Due to the spread of coronavirus, travel has become a big concern. Many people have canceled their flight bookings and are keeping away from affected countries for a while. People are afraid to travel locally too.
However, if you have booked a ticket several months ago and are determined to make that trip, or you are taking advantage of the low travel costs these days, or simply because there is an emergency. You have to travel; then, there are certain precautions that you should keep in mind.
How to Keep Yourself Safe During Travels
While these things are not full-proof and will not guarantee that you do not get infected with the coronavirus, it will help to make the possibility less.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20-30 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, rub your hands and wrists with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands because the virus can live on surfaces for several hours. You could quickly transfer it to your eyes or mouth.
- Watch everyone around you. If you see someone sneezing and coughing, stay at least one meter away from that person. Airborne respiratory droplets can infect you.
- Clean the objects that you frequently touch with good spray and wipes. Keep everything clean, especially if you stay in a hostel.
- Avoid crowded places, especially if the enclosure is a small one.
- Wear a mask and seek medical help immediately if you have any symptoms like fever, cough, cold, and respiratory difficulties.
Will Travel Insurance Cover You?
Travel Health Insurance will cover you for doctor’s visits, emergency services, and prescription drugs.
However, Travel Health Insurance will cover you in case you get infected with the coronavirus. It will happen if you arrived in a country before there was a coronavirus outbreak. If travel advisories have warned you not to travel to a particular country and you have moved there despite the warnings, Travel Health Insurance will not cover any of the costs of treatment if you get coronavirus.
Can You Cancel a Trip?
Many airlines and cruise lines are banning and reducing global trips. They are even offering full refunds to anyone who needs to cancel their flights.
Some Countries That Have Banned Travel So Far
- The EU is suspending all non-essential travel to the country for 30 days.
- The government has suspended all flights to Albania and Slovenia.
- There are no direct flights between Austria and the UK. There will be no direct connection between Austria and Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
- Some countries like Greece and Ireland have advised self-quarantine for 14 days.
Is it Wise to Travel During this Period?
No, it isn’t wise to travel during this period. Instead, you can use this time to prepare for your next trip. Putting a pause on your travel plans can help to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The decision is yours to make. However, it is a known fact that personal contact is the root cause of the range of the disease.
I have always loved to travel and experience the world. It’s my most favorite hobby. They say some people have a wanderlust that inspires them to travel and see the world; I believe that I do. I like to tell my friends that reading different travel blogs inspired me to start traveling in the first place. The first trip I took turned out to be a life-changer, and I haven’t looked back since. Now with so many travel stories and advice to share, I decided to start my own blog. I think if you love something and want to share it with other people then, why not. It also helps me connect with other people who love to would like to travel.
The world is experiencing globalization, and the hot new trend is trying out different cuisines and local food. While a countries food best depicts its culture and connects people together, it can have serious health effects. Find clean places to try the food and keep up a healthy diet. Keeping checks on your daily calorie intake is a silent victory, but one that is the hardest to pursue — the best way to stay healthy while traveling is to get enough sleep. Your body needs rest and time to process as you cross time zones, carry heavy bags, etc. Most of the time we can’t get enough sleep because our schedule was disrupted or we couldn’t sleep during the flight but need to see the whole city first. Listen to your body as it craves a good night’s sleep. Another important aspect of my blog is the psychological effects traveling have on our health. The World Psychiatric Association said that about 11 percent of all travelers experience some type of psychiatric problem. Understandably, the cultural shock, new place, or its inhabitants can cause discomfort. It’s advised to keep in touch with friends and family. It can also help if you keep a schedule and meditate. Sit back and take a deep breath, a clear mind is all one needs.
I have always taken inspiration from other prominent sources and blogs when it comes to writing. They inspire me to become a better traveler and writer, as well. The best thing, perhaps, is how many people I have been able to connect with after I started blogging. It’s mind-blowing how the digital world works today. I can catch-up with a stranger from the other side of the world or go on a solo trip with the whole world on my phone. My travels are usually to places that are less traveled like Uzbekistan, Africa, etc. I try to entertain my viewers and also help them learn through my eyes as well. I have gained many followers in the past few months, and I am very thankful for that.
