The travel industry has been one of hardest hit by the global pandemic. Many people found themselves forced to cancel trips or or struggled to find a way home during the peak of the outbreak. Now, those same people are just waiting for the chance to go on an adventure.
By the time leisure travel is a viable option, the tourism landscape will likely have changed quite a bit. Here are six tips for planning your first post-pandemic vacation.
Invest in Travel Insurance
One of the most important investments to make when planning a vacation in the post-pandemic world is travel insurance. In fact, it’s expected that regulations surrounding travel insurance and travel-friendly health insurance will change forever.
Purchase travel insurance that covers your trip, and be sure to read the fine print. Note the cancellation policies of your accommodations and any outings or excursions that require advance booking. If you have private health coverage, confirm that it covers any costs incurred while traveling. If you do not have private coverage, consider investing in insurance for the duration of your trip.
Consider Avoiding Crowded Areas
Even if you’re traveling into an area that has everything under control in terms of COVID-19, it’s still best to avoid crowded areas. If you’re booking a group trip, schedule a private jet charter to avoid commercial airlines carrying passengers from all over the world.
Take this opportunity to go off the beaten path and explore places that aren’t so tourist-centric. Use resources such as Atlas Obscura to discover the hidden gems of your destination. Rather than booking a busy resort, invest in a private Airbnb. There are plenty of ways to see your dream destination without getting caught in a crowd.
Stay Up-to-Date on Advisories and Regulations
Everything can change in a matter of days. All it takes is one case to go untracked and spread out of control. Many countries are experiencing their second wave after months of calm, with these outbreaks being linked back to a single person or group. If your country has a registration program, use it to ensure you’re kept up-to-date with changes from your homeland. The USA has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and Canada has Registration of Canadians Abroad (RCA).
Bookmark the various travel advisory sites and set yourself up for notifications. Before you venture to a foreign land, be sure to know where your embassy is located. It’s also important to understand the regulations of the country and region you plan on visiting.
Bring a Hygiene Kit
Pack a DIY hygiene kit in your carry-on to use during your travels. Your wellness kit should include:
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer
- Gloves
- Masks
- Antibacterial wipes
- Soap tablets
While it’s important not to touch your face and avoid contact with surfaces and people as much as possible, this kit can help keep you safe.
Develop a Pivot Plan
While it’s important to stay positive about your trip, being realistic is also crucial for your health and safety. Determine what you’ll do if your trip suddenly becomes infeasible. Additionally, outline what you’ll do if an outbreak occurs while you’re traveling.
Ensuring you have the proper insurance and registration in place will help you enact this plan should the worst-case scenario occur.
Make it Matter
We’ve all had a hard time dealing with the implications of the pandemic. Consider making your first post-pandemic trip one to remember. Think of a place on your bucket list that you’ve always wanted to go, and how it felt when you thought you might never get there.
If 2020 has proven anything to the travel community, it’s that the value of the travel experience is immeasurable. Follow the regulations, prepare yourself as well as possible, and get ready for an unforgettable vacation.