With the devastating hit of the global pandemic, travel looks very different now and has raised a very important question. Where to travel now during COVID-19?
While the borders are slowly reopening, leisure travelers are once again offered a handful of destinations to choose from. However, the fact remains that crossing these open borders is not as simple as before.
This article will cover the essential and necessary aspects of traveling during COVID-19, which includes: where to travel now, COVID-19/Coronavirus travel restrictions, Coronavirus travel advice, and highlights when will it be safe to travel again.
Travel is still very much possible, but you need to be aware of how and where to travel now during COVID-19, safely.
Where to travel now, COVID-19 traveling
As of today, each country in the world has a risk level associated with them, and the first thing you need to do is look it up, even if the borders of the countries are still open. It’s advisable to cancel or delay the trip of high-risk countries, no matter how bad you’ve been longing to travel to that particular destination.
It’s also smart to choose a socially-distancing-friendly holiday during the pandemic. How? Instead of going to a bustling city or town, pick a remote location away from people. Mountain top accommodations, cabin by a lake, or a private island getaway.
A perfect example of a social-distancing-friendly destination would be the secluded private islands of the Maldives, like Niyama Private Islands Maldives. The famous concept of ‘one island, one resort’ still makes Maldives one of the safest places for a holiday during COVID-19. Not only are they only accessible by speedboats or seaplanes, but the resorts are also highly maintained for safe vacations. The staff is properly trained for the new normal, the resort is regularly disinfected (with special attention to private pools), and guests will also receive a daily temperature checkup. The one-island resorts of Maldives offering secluded private villas like Conrad Maldives Muraka are unparalleled in safety when it comes to where to travel to now during COVID. Even crossing the border of Maldives is relatively easy as tourists only require a negative Coronavirus test done no more than 72hrs before arrival.
Another step that you can take while traveling now during COVID-19 is getting the help of a travel agent. With years of expertise and up to date news, they are your best options in guiding you to a safe holiday during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus travel restrictions
You should always check the Coronavirus travel restrictions when deciding where to travel now during COVID-19. Even if a country has an open border, you should be expecting Coronavirus travel restrictions, be it state, local, or territorial restrictions. It’s smart to be aware of the requirements for entering a country as well. Does the destination require mandatory testing, or do you have to be quarantined for 14 days?
There are also countries with borders closed to leisure travelers.
The best way to be informed is by clarifying the coronavirus travel restrictions of the country’s government or tourism website. Remember, you need more than a passport to travel during Covid-19.
Corona virus travel advice
One dangerous aspect of the Coronavirus is that you could have it and show no symptoms while spreading the virus during your travels. The same scenario is true the other way around as well. So to keep you and your loved ones safe, it’s important to take precautions and preventing measures when traveling now during COVID-19.
Before you travel
Before you even begin to travel, be informed about your travel destination. This means the risk level of the country as well as the Coronavirus travel restrictions they have implemented. Next, check if you or your loved ones can be severely affected by the virus. You also need to take into consideration how you will be going to the airport. Avoid crowded areas and crowded means of transportation. Don’t forget your face mask!
During the travel
Follow the simple but effective guidelines for a Coronavirus safe holiday. This includes: wearing face masks at all times (and properly, nose covered), staying 6ft apart, avoiding sick people, wiping surfaces, and most importantly avoid touching the face without washing the face.
Are flights safe?
Planes are a safe way to travel as the risk of getting infected in an airplane is low. The vertical airflow of the plane makes it difficult to spread most viruses and germs. Not to mention, aircrafts also feature filters to block 99.7% of airborne viruses. Moreover, planes are disinfected regularly, and some even leave the middle seat of the aircraft empty. You could even set the overhead vent open towards your face or sit far from the toilet to lower your chances of getting infected.
While the aircraft is relatively safe, you do have to pay heed to the airport check queues. Once again, wear a mask and wash your hands regularly.
After your travel
After returning from the trip, it’s advisable to self-quarantine for 14-days. You can even get tested for the safety of yourself, as well as the people living in your area. Be sure to avoid social gatherings and high-risk areas such as weddings and parties as well.
When will it be safe to travel again?
The million-dollar question buzzing around every travelers’ mind. When will it be safe to travel again? Nobody knows the answer for sure. Traveling will be truly safe when the COVID-19 vaccine is discovered and produced for a world without Coronavirus.
It’s not ideal to travel during the pandemic. However, it’s not impossible to have safe holidays as well. Choose where to travel now during COVID-19 wisely. Be prepared and follow the coronavirus travel advice with the utmost importance. There are light Coronavirus travel restriction destinations such as the Maldives that delivers exceptional remote holidays – away from people, away from the virus.
More resources for Corona virus travel advice
- Public health considerations while resuming international travel
- Coronavirus travel advice
- Is It Safe to Travel Again? Your Coronavirus Questions Answered
- Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- If you must travel now, here’s how to make it safer