The Next Destination:
In and Out
Written by: Maddison Kurniawan

Traveling is recognized as a profound way to embark from your comfort zone. It was a hobby, a source of jovial delight to many, and the basis of uncountable and cherished memories. However, as the world was swept into the embrace of a pandemic, the essence of travel was cast into dubiety. It was like the very start and end of traveling, both socially and economically.

 

Isolation was the greatest struggle in the pandemic. In contrast to traveling, where you are not restricted to go anywhere you dream of, the pandemic was an utter trap. Life during the pandemic was factually banal. Undoubtedly, a myriad of people have yearned to travel during the midst of this epidemic when they were locked in for several weeks and even months. There were numerous family cases where a family member would be separated entirely from their own family in another country due to the unanticipated announcements of lockdown. The pandemic was truly traveling’s greatest rivalry–one keeps you out of your comfort zone and the other pulls and makes sure you are inside your box still.

 

The longer time was drained at home as we repeatedly did our regular schedule, the heavier the burdensome feeling of stress, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and even fear was. Moreover, when we are segregated, we feel empty. The world–just like us–was also stuck in an immobile clock. Two years was enough to shape and evolve a country into a better place, but it was different when the pandemic revolved around them. Instead, they have not changed much. It was a memorable memory to many when it was officially stated that country borders were about to be lifted and the opportunity to travel finally returned. 

 

Health and safety were the utmost priority of many airlines, and so was passenger comfort; however, despite their rigorous safety protocols, their immunity from the virus could not be guaranteed. Passengers were encouraged to maintain social distancing by sitting two seats apart and were told to wear their masks properly for the entire duration of the flight. Moreover, it was obligatory for passengers to take the vaccine before boarding, and there were situations where they had to undergo quick tests to confirm they were not carrying the virus.

 

Nevertheless, people were still passionate about traveling around the world. In spite of all the requirements to enter the flight, the costly tickets, and the isolation the government declared as essential upon their arrival at the airport, people were still passionate about traveling. They were once all trapped in the same box but now, they have finally found a way out.