Even after completing one whole year in the pandemic, our life patterns are still not back to normal. The raging lethal virus is continued to cause a rising and falling number of cases invariably, all around the world. Administering lockdown policies and protective measures have already hurt almost every sector of the economy and so did the traveling. As the panic fumed, traveling was instantly kept on hold in the initial months by closing the borders completely.
Gradually after around six months countries began to devise different travel policies for other countries. Also, strict travel guidelines were issued for aviation firms and passengers to ensure safe traveling. While these policies have been updated regularly depending upon the changing situation, creates a lot of uncertainty for the travelers.
Therefore, in this blog post, I will try to cover all the essential points travelers must collect before planning a trip in the pandemic. After spending several days in thorough research and gathering the most updated information from different sources I have tried to bring it all in one place. This will significantly save your time and efforts in exploring different sources for the latest information. So without any further delay let’s get started by addressing the most common concerns stepwise.
Should I plan a trip?
While countries are taking safety measures and kept a ban on different recreational activities, to prevent the spread of virus. Traveling is not a fun activity anymore at least in the time of the pandemic. Even it costs you more than a conventional trip along with huge health and monetary risks associated with that. Nevertheless, it essential for you to analyze the reason and necessity behind planning a trip. In line with the WHO guidelines, you should decide whether it is safe for you to travel according to your age and health conditions. If you are a senior citizen or have underlying health conditions then you should definitely reconsider your decision. It is not at all safe for you to plan a trip in such circumstances.
Check your government travel policies
It is imperative for you to keep yourself updated with the local policies of your country for traveling. Even if you find yourself a safe candidate to travel your government policies might be stringent for you to plan. In some countries, it requires a mandatory COVID test before venturing for a trip along with days to be spent in quarantine in the host country. In addition to this, after coming back to your home country you will require to have another COVID test done as well. This might be paired with further quarantine days to be spent in your home country even. All the additional hassle is going to cost you even a lot more than a normal trip.
So if you do not want to bear all the additional risks associated with international traveling you have a better alternative of traveling domestically.
Take help from travel planning apps
There are different apps working to help travelers. These apps share updated information regarding the countries being operational for traveling and their customized policies you need to know before planning for that specific country. They share the best information regarding quarantine and COVID test requirements and potential restrictions about each country individually.
Select hotels wisely
While selecting a hotel you need to check their cancellation policies carefully. As the situation is too volatile and things are too uncertain specifically when you travel internationally. Therefore, in case of an emergency if you will have to cancel your hotel booking it should not cost you. Many big chains and hotels have amended their booking and cancellation policies due to the prevailing uncertainties. Also, it is better to connect directly with the hotel instead of getting the booking done through agents. As travel companies generally do not offer free cancellation and might not refund the paid advance for the trip.
So double-check the cancellation and refund policies, either you are getting direct booking or through a travel company. You need to keep yourself on the safe side.
Travel insurance policies
Many of the travel insurance policies have stopped offering insurance during the pandemic. Especially if the government has restricted the citizens to travel any specific region for their safety. In such a case insurance companies are not even allowed to sell insurance for those regions.
As countries are still in flux and changing policies frequently it is better for you to plan once the situation is stable. Despite all the uncertainties world has started opening with different policies. So if you are a travel junkie and waiting desperately to plan a trip then keep a strong tab over domestic and international travel guidelines which are changing frequently.
More info: sarwarpedawi.com
How to stay safe while traveling in pandemic by Sarwar Pedawi
