10 Tips For Travel During COVID-19

Travel restrictions are slowly being lifted, and the countries are opening borders to international travel as well. Following long confinement, we all are restless to travel and see a new place. With so many travel-related questions spinning around your heads right now, first,  get the facts about your travel options and learn how to protect yourself if you must travel. These should be the “must follow” rules on your list.

1. The official site of your respective country should be the first place you should turn to for the most up-to-date advice on COVID-19 and its effect on future travel plans. 

2. Read the latest information if you are travelling to a different county and research their policies before you get there. Some countries require travellers to self-quarantine for 14 days, but some may offer visitors the option to furnish proof of a negative COVID-19 test (done within 48-72hrs of travel) instead of self-quarantine. By checking your destination’s rules, you can settle unwanted doubts and frustration.

3. Many countries are still closed to outsiders with no confirmed date of reopening, and states are re-opening as per their schedule and comfort, so it would be prudent to choose locations within your region that are drivable, where you feel welcome and safe.

4. Even if the government lifts a blanket ban or in parts by the end of 2020 or before summer, restrain from travelling more than necessary mid-COVID-19. Remember, the pandemic is not over yet. You can still contract the virus.

5. If you are travelling internationally, refrain from spending time in densely populated metropolises and avoid closed environments. Research on operating hours for businesses and restaurants where you want to dine in. However, it's better to opt for food joints that offer drive-thru.

6. Don’t take impromptu trips. Plan your itinerary judiciously, and before booking, check the reviews to see if hotels and airlines are adhering to cleaning and social distancing. Check the airlines' official website for their set of rules you have to follow at the airport, on the flight, and after arrival at the destination airport. The rules may be mentioned in your ticket as well.

7. Book in a good brand hotel that has announced cleanliness protocols or partnerships as per World Travel & Tourism Council protocols (Safe Travels Stamp). Investigate what sorts of COVID-19 restrictions the hotel has implemented, basic norms like wearing face masks in public areas or pool/gym areas are closed or open in slots. For additional measures, call the hotel reception and ask to be put in a room that has been vacant for a minimum of 24 hours.

8. Apart from branded hotels, select accommodation in private villas, exclusive-use accommodations and yacht charters that follow strict guidelines and are professionally cleaned to uphold the latest safety and hygiene standards. 

9. If you wish to book sightseeing, then book a private experiential tour away from the crowds and visit the attraction at a non-peak hour. Purchase entrance tickets online instead of standing in the line. 

10. Ten Safety Tips During Travel in COVID-19 times

Millions of vacations were cancelled, and more are getting axed, the planet’s most popular attractions have been closed, and the airline industry globally is coping with a crisis unlike any it’s ever encountered. With travel coming to a grinding halt, there’s no clear insight on when things will return to “normal” or how the future will pan out.

But do we want to return to the old ways of the world?

Although we cannot control the crisis worldwide and unfortunately have to wait and watch the industries and systems crash and crumble, fortunately, we now have the opportunity to build it again and do it right this time with better policies, clear ideologies and holistic objective. New ways have to develop in sync with the surrounding, lest we overdo it. 

As governments and industry plans for recovery in this new framework and adapt to high expectancy in traveller behaviour, new health safety protocols and systems will need to be adopted and implemented. The usage of contactless electronics and biometrics technologies could restore trust and a hassle-free journey.

Post COVID-19 “Slow Tourism” may emerge and shape the future of travel which will allow the traveller to take time to appreciate their surroundings, authentic local experiences, and support local businesses.

Although the medical profession and the travel industry can provide extensive help and sound advice, it remains the traveller’s responsibility to seek information, to understand the risks involved and to take the necessary precautions to protect their health while travelling.

Don't forget to read: Tips for International Travel.