There’s no denying the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the aviation industry. At the onset of the pandemic, authorities imposed travel restrictions and forced airlines to comply. It’s good that they have lifted most of these restrictions now. With the ongoing worldwide vaccination, people have started to go outdoors. And yes, they have begun traveling to places.
Still, fostering health and well-being is the name of the game. While the COVID-19 crisis is here to stay, you must do what it takes to protect yourself. The best course of action is to prepare ahead of time for safe travel. As such, there are a few crucial steps to take and things to keep in mind when traveling.
That said, here are some preparation tips for safe travel during this pandemic:
1. Consider Getting Tested or Ensuring Full Vaccination before Traveling
There are two key things to consider when traveling: COVID-19 testing or full vaccination. It’s best to ensure your complete vaccination before traveling to another place. Why? You’re less likely to acquire or spread the COVID-19 infection. But if you aren’t vaccinated, you must get yourself tested to ensure you’re free of the various coronavirus strains. You won’t be allowed to travel if you aren’t vaccinated or haven’t gotten tested.
2. Check the COVID-19 Cases in Your Travel Routes and Destination
Before taking the plunge into traveling, it’s crucial to check your travel destination and the routes you’ll take. Chances are, the COVID-19 rates in these places are high. As such, you don’t want to compromise your health and risk your life. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you must take extra precautions and follow health and safety protocols. The last thing you want to happen is to go back home with the infection.
3. Assess Your Health Conditions and Get a Medical Checkup if Necessary
It’s vital to evaluate your health conditions to see if you’re fit for travel. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you want to ensure that you’re in top shape and health condition. But if you’re not feeling well, it’s best to get yourself checked first before traveling. If you’ll have a road trip, have a vision checkup, and consider getting macular degeneration glasses for driving. If you’re showing some COVID-19 symptoms, have a medical checkup before your actual travel.
4. Book a Flight and Secure All the Necessary Paperwork
If you are sure that you’re in top shape and condition, you can go ahead and book a flight. However, make sure to check the travel requirements and secure all the necessary paperwork. That way, you won’t have any travel issue along the way. You’ll be allowed to leave your place and have an entry to your travel destination. Even if you’re taking a road trip or water transport, be sure to check the local travel requirements.
5. Clean, Disinfect, and Pack Your Things
You’ll most likely have a handbag for light travel or with some luggage when traveling. As such, it’s vital to keep both clean and disinfected before traveling. The same is true for all the clothes and personal possessions you’ll bring with you. Make sure to disinfect each item before packing them up. As a responsible traveler, you have the responsibility to promote everyone’s health and safety.
6. Don’t Forget to Bring Your Travel Essentials
When packing up, you don’t just focus on your personal items and belongings. It’s vital to know what the travel essentials are. Most importantly, ensure that you bring them with you when traveling. These include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, medical supplies, illness or injury prevention supplies, and a first-aid kit. If you are clueless about what to include, consider the travel essentials recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
7. Review Health and Safety Protocols
As a responsible citizen, it’s imperative to be well-aware of the health and safety measures. If you forgot what these are, be sure to review these vital protocols. Most importantly, you must strictly follow these when traveling. Below are health and safety protocols set forth by the CDC:
- Getting vaccinated
- Frequent hand-sanitizing and hand-washing
- Wearing face masks
- Maintaining social distances
- Avoiding crowded places
- Covering when coughing or sneezing
- Monitoring one’s health
At this point, you now know what it takes to prepare for safe travel during this pandemic. Consider the preparation tips recommended above, from getting tested or ensuring complete vaccination to reviewing health and safety protocols.
Planning ahead of time will help you prepare and protect yourself during the actual trip. Ultimately, you’ll be able to enjoy your travel without compromising your health and risking your life!
