During the last few years, global health emergencies (i.e., the COVID-19 Pandemic) have dramatically impacted how we plan trips. In addition to taking additional precautions, travelers should also take the time to research and prepare for their trip prior to departure. The following article outlines practical advice to enable travelers to do just this by providing safe travel options for the traveler and the community at large during an ongoing global health emergency.
1. Stay Current with Information and Follow Health Emergency Guidelines
It is essential for travelers to be up-to-date with current information regarding health emergency guidelines and regulations in order to travel safely during a global health emergency. Health emergency guidelines may vary based on your destination and/or be subject to change, therefore it is crucial to verify credible sources of information prior to planning your trip.
Steps to remain current with information:
Review government websites – Review the website of your home country and your intended destination(s) for travel advisories.
Comply with local health guidelines – Adhere to the recommended guidelines for use of masks, social distancing and sanitation while traveling.
Verify the health certification – Verify that any accommodations, etc. will adhere to health and safety standards.
Remaining current with information will allow you to know if there are any travel restrictions and/or specific safety requirements.
2. Select Lower Risk Destination(s)
When considering travel to lower risk destinations during a health emergency, consider selecting destinations that have lower levels of infections or have implemented health emergency preparedness measures. Lower risk destinations often have less traffic density which reduces the likelihood of exposure to other travelers who may be infected.
Methods for evaluating lower risk destinations:
Identify destinations with lower case numbers – Identify destinations where the number of reported cases of the disease are lower.
Select destinations that offer opportunities for outdoor activities – Consider destinations that provide opportunities for outdoor activities to minimize exposure to indoor environments.
Evaluate the availability of safety measures – Evaluate if the destination has implemented various safety measures such as mask mandates, hand sanitizing stations, etc.
Lower risk destinations provide travelers with a reduced risk of contracting illnesses while still enabling them to experience a fun and safe vacation.
3. Maintain Health and Hygiene Practices
Adhering to health and hygiene best practices while traveling is essential to preventing the transmission of illness. Maintaining simple hygiene practices such as wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly and utilizing appropriate sanitizers can significantly reduce your risk of contracting an illness while traveling.
Additional tips for maintaining health and hygiene practices while traveling:
Utilize a mask – Wearing a mask can assist in reducing the transmission of respiratory droplets in crowded areas or on public transportation.
Wash your hands frequently – Utilize hand sanitizer and wash your hands as much as possible.
Limit interaction with large crowds – Limit your interactions with large crowds by visiting less populated tourist attractions.
Maintaining health and hygiene practices while traveling will significantly reduce your risk of exposure to illnesses and create a safer environment for yourself and others.
4. Choose Flexibility When Booking Your Trip
In today’s world of uncertainty, being flexible is key. When booking travel arrangements, select flexible options that allow for changes or cancellations due to travel restrictions caused by a health related issue or your own health issues.
Flexible travel options include:
Flexible airline ticket options – Select airlines that offer flexible cancellation or rebooking policies.
Flexibility in your accommodation options – Select accommodations that have a flexible cancellation policy in the event your travel plans change.
Travel Insurance – Purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for travel-related disruptions resulting from a health emergency, such as quarantine or medical costs.
Having flexible travel options will provide you with peace of mind knowing that you can make any necessary adjustments to your itinerary as required.
Conclusion
To travel safely during a global health emergency, one needs to be well planned, informed of health related travel restrictions and follow health guidelines. Selecting lower risk destinations, adhering to health and hygiene practices and having flexible travel options will enable you to have a safe and enjoyable vacation. Preparation and flexibility are the keys to safely traveling during a health emergency.
