Travelling after the pandemic would require new measures and travel tips. Some people are currently stuck in other countries when they would rather be at home. This unplanned event has exerted more cost on travelers emotionally and financially. I thought to myself, “what would they do once Covid-19 pandemic is over?” “What would travelers do to save money and continue their dreams of exploring the world.” “Would they decide not to travel again for a long while?” “Would they think of new strategies to put in place incase this happens again?” With all these questions on my mind, I decided to reach out to other top travel experts and travel bloggers I know around the world to proffer advice and solutions based on their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Here are some travel tips and hacks to help you as a tourist save money after the pandemic is over.
After these tips, I will share some tips on tourism recovery plans by the UNWTO and experts for Ministers of tourism.
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Dr. Brenda Boonabaana: Regional Field Expert for Africa at United Nations World Tourism Organisation
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
They could consider domestic travel, to maximize the savings.
This is specifically critical for African travelers that have been frequenting destinations out of the continent.
This is the opportune time to think local, and appreciate what they have at home first.
Many African tourists don’t prioritize or even appreciate domestic tourism, yet they are likely to know little about their countries, but also neighboring destinations in the continent.
2. Professor Marina Novelli (PhD)-Professor of Tourism and International Development, Academic Lead for ‘Responsible Futures’ – University of Brighton’s Research and Enterprise.
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
What we need to appreciate is that the COVID19 pandemic is placing enormous pressures on people finances and their ability to travel will be hugely impacted.
Travel does not have to be an expensive endeavor and my advice would be to explore ones own neighborhoods, regions and nations.
We often ignore what is ‘around the corner’ from our homes and give preference to far away destinations.
This is the time to travel locally and/or regionally and explore closer locations, support local businesses and enjoy what our locality has to offer – from food to natural spot, from museums and heritage buildings. You will be amazed how many people have never done that.
Of course, I am a great advocate for international travel as a vehicle to cross-cultural exchanges, but one needs to start from what is possible given the current circumstances.
3. Natalia Bayona – Senior Expert on Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments – World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Question:
What do you think is the best step to take as a tourist after the pandemic is over?
Answer:
Once confidence is recovered, people may continue supporting destinations by travelling consciously, thoroughly following protocols and measures, and supporting local economies.
Being open to experience sustainable travelling means enjoying nature and culture in a more sensible way. New tourism products such as social impact and low- carbon voyages are interesting options to help the economy and people who depend on the sector.
All new initiatives regarding circular economy, gender equality and environmental protection will need the travelers support to continue on the market and to deliver their benefits to all stakeholders.
4. Lethabo-Thabo (Thabs) Royds – Traveller, Tourism Communications and Content Specialist
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
Once the pandemic is more manageable, things will be different to how they were before. Don’t expect things to return to normal immediately and be prepared for new systems as well as different prices and pricing structures. Before any trip make sure you do your research on a destination and the products you want to buy: price is not always the best indicator of what you will get.
5. Hannah Ajala- Travel Blogger and BBC Journalist
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
Better to opt for cheaper travel destinations like staycations, seeing as there are alleged reports that travelling to other countries may be pricier than usual.
6. Audrey Scott – Tourism Development Strategist, Co founder: Uncornered Market.
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
One way for tourists to save money would be to do more local and regional travel where prices are likely similar to home and you can get there by car, train or bus vs. needing to fly long distances, which can get very expensive.
There’s probably more that can be discovered and experienced closer to home than we first imagine.
7. Lindsey Galloway – Contributing Editor to BBC Travel
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
A lot of people are taking advantage of this time to explore their own cities and regions, which can save a lot of money on airline tickets and other travel expenses. It has been a popular time for affordable outdoor activities where you can still socially distance, like camping or exploring national parks, all which can be done on a budget.
That said, you will be able to snag some great deals across the world as destinations try to lure visitors back, so if there’s a place you’ve been hoping to visit, subscribe to local hotel newsletters or tourist bureaus to stay informed of the best rates.
8. Bonnita Aluoch – Practicing Biochemist & Travel Blogger
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
They can start out with from local attractions within their countries that they have been postponing to visit or plan for road trips with friends they haven’t seen for a long time because of the lockdown/restriction, book villas and cost share.
9. Chloe Grant – Head of West Africa Travellers Organisation
Answer:
Rethink your ways of travelling. When abroad, spend on local enterprises rather than with a large corporate. You will often find that you’ll gain more when paying a smaller enterprise or family business.
10. Dawn Jorgensen: Writer, Earth Advocate, Conscious Traveler.
Answer:
With all travel I recommend putting thought into where you’d like to go, and why.
More than ever travel needs to have a purpose and substance, as well as an ethical and sustainable theme.
When planning, look to special deals offered by destinations emerging onto the market after the lockdown.
Instead of the cheapest price though, I would suggest you focus on the best value.
There are going to be plenty of travel packages on offer, but stay away from too-good-to-be-true offers from unknown operators. If you are considering taking advantage of the cheap flights you are seeing right now, the feeling is that these will be around for a while, despite the militant sanitizing precautions that will be in place.
For accommodation, paying upfront with good rescheduling or cancellation terms will help the property, and most likely secure you a reduced rate. Definitely have travel insurance.
11. Carol Cain – Traveler, blogger, and CEO Brave World Media.
Answer:
Travelers will find that air travel will be a bit more expensive than they are used to, and the truth is some might not feel comfortable about air travel right away.
Road tripping and hyper local travel has always been the most affordable way to travel for us, and we get to see a lot more things we would miss if we flew.
I also recommend vacation home rentals, where you can buy and prepare your own meals. Not that anyone wants to spend their vacation cooking and washing dishes, but when budgets are limited, it’s best to spend money on experiences than restaurants.
12. Femi Lawson: CEO of Skyview communications & Virtual tours.
Answer:
My advice for tourist that really want to save money after the pandemic is that they should look inward for there tourism Adventures.
Traveling locally is way more cost effective than traveling abroad for now, because there will be more travel policies internationally which will add more cost to the already expensive international trips.
They can also take advantage of our Virtual Tourism booths around Lagos to travel virtually with living their location.
13. Angela Njehia , Director: Tierranjani Africa (Sustainable Tourism Development)
Answer:
Plan and book well in advance. Having been a travel agent for the better part of my career, this is an advice we ignore but really booking earlier does save you money.
14. Pamela Amia: Multimedia Journalist and Travel Enthusiast
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
The tourists should take advantage of the price drops and scavenge for the best offers in the tourism sector from the transportation, accommodation, food and beverages and many others like for example;
The EEF Hotel in Mombasa advertised that tourists can stay for free but pay for the food only.
Also, Tourists, should book their flights now because flight fares are at the lowest more so those intending to travel to Africa because it has the highest fares.
Travelers should also prepare for the strict conditions they have to follow in different countries in order to stay safe and healthy. Hygiene is key.
Question:
What do you think is the best step to take as a tourist after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
Research about the place you want to visit if you feel you will not be comfortable in anyway its better you wait. Travel Responsibly.
15: Cephas Shonhiwa, MD – Malachite Travel and Tours. Destination Management Company Zimbabwe.
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Obviously, very few tourists are going to travel in this shortest period of time since most tourists need to recover from either the loss of their Businesses, Jobs and or their beloved ones. To those people who are planning to travel to or within after the COVID19, they are more than welcome to visit every corner of the African continent which is reach in wildlife, culture, ancient history, coastal delights and magnificent attractions.
16. Gary Arndt – Digital travel influencer and travel Photographer.
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer
There will be many travel and tourism companies that will be offering deals and sales once travel restrictions are lifted. Look for those deals.
Also, make sure to check their refund and cancellation policy, and to get travel insurance which will cover you if there is another surge of the virus.
17. Franck Oliver KRA – Editor in Chief eBiz Africa Review.
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
After the pandemic is over, first of all, it would be looking for a destination and a place that guarantees all the sanitarian measures because this is a real investment. It would be the non-negotiable first condition.
The next would be looking at the offers of the destination that are related to the first condition and whose price are competitive taking on account the global economic situation.
18. Dominick Andoh: Editor, AviationGhana.com
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
This is actually the time to get to know where we live better.
Individuals and families must endeavor to travel in-country and explore their regions, states and country.
With relatively low demand for hotel rooms etc, hotel rates in-country is expected to be low well into December.
This is something that all can take advantage of.
19. Nnenna Fakoya-Smith, Tourism Promoter
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
Use applications like Piggyvest and CowryWise to invest and track your Travel Savings pending when you are finally ready to start exploring.
20. Alyssa Ramos –self-made travel blogger and social media influencer
Question:
What advice do you have for tourists looking to save money after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
Take advantage of nature destinations or nature-related activities! For example, here in Barcelona, since nothing is open anyway, we have been “traveling” to beautiful gardens, doing hikes, and simply going to see the outside of famous places like Sagrada Familia and Casa Btllo.
I’d also recommend negotiating rates on Airbnb! We all know hosts jack up the prices on there, and since they’ll be wanting to get back to business, they’ll be more likely to make a deal!
Question:
What do you think is the best step to take as a tourist after the Pandemic is over?
Answer:
If possible, get tested for Covid.
My biggest concern is going to a place like Uganda and Rwanda to see the gorillas, and not knowing I’m possibly infected, then spreading it to the people there who may not have access to respirators, and also to the gorillas who I hear can get it as well and would just be wiped out!
Definitely travel with a mask and avoid tight-quarters if it’s possible. Obviously wash your hands as much as possible, plus clothes!
And leave your shoes at the door! Even if you don’t think you’ll catch anything, or that wearing a mask will help, be respectful of OTHERS and just do it!
Lastly, don’t pandemic-shame. Once this is all over, don’t stereotype Asian people or boycott places like Spain, Italy, Brazil, Russia, etc where there were high numbers.
This is mostly for the Americans who say they don’t want to travel abroad because they’re afraid of catching the virus, meanwhile, the highest numbers by a landslide are in America.
21. Efetobo Awhana, Founder Nigeria Travel Week
My advise is simple. Do the smart thing and request a domestic tour in Nigeria or if you must do some other African destination. Speak to a tour operator or travel agent who knows the destination as their own experience will help you save on your trip whilst not missing out on the memories you plan to create. Consider travel with a group of friends and relations as it could help reduce the cost of the package.
Author: TheFisayo – Travel Blogger, Founder of TheFisayo.com, TravCP & TheFisayo Travel Blogging Masterclass.
In conclusion, to save money while travelling, explore local destinations, patronize local businesses, subscribe to destinations and airlines Newsletter, get a travel insurance, and plan months ahead before you travel.
Next week, I will be covering UNWTO’s recommendation on restarting tourism and advice for Tourism Ministers.
Question
Which of these advise do you already practice? And which would you begin to implement if you do not already practice them?
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