Traveling in a Changing World: Navigating Safety Considerations and the Future of Exploration

So many people are beginning to feel a little stir-crazy at home. Most of us have been facing restrictions or quarantine for months, and for some people like myself, it seems like years. It is almost impossible to travel anywhere out of your local area and other countries without having to quarantine for most of your trip. 

Few countries now require that you take a COVID-19 test once you land and a few days before traveling. These are another nuisance of traveling, in addition to going through the TSA line, Immigration lines, and checking bags. Most people who yearn to travel are wondering when it will be safe to travel once again.

Well, thankfully, it is slowly becoming safer to travel now. However, there are a few questions you must ask yourself before you begin to book your next vacation.

What Destination are You Considering Traveling to?

 The destination you would like to visit will play a significant role in how safe it is to travel. If the area you want to take your vacation in still has high COVID-19 numbers or requires a plane ride that you don’t want to take, you may need to reconsider your plans.

The least populated countries have done an excellent job managing COVID-19 cases and control who can come in. I would consider these countries with a population of less than 250,000 to visit. 

 Are You at Risk for Getting the Virus?

 Some people are more susceptible to getting the virus than others, and you will want to keep that in mind as you are planning to travel again. If you have any of the CDC described pre-existing conditions, I will wait until the COVID-19 cases are more in control. You are more likely to get the virus if exposed, and then it is not truly going to be safe for you to travel just yet. After all, airplanes and smaller spaces, as well as higher virus numbers, can mean you more likely to get exposed than if you stayed at home.

 Are There Requirements or Travel Restrictions for Travelers in the Destination You Want to Visit?

 The destination you want to visit may have low COVID numbers and is relatively safe. However, that doesn’t mean you can stay there as quickly as you think. There may be travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in place for travelers from other countries in the world. 

You must make sure you are aware of these requirements or travel restrictions before your arrival. Failure to be mindful of them can mean a trip that doesn’t turn out how you would like it.

These questions can help you determine if it is finally safe for you to travel again, but there are many others you may want to ask yourself as well. After all, only you know your comfort level when it comes to travel in these uncertain times. 

If you are trying to avoid more massive crowds, then an airplane is the last place you will want to be for fear of catching the virus. It could be safer to visit nearby tourist destinations. It may also be necessary for you to consider road trips or other travel means until you feel it is safe to travel.

The good news is that there are so many places where you live that you can travel to. So, you can at least take a vacation and test the waters until you are ready to travel overseas in the future.

When do you think it would be safe for you to start traveling?
Post it below,

Happy Travels!