In 2020, international and local travel screeched to an abrupt halt in light of mandatory quarantine precautions and unanswered questions related to the coronavirus transmission rate. With countries closing borders, world leaders imposing travel restrictions, and airlines canceling flights, millions pressed pause on pre-booked vacation plans while travel industry workers fled increasingly unstable working conditions.
Thanks to resiliency-first mentalities fueling the fire and travel restrictions gradually loosening, the tourism industry has taken a stand against COVID-19’s devastating effects, armed with state-of-the-art technologies. For a look behind the curtain, check out the ways technology has impacted post-COVID-19 travel.
Modern tech’s role in travel preparations post-COVID-19
The pandemic has brought many unforeseen challenges to daily life, and often state-of-the-art technologies offer a solution to those problems. Such is the case for travel preparation in the post-COVID-19 world. Today, travelers rely on their devices to check COVID-19 protocol before arriving at a destination and display essential items like digital vaccine passports.
Frequent fliers have also opted for a virtual address in lieu of other traditional porch pirate prevention strategies. While the benefits of virtual addresses are far from few and far between, travelers praise virtual addresses for their ability to deter package thieves with a track record of targeting vacationers.
During the COVID-19 era, there has been a colossal spike in online deliveries. Not surprisingly, an increase in active thieves stealing unattended packages followed. Virtual addresses are one way to ensure that all of your deliveries are safe from porch pirates, as your packages will arrive at a safe location rather than sitting on your front step.
With porch pirate prevention checked off your to-do list, travelers can attend to other pre-travel preparations with the help of high-tech innovations. For example, a future-forward frequent flyer might use tech tools like Kayak to hunt for flight deals, download maps ahead of time, or consult online forums when composing travel itineraries.
Contactless interactions will become the norm
COVID-19 has caused many to be justifiably hesitant to touch items and surfaces in public. The companies that support your travel are well aware of that and are ready to make your transactions as touchless as possible.
Whether you’re boarding a train or checking into a hotel, there will be plenty of chances to interact with touch-free technology along your journey. The influx of tech items such as digital hotel keys makes it so that you won’t need to worry about contacting surfaces that may be contaminated.
Workplace communication will be increasingly digital
One common theme in the COVID-19 workplace is the increase of remote employees and those who choose to set out on their own to make a living. But long-time employees and digital nomads alike need to communicate effectively to get their work done.
Suppose you’re a frequent business traveler or digital nomad bouncing between borders. In that case, you can expect to see greater use of collaborative platforms that allow you to work with other remote teammates. You may also make more use of chatrooms to keep up communication on projects while you are away on a trip.
Thermal screenings will detect symptoms
Although more and more professionals are reaching their career goals and completing their education online, people still need to conduct business in person. When that happens, you can expect travel facilities to be ready to screen anyone with COVID-like symptoms. Thermal screening will prove to be one of the most effective ways to isolate professionals with symptoms that could be transmitted company-wide.
Wrap up
Technology will have an undeniable impact on how everyone travels in the post-COVID-19 era. In many cases, this tech will help keep travelers well-prepared and healthy as they move to and from their destinations. It would be wise to know about how tech is set to change travel and be prepared to take advantage to keep yourself safe.