With almost all airports closed, recreational trips are virtually impossible. Most airlines are only operational for essential purposes. However, some countries have already managed to contain the virus, and are gradually reopening flights. If you need to travel at this time, you have to think about safety. Several people got infected during the flight, and there’s a good chance you could get infected. Apart from the risk of getting the coronavirus, you also have to be cautious of other potential health risks. Waterborne diseases might be common in your destination, and it’s something you have to avoid. The good thing is that if you pack the portable Berkey travel water filter with you, drinking tap water wouldn’t worry you anymore.
Before you decide to pursue your trip, make sure that it’s essential. If you can postpone it to another date, you have to try it. If it’s vital for business or personal reasons, you need to remember these safety tips.
Follow guidelines
Countries around the world have different approaches regarding the containment of the virus. Make sure you listen to these guidelines to ensure safety. Follow the recommendations in both your country of origin and the destination. If you’re going to transit to another country, you also have to follow the rules.
The first thing to consider is the requirement to submit a health certificate and undergo a state quarantine. Getting a health certificate is necessary to show that the virus didn’t infect you. You might have to get one within hours before your flight. You might also get tested again upon arrival. Without this document, you could be denied entry. Quarantine rules are also to be observed. Check the rules in your destination and reserve a quarantine facility if necessary. The cost could also be too high if you select a more comfortable facility for your 14-day isolation period.
Just follow whatever the authorities say in regards to health practices. You might find them strict and unreasonable at times, but they’re for your good. Given the number of people who end up getting positive during the flight, there’s a high chance you will end up with the same fate. Follow the guidelines and reduce the risks.
Always practice good hygiene
Good hygiene isn’t only about hand washing. Make sure that you always wear a mask. Stop the hesitation about this policy since it has been proven to be useful in slowing the spread of the virus. Besides, it’s not just about you getting infected. It’s also about preventing the infection from spreading to others if you’re an asymptomatic carrier. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Immediately wash your hands if you touched a droplet from your body. Apart from this COVID-related protection, you shouldn’t forget your regular hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth and bathing regularly.
Get health insurance that covers COVID-19
Some countries have strict rules regarding travel insurance. You might not be allowed to go onboard if you don’t have an insurance policy. Make sure that the insurance coverage is inclusive of COVID-19 cases. The amount should also be huge enough to cover all the hospital bills.
Go first or business class
Back then, you were hesitant to take these expensive tickets, and it’s understandable. You don’t want to splurge on a very short trip. However, if there’s a perfect time to buy these tickets, it’s now. When you choose these seats, you won’t have to interact with many people. Those seats are also isolated from the economy passengers, where hundreds of them are tightly packed. If safety is your primary concern, you shouldn’t hesitate to spend more.
Avoid being in crowded places
Once you have already finished your quarantine, the government will allow you to visit different places. If the destination still has local transmissions, you’re not yet safe. You should still be extra cautious to avoid getting ill. Avoid visiting crowded areas since there’s a risk of getting infected. Imagine spending 14 days in isolation just to get ill when you’re already out there.
Go straight to your transaction
Most trips these days are for business purposes only. Many people decided to cancel their recreational trips since it’s still unsafe. If you already know where to go and whom to visit, you should go straight to your transaction. After the business meeting, you should head back to your hotel.
Beware of your symptoms
Always check your symptoms. If you don’t feel well, immediately put yourself in isolation. Talk to your doctor and have a check-up. Call the physician first since potential coronavirus patients are treated in a different facility. You don’t want to spread the virus if you’re positive. Even if you still have plenty of things to do upon arrival, you should cancel all of them. You don’t want to expose more people to the virus because you’re irresponsible.
Avoid eating out
Don’t eat out if possible. Stay in your hotel and eat there. In some places, dine-in restaurants are already open, but it doesn’t guarantee that those places are safe. You should look for an accommodation option that allows you to cook, so you don’t have to leave.
Keep yourself updated
We’re dealing with a novel virus, and we’re learning more each day. Some recommendations given by experts on how to deal with the virus a few months ago are no longer applicable now. It helps if you always research and stay updated through legitimate news sources. Sure, it’s frustrating to listen to negative news each day, but there’s nothing you can do. You still need the information obtained from these sources to protect yourself.
Hopefully, things will be better soon, and you don’t need to worry about travel restrictions. You also hope that you can bring your children with you on a recreational trip in the future. For now, we just have to wait for this virus out and travel only if it’s necessary.
