With borders closed and stay-at-home policies implemented, we can say that the global pandemic brought travel to a standstill literally. Now that the world is slowly opening up, the industry can see a glimpse of hope. Travel enthusiasts including families with children are eager to make up for the lost year though consciously.
However, it is evident that the pandemic revolutionized travel and it is likely not to return to its pre-pandemic state any time soon. Nevertheless, with a vaccine in place and testing protocols getting better by the day, anyone can predict that traveling will soon start becoming easier and the feared changes can only get better.
There are some precautions to pay attention to though, especially if you are traveling with kids. Here are four aspects that you should keep in mind before traveling with kids in the post-pandemic era.
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1. There will be a rise in conscious traveling after the pandemic
We have witnessed businesses shutting down, others downsizing and many people suffering after losing their jobs due to the pandemic. With no knowledge on how long the pandemic would go on, people suddenly had to be cautious of what they spent their money on.
In addition, COVID-19 has shown us that the disease is taking a toll on people with pre-existing conditions. This has in a way raised health concerns in many people especially regarding the health of their family.
Post pandemic, most people will still be conscious of how they spend their money, travel expenses not spared. With the need to spend less, traveling for social and gram purposes will be a thing of the past. People will put much thought into where they go and are more likely to choose destinations that are meaningful for them.
They will settle on trips that are worthy of risking their children’s and their own health. Additionally, health consciousness will lead to more people thinking of wellness tourism. They will settle for packages that promise to have them feeling better than before.
2. Private transport will be the most preferred
Even after the pandemic, the fear of contracting the virus will linger. People will be very keen to observe the laid down guidelines in order to protect their families from the virus. We can expect people to be wearing masks, wiping down surfaces, and sanitizing their hands when traveling, and also teaching their kids how to do these steps.
Most importantly, travellers will be cautious about letting their children mingle with strangers, which will have most people choose to use private means of transportation.
If you are traveling to a foreign city, renting a car to travel with your closest people is your best bet to avoid the crowded bus and railway stations. However, you would need an international driver’s permit if you want to drive yourself around in a foreign land.
Make sure that you apply for one before traveling. How to get an international driver’s license depends on your country. If you are in the US, however, you just need to fill in an application form and attach two passport size photos and a copy of your valid US driver’s license. Send or email the same to AAA or AATA and pay the permit fee of about $20.
3. Domestic travel will be on the rise
The lockdown period made many people appreciate the freedom of travel. The fact that we stayed indoors for the better part of the year 2020 made most of us wish to travel even just locally. Post pandemic most people will appreciate what sights closer home has to offer.
They will have to prepare their kids to see destinations in their own countries in a new light because more than ever before there will be a new kind of attention paid to local travels.
Besides, in case a lockdown has to be implemented, most people would rather prefer to be in their home country with their family rather than being in a foreign country. This also remains a reason why most people will prefer domestic travel to taking a trip abroad.
4. Booking through agents will increase
Pre pandemic, people shied away from booking through agents to save on commissions. However, the severity of the virus has taught people that knowledge is power. It is important that travellers, especially when traveling with kids, are aware of the situation in their destinations.
While there is a lot of information about the pandemic in different places, travel agents will remain a trusted source of truth for most travellers. They will be willing to share large files of information on the pandemic in order to keep the people safe.
Their invaluable knowledge coupled with the extensive networks that they have created over the years will see most people shift to booking with them post-pandemic. This will be in the hope that they get advice on the best destinations.
In addition, people will use them for the protection of their booking and easier refunds in case the trips get cancelled. However, even if you book your hotel, flights, and travel insurance independently (like I do 
5. Most countries will demand travel insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment
Even with the rate of Covid vaccinations increasing around the world, the protection is no 100%. So, we believe that many countries will demand prove that travellers (solo or with kids) have purchased travel insurance plans that cover all the treatments (mild to severe) in case any of the family members contract Covid-19.
Travel destinations might demand this prove of travel insurance before issuing visas or at the border. This way, we highly recommend that you acquire at travel insurance plan for you and your kids before starting your travels.
To know more about international travel insurance plans that cover Covid-19, take a look at our article answering the question: Does international travel insurance cover coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Conclusion
The global pandemic might have changed the face of travel in the meantime. However, one good thing that it has done is opening up the eyes of the people on how travel is important in life and how to safely travel with their families.
Cabin fever had pushed people to the edge to a point of triggering mental health issues. While the danger of the virus is still lurking, people are more eager to resume travel and tap into these benefits.