There is now a hopeful light at the end of our dark 2020 tunnel. Governments are distributing the Coronavirus vaccine and people are once again looking forward to a bright future. If you have been just as tired and stressed as the rest of us, it helps to think of all the activities you’ll get to do once the world resumes its normal routines. Since the pandemic put an instant end to international travel and tourism, many people are eagerly planning their first vacation post-COVID. However, the type of travel that we were used to no longer exists. Due to the Coronavirus, habits, methods, and expectations of travel have forever changed. As you start to think of your future travels, keep in mind what the trends will be so that you can properly plan your trip:

Domestic Travel

For the most part, many people choose to only travel domestically, just to be safe. Our ability to travel anywhere in the world is the reason why this virus has been able to become a dangerous pandemic, so people will be wary to expose themselves to that risk once travel resumes. Expats and travelers have been stuck in other countries, unable to go home, so it will take some time for international tourism to increase again, for fear of borders closing again and not being able to get back home. Travelers should instead focus on areas closer to them that pose less risk.

Road Trips

As people prefer domestic travel over international, cars will become the transportation method of choice. It poses less of a risk to your health to drive your own car across your country than it is to fly on a plane with others. There is too much potential of contracting a sickness on board a plane or in an airport. It is safer for you to be enclosed in your own bubble that you can control. You have the ability to avoid contact with people when you drive. You can even go camping so that you don’t have to stay in hotels. It’s also a fun method of travel, especially if you choose to go with friends or family. Choose a private car over a public train or airplane.

Airbnbs Over Hotels

Travelers should rent their own Airbnb for the duration of their trip instead of staying in a hotel. Having your own private space is so important, especially one that comes with a kitchen and living room. Controlling who is allowed to come into your space and the level of cleanliness is now incredibly vital to everyone. You want to come into contact with as few people as possible, so it is best to rent your own personal apartment over checking in to a busy hotel with hundreds of other travelers.

Protect Yourself

Make sure you always bring your own supplies such as face masks, disinfectant spray, and wipes. Avoid touching surfaces during transit, and always clean them before you do. Even if a hotel or Airbnb claims that they sterilized the room, go over it once more yourself. Clean all surfaces such as light switches, handles, remotes, and armrests.

Having a clean space is going to be a top priority for all travelers. If you are in the tourism industry, you need to convince guests that your premises are up to a certain standard of cleanliness. All high-touch surfaces must now be a part of the normal cleaning routine. This can also be a huge marketing tactic–promote your methods of cleaning as a way to advertise your services and entice potential customers.

Plan Your Trip

If you are planning a vacation, choose less populated countries and cities—visit the countryside or outdoors to avoid crowds. Utilize private methods of transportation as well. Always do your research beforehand to see if there are any hotspots or cases in the locations you want to visit. You might still need to isolate yourself on arrival, so ensure you have enough time during your trip. Plan ahead to be prepared for as many scenarios as you can.

People will likely refrain from going on vacations for some time until they feel that it is completely safe to once again travel internationally. Instead, they will elect to remain close to home. If you do feel the desire to go on a trip, make sure that you select domestic over international travel, and cars over trains and airplanes. Make your travel decisions based on the level of cleanliness and overall safety, and bring your own supplies with you. This is now our new normal within a post-COVID world. To best protect your health, you should avoid immediately going on vacation. Continue social distancing for as long as possible.