Recently updated on December 4th, 2023 at 03:26 pm
After living through lockdowns for over a year, we’re all itching to get back out there and explore the world. But the big question is – how will travel change in a post-pandemic world? From enhanced wellbeing protocols and worry-free travel, to more responsible travel experiences, here are 7 ways travelling with Trafalgar will be different in the future.Â
How will travel change post-pandemic in 2021?
1. You’ll meet a Wellbeing Director on most tours
In 2021, we introduced our Wellbeing Directors on our trips of 20 or more guests (excluding Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand trips). It was an industry first, designed to ensure adherence to our wellbeing protocols and provide constant support for our guests.
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Our Wellbeing Directors are dedicated to supporting the Travel Director and Driver Team and remaining up to date with the latest health and government guidelines. You’ll get to meet our wonderful Wellbeing Directors on your next post-pandemic travel experience.
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2. You’ll benefit from enhanced hygiene and wellbeing protocols
We’ve also introduced our 3-step travel wellbeing protocol to support the wellbeing and happiness of our guests. These protocols were created in line with global procedures, are endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and awarded the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp.
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Our 3-step protocol includes global, around-the-clock support, distancing and hygiene protocols, and a 24/7 incident response protocol. So when you start travelling with Trafalgar in the near future, you’ll have peace of mind to enjoy your travels, knowing your wellbeing is our top priority on every trip.
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3. You’ll have more room at group dinners
We’ll travel differently in a post-pandemic world – and that means more room for you. To adhere to distancing requirements, we’ve changed our group sizes and provide more space at group dinners. The number of guests will continue to adapt according to the government guidelines of the places we visit. We’re currently allowing for around six guests to a table at dinners, so you’ll still get to meet your fellow travellers while following distancing guidelines.
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4. You can travel in private or small group tours
Travelling with Trafalgar in a post-pandemic world means there are even more ways to travel, including private group tours and small group tours. We know that people can’t wait to explore the world again, and one of the best and safest ways to do it is with a private tour or a small group.
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Our private group travel experiences mean you can travel exclusively with friends and family in a group of 10 guests or more, and even customise your trip to add or change stops. And you’ll always get the same exceptional Trafalgar experience you love, just in your own dedicated bubble. Our small group tours of 26 people or less are also a great option to get you back out there. With everything taken care of, plus enhanced distancing, hygiene and support, we’ll make it easy to plan your post-pandemic travel.
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5. Your local hosts will be thrilled to welcome you back
Ever since we launched the first Be My Guest experience in 2009, our guests and local hosts all over the world have loved meeting each other, and sharing their culture and a meal. Our Be My Guest experiences take our guests off the typical tourist path and into the local family homes and businesses that make each destination so special. Your visit also helps preserve the culture and livelihood of our hosts, and we can’t wait to give back to the people and communities who have suffered due to COVID-19.
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Our local hosts around the world have been missing our Trafalgar guests, and they will be even more thrilled to welcome you back. People need and crave human connection and studies have shown that social connection improves your health, lowers anxiety and depression, boosts your self-esteem and immune system and even lengthens your life. We’ve all been missing that important human connection for the past year, and since one of the best parts of travelling with Trafalgar is meeting new people, this will ring even more true in the near future.
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6. Travel will feel extra special
After living through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll never again take a holiday for granted. When we do start travelling with Trafalgar again, every experience will feel extra precious. We’ll be sure to express even more gratitude for our experiences.
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From meeting new people to getting out into the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, everything will feel so new and memorable. Food will taste even better and friendships will last longer. Nature will be more appreciated and the feeling of sand between our toes will be even sweeter. We might travel differently after the pandemic, but we’re more likely to travel with a deeper appreciation for our world.
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7. Travel will be more responsible and sustainable
With that deeper appreciation for our world, comes a stronger desire to travel responsibly and sustainably. We’ve watched the pandemic affecting communities around the world, and the effects of climate change continue to damage the earth. Now, more and more people are choosing responsible travel to ensure their trip has a positive impact on the world. That’s why we’ve introduced our new five-year How We Tread Right (HWTR) sustainability strategy.Â
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Tied to the UN Sustainable Development Global Goals, the strategy outlines 11 goals that will leave a positive impact on the planet, people and wildlife. The goals will contribute to issues such as climate change, sustainable food production, responsible consumption, animal welfare, overtourism, and diversity and inclusion. One of our goals is dedicated to including our unique Make Travel Matter experiences on more of our trips. So you’ll know that you’re supporting responsible tourism and making a real difference when you’re travelling with Trafalgar in the future.
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How will you travel differently in a post-pandemic world? Let us know in the comments below…