The pandemic has changed the way we live, work and socialize. It seems that the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is not going to end soon. As more and more countries begin to ease housing restrictions and reopen their economies, increases in the number of infections have been observed.
Nevertheless, we all feel the need to escape for a while from the hard everyday life. The question that many are thinking of this summer is how to travel safely during the pandemic. If you feel the need to travel, it is important to consider your own safety and the safety of others. In addition to the following guidelines on the pandemic, traveling, and social interaction, there are many different things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick and increase your chances of traveling safely.
3 thoughts on traveling this summer
In times of uncertainty, it is important to plan ahead. If you have decided to do it or if you are still not sure if traveling is the right decision for you, considering the following 3 points, you will definitely make a more conscious choice.
1. Decide where to go (and how to get there).
While you may have a destination in mind, do your research before traveling to a location. Find out if this site is experiencing higher than normal infection rates by looking at related sites. Also, consider that many attractions are closed or limited in their availability. Be sure to be aware of the safety rules in this area, given the fact that they may change.
Once you have decided where to travel, you need to think about how to get there. Although airlines and ferries take extra precautions, such as pre-boarding temperature tests and mandatory masks, many families choose a nice road trip. Road travelers probably have more control over the environment in which they interact. If you choose to travel by road this summer, consider the following:
Pack a variety of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, hand sanitizers, soaps and wipes. If you have several of these valuable supplies with you, they will help you avoid unnecessary travel to stores or stay exposed.
Avoid the need to stop more than necessary by having plenty of snacks and drinks. If you have to stop, choose points that require less physical interaction.
Plan your route in advance so that you can research the safety rules of the areas you will travel.
If you have to stop for fuel, toilet or food, be sure to wipe up the surfaces you come in contact with disinfectant wipes. Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer frequently.
2. Choose your accommodation carefully.
Once you know where you are going and how to get there, you need to decide where to sleep. If you have to choose between a hotel or a house (like AirBnB), there are pros and cons to each choice, so do your research before choosing the right one for you.
Hotels (especially chain hotels) are more likely to have strict cleaning and hygiene standards to prevent the virus from spreading to their facilities. However, hotels are often crowded with people from different parts of the world, making it more difficult to maintain social distance.
Housing rentals offer a greater opportunity to limit your interactions with others. You can also bring your own food so you know exactly where it came from and how it was prepared. On the other hand, not all house rentals have professional cleaning and disinfection services. Contact the landlord to find out more about cleaning and disinfection policies before booking.
3. Be flexible.
This is probably self-evident. Rules and regulations change every day as infection rates increase and decrease. Take into account the uncertainty that everyone feels, as well as all the current travel risks. Understanding that things may not go as planned will help you reduce your frustration if the trip has to be postponed or canceled.
Regardless of the choices you make for your summer traveling plans, the right preparation and flexibility will help you make the most of this changing and challenging situation.
