Travelling during the pandemic was not easy, especially if you live in a country with strict travel guidelines. Now that the worst of the pandemic appears to be past us, you might be ready to travel again, but it’s still recommended you take precautions because you never know when your travel plans could b`e affected by COVID. These tips will help you prepare for a holiday while being mindful of the potential for COVID-related disruptions in mind.
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Research First
Even if your country has lifted many of its pandemic-related restrictions doesn’t mean every country has. There are still some places in the world where COVID is a major issue. Researching your desired destination ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches later, especially if you book your travel and end up not being able to visit.
Be sure to also check the COVID policies for any attraction you’re planning to include on your itinerary. Some places still require masks and in certain locales, you may also have to be fully vaccinated to enter. Almost all major tourist attractions have a web page dedicated to their COVID policies so again, research can prevent a ruined holiday experience.
Prepare for the Unexpected
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always expect things to go as planned. Most places have more flexible cancellation policies now, but preparing for the unexpected will still go a long way in protecting yourself and the money you spend on your holiday. Read all the fine print for every ticket you buy ahead of time to make sure you accept the cancellation and refund policy just in case something happens and you can’t use the tickets as planned.
Bring plenty of masks, hand sanitiser, and wipes to keep yourself as safe as possible while in public. Again, many places have updated their sanitation procedures, but it’s better to over-prepare for things that may never happen than to be underprepared for that one time when they do.
Be Patient
In many places, the hospitality industry has not fully recovered from the hits it took during the pandemic. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions may not be fully staffed, or they might have to abide by policies that allow only a certain number of people in at one time. Keep in mind that the workers want you to have a good experience and are doing everything they can to deliver it to you.
It might take a little longer to get your meal or you might have to wait outside for a few minutes before you can tour a museum, but the employees are not responsible for these delays. Your patience is appreciated as they work as hard as possible to give you a cherished memory. Enjoy the slower pace and remember to tip well.
Conclusion
While the pandemic isn’t making headlines every day anymore, it’s still a very real part of life. Travel is possible now, but it’s only smart to do your research and take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe when you venture away from home.