Border closures during the past year have had a significant impact on the travel industry. But as they reopen gradually, flights are resuming, and people have started travelling again, even though the purpose of their trips have somewhat changed. So here are ten expat profile you could come across on your next flight overseas.
The taking a chance type
He has been postponing his move for many months, but today, he's more than ever determined to take a leap. There is no guarantee that things will turn out the way he's expecting them. He's already intimidated by health checks at the border, complicated procedures and the mandatory PCR test. Still, he wants the answers to his questions. His eyes are reflecting doubt and stress. Is his expat project going be a success? Will he be able to adapt to a new environment in a new country? Maybe you will come across each other again one day, and you'll be able to ask him how things went since he moved.
The disappointed type
Unfortunately, things did not turn out as he had planned. His dejected look says it all. He has just lost his job to the crisis. And with no job, no visa. Or maybe he's not finding a job despite being a degree holder as the labour market has crashed, which left him with no choice than looking elsewhere. So here he is with his family, and his broken dreams, leaving the life that he's taken years to make. Starting afresh in a new country isn't going to be easy. Still, he is hoping for the best.
The returnee type
It's been a long way, with complicated procedures, but he finally managed to secure a seat on the same flight as you. So here he is, on this way to his home country. It's such a relief for him to be able to reunite with his friends and family after spending nearly a year away from them, sometimes alone and locked down at home. Only he knows how hard it was to be unable to go out without authorisation due to lockdown and health restrictions and to travel due to travel bans. He's away that he is going to be quarantined for the next few days, but at the same time, he's excited about finding a more or less normal life along with his loved ones.
The optimist type
This expat is not the one who gives up easily. Okay, he's going back home, but it's only a matter of time until better days. Actually, when saying goodbye, he told them "I'll be back soon". He didn't even quit his job as he's one of those people who can work remotely. All he's asking for is an escape from the lockdown and the gloomy situation in his expat country. He is also looking to reunite with his family.
The lover type
Travel restrictions and lockdowns had him wait for a long time to reunite with his better half on the other side of the world. Now that the borders are reopening and that travel bans are being lifted, there's no reason why he should wait any longer. After losing the extra pounds he put on during the lockdown months, he has just got a new haircut done. Now he is, on the flight, looking smart and excited.
The trailing-spouse
Border closures have kept them apart for many months. The children have been missing their dad too. So for her, there's no reason to wait any longer. She recently got a phone call informing her that her visa application has been approved. Packing their suitcases was just a matter of a few hours. There is she, wearing a beautiful dress and a cute smile as she looks at her children making drawings for their dad who's expecting them at the airport.
The disappointed type
For him, nothing will be the same again. The past lockdown was a turning point for his couple life. And there's no reason why he would ever look back. He's not escaping his past, but he is definitely looking to better days, away from home and all that's keeping him from moving on. All you can do is silently wishing him all the best.
The adventurous type
He has always been on the move, and the travel bans kept him stuck in one place for too long. He didn't take long to pack his backpack and get a one-way flight ticket. He has always been passionate about meeting new people, discovering new cultures and trying new dishes. The lockdown was an opportunity for him to learn new languages that will help in his next adventures abroad. While he looks relaxed and chilled, deep inside, he's excited about a great fresh start.
The motivated type
This one means business, and you can see it in the way he looks, facing his open laptop. After searching for many months, he finally found a job that matches his profile. Although that means living far from his country and loved ones, he's determined to take this new experience as a challenge.
The opportunist type
He has been looking for a relaxed lifestyle in a remote land. Recently, he learned that some island was offering a new visa that would allow him to stay without any constraints. So he decided he wouldn't waste time. Once his visa request was approved, he booked a flight and waved goodbye to everyone. There he is, wearing his floral shirt and brightly coloured shorts, and flip flops, waiting to get to the promised land where the three "S" (Sea, Sand and Sun), are going to be part of his everyday life.
