It’s an interesting time for travel marketing, to say the least. If you’re reading this, you probably haven’t jumped ship just yet and are trying to figure out new ways to reach your audience. This is a good decision. Responsible travel marketing is vital to flattening the curve. Helping people try to stay sane and enjoy life in a safe and responsible way is a valuable service, and your travel blog can be an excellent resource for information and education.
Most people have more options than they realize, but they will make less safe decisions without sound guidance. If your audience trusts you, coming up with safe travel suggestions will help solidify those relationships. If you’re just starting out, you have a real opportunity to posture yourself as a thought leader. Either way, responsible marketing is key, so here are five topic areas that I brainstormed thinking of red flags and a few alternatives you might want to consider for each until the curve is flat everywhere.
1. Overseas Travel
This one might seem like a no-brainer considering all the travel restrictions that already exist, but some people aren’t thinking about the alternatives. They’re either giving up on the idea of a vacation this year, or they’re trying to figure out how they’re going to salvage it. This is where you come in.
Let your readers know that it just isn’t worth the risk. There is plenty to do closer to home that will allow for responsible social distancing and provide the much-needed break from the changing landscape of our society and how we do things. People who have been stuck at home for months need to get away, but how? It’s time to get creative and provide your readers with a few ideas that will help them get off the couch and stay safe.
2. Activities That Make Social Distancing Difficult
This really should be a no-brainer. Don’t walk your readers into harm’s way. Always encourage social distancing and preventive measures, like wearing a mask in public. Set a good example in this area with your writing.
Now, I realize that going to the grocery store makes social distancing difficult, along with many other things that make up our day. The point is, when we can be safe, we should. Vacations are luxuries. We have far more control over where we travel than we do over the need for food and other necessities. Until curbside vacations become a thing, safe travel ideas that promote flattening the curve are a good alternative. I’ll share a few toward the end of this post, so keep reading.
3. Family Travel
Again, it might seem like a no-brainer, but now is not the time to encourage families to risk exposure either. All it takes is for one to come in contact with the virus, and the likelihood of everyone becoming infected increases drastically.
Never encourage families to engage in risky activities. There are plenty of alternatives. There are also ways to plan more traditional trips that promote social distancing and keeping to ourselves. We learned how to live together in close quarters when everyone was being asked to stay home. Now it’s time to learn how to travel together and stay sane in social isolation.
4. Major Tourist Destinations
The numbers of major destinations available for travel right now are small, but options are increasing by the day. Before sending your readers anywhere, know what each venue is doing to promote cleanliness and social distancing. Your best bet is to avoid these venues altogether, but you may also be providing a valuable service by doing your homework and reporting on which are the safest.
5. Group Tours
Group-based vacations, regardless of the destination and safety measures in place, are risky. Even with many tour companies compiling data to track the spread should one of their guests contract the virus, visitors will still be exposed. This is not the time to recommend things like cruises, boat tours, or the like. Again, there aren’t that many of these operating right now, but they’re starting to make a comeback.
A Few Alternatives
The above five marketing areas can be very touchy, but you can counter the content you aren’t writing about them by focusing on alternative areas and aspects of travel. During a pandemic, it is necessary to put safety first. So, what can you write about right now? Here are a few ideas:
Staycations — You don’t even need to be specific in terms of geography. What kinds of things do people do on staycations? How can these activities be framed in a way that promotes social distancing and other safety considerations?
In-State Travel — The U.S. in general is a tricky canvas for travel blogging, but many states have reopened or are reopening many outdoor services. Outdoor vacations can be fun, comfortable, and safe clear into late fall. Research outdoor venues and blog on safe, socially distanced road trips for this year’s getaway.
Camping — For families, this is probably one of the best options this year. Develop content around secluded destinations for camping and RV travel. Encourage family togetherness without too much contact with other travelers.
Skip the Trip — Write about destinations that might have been out of financial reach until COVID hit. By the time the world reopens for business, tourist destinations and businesses will be hungry for visitors, and deals and discounts are likely to abound. Blog about exciting destinations and encourage readers to bank their vacation dollars this year in favor of a real treat when the world rights itself.
As always, we’re here to help with all your travel content writing needs. If you’re having trouble reaching your audience, reach out to Beez. We can help you develop content that keeps your travel blog popular and relevant. Contact us today to learn more.
