Countries all over the world are gradually finding ways to contain the COVID-19 pandemic while also encouraging people to adjust to the new normal. The travel and tourism industry has opened up again with many countries allowing tourism to begin again. Restrictions and protocol remain in place as people are slowly opening up to the idea of travelling and going on vacation again. The UNWTO released the eighth edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report that shows nearly 70 per cent of all global destinations have eased restrictions on travel. The number of destinations open to international tourism has continued to increase. 

Travel and tour operators are exploring destinations on FAM trips to understand how tourism will now function within set guidelines. Hotels, airlines and all stakeholders in the travel industry are working overtime to reassure their customers that travelling with the right precautions will result in a safe travel experience. Make sure you understand all the guidelines and protocols of a specific destination before you decide to travel to it.

In light of travelling restarting all over the world, the most natural concern to arise is what if one gets sick while travelling? What are the best ways to avoid catching the virus when you’re on vacation? Here are some ways travellers can protect themselves from any form of illness while on a trip and ensure they return home hail and hearty!

Masks, Social Distancing, Sanitiser

It goes without saying that the biggest takeaway from the pandemic is everyone learning how important masks are. No matter where you travel while on vacation, ensure to always have a mask on, carry enough sanitiser with you and stay as far as possible from crowded places. While all of us want to visit famous tourist destinations, right now the best thing for one’s health would be to take the offbeat path and explore places that are free of huge crowds.

Ensure you’re always in a well-ventilated area

Crowded places that are indoors are where the virus can spread the most. Close proximity to people in enclosed areas allows respiratory droplets to reach the surface of your skin much more easily. The more people breathing, coughing and talking into the same air as you in a confined space, the more chance there is of being infected by the virus. Ventilation and airflow is very important to keep you safe from the virus. When travelling from one place to another, try your best to cycle and walk instead of using public transportation that will restrict you to confined spaces. 

The right steps to take if you feel unwell and experience COVID-19 symptoms

Despite your best efforts, if you do end up experiencing distressing symptoms while travelling you must immediately stay indoors and self-isolate. Arrange a test at your holiday address at the earliest and remember to never ignore your symptoms. If you do test positive, return home only if reasonably possible. If not, isolate and seek treatment for as long as required.

What to do if you can’t return home from your holiday accommodation

If you’re unwell and are unable to travel, discuss next steps with your accommodation provider especially with respect to quarantining. Accommodation providers should find the best way to inform guests about their policy for Covid-symptomatic guests, for example during the booking or check-in process.Guests should follow government guidance on dealing with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Make sure to check a hotel’s COVID-19 policy before choosing to stay there. 

Getting sick in an unknown location can come with its own anxieties, but it’s important to do your research well in advance before travelling. Staying calm, carrying the right medication, and following protocol will make overcoming any illness while travelling much easier. 

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