!
If you feel too tired or have any doubts about your health issues, stay at home. It is better to avoid mishaps than suffering later. Even if you are a solo traveler, do get your tests done before packing your bags and setting onboard.
Well, masks, sanitizer, and social distancing remain a must!
Here’s my tip to traveling solo: Pack your bags, book your ticket, and gooo!!
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