TravelStories Episode 54: Looking Back at Covid Lockdowns with Chris
Mar 15, 2025
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Reflecting on the early chaos of COVID-19 lockdowns, a globetrotter shares his gripping escape from Japan to Thailand, navigating confusing travel restrictions. He offers insights into the stark contrast of bustling tourist spots turned desolate and the resilience of locals during the pandemic. The conversation shifts to exciting airline upgrades and mileage strategies, alongside the revival of community events for travel enthusiasts. Explore the evolving world of travel rewards and the connections formed through shared experiences with fellow adventurers.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in global travel, pushing individuals to adapt rapidly to changing regulations and restrictions.
Witnessing the economic impact on local tourism in Thailand illustrated the resilience of communities amid adversity and the role of government support.
Chris's engagement in revitalizing travel events post-COVID and his strategies for maximizing airline benefits demonstrated the changing landscape of travel opportunities.
Deep dives
Impact of Government Assistance on Businesses
During the early pandemic, many hotels faced significant challenges, with a notable number shutting down. Those that remained operational often relied on government assistance, which sometimes covered a large portion of their payroll. For instance, some hotels reported that three-fourths of their employee salaries were funded by government support. This financial aid provided some small businesses with a lifeline, but it also highlighted the devastating impact COVID had on the hospitality industry.
Escaping the U.S. During Lockdowns
With impending lockdowns, one guest experienced a whirlwind travel situation, catching flights before restrictions tightened. They flew from San Diego to Chicago with plans to visit Johannesburg but were redirected to Bangkok due to changing travel regulations. The urgency of travel became apparent as they witnessed the empty airport terminals and encountered closed lounges. This sense of urgency was compounded by the realization of how quickly travel options were evaporating before the lockdowns fully took hold.
Navigating Travel Restrictions
Once arriving in Japan, the traveler faced hurdles as they attempted to check in for their next flight to Indonesia, only to be denied due to new quarantine regulations. They successfully navigated the complex situation by staying informed and advocating for themselves, which ultimately allowed them to arrive in Bangkok just minutes before stricter measures took effect. The experience underscored the chaotic travel environment brought on by the pandemic, illustrating the need for adaptability. The lack of coordination among airline staff reflected the larger confusion surrounding COVID protocols at the time.
Adjusting to Travel in Thailand
Upon landing in Thailand, the traveler quickly discovered that activities were restricted as COVID measures were being implemented. They experienced travel restrictions firsthand, including the closure of beaches and hotels, leading to an unsettling atmosphere. As major resorts began shutting down, the traveler scrambled to find new accommodations. Adapting to a new environment while grappling with the ongoing pandemic created a unique set of challenges that required resourcefulness.
Community Bonds Amidst Quarantine
Despite significant limitations, the traveler found a sense of community among locals and other stranded tourists in Thailand. The hotel staff, many of whom were affected by the pandemic, became part of their daily life, fostering friendships even in dire circumstances. Government subsidies for tourism workers provided some stability, yet the visible decline of local businesses was disheartening. The connection formed among those navigating the pandemic together reinforced the importance of community support during challenging times.
Reflections on the Pandemic Experience
Over time, the traveler reflected on their prolonged stay in Thailand amidst the pandemic. They experienced both the beauty of the serene environment and the stark reality of economic decline, witnessing the impact on local businesses firsthand. Despite the isolation and dramatic changes in tourism, the traveler formed lasting memories and friendships during this unprecedented period. Ultimately, the experience highlighted lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing connections, even during tumultuous times.
Today, we are taking a trip back in time to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as we approach the fifth anniversary of lockdowns across the globe. Joining us to discuss this period is long-time friend Chris, who was traveling the world when lockdowns hit. In our conversation, he shares his experiences of the pandemic abroad, his tumultuous escape abroad as lockdowns were implemented, and the impact of travel restrictions on global tourism. Chris recounts the chaos and uncertainty around travel, how he altered his plans to avoid getting stuck in quarantine, and the lucky decisions that got him to a holiday destination. We learn about his trip to Thailand and Koh Samui, the challenges he faced in trying to find a place to stay during quarantine, what it was like witnessing the shutdown of major tourist destinations, government support for local tourism industries, and the remarkable resilience of the Thai people.
Next, we shift to a happier topic, Chris’ participation in SAS's million-mile promotion and his airline upgrades and mileage strategies before reflecting on the evolving landscape of points and miles. We also learn about Chris’s involvement in revitalizing the Chicago Seminars for the travel community post-COVID and how volunteers and contributors helped raise nearly 30,000 USD for charity. Join us today as we journey back for a fascinating account of navigating lockdown travel!
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:50] Introducing Chris, his travel experiences during the chaotic onset of pandemic restrictions, and his unplanned trip to Thailand.
[00:12:01] Navigating Thailand as restrictions were being instituted, and Chris’s odyssey finding a place to stay in Koh Samui.
[00:20:42] The positive effects of government subsidies for tourism during the pandemic, how Chris found community during his stay, and the impact of quarantines.
[00:25:33] Why it was so surreal staying at a beautiful resort with so few people.
[00:29:51] Travel restriction uncertainty: how it stopped Chris from leaving Koh Samui.
[00:33:08] What it was like when travel restrictions started being lifted.
[00:38:09] Living out of a suitcase and a backpack for two years.
[00:41:38] Final reflections and observations on his long stay in Thailand.
[00:44:08] Details of Chris’s participation in SAS's million-mile promotion.
[00:50:45] Takeaways from traveling to China, Hong Kong, Argentina, and more.
[00:59:21] Insights into airline upgrades and mileage strategies.
[01:14:21] What it took for Chris to succeed at the SAS promotional challenge.
[01:20:53] Reflections on the promotion and why he would do it again.
[01:23:10] How Chris helped reinvigorate the Chicago Seminars post-COVID.
[01:31:48] Final thoughts on the changing landscape of travel and words of appreciation for the travel community.
Quotes:
“One thing that [Thailand] did very well was the government subsidies [which] did pay out for hotels to keep their employees.” — Chris [0:20:43]
“There were very few cases of COVID on the island of Koh Samui for the first year and a half.” — Chris [0:25:10]
“I never learned Thai because I just thought I was going home soon.” — Chris [0:33:16]
“I [was] fortunate to only [have] had one medical issue during the two years over there.” — Chris [0:38:09]
“When I went back for the one-year anniversary for the Hyatt Regency opening, I tipped the entire staff that was there for the whole year – because it meant so much to see them again a year later, that's just a year after I'd already left.” — Chris [0:43:09]
“My first points flight was in 1989.” — Chris [01:32:08]
