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With travel restrictions being lifted steadily around the world, the travel sector has been making protocol adjustments to accommodate operations. Find out more about some of the innovations being made for further safety and ease, as well as some must-haves for your next trip!

Wanderlust is alive and well in the new normal! The travel sector has survived and is now making adjustments to thrive as restrictions for travel are being steadily lifted around the world. 

Those of us who have missed travel for its own sake—of boarding a flight to another country for want of some well-deserved R&R or to simply experience a new culture can now book flights to their destination of choice for as long as they are fully vaccinated and are virus-free. 

Making Travel Safer

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has been working closely with governments in various regions around the globe, health experts, and various industry leaders in developing global travel protocols to ensure recovery efforts on a large scale. 

Part of its initiative to assure travelers of cooperation in terms of safety guidelines is the SafeTravels Stamp. According to their official site, the stamp “was created for travelers to recognize destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardized protocols.” These take into account current and relevant WHO and CDC guidelines and cover a whole range of protocol guidelines for hospitality, shopping, tourism, conventions, short-term housing rental, and car rental. 

Meanwhile, businesses in the travel sector looked into innovations both digital and policy-based to better their services and make space for health protocols without sacrificing efficiency and ease for travelers. A good example is Trip.com, a major online travel agent. The company’s live-streaming initiative revitalized regional markets and raised thousands for its numerous partner hotels. By identifying trends on what made travelers feel safer, the company offered attractive discounted travel packages that included safer transportation and accommodation. 

Contactless travel has become another trend in the travel sector. Several travel and Airbnb management companies have made it a priority to minimize, if not totally cut out any unnecessary human contact during the booking and checking-in process. James Jenkins Yates of Houst said that their company’s goal was to ensure that there’s no need to meet anyone before, during, or even after their guests’ stays. 

When it comes to human contact and long manual processes, airports can be the major cause of headaches for travelers. Filling out forms manually over and over again is a necessary hassle that we’ve all had to put up with. COVID made that worse for everyone, what with the additional documentation and requirements needed for presentation at check-in. 

However, there are a few companies that have taken off some of the pressure at airport check-in desks. Companies such as Airportr let travelers check-in their luggage remotely. The service may be quite spendy though, but some may prefer to fork over an extra amount to avoid the airport inconvenience. 

Your (New) Travel Must-haves!

Now for the fun stuff. We’re sure many have missed not only the actual travel but the whole ritual of preparing for it. Part of that sacred ritual is reviewing some of the cool gadgets to take along during your trip. Here’s an updated checklist of must-have travel gear. 

The next generation of device chargers

We all know the unspoken rule after never leaving for the airport without your passport: never leave home without your device charger! Fast chargers or PD (power delivery) chargers are in, and some of the best ones are those that include adapters for the EU, the UK, and the US, because as we know, what good is a gadget if you can’t find the right plug to charge it? This PD charger has 2 ports and can charge up to 2 devices via its USB-A and USB-C ports. Its sleek and compact design makes it very handy for international travel while this one is an eco-friendly charger made from 72% recycled plastic, has USB-A and USB-C ports, and supports PD. As for power banks, this compact and powerful unit ensures you’ll never run out of juice on the go. 

Privacy on-the-go

Having a reliable VPN while overseas is one travel must-have you didn’t know you needed. Secure your online habits while traveling by investing in a good VPN. Besides, we’re sure you will miss your territory-specific streaming app while you’re away. 

For Traveling Bookworms

One of the best reasons to travel may be to catch up on your ever-expanding to-be-read pile! Of course, you can’t just have one or two books for the entirety of your trip, right? For hardcore bookish travelers, consider updating your e-readers. Here’s a great example of an e-reader that feels great to hold, won’t strain your eyes under natural lighting, and has a super long (we’re talking weeks) battery life! 

Wireless Headphones/Earbuds

Many travelers forget to pack their headphones or their earbuds and immediately feel they’ve lost a limb. We hear you! Music is a vital part of the travel experience, after all. A staple for many travelers, why not check this pair out? It’s been voted as one of 2022’s best headphones for travel because of its unbeatable comfort. Those who prefer earbuds may want to look into these babies. These tick all the boxes for comfort, sound, battery life, and noise cancellation. 

The New Magic Wand

Although travel restrictions have relaxed significantly, it’s always wise to keep observing health and safety protocols. After COVID, these UV wands have become quite essential, and keeping one in your luggage adds a layer of security no matter where you go. 

Keeping Safe While Traveling in the New Normal

Each country has its health and safety protocols, so make sure you review before you even board the plane. It’s probably second nature by now, but don’t forget to mask up and keep observing social distancing. Make travel happier and safer not just for yourself and your loved ones, for your fellow travelers and hosts in the countries you visit. Travel safe and happy trip! 

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