It’s October 2021. At the same time last year, the world was firmly in the grip of the pandemic. The schools were closed, offices were shut down, the whole world had come to a standstill. Everyone was scared. After more than a year of strenuous efforts by the doctors, first responders and the global rollout of vaccines, that grip has finally begun to loosen up. Children are back to the schools, offices are opening up, and people are making plans to travel, once again.
It won’t be like before, however. Life as we know it before the pandemic has changed, and so is travelling. You can’t travel without keeping the safety guidelines in mind. Where and how you are travelling, where will you be staying—everything needs detailed planning. You can’t take the risk of getting infected, which can be high if you don’t take adequate safety precautions, especially when you’re in a different country or a city.
Like everything that needs caution, travelling in the post-pandemic era has its do’s and don’ts too. It’s a list of things to keep in mind that can help you stay safe and let you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Remember, your adventure shouldn’t come at the cost of getting sick when a pandemic is going on. By being on your guard and keeping the dos and don’ts in mind, you can not only make the best of your trip but also keep yourself and others safe.
Let’s take a closer at the dos and don’ts of travelling in the post-pandemic era.
DOS
Carry the pandemic essentials
Most of us used to carry first aid, travel pillows, portable charger, wipes whenever we travelled, especially somewhere far. These are the things that we deemed essentials. But in the post-pandemic era, there are a few more add-ons to the list. For instance, face masks, sanitiser, vaccination reports, and hand gloves can help keep you safe from the coronavirus. These are the new pandemic essentials. Even if you’re vaccinated, you need to take precautions—not just for yourself but others as well—to keep your trip adventurous and not a medical nightmare.
Check the guidelines
Even after months of global vaccination drives, there are countries under lockdowns. Countries like Thailand, Singapore, the US, the UK, Mexico, Norway, and many others still have active cases that run in tens of thousands. And these are some of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. Just because some nations have reopened their borders, it doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. It’s still there and taking lives. So if you’re planning a trip overseas, make sure to check the state guidelines. Stay away from the COVID hotspots, and be up-to-date with the latest news and developments.
Have a safe flight (book tickets when it’s less busy)
According to a study, “the risk of contracting COVID-19 during air travel is low.” This is when you are inside the airplane. But what about when you’re inside the airport and surrounded by hundreds of people? Some are going on a trip just like you while others are coming back, and the chances of getting infected are high. You can reduce these odds by taking some smart decisions. For instance, planning your flight on a weekday and late in the evening. Also, if possible, book a direct flight. This can reduce your chances of coming in contact with people during the exchange. Do web check-ins to ensure minimal contact.
Check the COVID policies of the hotels and Airbnb
Even before the pandemic, hygiene and sanitation in hotels have been an issue for travellers. You could never know for sure if the linens were cleaned, floors were wiped, or bath towels were washed. In the post-pandemic era, however, there will be no place for such negligence. Before booking hotels, check if their staff members are vaccinated; what kind of precautions they have taken, their cleaning policies and the daily practices they follow to ensure their customers are safe. If you’re booking from Airbnb, check their cancelling and safety policies, and how they combat regional COVID cases.
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