New Research Shows What Day One After Lockdown Could Look Like

Image: PHOTO: Social distancing vacations will be of greater interest after lockdown. (photo via LuminaStock/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Social distancing vacations will be of greater interest after lockdown. (photo via LuminaStock/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 6:14 PM ET, Wed April 22, 2020

A new survey from Mower provides insight on what day one after lockdowns are lifted might look like and what people will feel comfortable doing.

Research has consistently shown that people really want to get back to their daily routines, but it is unlikely that things will return to normal.

Mower's research shows what the new normal might look like.

"When governments lift the COVID-19 restrictions our study suggests life is not going back to the way it used to be anytime soon," said Erinn Newman, Mower's senior vice president-insight. "Consumers are going to be cautious about what they do and businesses are going to need to adjust their standard practices to rebuild confidence. Brands need alignment between operations and marketing to create a comfort zone for consumers when they reopen."

When lockdowns are lifted, the research shows that more than one-third of people will be comfortable going to work, grocery shopping, visiting family and friends and going to the doctor and the dentist.

Around 25 percent of people will be comfortable taking a vacation by car or going to the park or the beach as well as visiting a salon.

One in five adults, about 20 percent, will be okay with dining in a restaurant or going to a bar, visiting a shopping mall, going to a movie theater, visiting a museum or a music venue, staying in a privately owned vacation rental, going to the gym and traveling by plane.

Fewer than 15 percent are interested in going to a sporting event, casino, theme park or traveling internationally.

While the level of travel individuals feel comfortable with at reopening varies, there is excitement. Nearly 30 percent of people said they are excited to travel again, and 49 percent are looking forward to "the freedom to go anywhere."

The perception of hygiene is going to be key in a successful reopening. Four in 10 people say that they would like to see better general hygiene and no more handshakes.

Also, some new habits may endure after lockdowns are lifted. One in four people say they will continue to support local restaurants with takeout and delivery, and one in five say they will continue to have virtual get-togethers with friends and family.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...