For many of us, this past year has been one of staycations, “virtual” getaways or simply getting intimately acquainted with our own backyard. Now that vaccinations are on the rise, the need to see and experience something new is visceral. Our vacation bug is taking hold. A recent survey from Travel Leaders Group and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that out of 3,000 travellers, nearly 70% plan to vacation in 2021. 

For those of us who have embarked on the first, tentative trips of the year, one thing is clear - travel looks a lot different today than it did pre-COVID. To help ensure your next trip does not end up more frustrating than refreshing, we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect when planning your first post-pandemic trip.

1) Choosing where to go

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a destination for your first adventure of the year. Primarily, whether the landscape and layout of your chosen accommodation lends itself to social distancing. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the world’s leading infectious disease experts, herd immunity and an ensuing return to ‘some level of normality’ in terms of our social lives, isn’t expected until late in the year. So we’ll still want to be mindful of who and how many people we’re coming into close contact with. Also, make sure to check travel requirements for your destination of choice, as some countries still enforce a mandatory two-week quarantine upon entry. The last thing you want is to touch down in your dream locale only to have to spend the entirety of your trip in one room.

On the plus side, there’s never been an easier time to book travel that benefits the planet. The last year was one of reflection for travel aficionados, and an increased awareness for the damage our wanderlust can wreak when approached incorrectly. As a result, industry experts have merged experience with environmental ethos to create resources that help travellers curate eco-conscious trips. For instance, Juliet Kinsman, sustainability editor for Conde Nast Traveller, launched eco-hotel guide Bouteco. Similarly, former Black Tomato travel expert, Tom Harding, helped co-found nemo, an ethical travel agency with an expertise in curating bespoke itineraries that benefit local communities. Finally, Preferred Hotel Group recently launched its Beyond Greentravel booking platform to help their luxury travel clientele find a more meaningful way to explore the world. 

2) Checking in for your flight

Now that you’ve identified and booked your destination of choice, it’s time to check in for your flight. Gone are the days when a passport or ID was all you needed to reach your gate. Many places require printed proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of your departure time, to be presented at check-in. In addition, some countries require a travel authorization form in order to cross the border. To procure this, you’ll need to apply online and present flight details as well as information about where you’ll be staying. Give yourself at least a week, if not more, to apply as it can take several days to get approved.

3) What to bring in your carry-on

Once you’re on your flight, you’ll want to be prepared with a few extras in your carry-on that pre-COVID you may not have thought to bring. Of course, you’ll need a mask. Depending on how long your flight is, a good option is to get the type that secures behind your head in order to prevent the stress from straps that loop around your ears for long periods of time. In addition, food options on flights are much more limited now, so consider packing a few items to hold you over (bonus, bringing your own food also reduces plastic waste from on-board snacks!). We recommend an apple, raw bars or a Tupperware filled with your favorite salty nuts.

Finally, although airlines are going through great lengths to keep their cabins clean, a good disinfectant spray for your hands and a pack of disinfectant wipes to give your seat an extra scrub will give you more peace of mind in-flight.

4) A new resort experience

It’s no secret that hotels and resorts have had to make adjustments to account for guest safety in the last year. The good news? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Expect more privacy and seclusion, perfect for creating special moments with the loved ones you’re with. Also, many hotels are now providing enhanced in-room culinary options, spa services and private workout classes. With so much time spent in your room, look for places that have all you need in that one place. The luxe sanctuaries at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, for instance, include in-room infinity pools overlooking the Piton mountains and Caribbean sea. What else could you need?

Alternatively, glamping destinations provide all the amenities of a high-end resort with the adventure and scenic vistas of a camping trip. In addition, the  healthy flow of fresh makes it one of the safer options for travel in the near future. We recommend the recently opened Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica, Jack’s Camp in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans National Park or any of the Under Canvas accommodations across the United States’ beautiful National Parks.

5) Getting back home

It may be easy to overlook this last bit of your trip, as in previous years it was always an afterthought. However, just as travelling out of the country requires accounting for yours and others’ health and safety, so does travelling back in. Before you book your hotel, ask if they provide easy on-site COVID testing. It will be one less thing to worry about so you can focus on enjoying your long-awaited excursion to its fullest.

By Bonnie Culbertson, Freelance Writer, Sustainability & Luxury Travel