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<\/div>\nEarly adopters said cryptocurrency would be the new normal. While the promised computer-led utopia hasn\u2019t quite materialized (…yet), many investors remain focused on keeping their holdings practical, sensible, and above all, profitable.<\/p>\n
One industry where the currency is particularly hard to make use of is travel. Its volatility creates risk for both business and individual, namely due to the typical gap between booking and actually departing, meaning change in the market could quickly see the price of a hotel suite sharply rise or fall. The acceptance of crypto as a payment method from leading hotels and airlines is another sticking point.<\/p>\n
Of the numerous reputable travel experts we contacted, many declined to comment. Red Savannah CEO and founder George Morgan-Grenville sums up the mood: \u201cIn the last 10 years, not a single client has requested to pay using crypto. And if they did, the answer would be negative,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite a few pundits talking it up as the latest payment fad, it doesn\u2019t really work for travel companies,\u201d he continues. \u201cThe normal lag between time of booking and time of departure with various staged payments in between, is too susceptible to the volatility inherent within crypto. While it could work to a company\u2019s advantage, it could also eradicate the entire margin and more. So, unless gambling is part of the finance strategy, crypto is not a viable payment channel.\u201d<\/p>\n
For those keen on exploring the world via crypto, however, Kevin A Thomas, founder of Omiga and former VP at Eightpoint, offers practical guidance: \u201cDon\u2019t rely on your wallet alone,\u201d he says. \u201cEven if you\u2019re intrigued by the idea, the fact remains that most places don\u2019t accept crypto directly.\u201d<\/p>\n
To get around acceptance concerns, travelers can use crypto conversion cards. These cards can be pre-loaded with your chosen cryptocurrency and used to purchase goods or services, operating in the same way as a debit or credit card. Similarly, some types of card can be connected to your crypto source and will automatically convert to fiat (local currency) at the point of service \u2013 the vendor will have no indication that crypto was used during the purchase. Use of these cards has \u201cserved as a lifeline in countries where traditional banking options are lacking,\u201d says Thomas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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