Cover Not being able to travel may be causing feelings of stress and anxiety, a new study finds (Photo: Unsplash)

The 2020 Amex Trendex found that more than 48 percent of responders feel “anxious and stressed” at the thought of not being able to travel abroad this year

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed out about having to skip your annual summer holidays, it turns out that may be a completely normal reaction to the worldwide travel restrictions.

According to the recent Amex Trendex, a trend report facilitated by American Express, nearly half of the general population believes that not being able to travel this year is making them feel both anxious and stressed––with 78 percent of responders admitting that travelling is among the top activities they miss the most right now.

That being said, even as travel restrictions begin to lift, with high ticket destinations like the Maldives and Bali beginning to open their doors to international travellers, the survey reveals that travellers remain hesitant to travel, with only ten percent of responders planning to travel for before back to school.

Interestingly still, despite spending more time with family and spouses at home over the past few months, 67 percent of responders still plan to take their first trip abroad with those they’ve been quarantined with and would also prefer to travel in small travel bubbles for extended trips rather than quick weekend escapes. In fact, a surprising 50 percent of responders admitted to being open to extended travel or living abroad if the right opportunity came to fruition.

While it remains to be known when international travel will fully and safely resume, it’s becoming clear that the majority frequent flyers and occasional travellers have developed a newfound sense of appreciation for travel and the freedom that comes with exploring a new culture––and what that could entail for the broader travel industry may look like slower, more sustainable travel and perhaps even a newfound trend of workaway-style travelling.

See also: The Holidays That Hong Kong Travellers Are Booking For 2021