David KrisoIt’s June, and American’s cannot feel more relieved and more ecstatic about the progress in the fight against the dreaded Coronavirus. For over a year, the Coronavirus ravaged the United States. Over 500,000 lives were lost, businesses were shuttered, traditions were disrupted, and families were kept apart. Undoubtedly, it was a somber scene. Further, the travel industry was greatly impacted. The cruise industry was forced to shut down. It’s great to hear the news that the cruise lines are eyeing a July re-start, aiming to sail at full capacity. Amtrak and the airlines have seen a great rebound in their passenger volume. On top of that, there are some well-missed travel experiences which Americans cannot wait to resume once things are at 100% normalcy. With these travel experiences back in full force, Americans can enjoy traveling again and enjoy all the simple pleasures intertwined within the joy of traveling.
5) Visiting crowded beaches and water parks! At the start of the pandemic, Americans were forced to fear crowded places. That state of mind is growing closer and closer to G-O-N-E. Whether Americans enjoy going to favorite beaches along the New Jersey Shore or any beaches on the east or west coast, the crowds are what makes these places worth visiting. With no crowds, beach volleyball games cannot be enjoyed. Crowds energize popular beaches! Crowds also bring water parks to life! Without any crowd, only the sound of gushing water can be heard. Without roaring crowds, sports events are not fun at all. Without an energetic and enthusiastic crowd, concert venues cannot operate. No crowd…no anticipation…no energy! Here’s to the crowds returning!
4) Traveling without having to quarantine! Being ordered to quarantine had to been the utmost stressful part of traveling during the pandemic. Americans had to quarantine fourteen days after arriving at their destination, or even after returning home from a vacation. It was social distancing gone berserk. Then came the vaccinations! Americans were able to travel with some ease, and not fear sitting close to strangers on planes and trains. Week by week, the hardship is slowly dissipating. As vaccinations continue to ramp up, the term ‘quarantine’ is being heard less and less. The term ‘quarantine’, once the most feared term during the pandemic, is now becoming the most faint term in America. Very soon, the term ‘quarantine’ will be just a plain scientific term in a science textbook. Here’s to traveling without quarantining!
3) Non-socially distanced cue lines! This is the one experience which Americans cannot wait to bid “Good riddance!” to. When it comes to traveling, social distancing doesn’t work…PERIOD! Social distancing only dampens the spirits of the traveling public. At airports, train stations, restaurants, and at every public space imaginable, social distancing was part of every day life. Soon, it will no longer be so! Americans are well-accustomed to standing in long cue lines for thrill rides, water slides at water parks, concession stands at sports events, airport check-in counters, and even at the DMV. The DMV is not necessarily travel related, unless someone needs to renew his/her license prior to hitting the road. Social distancing will soon be a forgotten part of our culture, only to be discussed in science class. Hopefully it will not be a newly added term in the dictionary. Affirmatively, it will be a pleasure seeing travelers mixing and mingling in cue lines again. At best, it will be a joy once again seeing Americans putting up with the ‘normal’ methods to the madness. Au voir, social distancing!
2) Full capacity everywhere! Even though it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of Americans entirely, limited capacity in popular restaurants, movie theaters, theme parks, water parks, museums, and so on didn’t help the travel industry. In the travel industry, these types of establishments thrive on full capacity crowds. Full capacity means more money. Full capacity means more energy. Broadway theaters in New York City will re-open at full capacity. Late night show audiences return at full capacity! Restaurants at full capacity! Hotels will be at full capacity! Full capacity, at this juncture, is a crowning achievement which businesses across America never thought they’d never see happen. Week by week, month by month, America will reach its full potential as a dream destination for millions outside its borders. Further, full capacity is a welcome sight for all Americans who dream of experiencing any popular activity, any tourist attraction, and at any popular destination. HALLELUJIAH!
1) BUFFETS! At the start of the pandemic, no one knew what the world of travel was going to look like as time progressed. Among the most dreaded Coronavirus restrictions that dampened the spirits of travelers all across America was the absence of buffets. Restaurants, particularly those featuring buffets, were closed down until further notice. Why? Buffets involve human contact with serving tools. The phrase “Until further notice” felt like an eternity. Then, there was the discouraging conversation that buffets were going to be done away with completely. Travel and health experts alike were projecting that the Coronavirus was going to send buffets to their demise. So much for the gloom and doom! Buffets are the centerpiece of every traveling experience. Vacations aren’t complete without buffets. What good are all-you-can-eat buffets in Las Vegas when they’re closed down? Hotel stays are nothing without their breakfast buffets. Disney resorts are nothing without their character buffets. Cruises would be a total disappointment without buffets! On cruise ships, the midnight buffet was discontinued to alleviate food waste. No harm done there! Looking at the big picture, buffets are here to stay. On your mark, get set…MANGIA!!!
