The world as we know it ceased to exist and the new normal has made us stop in our tracks when it comes to traveling, quite literally! However, it can be difficult to stay put in one place for long periods of time and some circumstances require travel. Traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic is not impossible; you just have to take some necessary precautions to ensure your and your loved one’s safety.

Here is what you can do to travel safely.

Travel by Private Transport

When you first travel post Covid-19 lockdown, start small. Try not to make grand vacation plans in exotic places just yet. Rather, choose destinations where you can drive to, rather than having to board your flight. Your car is the safest because you are at less risk of being exposed.

If you must travel by air, make sure that the airlines you have chosen are strictly following Covid-19 protocols. Since a certain air quality has to be maintained inside airplanes, you are safe inside the plane, provided you and the other passengers have their masks in place. While in the airport, maintain social distance, try to avoid crowded areas and lines, use wipes and hand sanitizer whenever you come in contact with new surfaces, and wear your mask. In general, be careful not to touch surfaces unnecessarily, and not to touch your mouth, eyes, and nose.  

Use hand sanitizers every time you have touched luggage, handled something from the counter, or exchanged items like boarding pass and passport. Additionally, wash your hands whenever possible with soap and water. 

Avoid Crowded Places

While some places might have been on your bucket list for a long time, now is not the time to tick them off. Popular tourist places are likely to be crowded as Covid-19 restrictions are gradually lifted in most countries.

So travel to lesser-known destinations or national parks, where you will be able to move about without having to worry about social distancing. You will be surprised at how much quaint, and out of the way places have to offer.

Clean Accommodations

Choosing your accommodations are an important aspect of safe travel. If you choose to stay in a hotel, you must make sure they are strictly maintaining Covid-19 protocols. Guests will come here from all walks of life, so you need to ensure that the rooms are cleaned thoroughly and sanitized frequently.

Make sure your room at the hotel has good ventilation. While air conditioning is great, you should ideally have a balcony or windows in your room too. If you want to avoid hotel stays all together, then there are a few different options. You can stay with a friend or family member, just ensure they are following the Covid-19 guidelines as well. You can rent a house or apartment from sites like Airbnb, who have committed to following Covid-19 protocols. If you go this route, try and bring your necessities and give the common areas a wipe down to be extra careful. One of the safest routes, you can arrange camping trips and sleep under the stars in a tent! All and all, use your head and be prepared. 

Food Hygiene

While WHO has proclaimed that the Covid-19 virus is not transmitted through hot food; the real concern here is if the food is handled safely. When you are out on the road, bring your food and water. Try your best to avoid handling food packets that have been handled by others.

If possible, avoid eating inside restaurants and avoid eating in restaurants that are crowded. Taking it a step further, you can carry your disposable plates, spoons, and cups rather than risking eating from crockery which might not have been cleaned properly.

The idea is to stay alert and careful every time you hit the road. If you follow the hygiene and safety protocols diligently, you avoid high contamination areas, and you do not have any pre-existing medical condition, then you are at a relatively low risk of contracting Covid-19 while traveling. 

Check Travel Restrictions

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, travel restrictions are constantly emerging and changing. A number of states have imposed a mandatory quarantine upon arrival; in some other destinations, a negative Covid-19 test must be presented to enter. Make sure to stay up to date and listen to national and local official’s travel restrictions.

With Thanksgiving and December holidays right around the corner, we understand you will want to be around your loved ones but traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading Covid-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19

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