Can money buy happiness?
Given all the economic uncertainty due to COVID-19, many people are asking that question. They’re also finding ways to spend less, earn more, and save for the future. But instead of hoarding money for its own sake, the goal is to use it wisely.
Indeed, one of the changes in consumer behaviour is a shift away from buying things we don’t need to make impressions that don’t matter. Instead, people want to spend money on meaningful experiences, especially travel.
The future of travel
So, what are the most exciting trends for travel in the age of COVID-19?
The first trend relates to who is travelling. After the horror stories of confinement on cruise ships, people want to travel in small groups. For those who didn’t like the solitude of lockdown, this will involve travel with family and friends. (African Bush Camps is catering to this by allowing guests to book out an entire site.) But for those who enjoy being alone, it will involve solo trips.
The second trend relates to how people are travelling. Because many borders are still closed to international travel, people won’t be flying, even though the risk of infection on planes is low. Instead, they will choose local trips. (If you’re planning a nearby getaway through a platform like Airbnb, do your research so that you don’t fall victim to a travel scam.)
The third trend relates to why people are travelling. While some people might have to take business trips, many others will think carefully about their holidays. For example, given the pressure on the environment, they might reconsider their desire to collect things and instead travel in a way that gives nature a break.
The spirit of adventure
Ultimately, travel has a transformative effect on our lives, which is why it’s so important to support the tourism industry. More than that, human beings are driven to explore, whether it’s on top of the world or at the bottom of the sea, in the land beneath our feet or on planets far away.
It’s much like George Bernard Shaw writes in Pygmalion, our book recommendation for the month (also available on Audible and as the wonderful My Fair Lady film):
What is life but a series of inspired follies? The difficulty is to find them to do. Never lose a chance: it doesn’t come every day.
What will your next adventure be?
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