Though far from idyllic, some places have lifted travel restrictions this year, making local and international travel possible. On the downside, there are evermore COVID-19 positive cases primarily due to the Delta variant. It is considered more infectious than the initial strain.
What’s great is that the world is working towards building herd immunity in unison to obliterate the virus in the coming years. With a vaccine available and adhering to health protocols, you can now satiate your hunger for travel and plan your upcoming trip.
Though still risky, the situation is substantially safer than before, given that you already know how to protect yourself from the virus. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add layers of protection to your existing ones. To safeguard yourself during your trips, these are the factors you must consider when creating your itinerary.
Assess the COVID-19 Situation
Compared to the initial months of 2020, everyone is faring better this year at handling the virus, and though it is unfortunate, they have somewhat learned to live with it. However, no matter how manageable the situation, there’s no telling with the virus, considering that new strains appear to infect more individuals.
To remain safe during your travels, you must assess the situation in the places you’re visiting. Doing so ensures you won’t get infected halfway through your trip or bring the virus back home with you.
Choose Your Destinations
It’s better to travel to a destination with as few COVID-19 positive numbers as possible, but there might be people who are simply asymptomatic and don’t make it to the official count. Apart from monitoring the numbers, it would be best to see how the local community handles their sick. Learn about the facilities they can go to for medication to know what to do if you start displaying symptoms.
Most places require quarantining before you can freely roam around. Checking the amenities in the possible areas you might be staying at should also be your priority.
Who Are the People You’re Traveling With?
Selflessness is the key to keeping yourself safe from the virus. Aside from looking out for yourself, you must also be mindful of the people you’re going to travel with or the folks you’re visiting.
Before embarking on your trip, it’s best to get tested days before the planned date, as well as complete your vaccine shots. Acquiring the virus goes two ways. You get infected or bring it with you where the people you encounter are more vulnerable and might get sick.
Plan Your Itinerary
Having the liberty of exploring various locations without a solid plan is one of the charms of travel. But sadly, it’s best to put that on hold at present. It’s nice to discover little shops and spots during your adventures. However, you don’t want to suddenly bump into crowds of people and abandon social distancing protocols.
A way to travel smartly and safely during this time is by researching the places you want to see beforehand. Avoid the hours they might be brimming with other travelers.
Choose Your Mode of Travel
Airlines are back to operations, and there’s no doubt that you’ll reach destinations faster via air travel. However, it can be risky since you’ll have to stay within close quarters with other individuals for hours. Bus rides and carpooling are also viable options, but these modes offer worse ventilation than an aircraft.
Although driving for almost a whole day can be exhausting, it’s inarguably the safest means of travel these days, especially if you’re going solo. Considering that you’ll be encountering harsh road conditions, it’s best to protect your vehicle’s exteriors from dust and debris with clear bra car paint protection. You also must monitor your engine and keep liquids at ideal levels to experience a smooth trip.
Select Your Accommodation
Seeing how the pandemic situation unfolds, it’s best to go on day trips and visit destinations accessible and reachable by car. But suppose the place you’re hoping to see is miles away and would require you to spend a few days to get the whole experience. In that case, you must be on the hunt for the safest accommodations.
Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels and inns offering sanitary and premium-quality facilities, keeping you safe and comfortable during your stay. But you can still enhance your protection by cleaning the high-touch surfaces of your room with disinfectant sprays. It’s also wise to look for places that deliver meals straight to your room, so you no longer have to queue in a buffet line or dine in with other guests.
This might not be an experience travel enthusiasts want in their books. However, taking extra care when going on trips amidst the pandemic is the only way you can safely go on adventures.
