Three Tips for Responsible Travel During a Pandemic

So many people have sworn off traveling during this pandemic. It could be out of fear or they feel they are doing their part to stop the spread! Others, such as essential workers, might need to travel for their job. Some people reunite with family members, and if you’re anything like me and my family then you might be going stir-crazy at home and just need a vacation. Below are a few tips to help you stay safe.

1. Do your research to stay informed

Before traveling, you should research how the pandemic is affecting  destination so that you know what you're getting into BEFORE you get there. Are you allowed to visit? What requirements are needed? Do you need to test before going?

Research will also allow you to follow the local law and not end up in jail like some travelers have done recently. Is there a curfew? Is there a certain mask the find unacceptable? Are their any maximum capacity rules for areas? Do I have to quarantine once I arrive and for how long? 

Knowing the basics about your destination  before arriving can help you shape your mindset and be ready for anything that comes your way.

2. Be prepared for ANY changes!

You have done the research now what will you do with the information. Use it to your advantage. I went to Peurto Rico for winter vacation and realized the curfew included restaurant’s employees. They closed earlier in order to be home. Over here where I live it doesn't. The first night I had to figure out what my kids would eat! The next day, I knew at 2pm what was for dinner! Depending where you go, be prepared to have a driver just in case public transportation has capacity restrictions. Make sure the driver is registered with local tourism authority. Bring extra of your own supplies and money. I’ve read stories if couples having positive tests and needed to stay longer before returning home. One couple was not prepared and stayed extra 14 days at their expense. Their annual family trip was draining their bank account not due to the hotel stay but to the highly marked supplies they needed since they used theirs up. Masks, sanitizer, etc. were all marked up by 600%. And while their May he restrictions where you live for price gauging, there are not restrictions everywhere.

Be prepared for other changes such as flight cancellations, new local rules enforced in a matter of hours, border closures. All industries are affected and must adapt to constant changes as we navigate through this pandemic. Be ready to adapt also.

3. Be realistic!

Travel today is not like it was a year ago. When heading to the airport be ready to possibly wait in longer lines. Airlines are now making you check more bags, taking temperatures before entering planes, and have more closures of shops and areas than sometimes expected.  I recently had a gate change 3 times within 45 minutes of boarding. My kids were having fun running while I was gasp for air and life!

Once reaching a your destination, be ready for closures!  I keep an itinerary or list of places I had seen others visit on social media.  It’s nothing like the hurt I felt when I go to places and they are closed due to the pandemic! No cute pictures to take! No awesome meals to eat. Activities/Excursions are closed so no fun!  We have had to make appointments to go to the pool at our hotel. There have been many changes in the travel industry. We need to be ready to adapt but a know that the experience we expect may not be the experience we receive.

The world had changed and the travel industry has experienced a lot of the changes. While some have stopped moving, others have kept coming and going. If you must travel, it’s your duty to do so responsibly. We all know social distancing, masks, wash and sanitize hands, but take it a step further glseek the knowledge of the local land of your destination. Help make your trip a safe less stressful by following the tips above.