Traveling is a common activity and way of life for many individuals, and with Covid-19 in full swing, frequent travelers are now experiencing many changes and shift in their day to day lives. For many, this meant cancelling or postponing plans to travel and explore the world. As talks of reopening the country start, many of us are eager to get back out to explore new places. Before you purchase your tickets, here are a few things to keep in mind for a safe and easy transition.
Wait Until It’s Safe
The first thing to keep in mind before planning any trip, regardless of the destination, is to make sure it is safe for yourself and others to do so. After everyone spends so much time at home in order to stop the spread of the virus, you won’t be the only one ready to get back to the way things were.
Many people are already purchasing plane tickets in advance and expressing their return to the luxury of traveling to anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, after a global health pandemic it is important to do your research before boarding a plane or jumping into your car for a road trip.
Even though we are beginning to see states return to normalcy by opening businesses and other locations after a mandatory government shutdown, the safety of that location might be a totally different situation compared to the safety regulations in your area or your destination spot.
The best way to know if it is safe is to keep an eye on local and federal government guidelines. Making sure that your destination is safe and open is a great place to begin. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many businesses, beaches and other destinations to shut down, so make sure you are keeping an eye on their reopening status.
Plan Accordingly
The next thing you should do before traveling after a pandemic is to plan accordingly. Making sure that your travel plans are flexible is important, since you may need to delay or cancel them. There is a chance that the coronavirus will change how we travel in the future, as there will be more focus on your health and the safety of those around you.
If you plan on flying, remember to bring a mask, travel sized hand sanitizer and a small pack of antibacterial wipes to clean your area on the plane. This way you can ensure that you are protecting yourself from getting sick in the airport and during your flight. The same rules should apply when you drive somewhere. Always keep a mask, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes with you. Also, wash your hands often! While packing, include these essential items on your list to help keep you hygienic and healthy. It is also important to create a backup plan in case you need to change your travel plans on the fly.
Budget Extra Money
As with any travel plans it is always important to set a budget for yourself so you don’t end up overspending on your trip. Traveling after a pandemic that shut down our entire travel industry heightens the importance to budget in an emergency fund. Many people that were traveling during the time of the pandemic had to quickly buy extra plane fares or rent cars to get back home while it was still possible.
If you’re traveling abroad, consider using a financial institution with no hidden fees to keep your travel funds on track without dealing with additional costs. While keeping this in mind, you are guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck and can avoid foreign transaction fees.
Purchase Travel Insurance
As mentioned before, planning and packing accordingly, as well as remaining flexible in your travel plans, is crucial. To add another layer of protection to the money you have invested in your trip, it is important to consider travel insurance, as this is something you may need. As we’ve seen with the coronavirus outbreak, travel plans can change at the drop of a hat.
It is important to keep that in mind when booking after a pandemic as well, since we’ve gotten a glimpse at how quickly our world can change. Travel insurance gives you a little more leeway, when it comes to cancelling a trip or getting your refund. For a small extra cost, travel insurance can save you a lot of added stress and money in the long run.
As always traveling can be a lot of fun, but after the Coronavirus pandemic it could be a different experience. Remember to always keep your health and safety in mind!
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