While the simplest way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19 is to stay home, at times it is inevitable to go out. If you are unable to put your travel plans on hold, then you must learn ways to protect yourself and others during your travels. After all, a responsible person should strive to be part of the solution and not the problem.
It is true coronavirus pandemic has so many dark sides in all parts of the world. People have died and others have lost their loved ones and the situation is not getting any better. But even at that, you have to try and look for the bright sides. For instance, you may have failed to take a vacation because time was never on your side. With work, school, family responsibilities and thousands of events to attend during weekends, it might be difficult to even think about a weekend getaway. However, due to Covid-19, all these have been put on hold and you now have a significant amount of extra time to do whatever you wish. Although this doesn’t apply to healthcare workers, it does to a majority of other people.
Besides, you could be travelling for work. There is no point in letting an opportunity to slip your fingers in today’s hard economic times because you are scared of leaving your home during this pandemic. As long as you are extra cautious in regards to taking care of yourself, then you can still do your trips and stay away from the virus. If you are wondering about how to go about it, this article contains information on the best ways to protect yourself while travelling and the best travel option you should consider.
Should you travel by road or air?
Although there are destinations you can’t reach by road, experts agree driving is the safest transport option when it comes to protecting yourself from the virus. It is even safer if the destination is reachable within a day because you will have reduced interaction with other people. Over the safe, this doesn’t necessarily mean you relax and forget about the virus. The fact that you are using your car doesn’t mean you are fully protected from the coronavirus. To ensure you are safe during your road trip, here are essential things you should consider.
- Pack essentials such as hand sanitizers, facemasks, disposable gloves etc
- Pack enough snacks for the whole trip
- Use disposable gloves when handling the gas pump
- Roll down the windows to allow airflow
- Travel only with the people you live with
This doesn’t mean flying is a sentence to contacting the virus. With proper precautions, you can still fly safely. If you have chosen to fly to your destination or it’s the only option you have, here are ways to help you keep safe.
Book a less crowded plane
Booking a flight that doesn’t fill all their seats may be expensive than the crowded ones but if you can afford it, it’s a great option during this pandemic. This means you will be in a better position to maintain the recommended physical distance both in the flight and at the air terminals. More so, the circulation of air and how it’s filtered makes it difficult for most viruses to spread. If you add this to the fact that the plane won’t have too many passengers, then you can have peace because you will be safe during your trip.
Stay with your mask on
Make sure you are having your mask on throughout the journey and only remove it when it’s absolutely necessary. Of course, you will have to eat and drink but must it be the exact time the other passengers have also removed their masks to eat or drink? Be smart. Stay with your mask when others have removed theirs and remove yours when they have put theirs back to ensure you protect yourself.
In addition to a face mask, bring a face shield or eyeglasses. Wearing a face shield in a confined space for hours may not be very comfortable but for your safety, you should give it a try. If this doesn’t settle well with you, then wear a pair of glasses. Remember Covid-19 can be spread through droplets. Hence, protect your eyes with glasses. Nothing sophisticated or expensive, just a pair of comfortable affordable eyeglasses and you will be fine.
Carry a warm blanket
If you have travelled by air before, then you know up there can be freezing. Although flight attendants will be ready to offer a blanket, it won’t be the most ideal option during the current circumstances. Instead, consider bringing your own travel blanket and avoid possible contamination.
Carry a hand sanitizer
A hand sanitizer or soap should be among the essentials you have packed in your carry-on bag. Using soap and water is the best, but if that is not available then ensure you use a hand sanitizer every time you come into contact with high-touch areas such as doorknobs.
Other tips to consider for any form of transport option
Whether you are going by road, water, rail or air, these tips are important to help you keep safe when travelling.
Research your destination
This is not a time to choose a travel destination haphazardly without knowing what is happening in that place. This was fun sometimes back, but with the Covid-19 pandemic, you have to be extra cautious with where you are going to. Sincerely, it doesn’t make sense to travel to a destination where the cases of Covid-19 are extremely high. For your own good, choose a location with few local transmission cases but remember to check out their requirements for visitors. Most of these places with fewer cases have been able to control the infections but they are also very strict with people coming in. Make sure you are well informed to avoid disappointments at the eleventh hour.
Choose a clean hotel
Before you book your hotel room, ensure it’s up to your standard. If you are not comfortable with the way things are done from the entrance to the reception area, then most probably you won’t like the room and the services offered there. Choose a hotel that is paying special attention to sanitizing the guest rooms and common areas. That’s why it’s better to call beforehand and enquire the procedures they are following to keep their guests safe. If you are not satisfied, then move to the next until you find what you are looking for. Your safety is paramount.
Travel safe and protect yourself
If you must travel, then ensure you use these tips to protect yourself and others during your trip. It is doable. Don’t stay at home all the time and just feel sorry about your situation. Not unless your country or state is under lockdown, you should consider going for a trip right now. Sometimes away from home can help you to deal with stress and generally feel good about yourself.
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