Take a moment and reflect on how your life was a decade ago. Could you have believed if someone had told you that one day, you will be compelled to stay home and that all global travel will virtually come to a stop? The past one year has been wild. After many months of several lockdown cycles and disruption of business and pleasure, the world is slowly but gradually opening to some semblance of normalcy. Even as we feel nostalgic about the past and miss the great moments, it will not be possible to return to the past. We must prepare to navigate a new beginning for things have changed markedly.
The relaxation of containment measures by governments across the world has given a breath of life to the hospitality industry, which was on the verge of death. Now it is time for you to dust off your travel kit and get ready to roar back into enjoying thrilling adventures in your targeted dream destinations. However, before you set out to travel, you need to take precautionary measures to ensure that you travel safely. While we have made great strides in containing the virus with the invention of the vaccine, the virus is still alive and roaming. It may take much longer than we would have liked to bring the pandemic into complete control. Therefore, it is prudent that we take well thought out actions not only to ensure our safety but those of others as well especially in public spaces. Here are a few tips that you can consider to stay safe while travelling during post lockdown.
1. Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
The only true last line of defence against the coronavirus is to get a jab. So far, the World Health Organization (WHO) has authorized about 11 vaccines with those produced by Pfizer–BioNTech, Oxford–AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Sputnik V being the most popular ones. Most of the vaccines require two doses. Be sure to get both before embarking on your expedition. Although you have been vaccinated, it is still advisable to observe other COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distance from others, avoiding crowded places, and washing or sanitizing your hands often.
2. Get Tested for the Virus
Whilst getting vaccination is a sure way to protect yourself against the dreaded COVID-19 virus, there are not enough jabs to go around for everyone, at least in the short term. Developing countries like Kenya are finding it difficult to vaccinate their population particularly due to the cost of acquiring the doses. If you are not able to get a vaccination but you still want to travel, get tested for the virus. It is recommended that you take a viral test 1-3 days before your trip and testing again 3-5 days after travel. If you test positive before your trip you should stay home and postpone any travel plans.
3. Pack Sanitizing Wipes
You must be excited about the trip. As you pack your travel kit, remember to slip in sanitizing wipes. They can conveniently be used to disinfect surfaces that you may pass through while travelling such as doorknobs, aeroplane tables, and taxi cabins, among others.
4. Take Shorter Trips With No Crowds
If you are not a solo traveller, group travels are usually fun. The dynamism in the interests among group members makes it a mash pot of delightful moments. Still, with the current pandemic, it is not advisable that you travel in big groups or even visit crowded tourist spots. This means destinations like public beaches, nature reserves, and outdoor public picnic spots will not be ideal at this point as they may present too many crowds.
5. Stay Updated on the Latest Travel Advisories, Restrictions and Requirements
Travel advisories have become important more than ever before. You need to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and requirements in your planned destination. If the trip is well into the future, keep visiting the country’s embassy website for updates and talk to your travel agent to inform you about the situation on the ground. Apart from the usual visa requirements, you need to know what is required to enter your destination such as a negative COVID-19 test result or a mandatory quarantine period. This will go a long way in helping avoid losses due to non-conformance to requirements that would get you turned away right at the border.
Indeed, there is no doubt that the world is warming up to a renaissance after a year in the lull. However, we are returning to a different world. Everything has changed when you look close enough. As stated earlier, we must contend with the fact things will never be the same again. The COVID-19 has been a learning experience for everyone. One of the lessons that we can all agree on is that life is fickle, and we need to make the best of every single moment that we breathe. We at Sultan Palace Beach Retreat are hopeful as the hospitality industry pulls back itself from the ruins of COVID-19. The resort is open, and we welcome you to visit us soon. Call us on 0702 666 777. Enjoy party after party.