Reflections

In the face of the issues raised by the climate emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic (outlined in part one), potential solutions exist at different levels ranging from global and national policy, urban design to individual actions. The travel industry will have to play its part and make extensive adaptations as it seeks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic lockdowns. Together, these examples point to hopeful ‘directions of travel’ for creating a better future for all.

The impact of climate change has become increasingly stark and poses the biggest existential threat to humanity. However, we may have become distracted from tackling it by the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Fears and anxieties surround both crises. Yet the roots of both crises generally lie in the consequences of destructive human activities. Ways of addressing both crises could come to have dual benefits.

Europe is a highly fragmented continent, its rich diversity testament to the legacies of past eras which make it a strong attraction to travellers. Some parts are well known, others perhaps less so or significant. The current iteration of Europe’s mosaic contains within it the seeds of further change including, for instance, regional claims for greater autonomy. How such dynamics play out will impact on future travellers, as will the uncertain longer term impact of COVID-19, that in this context, has already damaged the transport, tourism and leisure sectors.

Since achieving independence in 1975, Cape Verde has made great progress. However social and economic disparities continue to be visible to travellers to the islands. Tourism has been a key part of the country’s economic development strategy, but it is likely to remain at the mercy of the wider global challenges that will affect future visitor numbers.

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has and will continue to have a profound affect on travellers, the travel industry and all those whose livelihoods depend on it. Acts of solidarity with those we have come to know on our travels can be a positive whilst we contemplate what future travel plans might be like.

Whilst there is much personal benefit and enjoyment to be gained from travelling, I fully appreciate that my footprint (along with everybody else’s) has an impact and in effect makes a statement about how one treats the planet.

In highly organised tours or mainstream holidays, one can be relatively immune from meeting strangers and one’s contact with local people is more likely to be confined to local tour operators or hotel and restaurant staff.