Nations around the globe are gradually opening their borders and businesses. Alongside such changes is the opening of both domestic and international air travel, with many countries gearing to bring their respective economies back to speed by reviving its trade and tourism industry.
With the entire travel industry still navigating a new landscape, one thing is certain: traveling in a post-pandemic world will never be the same. With pandemic travel inevitable in what’s hopefully the near future, observing health and wellness checks and well as safety guidelines are in order.
If you are expecting to travel during this pandemic, below is a travel guide that details what you need to be wary of and how you can best prepare for the new normal while still seeing a bit of the world and going about your business. Read on to learn more.
Traveling and Social Distancing in a Pandemic – Is It Possible?
While both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) state that staying at home is still the best way to help ensure your safety and protection in this pandemic, they have set up guidelines that allow traveling individuals to observe safe travel.
Although sitting closely or being near other travelers can be a cause of panic for many, traveling for a bit and practicing social distancing protocols can still be observed. Nowadays, many airlines and even transportation systems around the globe have issued a new normal routine.
Individuals traveling via plane or air now have the option to book seats that are at least one seat apart, meaning they can still maintain a socially distanced setting. It also reduces the risk of transmission.
While many people think that airplane travel is one of the easiest ways to get sick, Joe Allen, Assistant Professor of Exposure Assessment Science from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said that air quality in such carriers is relatively good.
Car travel is also another viable option for pandemic travel. Not only does it contain or limit contact with the outside world and other surfaces, but it also allows people to rekindle the sense of what it means to travel in the past.
Travel Guide During a Pandemic: How to Ensure Safe Travel
For safe travel during a pandemic, below are some guidelines you might want to take note of. Read on to learn more.
Maintain Distance
National parks and beaches have become a sort of open space for individuals to find respite during these trying times. However, to contain the number of people coming in and out of this, these places have started issuing limits for the number of visitors.
When going to these places or other similar crowded locations, make sure to maintain a six-foot distance at all times. Avoid close contact activities and make sure to practicing social distancing.
Whether it’s lining up at your boarding gate or a bus stop, maintaining distance is one of the most effective ways of limiting the transmission of the virus as you can avoid breathing in droplets that may contain this.
Wear Protective Gear
Always wear masks when going out in public. Studies show that wearing a mask has led to a significant slowdown in the virus growth rate. If you are a virus carrier yourself and may be asymptomatic, you can save lives knowing you won’t transmit the virus to anyone else.
Be wary of groups or individuals who refuse to wear masks, especially those outside of your household. Steer clear of these mask naysayers as these may only put you and others at risk.
In the same way, opt to stay in places, such as hotels, that have enacted safe travel protocols in place. These can be establishments that have installed plexiglass or barriers at their reception, their staff is required to wear masks, and even places getting your temperature.
Doing so ensures that you are in good and safer hands, given that many of these industries today are now abiding by the Stay Safe guidelines put out by the American Hotel and Lodging Associations.
Frequently Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water
Last but certainly not least is washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been out in public. Washing your hands kills viruses and germs that may be present on your hands.
If soap and water are not readily available, make sure to use alcohol or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.
The Bottom Line
Pandemic travel is certainly the new normal. If you are going on a trip anytime soon, make sure to observe these guidelines to help keep your body safe and protected at all times.
