10 Things You Never Thought to Consider While Travelling, After Covid-19

While the global COVID-19 pandemic made its way around the world, and prompted local lockdowns, and social distancing measures, the travel industry came to a complete halt.

As we move through and past this pandemic, what does travel post-COVID-19 look like? International travel may never be the same, nor how we think about safe travel. Hint: It’s now about more than travel advisories.

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The lines will be longer, but crowds at tourist traps will be smaller

As medical screenings at airports and other transit points become the norm, and spacing within those lineups take up more room, expect to spend your time in one for even longer than you might’ve been used to pre-Covid. At the same time, tourist traps likely won’t see crowds that are as large as destinations “off the beaten path” become even more popular. Similarly, expect travel by train, or car to be more popular than by plane, as weary travellers look for ways to avoid being confined to pressurized air cabins.

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You may need more than a passport

Getting on that flight or train may require more than your trusty passport. In some cases, you may need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or other medical clearance to board your flight or other mode of transport. You may also need a doctor’s note if you can’t wear a mask explaining your medical reasons, as more and more airlines adopt this safety measure.

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Different peak and shoulder seasons

Travel on the whole in general may be pricier (due to fewer travellers and efforts by airlines to recover lost profit), but there may also be different peak and shoulder seasons. Forget the traditional March or Spring break rushes. You may instead see travel peak times that avoid cold and flu seasons, or times and destinations when outbreak numbers are higher.

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Safety features over other travel perks

Forget complimentary champagne, and no luggage fees (what are those again?) Instead, air quality, social distancing measures and safety precautions will be priorities when picking airlines.

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Opting for red-eye or least popular flight times

The funny thing about COVID is how it’s flipped what is least desirable. You’ll want to suss out the least popular travel times to avoid crowds as much as possible, so you’ll put up with less convenient or desirable travel times, like overnight or early morning flights.

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Insuring your flight or trip

You might already be familiar with what a pain it was having to negotiate or reschedule your travel plans due to the first pandemic-related shutdowns. With this in mind, you’ll want to insure yourself (and your flight or trip) should you need to pull the chute on the trip due to COVID-19 (just be sure your policy actually covers this reason so there are no nasty surprises in a worst case scenario).

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Packing differently

Masks (and backup masks), wipes, and sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol are now part of our regular day-to-day, so you’ll want to make sure you have easy access to these both on your trip and during your flight. Just be sure to check the latest airline rules and regulations regarding bringing liquids on-board. Additionally, you’ll want to bring your own blanket or travel pillow; most airlines don’t provide these any more, and the same goes for in-flight drinks, so be sure to have your water bottles on-hand. You’ll also want to bring tissues or gloves with which to touch high-touch points like overhead storage or washroom doors.

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New (contact-free) tech

While you may have a harder time finding small, local mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, you may see the addition of new tech that limits touching and handling or that makes it easier for you to keep those hands clean.

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Precautions before, during, and post trip

You may want to avoid public transit to and from your departure and arrival points, and will take precautions to wipe high touch-point surfaces with disinfectant wipes. During your travel, you’ll want to keep your mask on at all times (if medically possible), to continue washing or sanitizing your hands frequently and for a minimum of 20 seconds, and to avoid touching your face in any way. Upon arrival, you’ll need to be monitoring yourself (and your loved ones) for any symptoms of illness, and be prepared to self-quarantine, should any emerge. Oh, and as for the buffets you may have grown accustomed to? Those will likely be a thing of the past – at least for the foreseeable future.

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Travelling while sick is a hard “no”

Even if you’re just sick with the good ol’ cold or flu, you’ll want to postpone your travel. Not only is it socially unacceptable to travel with any symptoms of illness, you may not be even permitted past certain checkpoints (such as temperature checkpoints, in the event that you have a fever). If you have the choice, stay home and rest up.