Whether or not it’s safe to travel yet and against government warnings, people are still doing so. I was actually one of them – you can read about my experience in Traveling Outside The Country During the Pandemic Part 1 and Part 2.
With a decline in COVID cases and vaccine efforts across the world, traveling will be picking up very soon. Here are ways to help you travel safely during a pandemic should you decide to go. (Don’t worry, I won’t be talking about the typical 6-feet-away, wear a mask, and use sanitizer type of stuff – you already know that by now!)
Things To Consider Before You Travel During A Pandemic:
- Have you been vaccinated? If not, are you or your traveling companions or people you may come into contact with of high risk? Take that into consideration and consider your next steps to be safe.
- Does your country issue COVID-19 passports and does your destination country accept them? COVID-19 passports are certifications that allows vaccinated individuals to go to public places like restaurants, gyms, shopping malls, etc. This would make traveling between places a lot easier, but of course you should continue to do your part to stay safe.
- Do you have enough time to take a COVID test at least 3 days prior to your departure?
- Does it cost money for you to get a COVID test when you’re abroad and would you need multiple tests during quarantine (if it’s required) and before coming back into your own country? This is something you should factor into your budget planning. For example, for Americans going back to the US from Canada, it’ll cost you about $150 CAD for the test.
- Do you or someone you will come into contact with have pre-existing conditions? Is this something you’re willing to risk and if so, can you bring everything you need to make sure you’re safe? Also take into consideration when you come back from your travels, how you plan to be safe. For example, taking a COVID test once you’re in your home country. Although not every country requires you to do a mandatory 2 week quarantine once you arrive home, this might be a good practice if you are in close contact with high-risk individuals. I understand that no one wants to quarantine, but for the sake of your loved ones, this might be something to consider and to be vigilant about especially if they’re older.
- Are you ready for any abrupt changes to your travel plans? Depending on the country and during volatile times like these, new mandates and requirements can easily change by a day to day or case to case basis. Would you be able to stay out of your home country for longer than expected? Do you have enough money to plan for these unexpected situations?
- If you take out an insurance policy for your travels, read the fine prints and exclusions! Some insurance companies will not cover anything related to COVID or pre-existing conditions should something happen to you.
When Planning Your Trip Abroad
- Are there restrictions in the countries you’re planning to visit? Do research on your destination country’s government and travel website to make sure that you qualify to go and understand the required steps to enter and exit the country. You can also ask your travel agency if you are having a third party book your trip for you.
- Make sure of the travel and safety protocols that’s required by the airlines and your destination country.
- If you want feel safer on your flight, check if the airline and the particular flight you have your eye on are overbooking. You can tell this by verifying whether the middle seat is empty. Some airlines will keep this safety measure in place, whereas others do not. Keep in mind, once on a flight, there will be no social distancing measures whatsoever. The empty middle seat guaranteed by some airlines can give you some peace of mind if you need it.
- As airlines are adding to their flight routes, are you able to find a direct flight? If not, are you able to spend extra time and money on layovers?
- Don’t forget to check local requirements and restrictions as rules can vary depending on the city, state, province, or district. You don’t want to be able to enter the country, but not be able to do what you planned to.
- Check on the local transmission patterns of COVID as well and how your destination is controlling the problem.
- Remember to fill out all the paperwork that is required of you beforehand to present to border agents, airlines, and even your accommodations when you check in.
Things To Consider For Your Stay Abroad In Order To Travel Safely During A Pandemic
- Check the cancellation or change policies that your hotel or airline has. In the beginning of the pandemic, it was almost impossible to get your money back from most airlines and hotels. Know these policies and if you’re able to risk not getting your money back if you something happens and you can’t make it for your flight or hotel stay.
- For resort stays in the Caribbean, a lot of them are requiring on-site COVID tests in addition to requiring a negative test upon arrival.
- Some countries may require negative COVID tests, multiple COVID tests during your stay, or even a mandatory 2 week quarantine. Make sure that you have the time and the money to be able to accommodate the requirements.
Don’t Forget To Do This When You’re Out Of The Country
- Stay up to date with the news. Changes can happen anytime and you don’t want to be left stranded and unable to come back home
- Check the local government and your home country’s government website regarding travel in and out of the country to make sure you will be able to adhere to all the latest rules.
Have The Right Mindset And Be Prepared
Traveling outside the country during the pandemic can be frustrating and worrisome, but it isn’t always as hard and scary as it sounds. You just have to be prepared. From what I’ve seen, most of the people who got into trouble while traveling may have not done their part in research and providing the right information and documentation when asked to present it. Although there are some cases where authorities were taking it too far, that is something that you have to take into account and understand that anything can happen since you decided to travel during these times.
But if you have the right mindset going into this, be responsible and do what’s required of as stated by the government, do your research, and keep up to date for travel alerts, it will make things less stressful and help you travel safely during a pandemic.
You can read about the latest travel rules for Canada and the US.