Vacation is something we all look forward to. Most travelers book in advance the flights and the accommodation, besides planning their itinerary. If everything were normal, most of us would have jumped in joy and packing our bags as per the schedules.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 changed the whole picture. Most travelers are contemplating if travel is safe. Some groups of travelers are daring to step out and go on trips as planned. Despite all the confusion and fear of traveling during the pandemic, travel becomes necessary for some, due to personal and professional reasons.
For those who cannot skip traveling, the only option is to travel safely. Here are 5 tips for traveling safely during the coronavirus outbreak:
Check your health status
In case of any slight deviation from the regular health condition, please stay at home. Cold, cough, fever, headache, and nausea are the most observed symptoms of COVID. Any slightest presence of such symptoms is an indicator that we should not step out.
Not just these, under any form of sickness, traveling is not advised during this coronavirus season. Doctors are warning that it is the sick, the children, and the elderly who are easily prone to the virus attack.
Opt for safer means of travel
The main risk that travel poses is interaction with strangers. And this often starts with the means of travel. Unless we are traveling in our own jet or cruise, traveling brings strangers into the neighboring seats.
So, be wise and opt for that mode of travel that puts you at the least possible risk of being exposed to strangers. Travel experts say the flight is safer as the risk of a virus spread through the air is lesser in flight. All thanks to the super-efficient HEPA filters that recirculate the air. However, no one can guarantee that the common spaces such as seat handles, entrances, ticket counters, and restrooms won’t be the carriers.
If the destination allows, preferring road travel in one’s car with all the essentials packed and loaded on the kayak roof rack can be safer. No strangers, least risk of being exposed to infection!
Recheck your travel plan
Consider postponing or canceling the trips if they are not an emergency. Check with airlines and transport booking agencies about the regulations of ticket cancellation and refunds.
Ask your travel insurance advisor about the COVID-19 risk guidelines and the coverage rules. If traveling with family or a group of buddies was on the schedule, mercilessly cut the number of co-travelers and limit the count to only the indispensable ones.
If travel is a must, evaluate travel plans at the destination. If that involves traveling across crowds, or traversing through busiest routes, check for viable alternatives. Consider shifting from group activities to solo relaxations. As we know, the more we avoid crowds, the safer is the travel.
Use wipes and sanitizer frequently
Load your backpack with alcohol wipes and sanitizer bottles. Wipe every common surface – ATM buttons, lift knobs, seat handles, window panes, handles, restroom seats, and flush buttons – before and after the usage.
Accessories such as mobile phones, wallets, watches, backpacks, handbags, goggles, etc. are also exposed to the outside environment. Wipe them as frequently as possible.
Wear a mask and avoid touching or adjusting it. Invest in quality masks as per doctor’s recommendations and use them to be safer. Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly as and when possible.
Inspect boarding and dining spaces
Check with hotel managers about the precautions taken to prevent virus spread. It is wise to call them before you start on a journey to make sure they are operating. If they are open, ask if they are complying with WHO’s and CDC’s safety advisories.
Dining out is unavoidable during traveling. Choose freshly cooked, hot and healthy foods that boost immunity. If possible, use home carried spoons and forks for eating. Carry your water bottle and refill at every safest drinking water outlet.
Conclusion:
All in all, travel during coronavirus season is best canceled. If unavoidable, take every measure to protect yourself and the people around you. Carry all supporting documents such as ID proofs, health insurance, and COVID negative proof. Stay in touch with the WHO website for the latest updates on risk zones, travel guidelines, and safety measures that travelers need to adopt. Let’s remember that safe traveling is the new normal!
