What to Expect While Traveling During a Pandemic
People have different approaches to travel. Some people buy a last-minute flight, hop on the plane and see where it takes them, while others prefer creating itineraries and planning out the trip to the last detail. Regardless of how you traveled previously, it is important to understand that there are some changes due to COVID-19 that everyone needs to keep in mind while traveling in the future. Here are a few tips we have for you to stay prepared on your next getaway:
KNOW YOUR DESTINATION COUNTRY’S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
If you want to travel somewhere now, your first task is making sure you have everything required to enter the country itself! You might need proof of vaccination and a statement claiming you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, you might need to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test. Every country has different entry requirements that continuously change, so be sure to check before going on your trip.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Reflect on how comfortable you are with being surrounded by other people and putting yourself at potential risk for COVID-19. It is natural for people to adjust differently to being around others while traveling again, so if you are not as comfortable with this, we recommend you wear a mask, avoid public transportation when possible and enjoy spending time outside in the fresh air.
SCHEDULE AHEAD OF TIME
Many restaurants, museums, theatres and other inside activities have reopened but are at limited capacity, so we recommend making reservations and bookings in advance to secure a spot. Planning ahead and doing your research will help you in the long run because some companies have also adjusted the days and times that they are open due to COVID-19. You don’t want to miss out on something special just because it happens to be fully booked or closed at the time you get there!
KNOW YOUR HOME COUNTRY’S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As much as we wouldn’t mind being ‘stuck’ on vacation, make sure you do research about your home country’s entry requirements before heading home or you might really be stuck! Just as there were requirements to enter your destination country, there might be requirements to return back home.
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
BE FLEXIBLE
It is important to be flexible while traveling now more than ever. There are so many uncontrollable circumstances that could arise such as a spike in COVID-19 cases, coming in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or even getting COVID-19 yourself. While we hope nothing like this happens to you, just remember that when you are traveling you inevitably put yourself at risk. Make sure you have a backup plan and be prepared to adapt to some of these new normal situations.
If you capture any extraordinary shots in your recent travels, make sure to tag us here @theedgemag!