It’s one thing to travel; it’s another to do so during this pandemic. Sure, travel has already been allowed in many parts of the world this year. Still, health and safety protocols are set in place for people to follow. Curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus is still the name of the game.
Keep in mind that following pandemic orders aren’t only for compliance. Your goal is to keep yourself safe during the travel. As such, it’s better to come in prepared and ready. When you perform due diligence, you know how to protect yourself from the threat of the COVID-19 while traveling.
If you’re looking to travel safely in a pandemic, here’s how to prepare:
1. Check your travel destination
The initial step to take is to check the place you’re heading toward. Are you traveling to another state, country, or continent? Before deciding, know the COVID-19 status of the place you’re visiting. If it has a high infection rate, better think twice unless your travel is essential. You don’t want to compromise your health and risk getting infected.
2. Plan your travel
Once you’ve decided on your travel destination, be sure to prepare. Whether business travel or a personal trip, you must plan how to keep yourself safe and protected. Consider the reliability of the airline you’ll book, the safety of the place you’ll stay, and the modes of transport you’ll take. Be sure to factor in your action for safe travel and set contingency plans for emergency cases.
3. Know safety guidelines for flying
If you’ve chosen an airline and booked a flight, it’s imperative to check their safety guidelines. Apart from the airline ticket and the usual travel requirements like valid IDs, a visa, or a passport, you’ll also have to know pandemic-related requirements. They might ask you to secure a travel pass or show pr of vaccination. Also, be sure to read their safety protocols so you won’t be caught off guard during your flight.
4. Be wary of your accommodation
Another vital consideration is your accommodation. If you stay over in your family or friend’s place, you need not worry. But if you’re traveling to a particular destination for leisure or recreation, you may need to book a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb. Be sure to check their websites, safety measures, and clients’ feedback before deciding. You want to ensure that the place you’ll stay and the room you’ll book in will be free from the coronavirus and ultimately safe for you.
5. Get yourself checked and tested
It’s a responsible move to get yourself checked first before traveling. Do so if you think you aren’t in your top shape and health condition. You must do so, particularly if you’re sick or have underlying health conditions. Your doctor will advise if it’s not worth traveling and risking your health. As some places require a negative RT-PCR test, you may need to get yourself tested as well before traveling.
6. Disinfect your travel bags and items
When traveling, you may need some bags or even luggage for your items and belongings. It’s better to travel light to avoid your possessions getting exposed to the novel coronavirus. Also, with minimal load or luggage, you’ll be able to focus more on fostering your health and safety while traveling. Just make sure you bring all your essentials, albeit packing lightly.
7. Prepare your health and safety essentials
There are a few health and safety essentials you must bring as well when traveling. Of course, you’ll need a set of face masks to wear in the course of traveling. Other travel essentials include hand sanitizer, alcohol, disinfecting wipes, phone sanitizer, and even gloves. You may also need a thermometer, some medications, or even a first-aid kit. All these will help protect you and keep you safe during travel.
8. Travel safely
After all the preparation, you can go ahead and travel. Keep in mind, however, that you have to travel as safely as possible. Things you must observe are wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, sanitizing your hands, and disinfecting your items. Also, get yourself checked from time to time and stay healthy as much as possible. Ultimately, always have your health and safety in mind while having fun traveling.
Preparing your travel is paramount for your health and safety. The last thing you want to happen is to risk yourself getting COVID-19 infected. Whether visiting your family in another place or traveling for leisure, consider the preparation tips recommended above. In the end, it’s better to be prepared and safe than sorry.
