Five Years Later: The Evolution of Travel Post-Pandemic

As the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches, many travelers are reconsidering their approaches to travel after experiencing lockdowns, surge demand, and the emergence of new travel trends.

The COVID-19 pandemic, declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization, triggered significant travel disruptions, with states issuing shutdowns and borders closing in an effort to contain the virus. By the end of March that year, European nations had restricted nonessential travel, and U.S. cruise lines faced strict no-sail orders. These actions effectively brought global travel to a standstill for months.

As vaccinations became widely accessible in spring 2021, a gradual revival in travel was evident, particularly as mask mandates were implemented on airplanes and public transport. This led to what later became known as "revenge travel," where those longing for adventure rushed to make up for lost experiences. Popular destinations such as Venice, Iceland, and Barcelona soon found themselves overwhelmed with tourists, resulting in a shift from under-tourism to overtourism.

In this ever-changing landscape, we want to understand how the rollercoaster of the past five years has altered your relationship with travel. We invite you to share your experiences through a questionnaire, ensuring all responses are treated with confidentiality and integrity. Your stories matter as we navigate this new travel era together.