Traveling sounds vibrant. People travel for various reasons – personal, professional, vacation, adventure, and exploration.
Nevertheless, we are living amidst a pandemic, where travel may expose us to risk more than ever. Self-quarantine is our current lifestyle. Health authorities are repeatedly stressing on avoiding travel or mingling in groups and the importance of self-quarantine.
In this ongoing fight against coronavirus, there is a ray of hope for travel lovers who can travel safely and responsibly. Governments are slowly relaxing the travel restrictions, but with strict measures. Travel companies and hotels are operating with care adhering to health advisories. Travel and hospitality are all together in a new face now, with many changes in how they operate and welcome passengers. And yes, it is all for the greater good!
If you ask us guidance on how to travel safely during the pandemic, do not be surprised if we advise you not to travel. No travel is essential that puts our loved ones and us at risk. But for such group of travelers who have to travel as they have no other option, here are 7 safety tips on traveling during the pandemic:
1. Get Yourself Tested:
Staying safe means staying responsible. When there is a necessity to step out for travel, the first thing we are responsible for is to make sure that we are not carriers of risk.
Thus, getting COVID tested is the first thing that should be on the list of travel safety tips during the pandemic.
Go on a COVID-19 test and start packing the bag only once the results are negative. Also, most countries demand COVID negative proof at arrival. So this is mandatory for every travel enthusiast.
What if you were once COVID positive but now fully recovered and want to take a breath of fresh air through travel? We know this sounds disappointing, but your travel may not be permitted by state and health authorities.
Not just with symptoms of COVID, for anyone with a mild cold, headache, cough, or a seasonal fever, we suggest canceling the trip.
2. Travel wisely:
Travel implies getting in connection with strangers by some means. Sharing seats and travel space is the first possible risk. Hence it is essential to choose a safe means of travel.
Travel experts say, airlines are the safer means of travel as they pose the minimal risk of being virus carriers. Their HEPA filtering system works wonders in keeping the air clean and free from viruses. However, no one can guarantee that the stranger sharing the seat cannot be the carrier!
Driving can be a safe option to eliminate the probable risks from strangers. Pack all the essentials, stock up on fuel, pack a camping tent and gallons of drinking water on the roof rack and get ready to go on a safe journey.
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On other means of travel, choose a window seat. That is the better option to escape the risk of virus contamination in closed spaces.
3. Be strict with social distancing:
Social distancing is the safest precaution to mitigate the risk of exposing oneself to coronavirus. The lesser the interaction with strangers, the safer. Remember, no shake hands and no physical contacts.
Politely distance away from people who are not wearing masks. Be doubly mindful when sharing pools, petrol bunks, shops and markets, bathrooms, dining spaces, and common areas.
Wear masks all the time (psst!..You may lower the mask while taking a selfie, but put it on asap!) Masks can prevent many hazards that could happen by touching the mouth and nose.
Invest in a pair of good hand gloves and get habituated wearing them. A mask and gloves can protect from the risky surfaces of contact such as taxi handles, lift buttons, ATM knobs, doors, windows, bill counters, POS buttons, etc.
4. Wash hands sanitize, repeat:
Washing hands thoroughly is the new normal. Get used to it at the earliest and put it in practice. Rinse hands and wash hands deeply using rich lather and dry them. Repeat this as many times as possible during travel.
Pump up the volume of good quality sanitizer in the backpack. Carry a handy-sized bottle all the time in a pocket or handbag. Sanitise hands before and after touching anything. Also, make it a habit to sanitize handbags, wallets, spectacles, watches, mobile phones, chargers, and headsets frequently.
5. Stay connected with friends and family:
Either traveling solo on business or going on an adventurous trip with buddies, make sure to be in touch with parents and family. Inform them at every stage of travel and let them know your well-being. Share the details of the day- whom you met, what you ate, and where you stay. Sharing intrinsic details with family and informing them about location and activities can help in times of need.
Have a list of emergency contact on mobile and also as a note in a pocket diary. It may come handy when fallen sick on foreign lands. Emergency contact information also serves as a savior when dealing with foreign lands' rules as they are changing fast due to the ongoing pandemic.
6. Gather knowledge about the health safety:
Travel rules differ from one state to another. Gather comprehensive information about the local state rules and also the destination. Equip with all the relevant documents needed. Carry health insurance and identity proofs without fail, even if going on a car trip.
Pack an emergency medical aid back. Stock on hand wipes sanitizer along with regular medications if any. We suggest getting in touch with the doctor and seeking advice on emergency medication to be exposed to any risk of travel. Add these medicines into the emergency kit.
Get in touch with the doctor over a phone call or video call in case of any suspicion about change in your health. You may also have to inform the local authorities and the hotel owners if you find anything suspicious about your wellness. Hence, always stay informed about the regulations of the local authorities of the place of travel.
7. Maintain immunity levels:
Good immunity is the secret to fighting infections. Focus on the diet, water, and exercise are important, especially to maintain immunity amidst this pandemic. Eat freshly cooked food, avoiding all sorts of raw foods. Preferably go vegetarian. Relish on soups, fresh fruits, and foods prepared by grilling using less oil. Continue taking multivitamins, if there is any such habit.
Carry a water bottle all the time. Refill it at hygienic and trustable places. Check with the hotel if they can provide boiled water for drinking.
Travel can disturb sleep and food patterns. Remember that this can bring down immunity levels. Get sound sleep and maintain sleep timings as much as possible.
Make it a point to perform yoga or light exercises in the place of stay. Get enough sunlight to keep the body healthy. Breathing exercises and meditation can work a charm in boosting lung health and emotional health. Besides, they can be done despite travel and without any need for exercise equipment.
Travel safety is in our hands
Safety is a cheap and effective insurance policy. All it takes to get the best of it is to incorporate in daily life with considerable alertness and patience. Traveling safe means protecting us as well as the people around us. But always remember to travel only if it is necessary. ElseBusiness Management Articles, we all know the open secret – Stay home Stay safe!