5 things that are influencing travel right now Posted by Chloe Cowley on 17 March 2022 After two years of lockdowns, isolation, restrictions and bans, it is time to travel again. With this new freedom, comes a slate of new products, services and influencers. From data-driven intelligence to help you find your next flight to new health and safety protocols for a post-pandemic world, here are five things to keep in mind when planning your travels. Picture: Pixabay 1. A new standard for health and hygiene Travellers want to know their accommodation and modes of transport are as Covid-safe as can be. Several hotel groups introduced strict hygiene protocols. In 2020, Radisson Hotel Group introduced the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. The protocol includes steps such as disinfecting all key entry points, a personalised contactless service, regular COVID-19 prevention training, and the monitoring of indoor air quality, among others. Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town. Picture: Flickr commons / John Hickery-Fry 2. The right flight Travellers want flight schedules that suit their schedules and logistics. Global travel search site, Cheapflights is taking it up a notch with a new tool. The ‘Work from Wherever Index’ allows freelancers and other travellers looking to work remotely with a one-stop guide to the best countries for remote work. READ: These countries rank highest for combining work and pleasure It ranks 111 countries – including South Africa – based on popular searches made on the Cheapflights site. It also ranks how well each country scored across the six categories of travel, local prices, health and safety, remote work, social life and weather. South Africa ranks at number 61 globally and fifth among countries in the Middle East and Africa region. Mauritius. Picture: Getaway gallery 3. Experiences over things People have come to realise that experiences are more rewarding than possessions (a secret hardcore travellers knew long ago). In 2016, Airbnb introduced Airbnb Experiences. These experiences are activities or excursions led by passionate local hosts, highlighting their interests and perspective as well as unique places that many visitors might not otherwise get to experience. Havana, Cuba. Picture: Flickr commons /Pedro Szekely Then in 2020, Airbnb Experiences went virtual with anyone being able to do any experience, anywhere in the world. You can learn to surf with the locals in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa, take a cooking class with an indigenous cook in Mexico City, Mexico or even do a music and culture tour with a local Havana DJ in Cuba. 4. An Afrocentric perspective of travel A quick scroll through social media puts our favourite insiders and influencers in the most gorgeous destinations we would love to visit too. Have you noticed that these destinations get closer and closer to home? READ: Katchie Nzama is chasing the best beer in Africa In 2022, African travel influencers are taking centre stage. Thobi Rose is a champion of domestic travel and her content is filled with amazing things to do and see in Mzansi while Senzelwe Mthembu’s adventures across Africa are what travel dreams are made of. Lions Head, Cape Town. Picture: Getaway gallery 5. Authenticity and connection Modern travellers are also increasingly more socially aware and conscious, looking for more authentic experiences that connect them to the areas they visit, says Tshepo Matlou, Head of Marketing and Communications at Jurni, a local stay booking platform. ‘These often can be found at small guest houses and business owners outside of the big cities in areas that are incredibly rich in cultural value and have much to offer visitors who are willing to explore them,’ he says. As a result, localised booking sites will no doubt become more prevalent in the coming years. Train on the bridge. Picture: Flickr commons / jbdodane Those looking to travel are doing so with renewed energy. Now, more people are looking to experience cultures or tourism where they can make an impact. From voluntourism and wellness breaks to meaningful family holidays such as the new edu-vacation that combines experiences with learning. Some local destinations that offer a touch of luxe with learning and meaning include Sanctuary Mandela, a new hotel opened in the former residence of Nelson Mandela, and Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, which offers luxe, one-of-a-kind rooms in a train over the historical Sabie River in the heart of the Kruger National Park. 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