As we welcome the beautiful spring, unfortunately one thing still remains in our midst; “The Corona Virus”. Somehow, we’re all learning to adapt to our new normal filled with sudden changes. Nevertheless while we await the vaccine, the sad truth is that COVID will be around for a while, even when travel resumes fully. Hence, it is important to at least have some insight on how to travel and explore while staying safe this year.

These past year, despite the ongoing pandemic, I set out to travel to several destinations and was able to get first hand experience on what it entails to be a tourist during a global pandemic. Believe me, it was an exciting but challenging experience, filled with so much knowledge. With that been said, today’s post is a compilation of all the lessons and tips that I gathered from exploring during COVID.

TRAVEL TIPS DURING COVID

• CHOOSE TOWNS/VILLAGES OVER BIG CITIES 

This is the first important decision to make while you travel this year. Your destination obviously determines the level of risk you get exposed to. Below I have outlined some great benefits of choosing towns over big cities during COVID;

➤ Less crowd in small towns which reduces your contact with people.

➤ Less strict regulations/COVID measures due to smaller population.

➤ More discounts/travel deals to keep travel businesses running in towns.

➤ It is way safer. A town’s population is mostly made up of older people, who respect safety regulations, as opposed to cities where some millennials don’t follow safety rules.

• LOOK OUT FOR ‘CLEAN AND SAFE’ STICKER

While choosing your accommodation, please ensure to pick only establishments that have passed the enhanced cleaning process. Each country sets their standards differently. So, once an establishment is marked as safe, there is usually a sticker/sign to identify while booking online. (see image below). For travellers who prefer to rent private homes, I’d suggest you explore safer options like hotels or guesthouses because a private host might not follow the enhanced cleaning steps set by the government.

• GROUND/RAIL OVER AIR TRAVEL

The logic is not just to avoid crowded places but to opt for the most simplified means of transportation with minimal requirements. As I journeyed around Europe recently, I noticed that the trains were mostly empty. This means you get enough space to sit safely without been in contact with any one. On a recent trip we were only 3 people in a whole coach, tell me about social distancing haha….

Additionally, there is so much uncertainty with flying as airlines constantly cancel flights without prior notice. Trains on the other hand are more consistent with little or no cancellations even during the pandemic. 

• THE APPY LIFE

We are in a tech age where every information can be obtained online. Plus there is equally an app for virtually everything. A secret to your safety is staying informed before, during and after your trip. Listed below are the most resourceful safety apps to have while travelling during COVID;

1. BSAFE 
2. MY TRAVEL SAFETY
3. ICE (In case of emergency)
4. CDC Apps (Center for Disease Control)
5. NOONLIGHT
6. SIGNAL

• BE VERY WATCHFUL

Protecting yourself is your sole responsibility so never assume that other tourists are doing the right thing. While traveling, I met a couple of travellers that did not even believe the virus was real. Therefore they remained very unbothered about safety measures. These kind of people do not care if they are spreading the virus, they refuse to self isolate or even take the test. As you travel, wear your face mask at all times, always have your alcohol wipes, hand sanitisers and emergency contacts handy!

I hope this post demystifies your travel experience in 2021 as we all look forward to a future free of corona virus! 

Happy traveling