Let’s start from the beginning – 

As of March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. But what is a pandemic? I had heard of it. I perhaps even vaguely remembered studying about it in school. Though, in actuality, the word didn’t hold any real meaning to me. 

A quick Google search solved my confusion. According to Medical News Today: “A pandemic is an outbreak of global proportions. It happens when infection due to bacterium or virus becomes capable of spreading widely and rapidly”.

Soon after the announcement of the pandemic, countries around the world went into various levels of quarantine. Scientists and doctors and are still trying to figure out the disease, creating a fear of the unknown for many.

Here in Dubai, the lockdown has gradually begun to lift, as have restrictions in other countries around the world. However, with all the new limitations on our day-to-day lives, I realized something: the world as we know it, has changed forever. As a result, it’s time to begin preparing for “the new normal.” 

Here are my thoughts on adapting to our post-COVID-19 lives and the future of travel.

1 – Facemasks and Protective Gloves: The New Must-Have Fashion Accessory

Facemasks and gloves are the world’s latest fashion trends. It’s now mandatory to wear a facemask at work or around people you don’t live with, according to guidelines set out by Dubai Authorities. Gloves, too, are compulsory in supermarkets and grocery stores. You are exempt from these rules, however, if you are taking part in strenuous exercise or driving by yourself. 

It’s strange to see the people of the world with their faces covered. Even so, the sooner we get used to this new look, the better it will be. And though you may not have symptoms yourself, you never know if the people around you are sick. The guidelines are in place for a reason: to protect the safety of yourself and others. 

2 – Goodbye Offices – It’s The Era Of Working From Home

COVID-19 will undeniably change the way businesses operate forever. Since employees can effectively work from home, flexible work is likely to become the new norm. As a result, rent costs are slashed, curbing other overhead expenses in the process. 

Coronavirus will undoubtedly affect business travel too. Travel restrictions are in place worldwide, meaning companies now hold important meetings online rather than traveling overseas. But business travel is an essential aspect of any business. Many global companies would not function without the ability to fly. 

With this in mind, I suspect that business travel will not stop completely – it is a necessity in some cases. I do think, however, that it will reduce by 50% at the very least.

3 – Slow Down: Now Is The Time To Educate Yourself

The arrival of COVID-19 was a completely unprecedented event. Everyone has been affected in some way, to varying degrees of devastation. 

However, crisis brings change. One of the most significant benefits of this pandemic is the opportunity we’ve had to educate ourselves. Most importantly, we have learned to slow down. 

Humanity seems to be obsessed with always being busy, but it isn’t an efficient way of living. This quarantine was like a gift from Mother Earth. We’ve slowed down and reduced the road traffic immensely. We’ve decreased our carbon footprint & seen a drop in water pollution. Also nature and wildlife have returned.

I sincerely hope we can take these lessons forward with us: the world will thank us for it.

4 – Are You Fit To Travel? Expect Health Checks At The Airport

With domestic and international borders gradually opening up, health checks are likely to become mandatory. To travel, you’ll be required to take a test to show you’re COVID-19 negative. Or perhaps you’ll need a doctor’s note to confirm you don’t display any of the coronavirus symptoms. According to the Jakarta Post, this procedure is already compulsory for people traveling to or from Indonesia. 

One of the popular travel content creators I follow, Lauren Bullen,recently flew from Indonesia to Australia. The Australian government has imposed a 14-day self-quarantine, which is mandatory before you can visit anywhere in Australia.

Measures are already in place in some airports, where they assess the temperature of passengers and thermal screenings. I think we’re soon to see on-the-spot coronavirus tests at airports in the not too distant future.

5 – The Necessity Of Social Distancing: Contactless Solutions

“Necessity is the mother of invention” is a quote that fits the current situation perfectly. 

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, we are utilizing many technological innovations. From online ticketing to non-contact hotel check-in, automated food pick-up services to DIY passport scanning – the world has gone contactless.Social media influencer Christina Galbatorecently flew to New York with Delta Airlines, chronicling her journey on which they were not serving food or snacks. I think this will become the new standard on short-haul flights. As for long haul, on-board staff will serve food with minimal contact and disposable utensils.

      

6 – Domestic Travel Booms & The Rise of the Staycation

Despite the likelihood of international travel being allowed in the coming weeks and months, domestic flights have already begun.

I think people will be reluctant to travel internationally right away, though. As an example, I asked a few close friends and followers if they’d hop on an airplane as soon as the borders open. Almost 70% of them said no. 

Perhaps #vanlife and road-trips will become more common. Many travelers, myself included, are keen to explore their neighbouring cities and states instead. Even though the UAE isn’t a vast country, I’m looking forward to adventures in the Emirates close to Dubai. It’s something I haven’t done enough of – and I can’t see myself buying a plane ticket any time soon!

7 – Taking it Easy: Expect A Slower Pace of Travel

Everything is going to slow down. It already has. The coronavirus pandemic has shown us that despite our best efforts, you can never adequately plan for the future. 

It’s best to take it slow, focusing on how you can adapt to the changes brought by extreme situations like these. The current COVID-19 situation has shifted our mindset and helped give us a different outlook on everything in life. I certainly know it has for me. It’s forced me to stop, take a deep breath, step back, and reflect on my actions. 

I regularly thought about the effects of over-tourism and how it is damaging some of the best places in the world – Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the beaches of Bali, the oceans of Thailand and so many other tourist hotspots.  

Now, in 2020, everything has come to a standstill. I won’t just be checking the destinations I want to see off my “must-visit” list. I am going to cherish and treasure every moment of my travels. 

To conclude, I’d say that the businesses that can safely practice social distancing have a higher chance of pulling through the crisis. However, they will need to rethink their strategies and how they work to adapt to changing consumer needs.

Individuals, on the other hand, will need to alter their lifestyles and the way they travel. And me? Well, I am happy that my travel blogging and vlogging business survives in the face of adversity. Most of all, I am grateful to be healthy and alive.

In case your city or country hasn’t lifted the lockdown, or you’re continuing the self-quarantine, here’s a list of activities you can do stay productive during this pandemic.