Did You Really Think We'd Stop Shaking Hands?

For our Viewpoint series, Skift invites thought leaders, some from the less obvious corners of travel, to join in the conversation. We know that these independent voices are important to the dialogue within the industry. Our guest columnists will identify and shape what global trends and through lines will define the future of travel.

The act of shaking hands dates back to medieval times when the world was a more dangerous place. It was a way to ensure your arms were free of anything intended to harm another.

Millenia later, the Covid pandemic hit and we found ourselves anxiously disinfecting everything in sight, from packages of potato chips to our own kids. As we finally started to emerge from our isolation there were awkward moments in terms of how to greet one another. Why in the world would we allow our sanitized selves to even consider touching another human’s hands,  particularly their sweaty palms?  Who