Journey specialists longing for ‘vaxications’ to present tourism business enhance amid pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – It’s a term some travel experts call “vaxication,” the vacation people plan after they’ve been vaccinated.

It’s a trend that Madhu Unnikrishnan, editor of two travel publications – Airline Weekly and Skift – also noticed.

“Vaxication, I mean, people really buy tickets as soon as they get their shots and are safe,” Unnikrishnan said.

Last week, TSA reported that more than a million passengers at airports across the country were screened in one day. That was the highest number since March 15, 2020, and prompted its spokesperson to tweet: If you fly, wear a mask.

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More importantly, CDC is still advising people against all non-essential travel, fearing that cases could increase.

For Julia Cosgrove, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of AFAR Media in SF, the goal is to encourage more mindful and responsible travel after the pandemic.

“I really think it’s going to be a big comeback. But I hope we can do better. That we think about the local communities we visit. We think about the role of the traveler as steward and steward of the planet.” said Cosgrove.

That comeback may not be here yet, but the signs are that it is on the horizon. It’s a welcome sight for those in the industry devastated by the pandemic. At AFAR, Cosgrove wants companies to slowly but surely return.

“When we get into the summer, I hope that more people will start exploring in their concentric circles. Whether this is a road trip, whether this is a flight to somewhere. There are countries that are currently open to American travelers, the one Can provide proof of vaccination. And I hope it will continue to expand over the next few months, “Cosgrove said.

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These countries are: Estonia, Georgia, the Seychelles, Slovenia.

For those traveling now, Unnikrishnan says, start planning for the spring and summer months.

“The first tip I would say is if you can plan ahead, plan ahead like you did in 2019 or earlier and grab tickets,” he said.

The next tip, Unnikrishnan, says national parks and outdoor recreation will be very popular.

“You’re going to see a lot of demand in places like Montana, Yellowstone, here in California, Yosemite. Plan these trips well in advance.”

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Finally, remember that each goal can have different rules and limits.

“Just keep up to date with local regulations and plan as early as you can. Wear your masks, stay safe,” he said.

Stay safe and also conscientious, encourages Cosgrove. She adds that locals and travelers need to look out for each other more than ever.

“It’s a very symbiotic relationship. Locals need to feel that the people who walk in are respectful and responsible for their destination,” she said. “Can we as travelers commit to being better and more focused and maybe slowing down? Maybe it’s not.” It’s about seeing six places in a week. Instead, it’s about having a deeper experience while in one place. “

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