Tips and Tricks for the Rise of “Revenge Travel”

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic shut off nations’ borders and kept people from traveling to their dream destinations. 

… but now that restrictions have eased and travel protocols have been updated, lots of people are preparing for their “revenge travel.” 

Are you planning your “revenge travel” too? 

If you are, here are a few things to take note of when traveling in the post-COVID age. 

The Rise of “Revenge Travel” 

“Revenge travel” means traveling as a way to make up for lost time during the pandemic. It also generally refers to the frustration and anger people felt towards COVID-19 for canceling their plans and disrupting their lives. 

The term started as a prediction in 2020 about how people would respond when it became safer to travel. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Travel Advisors in May 2022, travel is surging.

Despite economic pressures, people are spending more money on travel compared to things like home improvement, technology, and sporting equipment. The same report says two thirds of people plan to travel before 2022 ends.

The "revenge travel" trend isn't just isolated to the U.S. or certain regions. In fact, 49% of survey participants said they are "very eager to travel internationally without hesitation." Top international destinations are Western Europe and the Caribbean.

Why is “revenge travel” surging nowadays? 

Simply put, travel restrictions are easing all over the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer requires masks on public transportation, and the U.S. recently lifted mandatory COVID-19 testing for incoming international travelers. Meanwhile, the majority of countries in Europe have lifted all or most of their restrictions.

Despite the fact that highly transmissible strains of COVID-19 are still raging, experts say it's safer to travel now for as long as travelers take precautions.

Additionally, here are tips and hacks for a smooth vacationing and scoring good deals on your next flight: 

1.) Airfare Hacks

Airline miles are a great way to offset flight expenses. Also, for those whose jobs or commitments allow them the flexibility to travel on short notice, last-minute flight deals can help reap savings in cash. 

For example: Singapore Airlines’ Spontaneous Escapes is a monthly promotion that offers savings in miles to selected destinations within the airline’s network. The idea is by booking a flight this month, you're flying next month and you can save up to 30% of the normal required number of miles.

Connecting flights are also generally cheaper than direct flights, but you must also maintain a balance between price and travel time.

Travel search services such as Google Flights or Kayak make comparing flights and fares easier. The Explore feature on Google Flights also allows users to input information such as dates, interests, and budget, before churning out options to choose from.

However, keep in mind that third party booking agencies should be used with careful consideration, as any change in itinerary will be a hassle to manage, with customer service, wait time, and conditions differing from direct bookings.

2.) Accommodation Hacks

Cost of accommodation can be reduced through points or loyalty programs. Some hotels sell points, which the public can buy and redeem for rooms without needing to become a member.

During peak periods or seasons, the cost of a hotel room is very variable, and the range of points tends to fluctuate within a smaller band than for cash rates. Taking some time to learn about hotel loyalty programs can help with some savings.

3.) Travel Insurance

With the current travel chaos in airports, travel insurance is all the more important in the event of flight cancellations or lost baggage.

There are 3 areas of particular coverage importance when choosing a travel insurance policy: Serious accidents resulting in death or disability, medical expenses, and travel inconveniences.

However, regardless of how well protected you are by travel insurance, you should always carry important items such as identification, medication, and communication tools in your carry-on bags.

In the age of “revenge travel,” it’s not only the travelers who need to prepare but also the airlines and hotel accommodations. Since lots of people are eager to resume their travel goals, it’s important that these institutions in the travel industry are also ready to welcome these people aboard. 

Here are 2 tips on how airlines and hotels can react and prepare for “revenge traveling”: 

1.) Continue to be mindful of everyone’s health and safety.

Since COVID-19 is still here and people will understandably remain concerned about their health, health-related services and products to put their minds at ease will be welcome.

For example: Room service breakfast is an attractive option, offering guests the chance to avoid crowds at a buffet. A paid upgrade to this service could not only boost food and beverage revenues but also give guests the freedom to choose.

Additionally, services like airport transfers via sanitized cars are important as guests ease into traveling again.

After a year of being at home and zero indulging, it is also expected that there will be a growing demand for wellness and wellbeing-related offers. It's important for airlines and hotels to think about what they can offer or which local partners they can work with to fulfill this need.

2.) Create a positive experience.

"Revenge travelers" may have faced extra stress and workload during the pandemic and are visiting other places for a hard-earned break. It’s the airline and hotel's responsibility now to create the best possible experiences for these guests. There are 2 ways to do this:

Create "treat yourself packages" that allow guests to experience full-service treatment on things they might not have naturally opted for. This could include dinner at a fine-dining venue, a spa treatment, a special outing or a combination of the above. 

Allowing guests to customize their travel and stay with special add-ons will not only make them enjoy their time but also give airlines and hotels the chance to increase their average guest spend.

While revenue management experts advise against large discounts, you can still find ways to offer great value to travelers, especially those who may have been financially impacted during the peak of the health crisis. This can include 3-for-2 offers for nights, meals or other add-ons, or pre-paid vouchers with bonuses.

With the entire world recovering from the peak of the pandemic, “revenge travel” sounds like the plot of a superhero movie. The protagonist is wronged by a powerful villain, channels his or her anger and bitterness into an elaborate revenge plan, and an epic battle ensues in which justice prevails… but instead of a superhero it's the average consumer; instead of a battle, it's making travel plans; and instead of a powerful villain, it's a deadly global virus.

After a couple of years staying in their homes, people are excited to get back out into the world and travel. That’s why it’s important that you heed these tips and tricks for a seamless, worry-free, and memorable “revenge travel.”