Being in the travel industry post-COVID has been an interesting time for me. Well it’s all been crazy, but this particular time period is an interesting inflection point. Travel around the world is back to normal, and probably at higher rates than before. Despite travel costs increasing, people are still finding ways to make it happen. it may be temporary or it could be a new necessity in life. I am proposing it be the latter.

Life is short. YOLO.Make it happen now. We will be working it off the rest of our lives anyway. Or people are thinking more domestic travel, maybe looking into camping and enjoying nature.

Time is the single most greatest asset. One thing that I absolutely love that I think has been trending in big cities these days is walking up escalators on the left-hand side of the steps. When I saw this living in Korea, I thought this is amazing. Work at it by walking up the left side of the escalators, and you will arrive at your destination faster saving time. Or you could not put the effort in and arrive there at a later time. Both have value in it, but at least the faster route is available. During that time, I didn’t see other cities adopting to this unwritten rule.

But during my recent visit to NYC, I did see people adopting to this. This never happened during the years that I lived there for sure. It wasn’t part of the culture, but now it is. I think everyone recognizes the value in saving time, especially as we get older.

But convenience is also another part of that equation. Standing on the right hand side and allowing thoughts to enter into your mind. Taking a break after standing on a crowded subway for so long, after another long walk from the office to the subway station. You may find just as many people, on the left as they are on the right. New pathways are forming and it’s important to take note of that. Each with its own set of values and understanding of what is important to them.

People are finding new ways in travel. Saving time, or convenience. Or a little bit of both. Looking for a good mix with the right people to do it with.