Travel lovers have been hit hard by COVID-19. It has limited, in some cases stopped, the thing that travellers love the most – to see the world. For some, the restrictions placed on movement has led them stop travelling altogether. Others have chosen to continue their holiday plans by working around restrictions.
Winter is now fast approaching and many travellers are getting itchy feet. In spite of restrictions on travel to certain areas, you may consider booking a holiday for the winter. November, December, January, and February make for some great months to travel. Winter weather is ideal for ski trips, beach breaks, or weekends in major European cities.
Should you book winter travel plans now?
Even with winter just weeks away, you may not feel comfortable booking winter travel plans just yet. It is safe to say, the typical winter tourist numbers that top destinations see around the globe will be diminished greatly in 2020 and 2021.
People are still being cautious when booking travel arrangements. Due to the recent second wave of COVID-19 cases in parts of Europe, it is completely understandable that travellers are being cautious about where and when they set off.
Hotels, airlines, and other travel groups are working hard to sweeten deals to entice people this winter. There will be travellers heading off on winter trips, but the numbers won’t be like in years past. What may not change is the number of travellers going to visit family.
There are likely be some older generations, vulnerable to COVID-19, that want family members to keep their distance. Of course, this doesn’t mean not seeing each other. Hotel or Airbnb bookings could increase as individuals prefer not to stay with family members that are vulnerable or with large groups of family like they typically do.
Safety over travel discounts
Discount travel and accommodation may not drive large crowds of tourists this winter. The biggest factor that could lure travellers back is safety. Accommodation providers are working diligently to ensure properties are cleaned regularly and some are even leaving properties vacant for up to 24 hours between guests.
Making winter travel plans is difficult at this time. Exposing yourself to other individuals at airports and on airplanes can leave you vulnerable. Driving to a destination is an alternative and way to stay certain you do not come in contact with many individuals. You can also take cleaning supplies to ensure a property is clean.
In an article on Harper’s Bazaar by Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel firm Black Tomato, he recommended all travellers simply postpone their plans rather than cancelling them. His hope was December would allow for greater travel.
When will it be safe to travel?
COVID-19 news changes by the day. Numbers rise and fall, and country’s such as Russia and the United States are pushing forward with potential vaccines.
In the end, only you can determine if it is a good idea to make winter travel plans. If there is a travel deal that is too good to turn down, then it is up to your discretion whether you book the trip. Although travel has declined over the last six months, it doesn’t mean people have stopped travelling. Many of those travellers returned safely from their trip without COVID-19.
When making winter travel plans, however, be sure to research the destination prior to booking. Ensuring that it is safe to visit and COVID-19 cases are low will leave you feeling at ease.