The consensus is a strong “Yes!” but what can we expect from the new normal for travel going moving forward? After 911, it was determined that travel would suffer because no one would be willing to take off their shoes at TSA screenings. And what do you mean I can’t bring my water bottle through security???
The pubic quickly adapted to that ‘new normal’ and as my phone rings with new trip inquiries, it is a welcomed foresight that travel will be bouncing back as more travel restrictions are lifted.
As policies and procedures are reviewed and updated, the big picture remains fluid. What is expected is that we will emerge into a sanitized world changes that will provide safe, enjoyable travel.
New sanitation procedures are showing positive advancement. Hotels and airlines are partnering with hospitals and major companies including sanitizing experts, Clorox, and Ecolab, to deliver new heights in cleanliness standards. One of the most striking updates is the increase of electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet light technology. The Westin Houston Medical Center was the first hotel using UV light in the form of two roaming robots, used in hospitals, to sanitize rooms and common areas. It will be interesting to see how these technologies grow in popularity as they are being introduced to more hotels, airlines, buses, and public spaces.
For the immediate future, some amenities in hotels may be limited such as gyms, pool areas, and spas. One California hotel is assigning pool chaise lounges and daybeds to guests for the duration of their stay. At a minimum, pool chairs and equipment will be sanitized after every use. Hotel’s popular morning coffee bars are being replaced with delivery outside guests’ doors at a time specified the night before via text. Minibars are disappearing in many hotels, but room service will be expanded to order wine, beer, spirits, and snacks delivered to their room, some via touchless robots.
Contactless services are increasing with new apps that allow payment options and provide hotel guests touchless key access to rooms. More plexiglass shields between employees and guests are popping up. Temperature checks will be prevalent. Light switches, elevator buttons, door handles, and other high traffic areas are getting more attention than they have probably had in many years. Hotel guests will be able to request to housekeeping as little or as often as they feel comfortable with.
Changes in restaurants are already apparent on a local level. Buffets have servers and some Las Vegas buffets are introducing a 'buffet menu' with a checklist of items you order and are served without leaving your table. Some Cancun restaurants are providing guests is a QR code to access the menu from your smartphone. I have already noticed paper menus replacing the regular menus at local restaurants as menus are touched by everyone and can be most at risk.
At the airport, passengers will keep possession of their own boarding passes through airport security. Food will need to be separated from your check-in bag through airport screening to prevent carry-on searches. The liquid restriction is being relaxed for packages of individual wipes and hand sanitizer of up to 12-ounce bottles. These items will also need to be placed outside the check-in bag for inspection. Do not forget to add hand sanitizer, masks, and individual wipes to your packing list. Although it takes getting used to seeing everyone in masks, passengers will be asked to adjust their masks for proper identification.
Las Vegas Airport has just installed the first PPE vending machines for the purchase of hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and other personal protective needs. Expect seeing more of these installs in public places.
Expect to have your temperature taken often and be prepared to complete travel screening questionnaires.
Capacity control will be enforced for more social distancing. Attractions will have ticketed time slots. Some airlines are starting to board row by row instead of groups, last row first. Florence’s Duomo announced that all visitors to the cathedral will be asked to wear the necklace-like social-distancing gadgets, which softly beep, vibrate, and flash when two people approach within a range of 2 meters (6.5 feet) of each other. These will be handed to individuals for free upon entry and will be disinfected between usage.
The good news is that attractions and must-see tourist attractions may be less crowded with the new restrictions which will make a more enjoyable experience. European countries are planning to open throughout the summer and families are breathing a sigh of relief to see Disney, Universal Studios, and Legoland attractions opening. Change and cancellation restrictions are loosened, and incredible promotions are offered to your favorite destinations. Having a more sanitized world and a bit extra elbow room due to capacity control is not a bad thing. The price for this is patience, so be prepared.
Advanced planning will be essential. Many travelers have rebooked to later dates. With limited access to the places you want to visit, having an experienced, knowledgeable Travel Advisor will be more important than ever to help navigate reservations and areas of interest, plus relieve confusion and uncertainty. You do not want to travel across the globe only to find out reservations for your bucket-list attraction is closed or reservations were sold-out months before. Your Travel Advisor provides peace of mind and know that if something interferes with your travel plans, either prior to or while traveling, you have someone providing the best options available.
As avid travelers, our curiosity and yearn to connect with new cultures and the marvels throughout the world are instilled within us, and we look forward to a future open to explore again. Know that providing a safe world is a foremost concern and without being cliché, “We are all in this Together.”
Donna Boyer is the owner-operator of Boyer Travel, LLC dba Cruise Planners, An American Express Travel representative. With more than 24 years of travel industry experience, she provides global travel services for leisure, luxury, and group travel. She is ready to help you explore the world. And remember, Cruise Planners is NOT JUST CRUISES! www.BoyerVacations.com.
