With the month of June, we started to breathe the hot air and sweat thoroughly. Considering the corona virus restrictions that have been in our lives for about a year and a half and have caused radical changes, it is a fact that we cannot deny that we deserve a holiday. In addition to these, the normalization efforts of countries that look for opportunities to improve tourism may be winking at some opportunities for our holiday. Well, if we make a list titled travel precautions, what precautions should be included in this list?
Why are travel precautions something you should consider?
The Kovid-19 virus, which has become a global epidemic, has caused radical changes. This epidemic, which changed the lives of all of us seriously, and the measures taken by the countries not only promised us a healthy life, but also caused us to be very limited in reaching this goal.
However, after a certain period of time, it has become inevitable that normalization efforts are put into practice. Therefore, in this context, each individual has a responsibility to both normalize and ensure that this normalization takes place as safely as possible. Taking a vacation and wanting to travel is the most natural right for everyone, and it is also a necessity to reduce the possibility of being exposed to radical restrictions again.
This is why travel precautions are so, so important. Both individually and socially…
Let’s list our measures
The list you are preparing to read within the scope of travel precautions will offer you 14 tips for a safe holiday.
1. If you have been vaccinated, be prepared to prove it
According to a new study from The Points Guy, a site owned by Healthline Media and Healthline parent company Red Ventures, 50 percent of U.S. adults are likely to take a vacation this summer.
Those who are vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated are most likely to travel.
Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy, said, “Some Americans haven’t had a summer vacation since 2019. This is exactly why there is so much demand.”
If you are vaccinated and traveling, some countries and regions may require you to carry a vaccination passport
2. Make sure you’re looking at up-to-date information
TravelBans.org offers regularly updated restrictions from country to country to learn about travel restrictions at your destination. Seems like a productive reference to follow.
If you have not been vaccinated, check with your destination prior to your arrival to make sure the vaccine is not required. Most countries still require a PCR test. It is also quarantined on arrival in some cases.
Check if your destination requires a vaccination passport, PCR test and quarantine.
3. If you are going to use airlines, you can escape to a little luxury
If your holiday budget allows, you can consider a first class trip as your first choice. Because this means an isolation, albeit partially.
But if it is not possible to choose this option, you should stick to the instructions. You can open the door to a safe journey by following the tips below.
- Wear a mask or two and change your mask(s) every hour.
- Keep the vent open to aid air circulation.
- Use hand sanitizer after picking up any items from the flight attendant and after using the restroom.
- If possible, always have hand sanitizer with you.
- Make sure the disinfectant you choose is effective and meets safety standards.
- In the meantime, let’s remind; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all hand sanitizers contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, having a small bottle of hand sanitizer nearby can help stop the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of transmission.
4. Look for private accommodation options that will increase your chances of being more isolated
If hotels, hostels or resorts are your usual place of choice, now is the time to consider a different option…
Booking a whole house, cottage, or detached apartment is the safer choice for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. There are numerous private accommodation options listed on travel sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and FlipKey.
5. Outdoor air and oxygen: The time you spend in the fresh air is important for a more qualified holiday.
You can also prefer the open air as long as the opportunities allow. Besides, it’s a good time to prefer open spaces.
6. Don’t ignore the car rental option
The crammed wagons, busy trains, and fully booked flights leave little room for physical distance. They can trigger some anxiety even after a year of limited contact with others.
In such a sensitive period, you can discuss the option of renting a car for your journey. But if this option is not possible and you are using public transport, be sure to check the relevant instructions.
7. Stay away from crowded environments and areas whenever possible
Maintaining physical distancing is key to protecting both yourself and others.
Organizing excursions outside of rush hours is a way to escape the crowds. Outdoor excursions also pose less risk, so consider taking excursions to places like beaches and national parks.
8. Buy travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential on a vacation, but it’s especially important this year. It’s usually available through your airline when you book flights, or you can compare travel insurance options online.
Cancellation processes for some reason are usually more expensive. But they can reassure you during this period of uncertainty. Many airlines currently offer flexible tickets for an additional fee.
If available, choose a flexible ticket that you can rebook if needed.
9. Think hard about what you really need
It’s been a tough year for many people, and summer vacation can be your opportunity to really relax. Think about what you really need from your vacation.
Is it fun and adventurous? Rest and relaxation? Or all of the above? Once you have an idea of what you need, you can plan activities that will refresh you.
While 49 percent of respondents would like to go on a trip, 39 percent would prefer national parks. 38 percent of the participants will prefer beaches. In addition, 28 percent of these participants will attend an outdoor event such as a festival or sporting event.
Choose what works for you based on the necessary safety precautions and your comfort level to mingle with others.
10. Don’t be prone to making financial mistakes
In other words, stretch your feet according to your quilt.
Layoffs and changing conditions over the past year have put additional financial pressure on many people.
When it comes to summer vacation, some people spend a lot while others spend nothing extra on vacations.
According to the survey, 43 percent of respondents expect to spend more than $1,000, while 20 percent think they will spend more than $2,000.
The study also found that the most common reason for not traveling this summer was financial constraints, with 41 percent of respondents saying they couldn’t afford it.
If large expenses will cause additional stress, consider more budget-friendly ways to take advantage of that vacation feeling.
Road trips, short weekend breaks, and destinations closer to home can help cut costs. And there are always stays or personal retreats.
11. Make a reservation
Summer getaways are often a time of spontaneity, but it may be wise to plan ahead this year.
Whether you’re going to the beach, theme park, or restaurant, some attractions will require you to book before you go.
It might be helpful to do some research first. Make a list of attractions you want to visit and find out if there is a reservation system in place. In this way, you will not encounter surprises when you arrive.
And if you’re concerned about safety, call ahead to be sure.
Most survey respondents (48 percent) are concerned about strict cleaning protocols at tourist attractions, such as wiping and cleaning seats, cars and tables.
If it puts your mind at ease, check to see what protocols your target has.
12. Find a mask type that suits you
You’ll want to pack lots of face masks to keep yourself and others safe. Change your mask often and keep extras with you in case you lose or damage them.
Wearing a face mask doesn’t just protect you. It helps put others at ease. According to one study, 48 of those considering going on vacation know that mandatory face masks are an important safety measure for them.
If you find it difficult to wear a face mask for long periods of time, consider finding a more comfortable-fitting one.
If a cloth mask feels heavy or oppressive, consider a thinner, lighter disposable face covering. If ear loops bother you, look for a face cover that ties behind your head.
Whatever type of mask you choose, take the time to break it up before you travel. This will help you get used to the mask and allow you to tolerate it for a long time.
Even if you’re vaccinated, covering your face helps you keep others safe and feel safe. If you are exempt from wearing a face mask, make sure you carry medical proof.
- Try different mask options that you can wear for a long time.
- Pack multiple masks and change them often.
- While face shields are the only option for people with sensitivity, they are not recommended by the CDC.
- If you have a medical exemption to wear a mask, bring proof of this with you.
13. You should make a good preparation according to the region you will go to.
Wherever you are traveling, you are likely to encounter different COVID-19 protocols.
Whether it’s wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distancing or disinfecting your hands, preparing ahead of time can help ensure that these safety measures don’t waste your time.
Consider organizing everything you need ahead of time. Stock up on extra face masks before you go and take a few travel-size bottles of disinfectant with you.
Have documentation of your PCR tests, vaccinations and medical conditions at hand. You can keep them in a folder for easy access when needed.
Be sure to review the current guidelines for your modes of transport and those at your destination.
Write down all directions for extra preparation and keep them with you while you’re away. This can help give you extra peace of mind.
Be prepared with all your safety gear at hand.
Carry a file with your medical documents, PCR test results, and vaccine evidence.
Download a contact tracking app for the country you are traveling to.
14. Last article within the scope of travel precautions: Please apply all these precautions with great care.
After a year, you may feel that you need a summer vacation now more than ever. Let’s also add that whether you are vaccinated becomes an important factor; Be sure to pay attention to these safety precautions for yourself and your loved ones.
As you can see, taking travel precautions for a safe and healthy holiday is as important as it is easy…
