Safe Travel During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Now while most of our day-to-day life has gone back to a relatively pre-pandemic state, we still second guess a basic luxury: traveling. The risk of contracting COVID-19 still looms in the air which makes travel a slightly more tedious affair. From following protocols to locating safe destinations to travel to, the simple process of packing a bag and leaving, and so many in-between hassles. Safe travel, however, can still be accomplished, by following a few mandatory tips.

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccination

This is the foremost requirement for traveling to any destination. A certificate of all vaccination doses is generally required while booking a flight ticket and should be presented at the destination upon arrival.

If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccination, consider getting your shots as soon as you can. Ideally, following the second dose, it would be best to wait for a couple of weeks before considering travel so that your body has adequate time to build up immunity capable of fighting the virus. 

Many countries are also offering a booster dose, especially for those at increased risk of severe disease. It is recommended for everyone who has access to it. Each dose generally provides an additional boost to your immunity, enabling you to fight the virus more efficiently, in case you do get infected.

Following COVID-19 Safety Protocols While Traveling

A scientist working with samples to be tested using a real-time PCR machine. Original image sourced from US Government department: Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under US law this image is copyright free, please credit the government department whenever you can”. by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

If you opt to travel by road, opt for transportation that is likely to have a limited number of passengers. Consider booking personal vehicles. When seated open windows for adequate ventilation. Virus spread has been documented most within enclosed spaces. For now, short local trips within drivable distances are advisable.

When traveling by air, consider the precautions which would need to be maintained at both your local and destination airports. Currently, a lot of destinations are foregoing the requirement of taking RT-PCR tests before travel, particularly for those passengers who have received both their vaccination shots. However, there are still some destinations that expect you to conduct a test a few days before travel and upon arrival. If you have had COVID-19 in the recent past, you cannot travel for three months following recovery.

At the airport, wearing a mask at all times is mandatory. Extra precautions such as wearing a disposable face shield or gown for the duration of the flight are recommended if possible. Many airlines also provide additional protective wear to minimize your risk of infection. 

Carry extra masks, hand sanitizers, and disposable tissues or wipes to clean surfaces that you touch. Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. Maintain social distancing norms within all enclosed spaces where ever possible.

Falling Sick During Travel

Most destinations still have active cases of COVID-19. This makes it possible to get infected either en route or at your destination. As soon as you note symptoms, consider getting yourself tested. You can follow prescribed local protocols if you test positive. 

You will have to quarantine as per local guidelines. It is best to consider this before your trip. Hotels or other facilities that offer cheaper stays can be good options in case you do get infected with COVID-19. Ask around with family and friends, if you have any at your destination for a room to spare for quarantine in case you do fall sick during your trip.

Ideally, two weeks of quarantine and a negative test are recommended before you can travel again. However, checking with local travel guidelines is the best way to understand what is the best way to return home after falling sick during your trip.

Your Hotels and Places of Stay

All places of stay, especially at holiday destinations, are currently optimizing their spaces to maximize safety for guests that are visiting and staying with them. Consider opting for hotels or dorms that are likely to maintain the highest safety measures. Most mention all the protocols they have followed on their websites. This can be some form of reassurance before you travel. 

Most hotels and lodgings highlight staff vaccination status. Hotels will mention whether they provide quarantine facilities for guests if they fall sick during their stay. Look out for these when you go through your booking process.

Reasons To Skip Unnecessary Travel

A foremost reason to opt out of traveling is if you are not up to date on your vaccinations. Unvaccinated people are at the highest risk of severe infections when exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, if you have recently been infected with the COVID-19 virus, consider waiting for a minimum of 90 days before traveling again.

People who have comorbid conditions such as diabetes, lung conditions, cancer, or are otherwise immunocompromised should also consider opting out of long-distance and close-contact travel. While vaccination can lower the risk of severe disease, there is still a chance of developing significant symptoms if infected with COVID-19.

If you have recently had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you might also need to quarantine before leaving for travel. In such circumstances, it is best to wait for at least 10 – 15 days before traveling. If you have to travel, get an RT-PCR test and follow all the appropriate COVID-19 protocols.

Conclusion

While there are pockets of the world that are still experiencing waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, life is slowly creeping back to a new normal. This particularly includes wearing a mask, maintaining distance, and regularly sanitizing your hands. While a lot of our new normal ways have drawn out simple pleasures such as traveling, it is still possible if you follow the basic rules of our post-COVID-19 era. Always consider diligent research and staying up to date with all the facts before planning your travel.