The coronavirus pandemic threw up a number of issues with travel. For one, millions of people were forced to cancel holidays, but now with more countries opening their borders to foreign travellers once again, tourists are again heading abroad. At Avoid-Crowds.com we traveled to five countries during the summer. We did all the things tourists do and this is what we learned.
The coronavirus pandemic threw up a number of issues with travel. For one, millions of people were forced to cancel holidays, but now with more countries opening their borders to foreign travellers once again, tourists are again heading abroad. At Avoid-Crowds.com we traveled to five countries during the summer. We did all the things tourists do and this is what we learned.
In spite of restrictions being removed on certain destinations, there is still a fear of contracting coronavirus and spreading it to people for many travellers. There are ways to stay safe and you can safeguard yourself against contracting the virus. Simple things such as masks, hand sanitizer, keeping two metres apart from others, and even wearing gloves are ways to be proactive.
One thing is for certain in 2020 – and most likely 2021 – and that is you must book a holiday with coronavirus safety in mind. All of your plans will need to factor in coronavirus and here is a look at some ways to stay protected on holiday. You need to protect yourself from contracting the virus but also protect yourself financially by making sure you can cancel your trip free of charge in case needed.
Is the holiday destination a coronavirus hotspot?
You cannot go a day without hearing the latest news of the spread of COVID-19. The 24-hour news cycle makes it possible to get the latest updates on where outbreaks are bad and the spread of the virus. It is essential to stay informed about your holiday destination and its coronavirus case numbers. One of the best websites to find out up to date information on travel destinations is Re-open EU. This is a great site that gives up to the minute information on restrictions and border closings. It is a must-visit site before you travel in Europe.
It is easy to book a holiday and put the virus out of your mind assuming everything will be fine upon arrival. This is not the case. If a holiday destination sees a rise in cases prior to your trip, you run the risk of spending time in a high-risk area.
You may feel safe at your final destination but remember, you will spend time in airports and commuting to get there. It is likely to be the in between time from your house to the resort or hotel in which the virus is contracted.
Have a safe flight
Some budget airlines are on the brink of going out of business while major carriers have hit huge profit losses, according to reports in the media. Many of these companies are offering even cheaper flights to inspire travel. Wearing a mask on a flight and at airports is not going to keep you 100% safe.
Yes, a mask does lower the risk of contracting COVID-19, but more must be done to prevent the spread of it. Airports, airplanes, and commuting to a resort is the prime opportunity to contract the coronavirus as it leaves you vulnerable to it.
At the airport, you have to wade through the check-in and security lines. These are areas where germs are spread. A lot of people stand around these areas in close proximity and touch the various surfaces. Many individuals focus on staying safe on the plane, but it is the time before boarding in the terminal that is most dangerous.
While on the plane, a mask is vital to slowing down the spread of the virus. Anyone can sit next to you and you have no idea who they have come in contact with recently. By wearing a mask and not touching your face you can lower the risk of contracting coronavirus. Remember, you can lower your risk of contract coronavirus by taking the proper precautions before and during travel.
How to choose safe accommodation
Of course, once you get to your final destination you will need a place to stay. You may choose to stay with family, but just because you are related doesn’t mean the risks of spreading coronavirus are any lower.
Hotels, Airbnb properties, and resorts all have cleaning guidelines. Due to the risks associated with travel currently, many of these accommodation properties and disclosing their cleaning protocol give travellers assurance of their cleanliness.
Some of the ways accommodations are keeping travellers safe is by providing online check-in, digital keys, and disinfecting the properties more often. Certain properties have instituted a 24-hour gap in between guests. This gives them the chance to clean the room thoroughly and germs to die. According to studies, coronavirus germs can live on surfaces for 24 to 72 hours.
If you have the chance to drive to your accommodation, you may consider taking your own cleaning supplies. This gives you the chance to clean the hotel room, Airbnb, or cabin. It also gives you peace of mind knowing the accommodation has been cleaned recently.
COVID-19 changed the way we travel, work, and live day to day. There are ways to lower the risk of spreading and contracting the virus, and being vigilant during travel is one of the most significant ways to flatten the curve.
