Do you know why? It is because when we travel, even if it is not to a different country, we feel exhilarated. Our batteries are replenished to one hundred per cent. We become so enriched with energy and euphoria that taking on the world seems too easy.
Think about it, if we keep on having the same monotonous routine week after week and month after month, our performance and efficiency will become half of what it was at the beginning. Why else do you think we have to go out with our friends or colleagues at least once a week to drink that pint of beer? Why else do you think that the weekends are never spent at home, with shopping and partying on the top of our to-do lists?
If you think these things help you get on track, travelling is twenty times more effective or maybe even more. The COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. Try to combat the doom with a belief of a better and more prosperous future. You have time on your hands, plan your next trip.
Today we will provide some travel safety tips for you following the Coronavirus outbreak. In the last few weeks we have seen a lot of global developments which have directly or indirectly impacted you. The spread of the COVID-19 virus has impacted lives and economies around the world and is continuing to cause disruption in our lives. There is a concern all around as to how productive is work from home gonna be.
Some safety tips are there which everyone should be aware of regarding coronavirus. In this regard, here’s how you can recreate the magic of human connection even though we are miles apart during the lockdown.
Here are some useful tips to avoid the coronavirus if you intend to travel somewhere.
1. Go on Day Trips
Check public health websites before you step out of your home. Wear a face mask that covers your face and nose properly. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after you touch any object or surface. Maintain at least six feet distance from people who are not your household members. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
If you have mild symptoms or have been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient, please do not travel. Also, avoid travelling with someone who is sick.
It is most important to keep yourself up to date about the situation occurring minute to minute following coronavirus widespread. WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and a challenge for the worldly nations. The situation in most of the countries is going worse and it is alarming. Growing economies and developed countries are both at stake because of this virus.
Domestic and local travel is highly likely to take prominence over travelling internationally. Offbeat travel is going to be more popular. Travellers will prefer places that are relatively less travelled and frequented. It’s going to be a while for large crowd gathering events such as music festivals to become popular again.
Road Trips are going to become common as they incorporate the basic tenets of social distancing. Staycations could see a rise. That means people would rather go on day trips from their home to places that do not need a night stay. Hygiene is going to be a deciding factor when looking for a new travel destination. Large group tours might not do as well now.
2. Which precautions should be taken during air travel?
Before planning air travel, please go through the latest travel advisory issued by the government. You should carry your COVID-19 negative test report along with you as most airports in India would require it. During the long hours of security check, you need to be careful in following and maintaining the social distancing norms.
Avoid touching common surfaces and sanitize your hands frequently. The good news is most viruses do not spread easily on flights due to the different system of air circulation.
You might have searched the right place and booked the flight with the best facilities. But you need to take account of some more things to keep yourself safe. As the virus can be found in the handles, and the movable, static things in the flight, so don’t touch things that much. Wear a mask and gloves. Use the sanitizer which will be provided to you by the air staff.
Don’t panic, but keep the distance from the other passengers. Don’t sit with the passenger who is ill or is a patient.
If you are using the blankets of the airline, don’t use it if that is not an emergency. You are advised to keep your towel, blankets, handkerchief and mask with you. Pack all the important things with you so it would not be any mishappening in the travel and it will get trouble. Prepare everything on time before the flight.
Don’t be physical with other human beings during the flight as it is not safe at all. You should be using expressions to talk to other people if it is that necessary. Use earphones, listen to the songs and things of your choice to avoid interaction with other passengers.
It is not awkward, because you are taking safety measures. People are in quarantine in homes and places they feel safe from the virus. You are traveling so at least take measures to avoid the virus.
3. Is it safe to travel by bus or train?
As it involves sitting or standing within 6 feet of others at crowded terminals, the risk of getting COVID-19 increases. Take all necessary precautions if you are travelling by bus or train. Car travel also has the risk of close contact with your companions, especially during bathroom breaks and having food. All general precautions should be taken for your safety.
4. Which type of place should you choose for your stay?
Choosing a stay is the most important part of your trip, if the place you are staying is not maintaining hygiene, every precaution you take will go in vain. So, while choosing your stay, select a hotel, resort or homestay with all measures taken. Avoid touching hands, shake hands with others, and wish everyone the Indian way with a “Namaste”!
Always wear a face mask in public places as this significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Wash or sanitize your hands for at least 20 seconds after using the public washrooms. Maintain at least six feet distance from people around you. If you are staying overnight at hotels, ask the hotel staff about the sanitary measures at the hotel. Whenever possible, carry your home-cooked food.
If you can not get food from your home, take all the necessary precautions. There is a possibility that you might have been exposed to the coronavirus during travel. Even if you do not have any symptoms, consider getting the COVID- 19 test. If your test is positive, isolate yourself for at least 14 days to protect others.
If your family members did not travel with you, wear a mask and maintain social distancing from your loved ones. Avoid being around high-risk family members such as children and the elderly in the house.
5. Wash Your Hands frequently and Use Sanitizer
Coronavirus can be removed from your body if it is there, by using soap and sanitizers. So keep your soap with you and also sanitizers to make yourself clean. If the flight’s washroom is not clean, ask the flight attendants to make it clean. Make it sure to sit on the clean seat. Clean covers and pillows should be there.
6. A virtual happy hour
Humans thrive on social interactions - any communication - even from distance can help fight fear, anxiety, panic and depression. And even though you can’t go to your favourite bar, it doesn’t mean that you cannot have drinks over FaceTime or Hangout. Essentially, find such points of (virtual) connection that can help calm one down in these testing times.
Life has dramatically changed for many people around the world over the last few weeks and months. In the face of mass gig cancellations however, bands, musicians and recording artists are getting inventive by streaming directly to fans around the world.
Start with a routine that will help you drive immediate impact in your daily life. By focusing on a single goal, you'll allow your self the time to develop the habit seamlessly without spreading yourself to thin! Starting to hit your routine stride? Figure out good-for-you rewards that are a treat but still keep you on your self-care journey. No turning back now! Remember: Reward not rewind!
7. A digital movie night
Watch a movie together with your bubs! Get whole of your gang to dial in at the same time and put stories on Instagram or live tweet it. Make those after office hours, more fun.
8. Stand for others
A simple, ‘how are you’ or a ‘take care’ will just do here. These small texts, full of care and kindness can go a long way and make the other person feel connected and emotionally balanced.
9. Improve your existing relationships
Now that you have to be home, why not make the best use of this time by connecting with people you share your home with. Cook a meal for your family, plan a movie night. Just be there for each other. There's power in numbers. Reach out to those who motivate you to keep them up-to-date on your progress and tap into them when you need a little extra motivation.
10. Use more of technology
While video calls foster real time closeness, so can other mode of media like WhatsApp and Telegram that have beautiful emojis and hilarious stickers. Trust me when I say that those ‘pings’ matter.
You are important. Care your life and also be a socially responsible traveler. Keep all these safety measures to take great care of yourself and society.
So, wait for the pandemic to end, go over all the details and research some more and then once, the coronavirus is finally defeated, make that trip a lasting memory.