8 Top Tips to Prepare For Travel After COVID-19

It’s clear that the COVID-19 health crisis is not going away completely any time soon. However, as travel restrictions are being lifted and the world is beginning to open back up, some people are now hitting the road or at least making plans to. While it’s still best to stay home or be outdoors away from people, the urge to travel is inevitable. Here are eight things that you can do to prepare for travel after the COVID-19 crisis.

Choose Destination Wisely

Now more than ever, it is important to choose your travel destination wisely. Be sure to consider places where it is easier to social distance if you do not want to be tied to wearing a face mask for your entire trip. For example, a state or national park is probably a better idea than a crowded theme park during a pandemic.

It is also very important to stay on top of the local news at your destination so that you are aware of what their regulations are (regarding masks, visitors, and what is open) and what their COVID-19 numbers look like. This awareness will help you to make the best decisions for the health of your family as you begin your trip.

Head Outdoors

While there are many variables about COVID-19 that are not yet understood, the research is continually pointing to the fact that the risk of contracting the virus is far less when you are outside. For this reason alone, planning a trip that is centered around the great outdoors is one of the best things that you can do if you are worried about contracting the virus.

A camping trip is always a fun adventure for the family. With the right camping tools and equipment, you can bring all of the comforts of home along with you. For example, a portable berkey filter will ensure that you have fresh and clean water to enjoy while connecting with Mother Nature.

See my Camping 101 Guide for all the essentials you need on your camping trip. 

Protect Yourself on Airplanes

One of the most concerning aspects of easing back into travel is traveling on an airplane. If you need to board an aircraft, you can take steps to protect yourself by wearing a facial covering the entire flight, washing your hands frequently, and wiping down all commonly used surfaces of your seating area with a disinfecting cloth. You should also try to book flights during slow travel times while taking care to avoid layovers. Short and direct flights will minimize the chances that you get sick while traveling.

Consider Healthcare at Destination

If you are at all worried about getting ill while at your destination or if you have underlying health conditions, it is prudent to do a little research about the available healthcare at your destination. Be sure to bring all of your health insurance documents as well as any information about prescriptions that you use. Being prepared for a variety of situations will give you peace of mind as you take off on your trip.

Try Out Masks Prior to Departure

If you are traveling somewhere that requires the use of face masks, you do not want to arrive unprepared. Before you set off on your adventure, it is a good idea to take the time to try out a variety of different types of face masks to find the one that has the best fit (masks should be snug and not allowing much air in around the sides) is most comfortable for you. This is especially important when you are traveling with small children. The last thing that you want is to arrive at your destination and realize that the facial coverings that you brought are not a good fit for you or your family. Giving them a test run prior to departure will ensure that you are ready to go.

Prepare Now for Future

Take classes or join webinars now for future travels — like language classes or courses for certifications that can help you. For example, becoming qualified to teach English as a foreign language is something to consider doing to prepare for the post-Covid world. Having this qualification is a ticket to the world in normal times and will be well into the future. There is so much demand for teachers in places like Asia and continental Europe to name a few. Ultimately, this will give you the chance to earn money as you travel (just like being a travel blogger!). Many people have also taken up the opportunity of teaching English online from the comfort of their own home in Covid times. This nice little side hustle will also prepare you for teaching when you do start traveling again.

Pack Smartly

Bringing along everything that you need for a safe trip will ensure that you do not have to hunt down essentials upon arrival. Items to bring with you include face masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes or spray, and a thermometer. Plus these things don’t take up much space allowing you to still pack light. Be sure to check TSA guidelines about what you can bring onto an aircraft.

Lodging Choice Considerations

Your accommodations choice may also play a large part in the safety and success of your trip. Be sure to avoid crowded lobbies, elevators, and other public spaces if you are traveling to a destination with a high amount of COVID-19 cases. You can reduce your risk even further by choosing a room with an outside entrance, allowing you to avoid having to walk through a lobby.

There is no doubt that travel is going to look different moving forward in the near future. However, by taking the right safety precautions and making wise decisions, you can still explore the world around you and satisfy your thirst for wanderlust.

Author bio:

Nichelle is a blogger and lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her ideas and personal experiences through her writing. She currently writes for Bigberkeywaterfilters.com. Her favorite pastime is working out and reading books together with her cat, Charlie.