User's 2022 Travel Wellness Preference Examination
Heading: Travel's Return in 2022: Counting on COVID-19's Calming Tide
Ready to pack your bags and shake off that travel slump from 2020? With the pandemic still lingering, it's time to see if travel is finally ready to make a comeback. We caught up with our friends at Lonely Planet and The Points Guys for the lowdown on 2022 travel trends, predictions, and whether you should start booking that dream vacation just yet.
International travel may be on the upswing
If you found solace in sunny destinations like Hawaii or Cancun during the pandemic, don't worry—these favorite spots are here to stay. But our trusty travel guides are optimistic about more international travel as restrictions loosen and COVID-19 transmission cools down 🤞.
"If the pandemic doesn't deliver another nasty surprise, cases continue to drop, vaccination rates keep climbing, and travel restrictions lessen, I think summer 2022 will be a boon for international travel, especially transatlantic travel," shares Melissa Yeager, senior news editor at Lonely Planet.
With more destinations opening their doors to vaccinated travelers or easing restrictions altogether, it could be easier than ever to explore the globe in 2022.
"We're hoping that 2022—especially the latter half—will see COVID-19 becoming more endemic, thereby offering greater freedom and flexibility for international travel choices for vaccinated (and on some occasions, boosted) Americans," says Nick Ewen, senior editor at The Points Guys.
That said, Europe may still pose a question mark for summer or fall travel due to changing case numbers, while Asia could remain somewhat uncertain.
Use those miles wisely
If you're ready to soar high this year, make sure to book your flight ASAP to grab the best deals. After all, prices won't stay low forever!
"Right now, prices are below their pre-pandemic peak, but it's not going to last," explains Clint Henderson, senior news editor at The Points Guys. "Hopper analysis suggests airfares will rise by 7 percent each month for the next several months. Better get those spring break flights and summer trips booked now before prices increase further."
Henderson also recommends snagging deals on international flights to Mexico, Ireland, Croatia, and Colombia, or roll the dice and take advantage of bargain flights to Japan if you're game for a little risk.
"As Omicron appears to be peaking and beginning to decline, demand will pick up as case counts drop. You can expect prices to only head higher from here. Increasing fuel and labor costs won't help matters," adds Henderson.
Prepare for travel stress
If you've ventured into an airport lately, you've likely experienced its hectic aftermath from cancellations and delays. Well, get ready to dig deep and pack your patience for the upcoming summer travel season.
"With airlines attempting to run as many flights—or even more—than they did in 2019, staffing and back-end support shortages, combined with the possibility of another pandemic wave, mean flyers should brace themselves for more flexibility than ever when traveling," shares Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy.
But fear not, because whether you're stranded or delayed, there's always Airportle to the rescue.
Prioritizing comfort and convenience
Who doesn't long for a little extra legroom and a comfy seat after being stuck inside for so long? It seems like folks are departing from penny-pinching travel habits and opting for pricier flights for peace of mind and self-treatment.
"During the pandemic, we've observed that people, in general, are willing to spend more on travel—particularly for longer trips, since so many continue to have flexible work arrangements and because long-haul destinations can be more challenging to reach," says Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy.
And remember, don't skimp on travel insurance!
"People are also willing to spend more to safeguard their travel investments," notes Lieberman. "Not everyone will continue to opt for a business-class seat after the pandemic fades, but I do believe the desire for additional safety and tranquility will endure."
Just make sure your travel insurance doesn't exclude COVID-19 cancellations, advises Lonely Planet's Melissa Yeager. "Look for policies that offer cancellation for any cause or interruption for any cause, as well as policies that cover medical and expenses in case you need to quarantine abroad."
Second vacations—just in case
Picture this: booking that once-in-a-lifetime adventure—and then planning a second trip, just in case the first one gets axed. In the age of COVID-19, we've entered a new era of travel backup plans.
"There's a trend right now of people booking 'backup vacations' in case their primary destination shuts down due to COVID-19. They book the trip they want to go on… and a second one in the event the first one needs to be cancelled," says Yeager from Lonely Planet.
One silver lining to travel during the pandemic? Flexible cancellation policies post cancellation of 2020 plans, although double-booking can lead to actual paying for two trips for the unlucky ones.
"Establish calendar reminders on your phone for deadlines to adjust your travel or use vouchers to avoid getting burned," advises Yeager.
The impact of 5G on travel
You've probably met that one person who's convinced 5G's going to bring about the end of the world. Well, 10 major airlines jumped into the fray, warning that 5G phone service could wreak havoc on plane navigation systems. But is this impending doom founded in reality, or purely fear-mongering?
"Aviation industry leaders made a loud ruckus about cellular carriers deploying the 5G C-band, with doomsday warnings. Despite the hype, major U.S. airlines managed to avoid disaster," shares Griff from The Points Guys.
"For one, the cellular providers agreed to postpone deploying the new technology near major U.S. airports. Plus, the Federal Aviation Administration has been approving numerous aircraft to operate near the new 5G towers. While regional jets may face some disruptions, the big planes crisscrossing the country are equipped to handle the new tech," adds Griff.
National parks remain a favorite destination
Nature was the it-girl during pandemic travel (hello, escaping crowded cities and finding tranquility), and she's not going anywhere.
"Nature will definitely continue to be big this year," remarks Yeager from Lonely Planet. "Given the flux in travel restrictions, many have seized the moment to see national parks on their bucket list."
However, some national parks and popular outdoor destinations have faced congestion due to their popularity. Fortunately, there are plenty of undiscovered gems waiting to be explored.
What's on Yeager's national park travel list this year? California's Channel Islands National Park offers Galapagos-like vibes, while Utah's Capitol Reef boasts orchards left by the Mormon pioneers. For a more secluded, less crowded experience, check out national forests and state parks.
Looking for outdoor-inspiration for your next road trip or camping adventure, check out The Greatist Guide to the Great Outdoors.
Spend those travel vouchers before they expire
Are you still holding onto those 2020 travel vouchers? It's a good idea to use them before they expire. So, where should you go in 2022?
"I'd probably take a trip to Ireland, where it's easy for Americans to visit, or Colombia, where the U.S. dollar is strong," suggests Henderson from The Points Guys.
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 also offers a wide range of domestic and international journeys worth exploring. Yeager shares that she's personally eyeing Puerto Rico for her 2022 trip, while Europe boasts numerous tantalizing options.
"Recently, airfare deals to Europe—Spain, Italy, and Greece in particular—have been prevalent. Depending on how much you have available, you might be able to get several trips out of that voucher, especially when booking during the swing season (spring, fall) when kids are in school, and fewer tourists are traveling," explains Yeager.
COVID travel protocols aren't going away
No one wants to get sick on vacation, but excessive hand sanitizer and uncomfortable mask-wearing sure aren't enjoyable either. Still, these minor inconveniences probably aren't disappearing anytime soon.
Travel policies and in-flight mask mandates will continue to evolve as the virus progresses and vaccination rates change. Plus, as we learn to live with COVID-19 as part of our daily lives (hopefully, as less severe variants and vaccination rates increase), travel will become less complicated.
"This would likely lead to fewer restrictions on international travel and a gradual easing of mask mandates—though the data and trends would need to be crystal clear in order for these changes to occur," Ewen of The Points Guys concludes. "For now, be prepared for complicated entry (and reentry) policies and recognize that these will almost certainly continue to shift as things evolve."
Stay safe and healthy when traveling. The CDC offers regular updates on COVID-19 travel recommendations to help assess your vacation risks.
"The most important thing is just get vaccinated," concludes Yeager from Lonely Planet.
- With the pandemic easing and vaccination rates climbing, Melissa Yeager, senior news editor at Lonely Planet, believes that summer 2022 could be a boon for international travel, especially transatlantic travel.
- Nick Ewen, senior editor at The Points Guys, suggests that 2022, especially the latter half, may see COVID-19 becoming more endemic, offering greater freedom and flexibility for international travel choices for vaccinated (and on some occasions, boosted) Americans.
- As travel resumes, it's important to remember to prioritize travel insurance, especially ones that cover cancellations related to COVID-19, according to Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy.
