Much like ‘fast fashion’, fast travel was something we all got used to. Quick weekend jaunts here and there, in and out of a destination in a matter of hours. We look at how travelling with intention will be the way of the future with longer time spent in each destination, plus other future travel trends that will change the way you book your vacation going forward.
Future Travel Trends: What can we expect from airports?
There’s a lot of talk about how airports will adjust when it comes to future travel trends. Some are even suggesting that we will be looking at contactless security with video scans rather than with physical security. But the bottom line is it will take longer. Lines will be longer with social distancing in place, there will likely be expectations of masks at all times.
Future Travel Trends: What are airlines doing?
There are a few things airlines are talking about as they start to open up more flights. One is keeping the middle seat open, but also temperature checks, mandatory masks. What will likely slow down the whole plane process compared to what we’ve become accustomed to is the boarding process. Most airlines have released information about new cleaning techniques in between each flight (you can see Air Canada’s Clean Care + promise here), so there will be longer wait times between deplaning and boarding of flights. Also look at boarding from the back to the front to help with aisle congestion, as opposed to boarding by zone which was indicative of your status or type of ticket booked.
Future Travel Trends: What to expect at destinations or when you come home
Right now we still see a mandatory quarantine time for people who have travelled, and that may still happen as travel opens up more. France for example requires all people entering the country to quarantine for 14 days, and then there is the self isolation time for when you return. This may not be the case for all countries as we go forward, but it may be implemented that if you return home from certain places, you need to add in extra isolation time once you’re home.
Future Travel Trends: What does this mean for travel trends in the future?
Less quick trips: This all adds up to people travelling differently. Those quick weekend getaways to Vegas, a beach, or to NYC might not be as popular. You’ll see less quick trips because of the time and effort that will go into them. On another note, keep in mind of what you may need to do in case of cancelled travel plans.
Intentional or slow travel: More thoughtful, intentional trips that take longer and you spend more time in that destination. One thing we have been talking about in the travel industry for a while in terms of future travel trends has been ‘slow travel’, meaning you spend more time in one spot, really getting to know the culture, way of life and not hopping from city to city.
Road trips: Because of all the extra precautions that will be taken for flights, you’ll see an uptick in road trip travel this summer. It’s an easier way to keep interactions lower and still get an adventure.
Travel within Canada: It’s the perfect time to see more of our country… not just because it’s beautiful but also because you don’t have the worry of possibly getting stuck in another country.
Travel agents come back: A lot of people are going to feel the safety that comes along with booking with a travel agent… they can help you navigate insurance, back up plans, etc.
