Though the pandemic is far from over, the world is slowly opening back up to traveling. But with mask mandates, COVID test requirements and some businesses still not back to pre-pandemic normalcy, traveling isn’t the same as it used to be.
So if you’re thinking about taking that long overdue vacation or business trip, here are few things you might want to consider first.
Flight and hotel prices are going back up
With airlines reducing the number of passengers they can put on each plane, they’re trying to make it up back through increased ticket prices. Hotels are also on a similar mission, hoping to recover some of the money they lost from their rock-bottom prices they offered during the pandemic.
Both airlines and hotels, however, are optimistic about the future of travel, so you will still be likely to get better rates the earlier you book – and with their last minute refund policies still in tact, you’re not risking losing your money in the case of things changing.
COVID tests and quarantines are still largely required, even if you’re vaccinated
While vaccines may reduce the likelihood of you getting tremendously sick from the virus, it doesn’t prevent you from getting it and possibly spreading it to others. With that in mind, many airlines and governments still require travelers to get tested within 72 hours before taking a flight. Additionally, upon arriving in your destination country, you may be required to quarantine for up to fourteen (14) days or take another test two (2) days after travel to be able to move about. This will also be required when traveling back home.
This means you’ll need to budget for 2-4 COVID tests (which can cost as much as $250 per test in some countries) and be prepared to isolate for some time before enjoying your vacation or getting back to work when you get home.
Travel insurance is more important than ever
Airlines have gone bankrupt and left people stranded without a return flight home. Countries are initiating rapid lockdowns that sometimes prevent travelers from returning home. Travelers who get COVID while in a foreign country have to quarantine in that country until they test negative, sometimes at the traveler’s expense.
Having quality travel insurance will help greatly in offsetting the expenses if any of these potential incidents happen to you. Just make sure that your insurer offers COVID or pandemic-specific coverage, or you might find yourself footing a hefty bill on top of the insurance fee if these are not covered.
Be prepared for places to be closed
Sadly, many of the popular tourist destinations in the world rely heavily on tourist income, and with the pandemic bringing a drastic halt to travel, some of the businesses in these areas just haven’t managed to stay afloat. Others that have remained open are, in some cases, operating remotely with delivery-only options, restricted by state-implemented curfew hours, or only open for specific occassions.
If you have a specific place you want to visit when traveling, be sure to check beforehand that they’re open and operational before going. And you might want to verify this by phone, not just Google, because some have not yet updated their opening hours or operational changes online.
Curfews and lockdowns might restrict movement
As a public health and safety measure, many cities internationally have implemented nightly and weekend curfews, or full-scale lockdowns, to prevent movement of citizens in public areas. If you’re planning to stay at a smaller hotel or AirBnb, you’ll want to know what these limitations are before you travel. (The US State Department website’s travel advisories are the easiest way to get a comprehensive look at this.)
It’s worth noting however, that if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort or tourist zone, these are typically exempt from these rules as long as you stay within the specified boundaries. Your hotel will also be happy to help you figure out what’s possible and suggest alternatives if you have to cancel any plans.
Some destinations are more COVID-conscious than others
While most hotels, attractions and restaurants remain strict about observing protocol, there will always be those establishments that are less than stellar when it comes to enforcing these limits.
The onus is on you to socially distance, wear your mask when possible, keep your hands clean and do what needs to be done to protect yourself, even if the establishment doesn’t force you to do so. At the end of the day, it’s your health at risk.
Travel certainly isn’t what it used to be, and there’s no timeline on when exactly it will get back to normalcy, so the safer option for now is still staying home. However, if you are itching for your next travel fix, rest assured that if you prepare yourself with the right information, take the necessary precautions and budget for any contingencies, it’s absolutely possible to have a safe and awesome trip. Bon voyage!
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