5 Ways Coronavirus is Making More Connected Travelers

If the past few months have given us anything, it is the gift of time. Time to think, time to reflect, and time to just be. I’ve pondered many things, scenarios, and wishes for what our new future will bring us. 

A few thoughts in particular are quite profound, in my opinion, in terms of the way COVID-19 will change the way we travel, and many aspects of cruise and resort stays. 

Connecting Through Travel in the Aftermath of a Pandemic

In terms of respect, human connection, and even connection to nature will be vastly improved due to the global pandemic that has impacted us all. 
 
Confined to home, with very few places to go the past couple of months, has given me a renewed urge to explore the world, even right where I live. I want few things more than to hop on a plane to somewhere new and start exploring God’s beautiful world! More than ever, my heart and soul long to see more of this Earth, and I’m almost certain, so many of you are feeling the same.
 
Along with a renewed urge to travel, I have a strong desire to connect to others more than ever before. Being in “lock down,” as its been called, has many of us anxious to connect to others in a deeper way. For me, when traveling, I envision more chatting with other travelers, developing deeper connections to the people in the destinations I visit, and learning about new cultures on a deeper level. After all, connections to others and the world are what drive my love of travel.
 
In addition to forging those deeper connections, I feel a stronger sense of respect and awareness of others. Whether it be in distancing myself or making a point to creating more conversation, I feel stronger admiration and mindfulness of others. I can’t be alone in those feelings, so I can’t help but think they will only improve our bonds as humans and thus the world as a whole.
 
A huge factor in why I believe COVID-19 will make us better travelers has to do with the hospitality and service industries. Right now, those industries are getting the long-deserved praise they deserve! Folks are finally appreciating the value of hotel maids, restaurant workers, and especially custodial workers. Without these folks, there is no doubt our travel experiences, even experiences out and about at home, would be far less pleasant, and they have our undoubted respect. 

• 

• 

• 

COVID-19 is Teaching Us to Not Take Life & Experiences for Granted

Lastly, but certainly not least, this pandemic teaches us to not take experiences and living life for granted! I had come to a place where traveling was just a way of life. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t and didn’t take being able to travel or the experiences for granted, but I also never considered a future without travel. Living these past few months in a state of unknown for the future of our world has reminded me of the blessing I have to be able to experience the world and connect with others. 

Clearly, I have a passion for travel, and COVID-19 can’t and won’t put out the flame. If anything, living through these times has added fuel to the fire, given me, and all of us, fresh eyes, and the ability to become better travelers.
Have you thought about how this pandemic will impact your connections with others at home and when you travel? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Want more travel tips, insight, and inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter here to receive a free packing list and inspiration to your inbox monthly.