The coronavirus pandemic has altered every aspect of our lives. Not just in the near term, however. Outside of healthcare, where warriors in gowns continue to fight on the front lines, few industries have been hammered as hard as travel.
Entire countries have been asked to return home, airlines have gone bankrupt, travel businesses have laid off large numbers of employees, and hotels have been converted into hospitals. Vaccination distribution is now, fortunately, well started. It appears like the globe is beginning to regain its footing. Many people have highlighted the issue of travel, particularly foreign travel, now that things are slowly returning to "normal." Will it have a distinct appearance? Here are the most significant changes I anticipate.
When will travel be able to recover?
The question of a million dollars. When will we be able to travel again? In a nutshell, no one knows for sure. At the present, we're seeing travel return in stages—first locally, then across areas inside the country, and then internationally. Furthermore, a number of issues will impact travel, including whether social distancing on flights is financially viable for carriers, changing admission criteria from country to country, vaccine rollouts, and recognition of different "brands" of vaccines, to mention a few.
Till the time everything gets back to normal, here are a few measured to take while travelling
1. If community spread is strong where you live or where you're going, reconsider your vacation plans.
No one likes to have to cancel a trip, especially one to see family you haven't seen in a long time or a vacation you've been planning since the epidemic began. Regrettably, this infection is unconcerned with your vacation plans.
It's vital to think about whether COVID-19 is easily distributed where you live or where you're going before you go. If that's the case, it's time to reconsider your trip plans.
2. You'll need more than a passport to go around.
Some countries are not willing to risk testing at the border. Especially if you're coming from a hotspot of an outbreak. You may be denied entry unless you show a certificate of immunity proving that you have recovered from an infection or have been vaccinated.
3. Wear your mask the entire time you're travelling (seriously, we mean it)
Wearing your mask not only protects you from contracting COVID-19 but also keeps you from transmitting the virus to others if you're sick and don't realise it — especially if you haven't been vaccinated. While you may not be experiencing any serious symptoms, someone else on your flight may be at a high risk of getting severe COVID-19 problems.
4. You’ll pack differently
Seen the video on YouTube of a man bringing out a package of wet wipes and properly washing off his table and seat before boarding? It might be something you start to notice in person. Even if it's not quite to that comedic level, we're being told to wash our hands, and the only option to do so while on the go is to use a hand sanitiser.
5. The airport terminal/railway platform has been spread out
You can't do much about the fact that you're in tight quarters on a plane or train. While you're in the terminal/platform, though, it should be rather straightforward to retain your distance.
Avoid the mindset of "it's all a risk" and use the time between security and boarding your conveyance as your greatest opportunity to limit the number of hazards you face on your travel day.
Keep six feet of space between yourself and others as much as possible when waiting to board your airline — even if it means sitting at a less congested gate until right before your flight. Also, keep in mind that six feet may be a longer distance than you believe.
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