PLANNING TO TRAVEL DURING COVID-19
RESEARCH, PLANNING AND PREPARING TO TRAVEL DURING COVID-19
We all have planned vacations or business trips and know the drill of successfully executing them. However, this time we will have to do so with added cautious measures. Here are some steps and guidelines to follow when planning to travel during COVID-19.
As countries prepare to reopen and resume business, many airports and airlines are restarting operations, however restricted, in the new normal. The expectation for some semblance of the normalcy of lives, as it was pre-COVID-19, is starting to run high, no matter how limited this might be.
Many people who love travelling or travel for work, are waiting with baited breaths, to see which airlines are flying. They are assessing the new rules and regulations implemented, before getting too excited or planning to travel during COVID-19.
While all this is taking place, it’s a good idea to research how to go about preparing for travel in the new normal.
Like me, I know many are eager to resume travel and fed up seeing the same surroundings every day. For someone who loves travel, the urge to get away will never disappear no matter how deadly this pandemic might be. Yes, the urge is one thing, but caution and common sense will always prevail.
Many still believe there isn’t a Coronavirus, but whether this is so or not is debatable. Nevertheless, the circumstances and restrictions surrounding the pandemic is what we all must live with and adjust to presently.
Protect yourselves from COVID-19..This mask comes with protective integrated face coverage, for added protection for your eyes. (It comes with 2 filters)
1. Review your Health Status
Before you plan to travel, here are some factors you must consider. People in this group should think twice about flying and or exposing themselves to risks;
- People over 65 years old
- Anyone with chronic kidney disease, undergoing dialysis
- People with severe obesity (Bmi 40 or higher)
- High-risk immunocompromised (HIV/AIDS) persons
- Those with asthma, hypertension, heart condition, liver disease
People who fall in this group are most vulnerable, as reported by the CDC – (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In this case, it is good advice to not expose yourself to unnecessary risks by travelling during this time.
2. Check Websites for Travel Options before deciding the country to Visit
No matter how restrictive travel will be, we are all seeing some possibility of travelling soon. Even so, here are some essential pointers to consider, before investing time, resources, and money into planning to travel during COVID-19 pandemic:
- Visit your Government’s website for information regarding any restrictions/bans, warnings, and travel alerts.
- Check the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) websites. Both will have the most updated information regarding the pandemic in countries around the world and protection measures.
- Peruse the airlines and hotel sites for excellent deals (inclusive of price and no penalty cancellations).
- Research countries with the highest/lowest coronavirus concentration and consider visiting those with the least cases.
- Consider local or regional travel (aka Staycation) as presently this is most viable for these reasons:
- More money stays in your country/region, which is much needed at this time to rebuild your economy during this economically challenging period.
- No travel insurance.
- You save more money and don’t need to source Forex to travel.
- Support and boost for local and regional tourism, which is currently almost dead due to the coronavirus.
- No frustrating airport procedures.
- Less COVID-19 exposure and risks of infection if the transmission is low in your country or region.
- You will not be stranded in a foreign country (for possibly months) if they suddenly close their borders. No chance of this happening, when you vacation in your country/region.
- Avoid those countries where there is a mandatory 14 days quarantine rule for all visitors. This is especially if you are on a budget or limited vacation days.
Protect yourselves from COVID-19. This reusable, anti-fog and easy to clean face shield, with glasses frame. It can be used with your personal glasses simultaneously.
It provides protective integrated face coverage, for protection of your eyes. nose and mouth, from aerosolized particles.
3. Planning your Vacation
The four most important things to focus on when you are planning to travel during COVID-19 pandemic are:
- Countries
- Hotels
- Airlines
- Travel Insurance
Protect yourselves from COVID-19…remember to use a mask when outdoors and esp. in crowds. This mask is perfect for jogging, cycling and exercising outdoors.
3.1 COUNTRIES - Research Countries’ Websites
Start by researching the country you wish to visit for the most recent updates and information regarding COVID-19 such as:
- COVID-19 concentrated areas in said country and death-rate status.
- Restrictions and or travel bans of citizens from some countries or regions. Are these currently active?
- If they require visitors to present a medical/documentation showing they are COVID-19 negative.
- What are the procedures upon arrival in the country? i.e. if you will be on mandatory quarantine (if at your expense) and for how many days?
- Would you need to have travel insurance upon entry? It will be a precautionary measure, should you become sick in said country. Remember, not many countries offer free health care to non-nationals at public hospitals. You will need to research this in case you, unfortunately, contract the COVID-19 in the country. It will ascertain if you will receive free health care.
- Transport to your hotel, will they be providing transportation from the airport? (If you will be on mandatory quarantine on entry) and will it be free? If no, at what cost to you? All this will be to ensure that you do not use public transport and eliminate the risks of you intermingling with the rest of the population/taxi driver on your way to the hotel for quarantine.
- If you arrive in a country where there is no 14 days quarantine for visitors, but COVID-19 testing on arrival. You unfortunately test positive on arrival do you have the option to return to your country the same day? Would you have any options or be placed under mandatory quarantine in said country for 14 days?
You need to know all this beforehand, so do your research, because you can visit a country for a short stay, and end up having to stay 14 days isolated at a hospital or in accommodation at your expense.
These are crucial information you need to know for smooth planning, no hiccups, and to manage your travel budget.
Protect yourselves from COVID-19 while hanging out. This Drinking mask comes with a hole for straw attachment for easy use when having drinks with others, without the need to remove your mask.
3.2 HOTELS & Booking Agents Research
Many Booking Agents are reaching out, offering discount codes to encourage hotel bookings at discounted prices. They are trying to entice with deals like book five nights and get one night free (previously ten nights and get one free). Don’t be too quick to book a room until you get answers to your questions.
Read Cancellation policies for hotels and Booking Agents and re-read. Some booking agents debit your card on the day you book, some, one week before check-in. Others like Booking.com as little as three days before check-in (which is the cancellation cut-off time) or pay on arrival at the hotel.
A point to note, even if you don’t check in on that day, your credit card will still be debited. So read the fine print.
Another option is to book directly with the hotel if they are the same price as the agents. They may also be more flexible and have a more personal and relaxed policy due to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic. It should be done in the event you have to cancel and prefer reimbursement, without penalties, instead of credit for future use.
So do your research and compare to see who has the best deal for you before you book a room.
Protect yourselves from COVID-19. This reusable, anti-fog and easy to clean face shield, with glasses frame. It can be used with your personal glasses simultaneously.
It provides protective integrated face coverage, for protection of your eyes. nose and mouth, from aerosolized particles.
3.3 AIRLINES (Research Airlines Prices, Policies and Change Fees)
Begin by comparing prices of all the airlines flying the route you are contemplating (use a flight OTA like CheapOair etc.), to get the best fare. Read the cancellation policies for the airlines before you spend one dime to buy a ticket, no matter how enticing the price may seem.
Some airlines have been offering specials and deals to passengers as follows:
- For family bookings, children 12 and under are free with one free extra piece of luggage.
- Free tickets to front-line staff and one companion, worldwide. (Qatar Airways).
- 40% discounts on all routes.
- Buy one ticket normal price and the person travelling with you pays 50% int’l flights to/from Greece valid until 31/10/20. (codes are on airlines websites for such deals).
Do your research to see which airlines are offering such deals and more. Most airlines have deals to encourage you to fly with them, so try to get the best deals available.
Airlines are reaching out to past customers offering discounted prices (if you buy tickets now) with the option to modify the dates within a given period or rebook without penalties. What they do not readily tell you is that when you are ready to rebook, the price of the ticket will more than likely be higher for the same route on a different date.
Therefore, before purchasing an airline ticket, be sure to research the answers to these questions:
- If you or the airline cancelled the flight, would you receive a cash-back refund, travel points/miles, or credit towards future use for another ticket?
- You change the date and or destination, will you have to pay a change fee along with the difference in the price of the airline ticket?
- If you cancel the flight, what percentage would be deducted from the total sum paid?
- The airline cancels the trip due to closure of airports or COVID-19-related, what will be your situation? Would you be compensated and or accommodated at a hotel for the period?
Airlines Safety Measures due to the Pandemic
All airlines have made some changes to their policies and somewhat rearranged their operations. They have implemented new guidelines and safety measures for the protection of their passengers and crews.
Notwithstanding, one question I am sure most people want to know, is, will the middle seats be occupied or not? All the airlines I have corresponded with regarding this question, only one have responded and have outlined their seating arrangements. I have also received correspondence from several international airlines, outlining some of their boarding and in-flight changes, as follows:
- No-contact self-check-in and boarding.
- One piece of hand luggage only on all flights (your purse or briefcase only) weighing no more than 4 kg. The 8/10 kg CARRY-ON BAG WILL BE DISALLOWED).
- Hygiene Experts crew will be on flights. They will oversee lavatory disinfectant and enforcement at all times.
- The procedure for entry and disembarking the airplane will be modified. Window seats passengers will enter firstly followed by passengers seated in aisle seats. (It should be known, there was no mention of middle seats).
- Pillow services removed, and blankets available only on flight 4 hours or more (for hygiene purposes).
- Limited personal service on board. One airline advised that water will be served in bottles only, and Air stewardess’ will be less-seen, throughout flights.
- Seating arrangement. Some airlines will be dedicating the last three rows at the back of the plane or first three rows in the front of the airplane. It will be an isolation area for passengers who may show signs of illness mid-flight.
- Single-use headset or bring your own where discontinued.
- Discontinuation of publication materials (magazines, newspapers, etc.). They will be available digitally, before or during flights where WIFI is available.
- Single-use utensils, pre-sealed meals, and limited food and beverages on flights. Bottled water ONLY, on flights under 2 hours.
- Mandatory for all passengers to wear masks.
- No change fees, only fare difference.
- All passengers receive face shields and protective kits. The cabin crew will be wearing protective gowns for extra safety.
- The middle seat on larger aircraft will be blocked for sale and on smaller aircraft (for those who are not travelling together). Most aisle seats for smaller aircraft are also blocked for purchase. This translates to less people on each flight, which aids in physical distancing.
*Do your research to see which airlines are taking these measures before booking.
3.4 Travel Insurance Checks
This is a necessity, especially if you are travelling during this risky time. However, it seems many insurance companies are shying away from coverage of travel to countries with COVID-19. Some insurance companies will cover the testing costs but not cover hospitalizations etc. So do some research before travel and find one that offers comprehensive COVID-19 coverage at a reasonable price. For travel insurance options click here(#Ad).
Those who have travel insurance attached to their credit cards should contact their credit card provider. Inquire into coverage for COVID-19 and the extenuating circumstances surrounding it while travelling. This should be ascertained, before getting on a plane.
Your personal nebulizer/respirator is very important to help you breathe better, and can aid in so many ways during this time of worldwide pandemic. It is handy if you are having problems breathing. It is perfect for use at home or on the go.
4. Packing your essentials for your Journey
After you have completed your research and have organized your other travel essentials, it’s time to pack for your trip. Such will be a different type of packing in the new normal due to the pandemic. Besides your travel essentials, you will need pandemic essentials, most importantly to keep you COVID-free, while travelling. They are as follows:
- Medicine (flu busting vitamins)
- Bottle water (stay hydrated always)
- Masks (reusable and disposable)
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves
- Goggles/glasses (for extra protection of the eyes)
- Disinfecting/antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- Disposable Ziplock bags (to discard your napkins/tissues until you can safely dispose of them).
- Invest in a selfie stick, you won’t want many unclean touching your phone or camera, neither would they be willing to touch your or your items either.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
Conclusion
Travelling after 911 was a time-consuming and frustrating exercise and still is, but we have adjusted. The stringent measures and procedures have become the new “normal” way to travel. So, imagine planning to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will be our “new normal” going forward, and we will all have to adjust to it in some way. I honestly think this virus will be with us for a few years, if not indefinitely. I am sure there will be many hiccups along the way, but such is life! We will overcome them. For those willing to travel, you will weigh the risks, hassle, and the prize.
What could be the possible outcome of traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic? You bet a great adventure! You visited, explored, enjoyed, and made it back home safely. What are the risks? Contracting COVID-19.
Albeit, I think if we follow the safety protocols, health guidelines, practice good hygiene and keep our immune system optimal. We can all enjoy a safe and virus-free vacation and have a great time despite the situation and the surrounding restrictions.
Share with me your plans, if any, to travel soon and the steps you will be taking to achieve a safe and fun-filled vacation or business trip.
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Your personal protective hat and plastic screen in one. It covers your entire face without blocking your view.
It protects your eyes, nose and mouth from droplets. It’s added protection during this time of worldwide pandemic. It is perfect for use in public for added safety.
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