The situation around the world has drastically changed. Ever since the coronavirus outbreak many countries closed their borders to prevent the spread of the pandemic. However, in recent months, the pandemic has slowed down since the lockdown started and some countries are finally opening their borders, allowing foreigners to enter their country. If you have the heart of a traveler and are itching to get back to exploring the world, here are some tips one how to stay safe when you travel.
Check the government travel advisory
The first thing that you have to do is to check your government’s travel history and follow the advice given. You have to keep in mind the status of a country, even if it stated that the country is safe to travel, the status may change in a short notice. This will put you and others at risk of covid 19 so check your travel advisory often.
Depending on where you are returning from, you may be required by the government to quarantine yourself upon arrival. They will most probably provide you with accommodation for you to stay during your quarantine but some will have you quarantine at your own expense, stay inside your home for around two weeks. If you think that you can’t make the extra cost, consider domestic travels rather than overseas for now to save money.
Look for hotels, destinations, that are following the Covid-19 safety guidelines
Since tourism is vital to the economies of certain countries, they are eager to welcome foreigners again. However they are not going to do so in fear of creating another local spike in covid cases. In response to the pandemic, countries that have opened their borders have created certification programs that enforce a safety guideline. Certain standards of hygiene for hotels, restaurants, and attractions are implemented together with statewide safety protocols that the businesses have to follow.
With the recent launch of the Safe Travels program, The World and Tourism Council sets protocols on 11 industries such as hospitality, aviation and tour operators. The Safe Travel stamp can be requested once the health and hygiene of protocols are implemented and new information regarding covid 19 will be frequently updated.
Go to countries where Covid-19 case numbers are low
Although the number of covid cases are still high, there are certain countries where it is significantly low. If the country you are going to has few cases, the risk of catching the virus is lower while you are in said country, provided that there are no passengers that are infected with covid 19 when they arrive.
No matter where you go, stick to wide open spaces and avoid places that are overcrowded. Certain activities such as hiking and camping also have lower risk than others. If you plan on going to a restaurant, concert, bar or sports stadium, the risk of getting infected will be significantly higher. Remember to always wear your masks and sanitize your hand whenever you go out of your accommodation.
Is it safe to travel during the pandemic?
The way that the air is circulated and filtered on aircraft tends to make it harder for the virus to spread, according to US-based Mayo Clinic. Airlines especially have implemented a more strict measure on their hygiene and disinfecting standards, and many are required to wear a mask to get on board.
Even with the stringent rules by airlines, social distancing is quite impossible to do on a full flight, even when the middle seats are vacant. Make sure that you always wear a mask and sanitize your hands regularly while you are on the flight.
Airports are also hotspots for new clusters as it is usually crowded, thousands of people pass through from all around the world there. However safety measures have been implemented to the security protocols such as allowing passengers to carry sanitizers inside the airplane to ensure the lowest of a possible cluster outbreak. Complying with these new restrictions is ideal to stay safe while you are flying.
Safe travel tips during Covid-19
We are responsible for preventing the spread of Covid-19. Certain countries are dependent on tourism for their livelihood, but that doesn’t mean that you do not need to take care of your hygiene. The decent thing to do when you travel to another country is to comply with their local authorities to avoid a new outbreak.
- Always wear a mask wherever you go
- Practice social distancing and avoid crowded places.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize regularly If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 go to the hospital and do not travel.
