The Return of Travel

Taking a journey for the joy of discovery is one of life’s simple pleasures. By stepping away from our daily routines, we allow space for inspiration, wonder and a fresh perspective on the world around us.

The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted our freedom of movement about the globe in an unprecedented way. Tours and cruises were paused with little advance notice, and their resumption has been impossible to predict. But the light at the end of the tunnel is flickering, luring us back out into the world, restoring connections and jump-starting big dreams once again.

AAA Travel Advisors and our members have thoughts on emerging trends and recommendations for savvy travelers eager to hit the road again. Here’s what to consider as you navigate the new normal.

“A canceled trip can be a big let-down, so most AAA travel clients have chosen to rebook their trips a year or two out, and in many cases, travel for longer periods of time,” says Eden Prairie branch manager and travel advisor Susan Thompson. Even honeymooners, many of whom went ahead with modified wedding plans, are savoring the excitement and postponing their trip until the time is right.
Waiting for the green light has pushed travelers toward adopting a positive mindset rather than indulging in disappointment. “People are recognizing that the best things in life are worth waiting for,” Thompson adds. Plus, there are extra bonuses to waiting: Companies are offering early booking discount promotions, multi-tour offers and more time to make payments on big trips.

Many tour operators—even guided vacation companies—are offering private group options. Maple Grove travel advisor Xanthe Ostrowski sees this as a major trend in travel planning for the post-pandemic environment. These travelers want to engage in planned activities without adhering to the pre-determined schedule of a large group—a strategy Ostrowski says works well for multi-generational families or close friends who are re-connecting after months apart: “Our travel partners are enticing these groups with flexible departure dates, a dedicated local leader and customizable itineraries. We tell them what our group wants to see and do, and they set it up, start to finish. It’s that easy.”

Edina manager and travel advisor Catherine Moore tells her clients that the days of wandering into famous landmarks, monuments and museums without a reservation might be over—at least for the time being. That might be for the best. “Capacity-controlled environments at popular venues are simply a better experience for the visitor,” she says. The good news is that perhaps we won’t have to stand on tippytoes and peer over a crowd to see the Mona Lisa or wait in line for hours to get into the Vatican Museum, she explains. But it does mean getting organized early and making reservations with the help of a travel experts who can line up your itinerary. “Its really a more civilized approach, and far less stressful,” she says. “We can even add activities like bike excursions, foodie tours and skip-the-line museum entries months in advance, essentially curating your journey while removing the hassle of booking on the fly.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, travel suppliers across the globe—from airlines to cars, hotels and tourist attractions—have raised the bar on hygiene standards, and there is no reason to believe this will change any time soon. “Sanitized surfaces and filtered air are the new standard, and now that customers have become accustomed to a cleaner environment, they tell me they won’t settle for less,” says St. Louis Park travel advisor Chris Anderson. “We see this as a big win for the traveling public.”
As we move past the pandemic, personal healthcare during travel will likely be taken more seriously than in the past, he adds. “At some point, face coverings may no longer be required on airplanes, but I predict that they will continue to be widely used as a personal choice, especially on longer flights,” Anderson says. “Mask-wearing has been customary for years in parts of the world where poor air quality and crowded public spaces create a higher risk of viral spread. The rest of us may be adapting to the benefits of reducing risk, too.”

AAA travel advisors get plenty of RV rental inquiries these days. For AAA member Stephanie Stowell, the summer of 2020 was the year to give it a try. “Like most people, we were in extreme caution mode, but we took off in our rented Winnebago Spirit feeling completely at ease,” Stowell says. “It was easy to drive, and while 270 square feet was a bit cozy for mealtimes, it was comfortable for our two teen guys who had an escape route to their TV-equipped loft above the cab.”
Stowell has some words of advice for families considering an RV rental. “Have a plan that includes campsite reservations for every night of your trip,” she says. “Many sell out weeks in advance. Mileage costs can be a surprise too, she adds, since many RV companies allow 100 miles per day of rental, then assess $0.25 per mile after that. “Once we did the math, we scaled back our grand Montana and Colorado trip to a loop through Michigan, including the Pictured Rocks National Seashore, and we’re happy we did,” Stowell adds. “Sometimes seeing more of a little less at a slower pace is just about right.”

Travel advisors have long recommended guided vacations to European countries with tourist-heavy itineraries full of must-sees, and to destinations where independent travel planning can be complex—like parts of Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa. But these days, going guided makes sense anywhere in the world, suggests Carri Loken, travel advisor at AAA’s Edina branch, adding, “Even here in the U.S., where the sheer size of the country means that if someone else is doing the driving, [you] have more time to enjoy the scenery from a comfortable seat, ample spacing and big picture windows.” Some tours have “wellness managers” traveling with the group, overseeing health and safety protocols. “It’s an added benefit for peace of mind,” says Loken, who adds this tip: “Book 2022 now. With fewer passengers per coach, space will be tight, and tours will fill early.”

As the frequency of travel increases, so will the cost to change travel plans. In fact, “You can count on it,” says Susan Sabie, a travel advisor in St. Louis Park. “But changes are happening gradually. While some airline ticket change fees are returning, many of our cruise partners continue to allow customers to change up until about 30 days prior to embarkation, though that varies with the cruise line.” As part of an industry-wide “Cruise with Confidence” initiative, many cruise lines are moving final payment due dates closer to departure, offering best price guarantees, and even adding extra benefits like onboard spending credits if payments for canceled cruises are re-committed for the future. Tour companies also offer flexible change policies, but they vary widely from one tour company to another.

The way Linda Snyder, VP of travel services at AAA Minneapolis, sees it, we will be able to fill theaters, restaurants, stadiums and convention halls once again, but it will take time. AAApredicts 2022 will be another banner year for national parks, Hawaii and other destinations known for their exceptional natural beauty. “We’re finding that folks are eager to rediscover the joy of sampling local culture and scenery at unique ports of call, and meeting other like-minded travelers, even if some social distancing protocols remain in place.”
Tour companies are going to great lengths to offer authentic shared experiences while still adhering to public health guidelines, says Snyder. “Smaller group outdoor excursions like walking tours and wildlife encounters—the type of activities one finds on Alaska cruises, for example—fit this strategy,” she says. “Bucket-listers headed to grand destinations like New Zealand, Africa, South America and the Antarctic will also be in their element, where natural scenery is the focus of the trip, and much of the time is spent outside.”

“Now, more than ever, consumers are looking for the confidence they need to book their next trip,” says Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications for Allianz USA. “Fortunately, travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance has recently added coverage for pandemics to their product line-up.” This means if you, a close family member or a traveling companion become seriously ill (including with an epidemic disease) or injured before your trip begins (or while you’re traveling), you can be covered against financial losses. Durazo says it's important to purchase your policy when you book your trip and to read your policy so you understand what it covers. Allianz’s product enhancements can also cover mandatory individual quarantines and denied boarding due to suspected illness (important terms and conditions do apply). Allianz also provides 24/7 travel assistance and coverage for medical emergencies, travel delays, baggage issues and more.