Travel Thoughts during this time of COVID-19

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Travel not to escape life, but so life doesn’t escape you. – Unknown

I moved a lot while growing up. It got to the point that I knew, just as I would grow comfortable in a new school, home, or neighborhood, there was a strong possibility I would need to learn anew in another city. At times it was hard to give up the known for the unknown. However, the silver lining always revealed itself. Now, I am grateful for what I thought were impediments to life. They were, in fact, gifts for growth.

Looking at this time of Coronavirus, I ask myself, where and what are the growth gifts?

The consummate traveler, I’m now grounded and won’t board a plane for a while. What does a journey mean for an actor and creative? For someone who moved a lot while growing up? Travel is the ultimate expression of freedom. Exploration of a new place is learning, an onsite study of humanity.

Last week I posted a photo of a fond memory of strolling down a street in Barcelona on my Instagram. It occurred to me that I likely won’t be in Europe for a while, given Coronavirus. This thought is sobering. I think about my friends in Denmark and Switzerland. About the Greek Islands, where a friend and I wanted to rent a home for a month. And what about the African safari I want to take with BJ Adventures?

As of today, a little over six months into COVID-19, the American commercial airline industry is down. Some say it is down 81%. Their future is unknown. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this thought. Are you?

I imagine it will take well into next year for us to see the real fallout and to have a glimpse into the future of travel.

A friend compared the current situation of unknown to sitting on a plane after the door has closed. The pilot announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, we just learned about a slight delay. Mechanics are looking into a small repair, and we should have it taken care of shortly. We’ll be back in touch in about twenty minutes.”

Forty-five minutes later, the pilot gets on the loudspeaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the delay. We thought the repair would be a quick fix. As it turns out, we need a part. The good news is we have the part. The bad news is we need to get it here from another location. We’ll be here for a while. Due to safety, we can’t let you deplane. Nor can you get up and walk around. Please lower your shades to help keep the plane cool. And make yourselves comfortable. We’ll provide an update when we know more.” Two hours later, we are pushed out to a side tarmac to wait. Other planes need to use the gate.

Six hours pass. We finally take off. Twenty minutes into the flight, we have to turn around and come back. Something isn’t working as needed. The fire trucks stand by for our landing. Upon deplaning, passengers learn the last flight to our destination took off about an hour ago. There are no more planes for tonight. Mass chaos ensues. Angry, tired, worn travelers stand in long queues waiting for instructions, vouchers for hotels, and amenity kits.

Murphy’s Law and numerous waylay experiences have taught me well over the years. Pre-COVID-19 I traveled with my office, snacks, an extra pair of underwear, and my preferred beauty amenities. Post-COVID-19, well, who knows? Flexibility and open-mindedness are vital attributes to nomadism. I always ask myself when preparing for a trip, “What do I need to make me feel comfortable if there is an unexpected detour or delay?”

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. – Susan Sontag

For someone whose travel bucket list included just about everywhere, I have to think differently about travel during and post-Coronavirus, in the new normal that awaits us and the impact it may have on our lives. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and enjoying new experiences are likely going to look different for quite a while.

Private jets

While the commercial airline industry was experiencing 81% drops in fliers, private jet companies were seeing up to 89% increases in bookings. If you are one of the few who can afford the luxury option, a private jet is the way to go during these times and likely after. Whether you purchase or charter, flying solo or in a small group of your birth or chosen family feels like a safe approach.

Space travel

Ramping up development are Space X, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, the companies to watch for those who have the space exploration bug. Many believe that our planet may someday no longer support human life and that space will be the only place to go. Whether you are one of those folks or have always had a passion for the great beyond, keep an eye out for more news to come.

Road travel

Last summer, I began a series of road trips between New Mexico and Texas to see my mother. It was the first time in years that I had hit the road in my car. And it was surprisingly fabulous and felt more freeing than flying. There was no schedule, no crowds to deal with, and no delays. And I could pack whatever I wanted. No limitations. A few hours into the trip, it hit me that road travel would be making a resurgence. I thought my inkling might have something to do with petrol and the impending price of plane tickets. Little did I know a virus would be the culprit.

Recreational vehicles

During my most recent trip to Texas, I recall being on I-10 East. I noticed a pristine Black Escalade following closely behind a luxurious looking RV. Both vehicles appeared to have hired drivers. I immediately called a dear friend. We were in the fashion industry together and continue to keep each other posted when we stumble upon what appears to look like a trend. From what I was observing, RV travel was a must watch! Most recent figures show sales are way up!

Hotels, Air B&B, Vrbo and the like

My sister had to take her daughter back to her college campus to collect the belongings she had left behind upon evacuating when the virus first hit. My sister, who has an incredible intuition, announced they would drive the 17-hour trip. She was not up for taking a plane ride. She also felt Air B&B would be the way to go for their overnight stays. Remote check-in and no public interaction. When I traveled to and from Texas, I stayed in a roadside economy class hotel along the way. I found myself anxious checking in, nervous walking into my room while I wiped down everything. That said, economy class hotels will likely make a come back before high-end and luxury hotels. This makes total sense given that luxe clientele can go to their second or third home for a vacay or rent an entire luxury home.

Backyard Camping

Campsite availability and closures due to the virus vary from state to state. Given the unpredictability of closures and updates, backyard camping is making a comeback. Camping contests are emerging. Campers send in photos of their backyard campsite. This type of camping sounds like a dream next to glamping. You’ll have your kitchen and bathroom close by should you want the convenience.

We’ll likely see lockdowns and shelter-in-place rules again. Enjoying more time at home is a personal preference. Some are up for it while others can’t imagine one more day inside their house or apartment. Whether you live with a family or live alone, it seems an adjustment period is in order. How many movies can one watch? Are there enough books on your must-read list? Do the kids have enough video games to play? And how many cakes, loaves of bread and cupcakes can one eat?

I’ve thought about this next round of shelter-in-place that is looming. I’ve been working from home since March. For me, there was no adjustment. I’ve worked from home off and on for years. I get a lot done without interruptions. I’m a binge-watcher. There is plenty of content yet to see. So all is good on that front. I have a long list of books to read. So check on that line item. But the travel, the travel thing is what I have yet to figure out. There is something about having a trip on the calendar. And right now, there isn’t a trip on the calendar for 2020 or 2021. Disconcerting was when Southwest Airlines told me the ticket I canceled due to COVID-19 is valid until September of 2022. Really?

After months of sheltering, it occurs to me that virtual travel to new places is a valid option. Engaging in social media, meeting new people, and cultivating an open mind to be so public are a breakthrough for me.

The impending next wave of the virus on top of the impact of the first wave is hard to digest. More people will be out of work. United announced they are laying off 36,000 employees in October. Undoubtedly, they won’t be the only airline doing this. The cascading effect of these layoffs, in this one industry sector, will be huge. There will likely be an increase in the divide between the haves and have nots. And it will be essential for us to help each other. Food security is a BIG issue on the horizon.

We will be in the unknown until we don’t know when. We are still on the tarmac, waiting.

In the meantime, inward travel may be THE place to journey. Now is a time to get to know ourselves, without the pre-virus distractions of life.

There’s no place like home. ~ Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz.