Since the pandemic, coronavirus has meant our homes have become the number one choice for all vacations, with few venturing far from home during the last year. However, with more than 1.18 billion doses of the coronavirus vaccine already administered worldwide, this could soon change. As vaccination rates continue to rise and countries reopen their borders, people are starting to think about their options for summer travel. But questions remain about how people can travel safely this summer. Here are a few things to consider if you are hoping for a summer holiday this year but want to make sure you travel as safely as possible.
Get the Covid-19 vaccine
As international destinations reopen their borders to travellers, they likely will want to see evidence of vaccination before allowing entry. That means having a vaccination card could be the key to heading out of the country. But while vaccination doesn’t guarantee you won’t get coronavirus, having both doses provides around 90% protection against the virus. That means that you have a very slim chance of infecting an unvaccinated person or becoming infected yourself once you are fully vaccinated.
Day 2 and 8 testing
Even if you have had both vaccinations, Covid-19 testing is still compulsory for some international travel. Depending on where you travel to or from, you may be required to self-quarantine for 10 days and take day 2 and 8 Covid tests. The day you arrive equates to day zero. You will then be required to have a test on or before day two of quarantine. If the test comes back positive then you’ll need to quarantine until day 13. A negative result will mean that you will have to test again on day 8 of your quarantine period.
Keep basics with you
Whether you are planning an overnight stay, heading out on a day trip or hoping to jump on a plane and head for summer climes, you need to make sure you have the basics with you at all times. That means adding facemasks, gloves, a thermometer and hand sanitiser to your packing list. If you are heading anywhere that’s a little off the beaten track then make sure you stock up on all the groceries and essentials you may need before you go. Doing this will help to minimise your exposure in areas where there may be limited health care supplies.
Know everything about where you are going
Give yourself plenty of time before your trip for planning. Things may be very different at your chosen destination, so make sure you do plenty of research before you go. Find out about reopenings, safety protocols and requirements so you can have as smooth a trip as possible. There’s likely to be revised schedules, reduced capacity and social distancing markers in place. You may also be required to book attractions in advance. As the situation is constantly changing and evolving, make sure you have a good Plan B in place if you must change your plans suddenly.
Hit the road not the air
While aeroplanes do have sound filtration systems, travelling by road is still the safer option. When you travel by plane, you will likely be near lots of people, raising the chance of coronavirus exposure. However, getting away by car avoids contact with people outside your bubble. It is easier to have a more contactless journey when travelling by road, especially If you stay at fewer places along the way. Just make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you start your trip.
While vaccination programmes continue to roll out around the world, coronavirus is still spreading. If you are hoping to see some of the world this year, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions so you can have a holiday to remember for all the right reasons.
