COVID-19 broke many people’s plans, including career plans, work or business, and even travel plans. The virus outbreak forced many countries to lockdown and restricted outdoor activities. Travelers were also forced to cancel their plans and stay at home for so long.
Some countries and travel destinations are starting to open again two years later. But indeed, we can’t deny that there is still a virus outbreak currently happening. So if you are planning to travel, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind.
This article will give you tips on traveling safely amidst the pandemic.
Consider These While Planning Your Trip
You don’t only need to be careful during your travel, but also during your planning. You need to be careful and think about all the possible scenarios that could happen on your journey. By doing this, you will be ready if something goes wrong, allowing you to come up with solutions promptly. Doing this is very important not only for you but also for those coming with you.
Here are some questions that you can depend on when planning for your trip:
- Is COVID-19 spreading in the place you’re headed?
- Is there still an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community?
- Do you have a high risk of COVID-19 or those going with you?
- Will the local government of your place or destination require you to quarantine for two weeks?
- How many children are coming with you?
You can lower your risk of getting COVID-19 just by applying safety precautions every day of your travel.
How to Protect Yourself While Traveling by Car
We tend to be comfortable and familiar in our own car during travels but keep in mind that we are still in a pandemic. And there are things you need to consider when traveling by car.
You and other people are more likely to remove your face masks inside the vehicle, which is not a good idea, especially if you don’t clean your car before going on a ride. Clean and disinfect the inside and outside of your vehicle before going for the trip.
Clean those easy-to-access surfaces inside the car, such as the controls, door handles, steering wheel, seat belts, and windows. Do not forget to bring hand sanitizer, alcohol, or antibacterial wipes with you. All the passengers need to clean their hands before and after a stop. If you need to pick up a passenger along the way, perhaps they need to attend a ballroom dance class first, ask them to change their clothes before entering the vehicle.
It is a good idea to limit the number of passengers going with you. And, of course, you can’t have social distancing inside the vehicle, so do not forget to wear your face mask and avoid removing it. It is imperative, especially if you are traveling at high risk for COVID-19.
Designate a runner during your planning. So if you will need to stop for food or gas, there will only be one or two people going outside your car. Designate people who have a low risk of COVID-19. Tell them to keep their mask on and make sure to clean or disinfect their hands before jumping back into the car.
During your travel, have time to open the windows so that the air inside won’t be stuck for a long time, letting fresh air circulate inside your car.
How to Protect Yourself When You Get to the Hotel or Rental Home
Most of the time, you will need to rent a hotel or a place to stay during your travel. Make sure to follow their guidelines or health and safety protocols.
Before booking a room or hotel, check their cleaning protocol. Ensure that the place you will stay in is disinfected regularly and have fully vaccinated employees. Disinfecting the area yourself is ideal to ensure your and other people’s safety.
Travel Guidelines for Unvaccinated Travelers
Consider the following guidelines if you are going to travel unvaccinated:
- Always wear your face mask inside and outside your room.
- Maintain social distancing, especially to those who are not traveling with you.
- Avoid crowds.
- Bring hand sanitizer or alcohol with at least 70% alcohol with you.
- Always wash or disinfect your hand.
- Get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before going on a trip.
- After your travel, have a COVID-19 test, stay home, or self-quarantine for a week or two.
- If you came out positive, keep yourself isolated to protect other people.
- Self-monitor and take note of COVID-19 symptoms.
It’s not essentially wrong to travel during a pandemic; just ensure that you prioritize your safety first. Follow all health and safety protocols wherever you are to ensure your safety and the safety of other people around you.
