There’s no denying how the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way people travel. At the onset of the pandemic, government authorities of different countries had enforced travel restrictions. Others had gone as far as closing borders and imposing travel bans. It’s good that most travel restrictions worldwide have now gotten lifted. Still, health and safety are imperative in the new normal.
So what does it take to travel during this pandemic? Whether you’re traveling for leisure, visiting a place, or moving to a new country, you must have a few crucial things in mind. The ultimate goal is to avoid getting infected with the various strains of the novel coronavirus. On top of this is to promote your health and well-beingduring the pandemic.
That said, here’s how to travel as safely as possible in the new normal:
1. Get fully vaccinated for ensured travel
It’s best to travel if you are already fully vaccinated. However, do so two weeks after you get your dose. If you’re partially vaccinated, you must wait for your second dose as well. In fact, it’s better to get a booster shot, especially if you’re traveling. That way, you will be more protected from the novel coronavirus and have a lesser risk of COVID-19 infection. Besides, most authorities require travelers to have complete vaccination for entry in their jurisdictions.
2. Check the COVID-19 cases in your travel route and destination
When traveling, there are two things you must check beforehand. First is your travel route, including all the places you’ll pass by and drop by. It applies to road trips and even travels by water for the most part. Second, check your travel destination as well, whether you’ll visit the place for leisure or stay there for quite some time. You want to ensure that the COVID-19 cases in these places aren’t high. But if these cases are alarming high, better not risk your life and compromise your health, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
3. Check the travel requirements and secure the paperwork
With or without a pandemic, you must comply with the travel requirements. Pre-pandemic, you only need your flight itinerary and valid identification. If you’re moving to another country, you will most likely need a passport. But if you’ll be staying with your partner in another country like Australia, you’ll need to work with a partner visa migration agent to obtain your visa. But during this pandemic, you might need to secure other travel requirements like a vaccinated card or health certificate. If not, you might need to get COVID-19 testing showing that you’re negative. Hence, be sure to ask about the travel requirements and secure all the necessary paperwork.
4. Review the health and safety protocols
While the COVID-19 crisis is here to stay, the health and safety protocols will remain. Authorities will continue to implement and reinforce these measures. They apply to travel too as a way to foster health and safety. If you are clueless about what protocols to keep in mind, consider the following recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Getting complete vaccination
- Wearing face mask
- Frequent hand-washing
- Constant hand-sanitizing
- Maintaining social distancing
- Avoiding crowded places
- Conducting health monitoring
5. Clean and disinfect your things before packing up
Cleaning and disinfecting are a part of the overall health and safety protocols. While cleaning entails removing germs and particles from surfaces and objects, disinfecting involves killing these germs and other microorganisms. Before traveling, it’s best to clean and disinfect your things before packing them up. While you’re at it, don’t forget to disinfect your travel bags and luggage using an EPA-approved disinfectant. You can go as far as bringing the disinfectant with you and performing the needful during your travel.
6. Prepare your travel essentials
You’ll most likely have your clothes and belongings packed in your bag for travel. You’ll also bring your travel requirements such as your passport, health insurance card, and other travel requirements. However, there are some travel essentials you mustn’t forget, especially during this pandemic. Be sure to consider the following:
- Medicines (necessary prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications)
- Medical supplies (like diabetes testing supplies, inhalers, glasses, and contacts)
- Illness or injury-prevention supplies (hand sanitizer, insect repellent, sunglasses, etc.)
- First-aid kit (thermometer, cotton swabs, bandages, disposable gloves, tweezers, etc.)
At this point, you now know what it takes to travel as safely as possible during this pandemic. Consider the travel tips recommended above, from getting complete vaccination to cleaning and disinfecting your things to following health and safety protocols. With all these in place, you can keep yourself protected from the threats of the novel coronavirus. Ultimately, you’ll have the safe and fun travel that you deserve!
