With summer just around the corner after a year of stress, quarantining and social distancing, the volume of travel is expected to rise with everyone’s desire for a getaway. Countries are beginning to reopen their borders and allow tourism to flourish again, but the threat of the virus is still underway. Some tips for safe travelling will help you feel more at ease and prepared if you choose to travel this summer.
Vaccination Proof Will be Likely
The likelihood of travel for those who are vaccinated is larger than for those who are unvaccinated. For those of you who are vaccinated, some countries and regions may require you to carry a vaccination passport.
Keep up with current domestic and international travel guidelines and watch for any updates on travel restrictions. If you are not vaccinated, make sure to check information on your destination to ensure that vaccination is not required before entering. Many countries are requiring a negative PCR test and some are still requiring quarantine upon arrival.
Upgrade your Flight and Get Travel Insurance if Possible
Upgrading to business or first class, if possible, could mean less exposure to others. The extra space and the ability to enter and leave first provided in business and first class could lessen the amount of exposure you are experiencing or the amount you could be passing.
If you cannot upgrade your flight, make sure to be vigilant by wearing one to two masks, changing them every hour, keeping your air vent open, and using hand sanitizer after receiving items from flight attendants and after using the bathroom.
Travel insurance is especially important right now with surges being unpredictable and sudden, it will give you peace of mind if your travel plans suddenly need to be changed or cancelled. Some airlines are offering a flexible ticket, for an additional fee.
Sanitize Often
There are many more risks for exposure while travelling, from the airport shuttle, elevator buttons, handrails, and many other miscellaneous items you will come into contact with between departure and arrival at your final destination. Ensuring you are sanitizing after touching these items and making sure you are not touching your face in between sanitations you can help reduce the spread and your risk of contracting.
Consider Private Accommodations and Transportation
Private accommodations, especially with those who are vaccinated, like family members or staying in a private home or cabin are safer and less populated than hotels, hostels, homes of those who are unvaccinated or resorts.
Travelling by coach bus and trains increase your risk of exposure and offer very little social distancing. Anxiety from being up close to so many people after a year of very limited contact could also arise in these situations. If possible, try renting a car and when using public transportation, check with the local guidelines to see how the service is ensuring physical distancing.
Avoid Large Crowds and Get Outside
Outdoor travelling and activities like camping, beaches, and national parks are proven to provide more protection than those in enclosed spaces. Try to sightsee and enjoy indoor activities away from peak times.
Be Prepared
Even without a pandemic, a little wiggle room and extra preparedness is always necessary for a vacation. Booking in advance ensures that you can have a slot for the activities you want for you vacation and gives you the opportunity to assess the safety level, social distancing practices, and risk factors for activities.
Have plenty of masks on hand and be prepared to change them often, even if you’re vaccinated, as well as hand sanitizer. Have all your vaccination information, tests results, and other necessary medical information on hand and in one place for easy access. Keep up to date with COVID-19 information for your place of travel and consider downloading contact tracing apps.
Follow these tips and you can travel with peace of mind.
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