Keep safe on you holiday trips during the ongoing pandemic
As international travel opens up, we still need to ensure our holiday travel is as safe as possible in relation to Covid-19. The key is to take sensible measures to minimise your risk. Here are some practical tips to help.
Review your proposed travel destination
You are more likely to become infected in certain parts of the world than others. Do some research on the rate of infection in the country you are considering visiting and whether this is rising or declining. Worldometer has kept track of Covid throughout the pandemic, and data for each country is available here.
Check the hotel
You want to be sure you’ll be staying somewhere that has taken all the necessary cleaning and hygiene steps. Most hotels have introduced stringent hygiene regulations to counteract Covid. These will be on their websites, or you can enquire via email.
Get fully vaccinated
Ensure you are fully vaccinated before you travel. Some readers might be against vaccination – I myself am not a strong advocate of it for adults in normal circumstances, but there has been nothing normal about the past two years. For both your own health and those around you, please ensure that you have been inoculated against Covid at least 14 days before you travel. Some people are not eligible for vaccination. In which case there are certain precautions they – and everyone else – should take to ensure their travel is safe.
Take care en route
While data taken last year indicated the risk of catching Covid on a plane was minimal it is sensible to take precautions. Wear masks throughout your flight and while at the airport. Maintain sensible social distancing measures where possible, especially when queuing. Take your time and give people space.
Masks and other precautions
Wear a mask whenever you are in public spaces, transport, restaurants, bars etc. Pack sufficient masks with you as well as antiseptic wipes and hand sanitisers. Wash your hands carefully before and after you visit any place. Eat healthily. The same golden rules that have protected you during the last 18 months of the pandemic will also keep you safe when you travel.
Insurance cover
You’ll need travel insurance. Check that it covers both evacuation and repatriation, and ensure that you are covered for treatment at an international standard hospital. If your destination of choice lacks such facilities, then perhaps you should reconsider your trip. When travelling in Europe the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will not cover all scenarios, so bolster this with appropriate travel insurance.
Avoid crowds
It continues to be important to avoid close contact with people. Walk or cycle as much as possible when on holiday. Not only does this limit the chances of you contracting Covid, but it is also good for you. Wherever possible choose to dine al fresco – barbecue on the beach or picnic in the mountains – and if indoors seek places that are well-ventilated and have stringent Covid regulations.
With care and planning you can have a wonderful trip.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Bibby Jackson is passionate about travel and sharing the joys of visiting new places and people. He is founder and group editor of websites Travel Begins at 40 and London Begins at 40, as well as the award-winning author of three thrillers set in Cambodia. He is the former editor of AsiaLIFE Cambodia, ASEAN Forum and Horizon Thailand magazines.
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