Two years into the coronavirus pandemic and people are starting to see a semblance of normalcy. According to the daily update of Our World in Data, 7.15 billion doses of vaccine have already been administered globally, with 27.19 million doses being continuously given daily. Suffice to say, the world has started to recover and open up for tourism once again.
Having been cooped up for longer than most have been in the past decade, it’s fair to assume that there will be an influx of tourists all over the world this coming 2022. And here are six reasons you should be one of them:
1. It’s good for your mental health
Whether you travel locally or internationally, getting a change of scenery can do wonders for your mental stability. When you travel, you allow yourself to discover more of yourself by meeting new people and trying new things. It can be a great way to relieve the stress that has been bottling up inside you for the past couple of years. And most importantly, traveling can give you a refreshing break from the dangers of isolation you’ve been forced to deal with due to the pandemic.
2. You’ll be helping local communities recover
It is common knowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t only a global health crisis. It also brought the world an economic catastrophe it wasn’t ready for. Tourism is an excellent way for local communities or even entire countries to recover financially. By traveling, you are actively participating in rebuilding the world one trip at a time. And you even get to enjoy your contributions in the most memorable ways.
3. The deals are cheaper
Speaking of finances, traveling in 2022 is financially ideal since most of the prices are cheaper. From flights and accommodations to food and souvenirs, everything is discounted around this time since, as what was stated above, the economy is still recovering. So, this coming year would be the ideal time for you to enjoy that Euro trip you’ve been dreaming of at possibly half the price.
4. Most countries have adjusted their tourism processes for safer and more enjoyable experiences
With the recent outbreak etched in everyone’s mind, people are more conscious of their surroundings nowadays. This can significantly influence the quality of your trip. Business owners are keener on health and safety protocols now. Hostels boast private rooms now instead of just having communal sleeping quarters. Restaurants are stricter when it comes to food contamination. Even public transit systems are cleaner now. With everyone being mindful of their own health, staying healthy while traveling can be easier in 2022.
5. Remote work and studies made scheduling a trip easier
Most people from the workforce population still have flexible work arrangements. The same goes for the kids and their schools. With that in mind, going to work while enjoying the beach outside your window is feasible now more than ever. With both companies and schools realizing that online meetings can be as productive as physical ones, the chances of enjoying a tip while working and studying on the side have grown. And who could say no to studying for an exam on the beaches of Santorini? Who wouldn’t want to settle that deal while drinking mojitos off the coast of Bali?
6. There are more flexible options for cancelations and rebooking
Going back to flight packages, the next couple of years will show unprecedented flexibility due to the impacts of the pandemic. Not only will the flights be comparatively cheaper, but rebooking and canceling flights will also be easier. Since everyone understands the situation the world has been in, it’s easier to explain and reschedule flights without having to pay any penalties.
Before you go
Since traveling can be a great way to cope with the mental and emotional strain the pandemic has caused you, it would be ideal to renew your passport as soon as possible. It’s not only financially wiser but also helpful for the economic recovery of the global community. And with your family’s schedule having the flexibility that it has these days, planning a trip is much easier now.
Despite all of these, please keep in mind that the pandemic isn’t over. The world is recovering and starting to go back to the way they were, but as the phrasing suggested, it is still in the process of doing so. The normalcy that you are feeling is supposed to coexist with the “new normal” health and safety protocols that governments will mandate. So remember to always wear a mask, bring your vaccination card, and be sensitive to those around you.
