Tourism, much like every other industry, has suffered greatly from the Covid pandemic and as we move into 2021, there are signs that things will be going back to how they were before we knew about Covid-19. When airlines start flying again and people travel, we can expect to see a surge in long-stay holidays, as many people work remotely and can therefore locate where they wish. Long-stay typically starts at 1 month, with the upper limits at one year and everything in between. The average stay would be from 3-6 months and there are some great accommodation deals for long-stay tourists.
South East Asia
Perhaps the most popular of all regions in the world, South East Asia includes Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam, to mention a few of the nations you can visit. If you want to immerse yourself in Myanmar for a few months, there are affordable long-stay apartments for rent in Yangon that offer luxury independent living. The cost of living is relatively low in developing countries and this region is rich in unique and colourful cultures and you can spend the winter in a tropical paradise for a little more than a package holiday.
Airbnb
This is a global digital platform for people looking for short and long-term accommodation, while many big hotels assign long-term living space at a reduced rate, in a bid to attract long-term stayers. For the young tourist, Airbnb is perfect and after a little online browsing, they can book quality accommodation within a few minutes. It really is that easy and someone will be at the property to welcome you and take you on a tour of the property.
5-Star Hotels
In order to widen their horizon, the top hotels are annexing a portion of their development for long-term guests, with far more independence than a hotel suite and more like a serviced apartment. The market dictates everything and people want longer holidays with cheaper accommodation, which is now coming to the forefront when looking at 2021 travel trends. Next time you plan on visiting Yangon, for example, do check with the top hotels for long-term accommodation and you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices. Here are a few ways the Internet can help you during the pandemic.
Visa & Quarantine
Another reason why people prefer long-term holidays are the strict visa and quarantine Covid requirements; if you have to pay for state quarantine for 14 days when entering Thailand, then you might as well stay for a few months. Premier tourist destinations must be very careful when allowing foreigners to enter their country and Covid-free flying certificates will soon be the norm, while long-term accommodation is available everywhere.
Freedom & Independence
Today’s traveller wants it all and with digital solutions, that’s exactly what you have; In 15 minutes you can book your flight and accommodation and even obtain a visa online, which is super-convenient. Self-contained apartments mean freedom to cook and eat when you wish and having your own kitchen allows you to budget on food and prepare it exactly as you like. You have 24-hour access and can come and go as you wish, while your living space will be serviced, of course.
Remote Working
This is one sector that will not return to normal when the pandemic is over and that means many career people who can live remotely, with many choosing South East Asia, for obvious reasons. The number of digital nomads in Yangon and Bangkok is staggering, and with a low cost of living and great value accommodation, why not live in a tropical paradise? European expats have been flocking to Thailand for many years and with up and coming nations such as Myanmar and Vietnam, there are choices when it comes to spending 6 months somewhere.
Cheaper Living
Once you take out the flights, your living costs in South East Asia are minimal when compared to home and people who are able to spend the winter in a warm climate find the cost of living very favourable. Digital nomads are in abundance in Thailand and Myanmar, where they live a wonderful lifestyle in the sun and this emerging sector creates a demand for long-term accommodation, with condo developments that have all the facilities you would expect in a 5-star luxury development. Do check with WHO regarding the current Covid status in your part of the world before booking any trip.
You can expect to see a rising trend for long-term travel, even after the pandemic is over and thanks to online solutions, you can book everything from your laptop. There’s so much more value in spending 6 months in a place like Myanmar, where there is so much to see and do and if you can work from any location or are retired, why not spend half the year in a tropical paradise?
