If there ever was a much-needed time to go on holiday, now would be it. As restrictions slowly ease across Australia many crave a change of scenery and time off to relax, recoup and disconnect – albeit, safely of course.

But with so many changes in the last 18 months, it can be hard to know what to expect. The pandemic has transformed travel. Money is tighter and personal needs have become priority. Nevertheless, there are silver linings that come from having to rethink how we wander.

If you plan to make a trip, these ideas can help you save money and navigate changes. Make the most out of future travel with these tips.

1. Save and Prepare for Post-COVID Adventures

Don’t wait until the last minute to book accommodation, tours and activities. Book early, but be adaptable too. Start budgeting and saving now. Something as simple as opening a separate account and putting aside funds each month can boost travel savings significantly. Automate with direct deposit so it’s easier.

If you need an extra buffer, using a personal loan for travel can be useful, providing you choose the right lender. Make sure you find one with flexible repayment options and low-interest rates to avoid paying extra or creating unnecessary debt. Most importantly, be realistic with how much you borrow and avoid fast cash loans.

Tip: Scout the web for hot travel deals. Holiday house rentals, hotels and tourist attractions are going for lower rates. If you’re able to holiday at off-peak times such as during the week, there are great savings to be had which are kicking the tourism ecosystem back into gear. 

2. Go Digital

Travel behaviour is changing. Tightening health regulations means contactless experiences are on the rise, with a greater focus on hygiene and safety protocols. As such, online tickets are becoming mandatory. Buying tickets in advance keeps on-site locations contact-free and ensures crowd control. Digital ticketing can also provide better access to online discounts, reviews and prices for comparison.

3. Read the Travel Insurance Fine Print

Regardless of how prepared or adaptable you are, travel plans will be uncertain for some time. Take out travel insurance to cover yourself, but be diligent with the fine print. Some insurance providers have a COVID-cover. However, most still have gaps with pandemic cancellations and amendments now it’s a known event. There are certain hacks to protect your wallet and travel plans though. More airlines are building COVID-cover into the fare and many airlines, hotels and attractions are offering date changes and cancellations with refunds or credit.

Tip: Carefully read the full product disclosure to determine if the cover is right for you. Not all policies, for example, will cover cruises but may provide cover in the form of extra support such as extended child care or prolonged pet boarding.

4. Change Your Mindset

Rethinking the way we travel brings a new, more positive mindset. People are preferring closer to home destinations, extended and working holidays have become more reachable and sustainable travel is a bigger priority than before. Embrace the changes by being mindful of where you’re going. Lower your carbon footprint while exploring, invest in private travel experiences and visit natural attractions.

Some travel trends you can expect to encounter are:

• Human-centred tourism as the focus shifts from destinations to people, including travelling for relatives and friends
• An increase in rural property stays
• Attraction to local communities
• Boutique bookings
• Eco-friendly experiences
• Longer stays
• Exploring the wilderness and the great outdoors
• Slow travel, connecting better with the culture, food and people
• Choosing off-beat locations – places few usually visit
• Customised travel to tailor individual preferences

So many of us have been homebound and want that much-needed adventure away. And travel is important for both mental health and to stimulate the economy. While its future depends on more people being vaccinated, it’s bouncing back stronger than before.

Where will you be booking first for your post-Covid adventures? Leave your comments below!

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