The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely shaken up family travel in ways nobody could have predicted. But hey, who says change can’t be a good thing? Let’s take a look at some of the pandemic-induced trends that have improved the travel experience and benefited local communities.
Revenge Travel is a Thing
After being cooped up for so long, families are eager to make up for lost time and create new memories, this has been dubbed “Revenge Travel.” People are splurging on luxury experiences and living their best lives on vacation. A pandemic and a recession? No problem, we’re taking that long-overdue trip to Disney World anyway!
Flexibility is Key
The pandemic has also made the travel industry more understanding when it comes to cancellations. With travel restrictions changing every day, airlines and vacation rental companies are offering more flexible cancellation policies to give travelers peace of mind. And who doesn’t love that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you won’t lose your hard-earned money if your plans change?
Insurance is Your New Best Friend
Speaking of peace of mind, trip insurance is now in vogue! From unexpected illnesses to travel bans, trip insurance has got your back. Just make sure to read the fine print, or you might end up learning the hard way that credit card insurance doesn’t cover everything!
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Remote Work is the New Normal
Remote work is no longer just a pandemic necessity, it’s a way of life. This has given families more opportunities to travel and explore new places. Now, you can work from your hotel room, visit your grandma in Florida, and take in the local sights all in one trip. It’s a win-win situation!
Preparation is Key
The pandemic has taught us to always be prepared. Families are doing their research before making travel decisions, checking COVID-19 situations, natural disasters, and political instability before booking. The hospitality industry may still be understaffed, so travelers are being smart by renting gear, checking fewer bags, and making reservations well in advance.
This is where BabyQuip can help! We deliver gear to your vacation rental, hotel room, grandparent’s home, and even to your destination airport. Get the peace of mind of not having to worry if your baby gear made it to your destination!
Health is Wealth
The pandemic has made us all more health-conscious. Families are continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing while traveling to keep themselves and others safe. And with vaccine passports becoming a thing, it’s essential to check destination requirements before packing your bags.
Travel Innovation is Booming
The pandemic has accelerated innovation in travel, bringing in new technologies and practices that would have taken years to scale. We’re talking contactless tech, UV-cleaning floor robots, and electrostatic air filters. These advancements have made travel safer and more convenient for everyone.
In conclusion, family travel has been revolutionized by the pandemic, and many new trends are here to stay. As we move forward, let’s remember to be prepared, health-conscious, and open to new travel innovations. The future of travel looks bright, and families are ready to hit the road and make up for lost time!
Fran Maier is CEO and Founder of BabyQuip, the leading baby gear rental service for traveling families and now offering local cleaning services too. She is a serial entrepreneur and brand builder with over 25 years experience in B2C and B2B internet businesses. She is best known for her 10+ years leading TRUSTe (now TrustArc), the leading privacy trustmark and compliance provider, and as Co-Founder and first General Manager of Match.com.
Fran speaks widely on several topics relating to women in business, including opportunities for women in the collaborative economy, addressing the lucrative family travel segment, women in entrepreneurship and on boards. She serves as an advisor to many start-ups including Portfolia, Women’s Start-up Lab, Sign-up.com, Kango, and Dabbl.
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