The restriction of international travel in South Africa was implemented as a way to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While this measure did indeed help in fighting the pandemic, it seems as though the restriction has had unintended affects on the mental well-being of travel enthusiasts.
American Express found that the inability to travel is causing an emotional toll on some would-be travelers, according to a study by Amex Trendex. The study states that nearly half of those surveyed reported that the inability to travel is causing them to feel anxious and stressed.
A further three out of four respondents, or 78%, also stated that traveling is one of the three activities they most looking forward to once the restriction is lifted.
Additional data from the study reveals that the lack of travel will have a long-term effect on how people decide to travel once its safe to do so. A total of 67% of people in study said they would prefer to travel with members of their family, despite being cooped up with them for the last few months, while only 10 percent of people said they would prefer to travel on their own.
The constant act of abiding by social distancing also looks like it will have a long lasting affect on people one they feel its safe to travel. A massive 61% of people said they would be willing to pay extra for a seat on a plane or train that leaves every other seat open.
Interestingly, when those involved in the study were asked if they would be willing to take an extended-stay trip for 3-months, with both economic and health incentives taken care of, 50 percent of people people said they were willing do so, with half of those expressing the desire to do so for up to an entire year or more, according to Travel Pulse.
The study was done through an online poll conducted by Morning Consult between July 21 and July 23. A total of 2,000 people were involved in the study from households that had a yearly income of at least $70,000 (R1,221,346)
Image credit: Amex Trendex/ Consumer travel trends
Image credit: Pixabay
