17 Ways You Can Support the Travel Industry When Coronavirus Ends

While no one knows exactly how much money the global travel industry will lose as coronavirus runs its course, the outlook continues to look grim in terms of corporate losses and jobs. In fact, forecasts from the U.S. Travel Association now show a loss of 5.9 million jobs nationwide by the end of April due to declining travel. If you want to help restore careers and get the travel industry back on its feet, here are some steps you can take once coronavirus is on its way out.

While it's not safe to go anywhere for a while since more than half of the world is currently on lockdown, restrictions are expected to be lifted as the virus runs its course and new treatments are found. In other words, this will be over eventually. Once it is, you can help the travel industry by booking a trip as soon as possible-even if it's just a few hours away and within driving distance.

Travel agents have also been hit hard by the lack of travel bookings during our national lockdown, yet there are so many benefits to using one. Not only can a travel agent help you score a better deal on your trip, but they can help you get a refund or deal with problems if your trip is brought to a halt for reasons beyond your control. Specifically, travel agents are experts at crisis management, and they provide direct assistance when your travel plans go awry.

Some areas of the United States are light on coronavirus infections, while others will recover faster than the rest of the country. Either way, coronavirus experts have said it is likely some parts of the U.S. will reopen before others do. With that in mind, you may want to be flexible with your travel plans so you can pick a "safe" destination once you're ready and able to travel.

While sit-down dining may be a big no-no for a while, it's likely takeout and delivery options will be available in destinations you visit. Try to spend money when you can since restaurants in tourist destinations have been especially hard hit during this disaster. Not only will you get a special meal, but you'll know your money is going directly to those who need it.

The cruise industry has been especially hard hit by coronavirus, with many cruise operators not expected to run operations again until May at the earliest. If you love cruising and want to help the industry, consider booking a cruise for later this year or next year and prepaying early. You'll likely get an excellent deal since cruise operators are rolling out sales left and right, and you'll help keep the cruise industry in business.

Once you're finally able to travel, make sure to tip workers more generously than ever before. For example, tip restaurant servers, doormen, and hotel maid service with fervor. These workers have likely been unable to work for quite a while, so they'll appreciate your generosity as they try to get back on their feet.

If you're not ready to book travel right now but you want to support your favorite hotel brand, airline or cruise operator, consider buying a travel gift card you can use later. You don't have to use your gift card until you're ready, yet the travel vendor you purchase with can start benefiting from the revenue you pay in right away.

With most people stuck at home and vacations canceled for weeks on end, the rental car industry has been left reeling. If you want to help in this respect, consider booking a rental car for your next trip. Deals on rental cars should be plentiful once coronavirus is no longer a threat, and renting a car can improve your comfort and potentially help you have more space on your next trip.

Owners of vacation rentals have also been hit hard by coronavirus due to drops in new bookings and an incessant demand from consumers for refunds. Once the pandemic ends, treat yourself with a luxury villa rental with a company like Villas of Distinction, an elite rental company which as received the Travvy Award for Best Villa Rental Company five years in a row.

Once you're ready to travel and travel plans are deemed safe by government officials, don't be afraid to flaunt it. Share your pictures on social media to let people know you're exploring a new destination and getting out to see the world. Your openness will help others feel more safe planning a trip of their own.

You can also help spread the word that travel is safe by leaving reviews for hotels and restaurants, and by telling your neighbors and friends. While some people will be ready to book a trip once the government lifts travel bans and reports that most travel is safe, many Americans will need a lot more convincing from people they know and trust.

Tour guides have also been hit hard by coronavirus since, in many cases, their current load of work went from stable to nonexistent. Once you're able to travel, you can help guides get back on their feet by booking private tours of your favorite sites or even guided tours with a group.

If you're worried about booking travel now, make sure to check which vendors are offering flexible cancellation policies. Cruise lines, in particular, have rolled out new policies that let you cancel up to 48 hours before departure and still get credit for a future cruise, and hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott have announced similar policies for travel booked now.

While the big hotel brands have taken a major hit due to coronavirus, don't forget to check in with your favorite boutique property or family-run hotel. Whether you love a specific luxury hotel in your favorite destination or you have good memories from a bed-n-breakfast a few towns over, consider booking a stay with your favorite property if you want to play a role in helping them get back in business once coronavirus ends.

Hotel brands and airlines will need to lower prices to entice travelers out of their homes, so prepare to take advantage once the time is right. While discounts can vary, we're already seeing cheap flights around the globe, drastically discounted cruise fares and plenty of cheap travel packages for later this year.

If you want to help destinations who have suffered the most from coronavirus, consider traveling somewhere new. Italy and Spain will likely be desperate for travel dollars once this nightmare is over, and islands in the Caribbean and other cruise-heavy destinations will have gone without most visitors for months. Consider planning a trip where your tourism dollars will be appreciated the most, and you could even discover a new destination you'll want to go back to again and again.

Finally, don't play a role when it comes to spreading fear and misinformation that keeps people at home for no reason. Instead of spreading rumors read online or heard from friends, check for real travel guidance from government agencies who determine when it will be safe to travel again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a good source of information, as is the World Health Organization (WHO).