HOW TO PLAN A VACATION AFTER COVID 19

Written by Feba Maryann    

With the spring holidays around the corner, it becomes almost impossible not to keep dreaming about how life would have been during the pre-COVID era. Dream vacations and getaways seems like such distant thought considering the fact that weekly trips to buy groceries seem like a luxury.  

We asked a Melbourne resident, Anita Robert whether she would consider international travel with her family when the COVID restrictions are lifted, “If we were allowed to travel, we would go to New Zealand because there is a possibility that they may open their borders to us.” she said.   

Turning a negative into a positive, this might just be the time to plan the ultimate holiday getaway and with these helpful tips you can plan a risk-free trip. COVID can’t stop you from vividly daydreaming about your first post-pandemic vacation anyways, right?   

Deciding On A Destination   

Before you choose a destination, research on the risks involved. Use global COVID trackers to find the risk level of your preferred country. Make sure you know about the restrictions and requirements needed by the government of your preferred country. Some countries might put travellers in quarantine for a few days/weeks. If it’s a high-risk country, it’s advisable to cross it off your travel list. Choose a country which has less than a five percent COVID positive rate.   

Transportation  

Ensure that your plane/cruise ship has proper social distancing measures, even if you end up paying more (you can never be too cautious). If you have a travel agent, check if they implement proper COVID protocols. Be careful while settling for cheaper rates, there are high chances of ending up with an agent who doesn’t follow the recommended protocols. Make sure your travel insurance covers COVID 19. Look out for hidden clauses with which you could potentially be tricked with. Be sure to know your route map before you visit the country. Check the arrangements for ground transport. Make sure the buses you get into are regularly sanitised. Visit places that are less crowded, places that don’t involve overcrowding in confined spaces.   

Accommodation  

Safety should be your number one priority, don’t allow cheap hotel rates trick you into risking your health. Make sure they adhere to COVID cleaning protocols like deep cleaning after every guest. Try to settle with smaller home stays with proper sanitation or luxury hotels with extensive sanitation procedures. Pay for the stay in advance and choose a contactless check in.  You could even email them in advance to ask about the safety measures they implement to minimise safety risks. It wouldn’t hurt to bring your own toiletries, pillows, bedsheets etc where possible.   

Pack  

While packing the usuals, stock up on pandemic essentials too. Be prepared for a sudden quarantine period or something worse. Carry hand sanitisers, gloves, disinfecting wipes, masks and soaps. You could also carry washing powder so that you won’t have to give your clothes to the hotel for dry cleaning.   

Talk to your kids  

Before travelling, it is important to speak to your kids about the importance of physical distancing, masks and proper hygiene. Make them aware of the health risks involved with travelling to another country. Don’t panic if they don’t immediately follow your instructions. If they suddenly hug a new friend, don’t scold them, gently remind them about the safety risks involved. This won’t guarantee a stress-free trip, if you have a tinge of OCD, this trip could turn out to be more exhausting than your normal day to day life! 

Right now, we have been tasked with helping to “flatten the curve” by staying at home. However, this is the perfect time to plan and prepare for any future trip you might take. You could also use trip-planning as a coping mechanism. But be practical and flexible. Keep in mind that travel plans can change any minute depending on the situation. Remember to keep the health of your family above everything. Wait until the risks involved with international travel is minimal. Use our staycation tips and list of fun family activities to help you to feel like you’re on vacation in the comfort of your own home till the boarders are open.