The ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives forever. While it began in China, it soon spread to other continents, including Europe and North America. As the death toll rises, governments around the world have implemented strict limitations on human interaction, closed down non-essential businesses, and told people to stay at home as much as possible. More and more, we’re seeing the powerful effect of the ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle.
In the year 796, the last quarter of the 20th century saw another major shift in our social habits. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War led to greater openness and less political control over our personal lives. It also marked the rise of a new form of travel, which brought people from all over the world to visit Europe’s most iconic city. The number of solo travelers doubled, and more and more people decided to travel Europe independently or in small groups.
Along with this newfound freedom came another cultural change: the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle. People swapped apartments in the center of town for tents on the move. They swapped cars for rail passes and bus tickets. They made friends with fellow travelers and swapped trips to other destinations.
For many digital nomads, Europe is the ultimate travel destination. The choice of locations and activities is endless. It’s a mecca for adventure travel and a hub for tours and travel insurance. Cities like Amsterdam, London, and Paris are some of the most photographed and admired cities in the world. Traveling to Europe is undoubtedly a bucket-list item for anyone.
While some people may have seen 2020 as a tragedy, and a month of lockdown may have been dreadful, it’s also been an opportunity to rebuild and reconnect with loved ones as well as pursue our passions. Traveling to Europe has become even more appealing, as the cost of flights and cruise ships have decreased, making it possible for more people to travel independently or in small groups. In fact, some people even see the pandemic as a blessing in disguise, as it’s forced them to appreciate their hometowns more than ever before.
The Travel Industry
The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit industries in the pandemic. Travel plans and travel certificates have become worthless, as airlines and hoteliers have lost a major source of revenue. Hotels and restaurants that are open have had to adjust to a lower demand, and fewer people are traveling. The knock-on effect is that more businesses are suffering and more people are losing their jobs. There is also an increasing number of digital nomads trying to work remotely and avoid going to crowded locations, which are still perceived as highly risky places. The industry is struggling to rebuild. Due to the pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn, 2021 is likely to be a quiet year for travel.
The Effect On The Individual Traveler
The pandemic has had a massive effect on the individual traveler as well. The fear of contracting the virus and the uncertainty of whether or not they will recover if they do contract it, has kept many travelers away from Europe. The choice of locations and activities is great, as one of the perks of traveling independently is that you can do what you want when you want. However, you can also run into trouble if you aren’t careful. The more people travel, the more there is a chance of encountering another traveler. Even in a small town in Italy, you are bound to come across a tourist, and in a city like Amsterdam, it’s inevitable. In these locations, foreigners are a rarity, especially not European foreigners. This can lead to all kinds of issues, both social and legal. In these circumstances, it’s best to play by the rules and abide by the regulations. Stay healthy, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and travel responsibly. If you do encounter trouble, use your common sense and get help from the right people. In many cases, there should be no need to register a crime, as the vast majority of legal issues can be resolved with a simple phone call or an online search. Be careful, but don’t be afraid. The world is a bigger place than you think, and you can have a fantastic time traveling it.