Officials have begun lifting travel restrictions and mask requirements. You might be anxious for the world to resemble something closer to normal but still have your concerns.
You’re wise if you do. The pandemic hasn’t disappeared, although vaccines have reduced the threat. Consider the following smart COVID-19 travel tips as the world reopens.
Know Your Options
If you’re traveling overseas, it pays to brush up on your safety tips. For example, it’s wise to appoint a check-in person stateside and call or Facetime them at scheduled intervals. That way, they know to contact the proper authorities if you fail to connect.
It’s also wise to know your treatment options if you fall ill overseas. Travelers to countries with developed health care systems can seek treatment where they are. However, it’s wise to investigate your transportation options if you get hurt while on a trek to a developing region.
Wear a Mask (and Glasses)
Officials may lift mask restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t voluntarily protect yourself and others. While these measures work best when everyone cooperates, you still get some protection from covering your nose and mouth.
Furthermore, COVID-19 and some other infectious diseases can enter through your eyes. Therefore, skip your contacts and wear your glasses, especially on flights. Dry airline air can parch your peepers, making you more likely to touch your face and risk infection.
Carry Hygiene Supplies
Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t classify wipes as a liquid, so carry plenty of the sanitizing variety. Your carrier may have a stash, but they only hand out a few for free – take a bunch to do a more thorough job of cleaning shared surfaces.
It’s also wise to snag some hand sanitizer once you reach your destination if you didn’t want to pack it toward your liquid quota. It can come in handy in a pinch when you need to grab a quick snack but lack a sink for hand-washing.
Boost Your Immunity Naturally
It helps to keep your immune system strong. Spend time outdoors in a natural setting when possible – the phytoncides emitted by trees boost human immunity.
Another pro-tip? Improve your diet. Foods like bell peppers and citrus fruits are high in vitamin C to help you cut a cold’s duration if you do get sick. Seafood contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your neurological health and may boost immune function, given its high zinc content.
Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Travel takes a toll on your body and stress makes you more susceptible to infectious diseases. Please prioritize rest and self-care.
If you have to travel for business and fear getting paired with a snoring roommate, take a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds with you. You can tune into a relaxing podcast instead of silently stewing, awake, while they saw wood.
Keep up basic fitness while on the road. Walk as often as possible instead of driving as long as it’s safe to do so. A set of lightweight resistance bands take up next to no room in your suitcase and let you squeeze in a strength workout in your hotel room.
Smart COVID-19 Travel Tips
The world is reopening. You might rejoice at reduced restrictions even as you harbor continued concerns. However, you can take precautions to reduce your chances of illness. Follow the smart COVID-19 travel tips above to stay safer on your trek.
