Top travel destinations revealed, tips on how to stay safe post-Covid

Analysis reveals most Aussies will journey within the subsequent two years, however the pandemic has modified the best way we plan our holidays. Here’s what that you must know.

A whopping 92 per cent of Australians are anticipated to journey within the subsequent two years, new analysis reveals, however three in 4 holiday-makers will likely be extra apprehensive about their well being and security than earlier than the pandemic.

YouGov analysis, which was commissioned by Southern Cross Journey Insurance coverage in March, concerned a survey of greater than 1000 adults and revealed the urge for food for journey was sturdy following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

However the findings point out post-pandemic fears are shaping journey choices, together with locations and lodging selections, vacation actions and journey insurance coverage.

Southern Cross Journey Insurance coverage chief govt Jo McCauley mentioned the pandemic had impacted folks’s methodology of planning holidays.

“It has made us extra conscious now, than ever, of the issues that would doubtlessly go fallacious throughout our travels and the significance in planning for these unexpected circumstances as a lot as we are able to,” she mentioned.

“Previous to the pandemic, journey insurance coverage was once one thing a few of our clients would buy on the final minute with restricted understanding about what they have been and weren’t lined.

“We’re now discovering Australian travellers are rather more engaged with their journey insurance coverage coverage, and consequently, we’re experiencing a surge in inquiries into our contact centre.

“Clients (are) asking us much more detailed and hypothetical questions on what would, and wouldn’t, be lined in sure conditions.”

Key findings from the analysis:

● 92 per cent of Australians are planning to journey inside Australia or abroad within the subsequent two years;

● 75 per cent of these travellers are extra involved about well being and security;

● 89 per cent say a vacation spot’s Covid-19 document will affect their determination to journey there;

● 80 per cent contemplate journey insurance coverage a excessive precedence for worldwide journey, whereas 65 per cent contemplate home journey insurance coverage a excessive precedence; and

● 36 per cent of individuals aged 18 to 24 don’t contemplate journey insurance coverage a excessive precedence for worldwide journey.

The analysis revealed drawn-out Covid-19 restrictions had influenced the kind of vacation folks needed, with nature and getting away from huge cities changing into a spotlight.

Survey outcomes additionally confirmed hostel-style lodging was much less interesting, with extra travellers now contemplating total cleanliness and Covid-safe practices when selecting lodging.

Extra persons are additionally taking a look at cancellation insurance policies.

The analysis additionally uncovered generational variations, with adults aged 18 to 24 displaying a extra relaxed strategy to journey than older folks.

“What’s barely regarding is that the information does point out that this age group is probably not taking the identical precautions as older generations when planning a vacation, subsequently leaving them extra uncovered to elevated danger of hurt or pricey errors right here and abroad,” Ms McCauley mentioned.

“No matter age and well being, we at all times suggest that travellers take out journey insurance coverage.

“You simply by no means know what may occur, and it’s higher to be ready than to be left feeling regretful and with an enormous invoice to pay.”

Flight Centre Journey Group’s international leisure chief govt James Kavanagh instructed NCA NewsWire that there had been a powerful restoration nationwide since border restrictions have been lifted, each domestically and internationally.

“Typically talking, persons are very eager to reconnect, whether or not that’s with family and friends, or for enterprise, or to take advantage of their vacation time,” he mentioned.

“Now we have had queues outdoors a few of our retailers at occasions.”

Mr Kavanagh mentioned there was an preliminary wave of leisure journey, with folks visiting pals and kin.

“Many have been taking off as quickly as they have been in a position to,” he mentioned.

“There’s additionally a very good base of future vacation bookings, significantly for cruises – folks have booked effectively into subsequent 12 months.”

Common locations have to date included India and the Philippines in addition to the UK, Europe, America, Fiji, New Zealand and Bali.

“We count on additional restoration as folks grow to be extra accustomed to travelling within the post-pandemic world,” Mr Kavanagh mentioned.

“It is a bit more complicated proper now than it was pre-Covid and we’re seeing folks come into our retailers who haven’t historically booked with an agent.”

Mr Kavanagh mentioned flight capability was additionally holding again the restoration.

“We want extra seats on worldwide routes and we count on that to occur over the following few months,” he mentioned.

The Australian authorities recommends folks be absolutely vaccinated towards the virus and journey with proof of vaccination standing documentation.

Unvaccinated Australians are strongly discouraged from worldwide journey because of the well being dangers.

Persons are urged to examine the Sensible Traveller web site for recommendation about locations.

“The recommendation degree of your vacation spot can have an effect on whether or not you will get insurance coverage and what’s lined,” the web site reads.

Travellers are additionally urged to seek out out what would occur in the event that they examined constructive whereas abroad, together with monetary implications.

Some insurance coverage insurance policies solely cowl medical and repatriation prices if you happen to get the virus abroad, whereas others present restricted cowl for cancellation prices.

It’s also value noting that some insurers solely cowl cancellation if you happen to check constructive and the coverage was bought greater than 21 days earlier than your departure date.

Most Covid-19 claims obtained by SCTI from January 1 to April 7 have been for medical care and journey disruptions that occurred when clients contracted the virus whereas on their vacation.

The common declare paid quantity was $2775.

Prime 10 journey vacation spot bookings since February: