How the Bashful Adventurer learned to embrace slow travel after the pandemic
What will post-pandemic vacations look like? I started this blog about a decade ago to gain and give courage to those who had not gotten out into the world as much as they would have liked. Having survived the pandemic—along with a personal case of covid (despite vaccination)—I am back once again to encourage bashful adventurers to see more of the world. I anticipate that post-pandemic tourism will not quite resemble the travel of the before times.
If there is anything that we collectively have learned courtesy of the pandemic and its accompanying shutdowns and cultural shifts (from handshakes and hugs to masks and social distancing), it’s that relationships are important. But so is seeing the world.
A survey of Americans by Exodus Travels revealed that the majority (71%) believe that travel can strengthen existing bonds, but—perhaps even more encouraging—49% have taken a life-changing solo trip in the past. As so many of us sat home these last couple of years, we perhaps were collectively reminded of the importance of travel in our lives since all most of us could really do is miss it.
Post-Pandemic Tourism: Embracing Roadtrips
How I travel now has changed. There’s a much greater focus on roadtrips, a form of travel I previously spurned for the most part. I just didn’t like spending hours in a car.
Mindsets changed. I still feel the need to get away, to recharge, but stay closer to home than I normally would. What that means is, for the moment, my focus is more on the northeastern United States, the state of New York, and New England. Except, of course, when I go elsewhere.
I am not alone in my stay-close-to-home penchant. A survey by Harvest Hosts, a membership site for RVers, found that almost two-thirds of Americans (62%) are planning to take a “near-cation”—one that involves nearby cities and towns.
Post-Pandemic Air Travel
That doesn’t mean I have forsaken planes. I’ll be boarding them soon for Indiana, Chicago, New Orleans, Iceland. With each trip, I go slightly farther.
What’s different? I am more inclined to spend extra money on a first-class plane ticket and a higher-end hotel room. I am more likely to choose lodging with more amenities: an onsite restaurant, a spa, a pool. More often now, I venture out but also stay in.
The Depth of Slow Travel
I travel more slowly now. Instead of rushing to every major site in a destination, I choose fewer activities and try to choose them wisely. I am still generally opting for less-crowded activities. I prefer to savor an experience and then retreat to a relaxing.
Join Me in Travel after the Pandemic
I am hopeful that more Bashful Adventurers will join me on these new journeys.
—Lori Tripoli
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