Covid-19: When will it be safe to travel?

A quick guide to travelling safely in a post-lockdown world. International travel is possible, holidays will be back, now is the time to get planning, build confidence and work out what kind of travel is right for you.

As the UK Government make public plans to ease travel restrictions, there is light on the horizon for those with ever increasing restlessness to travel and explore. Vaccines are being rolled out and the public are starting to feel hopeful of greater freedoms in the months ahead.

In the UK the first signs of Spring are symbolic of change, and is a time when many begin planning their Summer break, but when will people feel ready to travel again? And when the time comes to board that plane, how do we keep ourselves and others safe?

The 24hr Tourist has sifted through the headlines, asked the experts and put some of the theories to the test to bring you a one-stop-shop for safe travel, so you can begin planning your next adventure with confidence. We are all now experts in infectious disease control in our day-to-day lives, but how does this translate to the wonderful world waiting to be explored?

The basics – social distancing, face coverings and clean hands

It seems obvious now but keeping your distance and keeping to well ventilated spaces is the best way to reduce your risk of catching or passing on viruses and germs. When you venture out of the safety of you house this isn’t always possible, so the first top tip is to keep a facemask and sanitiser handy to make sure your covered when things get a little busy. This simple solution should leave you feeling pretty safe and secure.

Keep time spent in crowded spaces to a minimum where possible too, sometimes this isn’t practical, but have a think about managing your schedule to visit places out-of-hours, in low season, or even avoid the headline spots completely. There are always new places off-the-beaten-track waiting to be explored. Try casting your net wider to avoid the bustle of busy tourist destinations.

What mask should I wear while travelling?

Most airlines and public transport providers have rules about face coverings. Some even have specifications about what mask you wear so do check before you go. There is lots of information out there about what masks are best for air travel but a well-fitting FFP2 or KN95 mask offers a good amount of protection. Avoid builders’ masks with valves as while they look the part, they let unfiltered air flow out – some research suggests that for infectious disease control they are pretty much useless. Remember too that you’ll have to wear the mask for many hours, possibly while trapesing through airports and sleeping on planes, so make sure whatever you choose is comfortable. Have a few changes to hand too so you can put a clean one on for different stages of your journey.

The environmental impact of disposable masks is massive so consider spending a bit more money on reusable ones and make sure you have some travel detergent on hand so you can wash them when you get to your destination.

What holidays are safe?

Different types of holiday offer different levels of social interaction, and therefore safety. For now, consider a Wild Weekend in nature over a city break as on arrival the risk will be much lower.

Canoeing in the Alps or Walking the Carpathians; you don’t need to be an expert, there are plenty of outdoor activities that could be a gentle introduction to a more adventurous and outdoorsy holiday option.

If the wilds simply aren’t your thing, do some research into inner-city and intercity travel options before you arrive to minimise time spent on busy public transport. City cycling and walking tours are a great way to explore at a slower pace. Hiring an apartment rather than staying in a hotel will minimise the number of people you’re in contact with and allow you to self-cater, reducing the need to access facilities like cafes and restaurants. Obviously eating out is a major part of the holiday experience, but if you do want to get back on the road soon it is much safer to avoid eating in shared indoor spaces. If you’re desperate to try the local cuisine, opt for an outdoor café. If it’s too cold to sit outside at night choose a late lunch or early evening meal to make the most of the warmer daytime.

What if the locals aren’t following social distancing or wearing masks?

When travelling we do always accept some level of risk, and the rules in place locally and compliance with those rules is something out of our control. If you do find yourself in a situation you are uncomfortable with try and stay calm and leave as soon as you can to find more space. Getting annoyed or angry, and even trying to explain your way of thinking can get lost in translation and get you into trouble. We can only ever be in charge of ourselves so keep cool and move on.

Be aware that your visit may increase stresses and sensitivities too, especially if you are a European or US national as the risk you pose as a traveller to the local population will often be greater than any risk locals pose to you. Remember this and ensure you are complying with best practice and local guidelines to show the local residents that you respect their safety.

Can I travel? Should I go on holiday?

On writing this article the UK is still in lockdown. You can still travel overseas for work but you must test negative within 72 hours of your flight. There are large fines for non-compliance and good reasons for restricted travel, so always check for the most up to date advice before you book to see what is in place where you live, and the rules at your chosen destination.

Once restrictions lift you can absolutely travel. Travel always has associated risks, which we all assess and manage every time we go on holiday – this is no different. There are safer and more risky trips to go on, but by doing you research you can head off for a relaxing adventure with all the information at your fingertips. Make sure you check with your insurer to find out if your covered for travel to you chosen destination, ask about medical cover for coronavirus, and cover for cancellations associated with the pandemic.

If you do decide to stay local, or explore the UK then all the same applies.

Freedom to travel the world will return, but the world is a different place. We are all learning how to exist in this new landscape so take your time and don’t take things you used to do for granted. Reading up and keeping an eye on the situation as it changes is the best way to decide if you’re ready to travel, and what kind of holiday is right for you.

I’ll leave you with this top checklist, it’s overkill for most people, but a great springboard when thinking about your next expedition:

Checklist:

Can I leave my local area?

Check on your local government website. For the UK you can find out here.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

What are the travel rules and restriction at my destination?

Check the UK gov travel website for your destination.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Check the UK Embassy page at your destination.

Check the local government advice website for your destination.

Ask your chosen airline before you book your tickets – they’ll be able to tell you what the rules are for new arrivals.

What does my insurance cover?

Carefully read the insurer offering before buying. Check their website and speak to someone on the phone to make sure your covered for your needs and in your chosen destination.

What’s the current situation in your destination?

Check www.worldometre.com and local news outlets to find out how the country and region are coping.

When ever you are ready to travel again, rest assured that where there's a will there's a way. Do your homework, so that when you arrive at your destination the only thing left to do is sit back and relax.

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