5 Things to Avoid when Traveling During the Pandemic
Traveling during the Pandemic has many challenges and tribulations. However, remaining as safe as possible will ensure a smooth experience for your trip. Below I listed 5 things that you should not do when Traveling During a Pandemic
1. Do not Come Unvaccinated
As of the second half of 2021, many vaccine mandates have been placed to enter many countries. The U.S and many European countries are starting to require full proof of vaccination against Covid-19. So if you haven’t got your immunizations for coronavirus yet, expect to be rejected traveling rights.
Even without the vaccine mandates, I still think travelers should get vaccinated either way. The vaccines have been proven to be the best chance to fight against this deadly disease. It has dramatically reduced the number of hospitalizations in well-vaccinated areas. And it has reduced the overall number of cases around the world. Things were a lot different before the immunizations were developed. In 2020, most of the world was in lockdown because each area did not want to risk people dying from this new virus. A year later, we have opened up.
I have traveled four times this year since I got my shot and did not get sick a single time. I also visited many people and got into crowds. I personally think that is personal proof that my body has become immune. So traveling while immune to the predominant virus will almost guarantee this smooth ride.
2. Do Not Come Without Hand Sanitizer
Washing your hands has been proven to prevent infections from Covid and other viruses/bacteria. However, bathrooms are not always available in every corner. In fact, you can still infect your hands right after washing them by opening the bathroom door to leave or touching other surfaces. Especially during this current epidemic, it is now imperative to avoid these situations.
The hand sanitizers are here to provide quick relief from surface contamination. All you have to do is apply the gel to your hands and massage them to incorporate it. It is as simple as that. It is also convenient when you are inside the airplane. Especially during times when the seatbelt sign is on and there is no way to use the bathroom. I have also used it when I wanted to eat something quick at the terminal food court. I made sure my hands were as clean as possible by adding gel right before touching my food.
I do have to say one thing about using hand sanitizer. Do not replace washing your hands by using gel. Hand washing is still the best way to remove germs from your hands. I will only recommend hand sanitizer as an addition to washing your hands. That way, your hands will remain clean after washing them.
3. Do not Travel To Red Flag Zones
Earlier this year, I booked a trip to visit family members in Mexico. I noticed there was a long layover in Mexico City. At that time, it was a red flag zone. Meaning that covid cases were very high in that area. I immediately modified my trip. I changed my layover location to Dallas, Texas. A location where the covid situation was more stable.
Red flag zones are a no-go when it comes to traveling during a pandemic. Your chances of getting an infection in these areas are significantly high. I personally think that it is not worth going to these places during these times. Until the number of cases starts to lower significantly, that is the time you can feel free to make this place a visit. Even though you are just in a layover in an airport for a red flag zone. I would still recommend playing it safe and find a layover in a safer area.
Even if you try to visit a Red flag zone, there are instances when these zones go through a lockdown. Meaning that traveling will most likely be restricted in those areas. For example, travel to the U.S has been banned by Europe. This was when covid cases were high in America. They were even record-breaking!
4. Avoid Getting Too Close To Crowds
Social distancing in public areas has been proven effective in preventing infection. Many spaces have implemented methods to enforce social restaurants. Every other seat in seating rows has been closed, stickers have been added to distance people in lines, and other ways to separate people have been performed. Governments and establishments have done this for a reason. They want you and the rest of the world to be safe.
You can make a difference by staying away from crowds. Especially in places that are not following restrictions well enough. For example, I live in Florida. A U.S state that has not followed CDC guidelines very well. Clubs are still open, mask mandates or not well enforced, and many people are still unvaccinated. What I have done to combat this issue is avoid partying at the clubs, visit the supermarket during non-busy hours, and visit attractions that are not as popular. If you visit a place like Florida, you can follow in my footsteps.
The State of Florida has broken the record in covid cases. Hospitals are full and many people have died of the disease. This is due to all the crowd gatherings across the state. Miami Beach received lots of tourists during the Spring Break of 2020! Clubs have reopened during the fall of 2020 (when the pandemic reached its peak)! So think twice when visiting places like these.
5. Avoid Coming Without a Mask
Mask mandates have been the most common way to combat the virus. They are mandatory at all airports. If you don’t attend with a mask, you will not be allowed to travel. There have even been instances where plane passengers took off their masks right before the plane took off. The plane had to come back to the terminal to disembark the passenger. This was all because the passenger refused to keep their mask on.
Even when you’re in a place where mask restrictions are eased, keeping it will offer you one of the best chances of defeating the virus. Even when social distancing, hand sanitizing, or hand washing is not available. This is why Airports kept their mask mandates when the covid situation got better. The airports are still crowded. Even Disney World requires masks indoors to prevent covid casualties.
