How to Travel Safely During COVID
Here in the U.S. and other places around the world we're in the thick of the holidays, and some of us may be traveling over the Christmas season. While holiday travel is slowly inching towards pre-pandemic levels, there's still a lot of anxiety around how to do it safely. And now that we're hearing rumblings of the new Omicron variant making its way around the world, the questions surrounding travel and safety are more timely than ever.
Last week I attended an online presentation about how to travel safely during the pandemic, hosted by physician and avid traveler Dr. Nadeen White. Her talk was incredibly informative and, as someone who will be traveling internationally soon (knock on wood), it gave me insight as to how we as travelers can better protect ourselves and those around us. Obviously, nothing is a 100% guarantee against contracting COVID, but here are a few tips Dr. White offered for safer travel during the pandemic:
Get vaccinated
This is a pretty obvious one, but your chances of becoming seriously ill from COVID - if you do contract it - are lessened if you’re fully vaccinated. Getting the booster will also increase your defense against the virus.
Invest in a KN95 mask (or consider double masking) and wear it at all times
While at the beginning of the virus there was shortage of KN95 masks, they’re now readily available to the general public. These masks have more layers and provide a stronger defensive against the virus. If you don’t have access to a KN95 mask, consider layering your surgical or cloth mask with another mask.
Wear protective eyewear
If you don’t wear glasses, consider picking up a pair of safety goggles or a face shield for your flight. COVID can be spread through the mucus membrane, which means your eyes are a vulnerable place to contract the virus, particularly when in close quarters with others. There are some pretty stylish safety glasses out there these days, so you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for protection.
Check your destination’s COVID procedures and your hotel’s quarantine policy
Before you head to your destination, try to find out what the procedure is should you test positive for COVID while there. Does the country’s government provide a place for you to quarantine, or are you expected to handle it on your own? Will your hotel allow you to stay there? Will they provide a discount on your rate should you need to quarantine there for two weeks? That leads to the next tip…
Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must even when we’re not in the midst of a pandemic, but now it’s even more essential. Make sure you read your policy carefully and understand exactly what is and what isn’t covered. The best policies will help cover expenses should you become stranded overseas, need to be airlifted out for medical reasons, or need to quarantine for any length of time. Policies with a "Cancel for Any Reason” clause can also help protect your financial investment should you decide to cancel your trip due to COVID or other concerns.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
If you’re a U.S. citizen, enrolling with the U.S. State Department’s STEP Program can be helpful. The program allows travelers to register with the local embassy of the country they’re traveling to, so they can be notified of any national emergencies such as lockdowns, civil unrest or natural disasters. It also allows friends and family to get in touch with travelers more easily. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, do a search for similar programs your government may offer, and register so that you can be better protected while on the road.
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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