The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things, and travel is one of the most massive industries affected by the crisis. If you previously roamed the globe, you might find yourself wondering, "When can I travel again?" Depending on your destination, you might still have to wait. 

Anything that affects people around the world shows how interconnected we all are. There's no doubt that travel has changed and will continue to — but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to take trips to your dream destinations in the years ahead. Here's when you can expect when boarding a plane — and what may change.

When Will It Be Safe to Travel? 

Deciding when it is safe to return to travel requires a multifaceted approach. Different regions of the world have seen various rates of infection and different waves, implemented an assortment of measures in response, and likewise are taking different approaches to the idea of “vaccine passports” now that the rollout is underway in several nations. While you will need to research your specific destination, whether you venture forth at all depends on a combination of governmental actions and your comfort level. Here's when you can be most confident that it's safe to travel to whatever destination you’re longing for:

1. When Officials Give the Okay 

Before you can even consider booking your next trip, you need to make sure your destination is open to visitors. Look to several critical sources when answering questions about when you can travel, including:

• The State Department: The U.S. state department issues travel advisory rankings based on the danger in specific regions. Right now, the majority of countries are still rated at a level four, meaning that officials advise you to stay home outside of emergencies. As various countries cautiously reopen, these levels will change, but you need to keep an eye on your specific location. 

• The World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO also makes recommendations, and right now, verdicts regarding travel safety and how vaccination affects this are still largely unknown. When they announce on their website that they rescind this advice, you can start to book. 

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC is currently recommending domestic travel only for fully vaccinated people, and it offers safety measures for both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans.

2. When Tourist Locations Reopen

Recently, the EU announced that it will soon be reopening its borders to tourist travel from Americans who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine passport implementation. This could allow travel as early as this summer to countries with tourism-based economies — so destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Spain could be on your ticket.

Do your research before any booking and keep an eye on infection rates and safety measures as well as travel allowances. If your desired destination still isn’t fully open or fully safe when it comes to tourist attractions, restaurants and accommodations, keep your travel spirit alive through travel books, shows, virtual tours and guides — and make planning your next trip a long-term project to enjoy.

3. When You Feel Safe 

Finally, you have to consider your comfort level, too. Travel can cost a pretty penny, and if you feel insecure financially, why spend the money if you can't fully immerse yourself in the experience? You might not feel the pinch if you have the means to take frequent getaways. However, if your trip represents the first vacation you’ll enjoy in a while, you won't lose anything but excess anxiety by delaying it a little more. Consider your comfort level when it comes to health and safety, as well.

If you are fully vaccinated and are planning a trip, it might be your first in a while — don’t forget to check with your bank to notify them of upcoming international credit card use, unlock your phone internationally, research any vaccination paperwork or COVID-testing requirements for your destination, and continue to follow mask-wearing and hand-sanitizing habits.

How Will COVID-19 Change Travel Long-Term? 

If international travel does return to “normal,” it may look significantly different. Remember how the tragedy of 9/11 swept in a new wave of security precautions? Expect health measures to move to the forefront now. While this shift may cause some inconveniences, remember, it's all in the interest of protecting you, and it will allow you to travel safely and confidently once more. Here's what you're likely to encounter:

1. Fewer International Trips to Start

How will international travel change? It depends on your destination. Each of the world's 195 countries sets individual standards and restrictions on foreign visitors. Even with some countries opening their borders to vaccinated Americans, expect fewer international flights. If you typically pay for amenities like extra legroom or upgraded cabins on lengthy trips, you will want to start your fare search earlier to reserve a choice spot. 

2. Stricter Immigration Laws 

If you were planning to study or work abroad, you might face considerable red tape before you can commence your journey — especially if you don’t have time to wait another year or two.

When you return to your home country, you might face a mandatory quarantine period, which can interfere with your daily life and even postpone your return to work or classes stateside. If you plan to get a student or work visa, make sure you understand and agree to the conditions for all eventualities. 

3. Improved Safety Measures 

If you still resist wearing a face mask, why? It serves to protect others from contracting the virus — you could have it without showing symptoms, and even vaccinated individuals can carry and spread COVID-19 to others. Most airline carriers now require passengers to wear a mask while in the air to slow the spread of diseases, as well as COVID tests before and after departure and arrival.

Fortunately, these measures mean you'll run a lower risk of contracting illnesses other than COVID-19 from your tray table. However, it remains a wise idea to carry sanitizer and wet wipes with you as an added precaution. This advice goes for travel well into the future, since COVID-19 will almost definitely become a long-term part of society — and any other time you catch a flight. Who knows who touched that in-flight TV panel before you did? 

4. Greater Reliance on Insurance

Even if you never ticked the box to add insurance before, you might do so in the future. You'll also learn the importance of reading the fine print, like many travelers who lost a bundle on canceled trips during the pandemic discovered. While many carriers and resorts will offer credit for future journeys, you don't always get a refund, even for uncontrollable situations. Look for cancel-for-any-reason trip insurance if you don't want to risk your hard-earned cash.

The Changing Face of Travel

If you're wondering when you can travel after getting vaccinated, now you know to where to check for guidelines and how to assess your comfort level before planning your trip. Travel has changed, but it also has become safer and more hygienic than ever — so when you do book that trip, you won’t have to worry.