The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way in which we travel, but things finally seem to be improving, and in many ways, it’s beginning to get back to normal. However, this doesn’t mean that you should disregard any potential dangers or forget about all the safety precautions.
These days, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you stay on top of the latest travel restrictions. Timing your trip so you have lots of extra time in case something unexpected happens cannot hurt. You should also learn how to be crowd safe and make sure that you do plenty of research on your destination so that nothing can catch you off guard.
If this sounds like something you’d like to know more about, then read on. Of course, a lot will depend on the place you travel to and the current situation, but there are still some universal guidelines you can follow, and they will help you travel both smartly and safely. Check them out.
Get vaccinated
Before you even think about travelling, especially if it’s an international journey that’s on your mind, you should make sure that you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This also means that you should get your booster as soon as you are eligible. It’s essential to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. This will give the vaccines time to start working so you’re protected.
Nowadays, most countries require everyone who enters them to be fully vaccinated. To be extra safe and meet any other requirements, you can also use a PCR COVID test kit that gives you results in 30 minutes.
Additionally, you might want to get the annual flu shot that will help protect you from circulating influenza viruses. Don’t forget to wear masks wherever required, social distance if possible, and keep washing your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Keep an eye on the latest travel restrictions
The situation around the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its variants, differs in every country. That’s why you should prioritize staying on top of the latest travel restrictions. It is crucial to check which specific restrictions may apply to your situation and impact you. This can vary based on your vaccination status and nationality.
What is more, some countries might require you to stay in quarantine after your arrival, and this time can also vary depending on the destination. Still, it will surely be non-negotiable, and there will be no way to mitigate it. Some countries might also require you to download a digital health pass for an easy way to verify your vaccination status.
Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay
Check the public transportation at your destination
Figuring out what the situation around the public transportation at the place you want to travel should be one of your priorities if you want to travel safely. Whether you want to go from one place to another on a public bus, a train, take a taxi or an Uber, you need to have this all figured out ahead of time.
This will help you save money on transportation, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries require you to wear a mask on public transport, while others have already scrapped this rule. If you forget your mask in a place where it’s required, you might end up getting a ticket from the local police, which is never a great experience.
Research
It’s always best to be prepared for whatever you might be getting into. Even a little bit of smart research can go a long way, especially if you travel to a country you’re not familiar with and need to figure everything out as you go.
Before hopping on a plane, make sure that you’re familiar with the local customs and traditions and know the most popular attractions and which ones are actually worth visiting. Some of them might be closed because of COVID restrictions, so it’s better to know about it ahead of time, instead of making an effort to get there just to learn that you won’t be able to see anything.
Even if it sounds like a no-brainer, you might be surprised how many people travel without doing any research whatsoever. They go completely unprepared, don’t know the language, the culture or even have weather-appropriate clothes. It’s a mistake that’s easy to avoid, so before the trip, set aside some time for doing your research.
Check your insurance
Good travel insurance is a key aspect of travelling. That’s why you should check what your insurance already covers and carefully consider whether you need to buy an additional one. It doesn’t matter if at your destination you simply plan to spend your day sitting on the beach or go into the mountains and hike your day away, always make sure that you have appropriate insurance.
Not only will it give you peace of mind and serve as your protection plan in case of any emergency, but it’s simply a wise thing to take care of. If you’re travelling by car and planning to drive a lot, you should also check your car insurance policy.
In conclusion
Travelling is a fun and enriching experience, and now that more countries are opening up for visitors again, you should definitely take advantage of every opportunity that you have. If you go about it the correct way, it can leave you with many exciting memories, help you grow as a person and make lots of new friends.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long vacation, these tips will help you travel smartly and safely. Don’t forget to get vaccinated, make sure you keep up with travel restrictions, and check what your insurance situation is before going on any adventure. Stay safe and healthy and have fun!
Top image by Rainhard Wiesinger from Pixabay
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