This pandemic has upended the travel and hospitality industry. Some airlines filed bankruptcies while those airlines and hotels that are still running are continuing to update their safety measures to ensure your well-being. The travel industry has been ever-changing during this time - here are some updates from different areas in the industry.

So much has happened over the past several months: stay-at-home orders, social distancing requirements, and restrictions on non-essential travel. Airlines, hotels, and other travel service providers have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, airlines have updated their cancellation policies, cleaning regimes, and loyalty program qualifications. Once bustling, crowded airports are now empty; once full flights are now operating at reduced capacity. Read on as we explore some major events in the airline industry during this time.

Traveling doesn’t always have to be luxurious, especially if you’re making a short trip and just need to get from Point A to Point B. If this is the case, basic economy may be the fare you’re looking for! Basic economy is the most affordable option airlines offer travelers, in exchange for giving up some of the benefits of a standard economy ticket, which varies depending on your airline.

Basic economy fares are generally the most restrictive. However, due to the pandemic, airlines have been more flexible with flight changes across all ticket types. Changes are now allowed by most airlines offering basic economy fares. During this time, you don’t have to worry about being locked in if you have a basic economy fare. If you’re ready to travel, you can take advantage of this flexibility and fly with peace of mind at the most affordable price!

The pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, including our summer travel plans. However, it hasn’t stopped us from traveling completely - it’s just changed how we travel, and we may have to reconsider whether that trip we originally planned still makes sense. If you’re still considering whether to move forward with your existing travel bookings, check out our guide on flight cancellations, hotel cancellations, airline safety, and hotel safety during this time.

New trends have emerged since we were advised to stay at home. From traveling abroad and staying in luxurious hotels, we’re now driving locally and staying in a cabin by the lake. Compared to hotels, home rentals offer a homier feel, privacy, low cost, and space - a great option for a socially distanced getaway this summer. We thought we’d share some popular home rental platforms that you may want to consider when searching for your home away from home.

Is wanderlust calling or does your job simply require you to travel abroad? Whatever your reason for international travel may be, you’ll always want to check your travel documents to make sure you have everything you need. Other than your passport, which in most cases needs to be valid for at least six months after the planned travel dates, there may be other requirements, such as a travel visa, depending on your nationality and destination. If you’re unsure about the travel requirements for your destination, you can always reach out to NexTravel Support for assistance.

COVID-19 Update: Now that we are facing a worldwide pandemic, the requirements may have changed. Some countries have already suspended issuing visas to foreign visitors. An EU official also noted that once the COVID-19 vaccine is confirmed and available for all, visa applicants may also be required to be vaccinated, especially if the virus remains active. Meanwhile, there are countries such as Austria, Slovakia and Cyprus requiring travelers to present a certificate proving they’ve been tested and negative from COVID-19. Travel requirements are constantly changing due to COVID-19, so check here for the latest information on COVID-19 travel restrictions.