While the Covid pandemic is still going strong in some parts of the world, other areas are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Countries are starting to re-open their borders and allow travellers in time for the summer months. If you’re aiming to hit the skies and travel overseas for business or for pleasure, below are some Covid tips to bear in mind.
Check the Guidance
Even if restrictions have eased where you’re living, chances are there are still restrictions elsewhere. Before you start packing and preparing for your trip, be sure to check the travel guidance of your country and the ones you’re departing to.
For example, the Government of Canada website has a list of all the countries that permit essential and non-essential travel and their entry requirements. While it’s tempting to rush into getting some long-awaited rest and relaxation, do your due diligence and read all necessary travel guidance first.
Be Extra Prepared
Travelling during the covid pandemic requires a bit of extra preparation. From packing to alternative planning, you’ll need to make sure you’ve covered all bases before you set off. If you’re travelling with family, you’ll want to make sure you have enough masks and PPE as well as additional clothing should your trip be altered in some way. You may even want to create a contingency plan in case restrictions change and you’re diverted from your main destination.
Choose Your Destinations Wisely
This sounds like a no-brainer, but choosing your destinations wisely is important. If you’re travelling for business, the destination will likely be dictated by business needs, but if you’re travelling for leisure, you should explore your options carefully. For example, don’t put too many countries onto your itinerary until the virus has calmed down. Restrictions and rules can change without a moment’s notice, and you may end up stranded somewhere. Also, you’ll want to select areas that are open to non-essential travel and that have relatively low infection numbers.
Review Your Cancellation Policies
Airlines, hotels, and other travel companies have amended their cancellation policies to accommodate pandemic restrictions. You’ll do well to review these in advance because you’ll want to make sure you’re covered should any sudden changes occur. If you’re travelling for business and don’t have the time to go through these in detail, you may want to invest in business travel services as agents can advise or help you out should your plane be delayed or cancelled.
Book Your Covid Test
During your preparations for travel, it can be easy to forget about one of the most important things you need to do prior to leaving the country — your Covid test. Most countries require a negative test within 72 hours of boarding, so make sure you’ve booked this in advance. Otherwise, you may have packed and prepared for nothing!
Be Covid Conscious
Last, but not least, make sure you’re covid-aware when planning your itinerary. Aside from considering when and where you’ll need to wear a mask, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not booking attractions or events that might leave you and your family in great discomfort. For instance, bear in mind that there could be places where you’re stuck inside for long hours with a mask on. If that’s the case, you could try to arrange plenty of outdoor activities that not only let you breathe, but that will help you stay more relaxed.