It is a relatively new trend that resulted from the months of high infection rates and constant risk of infection while traveling during the pandemic: "Pod Travel". Hereby we travel both isolated and together with friends and family.

Traveling with the whole gang: Pod Travel with the family. © Tyler Nix

Group Travel Phenomenon "Pod Travel"

The Pod Travel trend sees itself as an attempt to minimize the risks of ordinary travel during the pandemic, without sacrificing good company. Pod Travelers are therefore traveling with a select group of people who all agree to follow certain rules to minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus while on vacation. 

These include PCR and antigen testing before and during travel, as well as regular hand washing and maintaining the minimum distance from people not in the group. Some pods also agree on a specific quarantine period before departure. The safety and health of travelers are paramount, followed immediately by the shared vacation experience.

What does a "pod" look like?

Basically, a pod consists of a group of up to twelve good friends and family members. How many people are part of the self-selected pod, and who exactly is there, is ultimately up to you. It is essential for every successful pod that the fellow travelers represent the same values and that you trust them completely. Without the same attitude towards safety and risk, tensions can arise very quickly.

No one has time or desire to travel together? That's no problem, because there are now numerous travel providers who organize their own Pod Travels for small groups of people. To minimize the risk of contagion, of course, you stay among yourselves and adhere to predefined safety protocols.

Which trips fall into the Pod Travel trend category?

As the travel pod phenomenon began to take shape during the first months of the pandemic, the list initially focused on isolated destinations that could be reached by car. Travel groups rented a cabin together in the wilderness, found themselves on boats or pitched glamping tents in wildly beautiful landscapes. 

Together, you move into a hideaway with family or friends, such as one from AirBnB. © Shutterstock

Even AirBnB has been noting a shift in booking interests for just under two years - while townhouses and villas enjoyed great popularity in the years before, users have increasingly been looking for entire cabins and cottages since 2021; hideaways far away from the hustle and bustle are thus very much in vogue.

Pod Travel in 2022

Meanwhile, some normality has returned to the world of travel. If you test yourself regularly, wear a protective mouth/nose mask, and take care to disinfect and keep your distance, you can even fly to a destination together. For example, a "travel bubble," a destination that stands out for its low infection rates and does not require quarantine. 

Most importantly, we now, more than ever, travel the world with our favorite people.

Get inspiration for the next trip with friends with these top 5 pod travel ideas.