To Do or Not To Do: Checklist for Safe Travelling!

We have good news! After almost 70 days of intense lockdown, India has finally lifted its restrictions on domestic travel. Not only does this give us a respite from the monotony of everyday life, but many of us can now meet our loved ones who were out of reach during the lockdown. But, as we gradually adjust to a new normal, are you anxious about the fact that travelling might not be a very good idea right now? Don’t worry, just follow these thumb rules to stay safe while in transit. 

Stay Healthy

Taking care of your health and hygiene should be your priority while travelling, as well as when you reach your destination. This can be done by following a few crucial but easy steps. Also, coronavirus affects those with low immunity, which means that you need to take extra precautions while travelling with elderlies and children.

Always wear a mask in public: N-95 masks are known to be effective and thus recommended.

Maintain Good Hygiene by Following These Simple Steps

Carry 100 ml bottles of sanitizers.

Wash your hands at every opportunity (especially before and after eating).

Carry alcohol swabs to wipe down any open surfaces that may have been exposed to public contact.

Carry your own pen while travelling, so you can fill in the arrival, departure or immigration forms, and use the same pen for pressing elevator buttons to minimize contact.

Avoid junk food, instead pack a home-cooked meal for your own safety.

Avoid using cash registers to prevent unnecessary contact with others.

Maintain Social Distancing

Stand 3-6 feet away from people in check-in, security or immigration queues.

Avoid walking around the aircraft, unless necessary.

Act responsibly if feeling unwell & seek medical attention immediately.

If you must sneeze or cough, use proper handkerchiefs, or cough into your elbow. That way you can protect people around you and avoid some stares!

Whether you’re home or travelling, ensure you have your emergency contacts on speed dial, so that you can reach out to someone if you feel unwell.

So, you’re at your hotel. What could you do to stay safe there?

Avoid crowded dining rooms, spas and gymnasiums in the hotel. Instead, choose to take a walk around the estate, where there should be fewer people!

Use room service, so you can enjoy your food in the comfort of your bed, while simultaneously avoiding crowds at meal-times.

Do your research while choosing a hotel, so you can familiarize with their guidelines such as regular temperature checks, mobile check-ins, and resources available just in case of illness.

Be Aware Of All Travel Restrictions

All countries might have different guidelines for opening up their borders to travellers. To avoid any surprises after landing, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the regulations of your destination. We’ve listed some important points for you to consider as you prepare to travel after lockdown.

Entry: Some countries might deny entry to foreign visitors who have been in or transited through certain countries within a fortnight. Thus, it is important for you to read all relevant information from reliable sources such, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ websites for different countries to acquaint yourself with all necessary rules.

Quarantine/Self-Isolation: Some countries have quarantine facilities, chosen by their respective governments for all international travelers. It is important to read all such rules before visiting a country, and do thorough research on their quarantining facilities.

Medical Screenings: It is important to be healthy before one travels, because certain countries allow entry to visitors who pass all medical screenings, such as temperature checks and swab tests, successfully. High temperatures, or cough and cold could be grounds for being denied entry into certain countries.

Avoid High Cancellation Costs Of Airline Tickets And Hotel Bookings

These are uncertain times and you might find that your flight was cancelled at the last minute or rescheduled. Cancellation costs can often be very high. Thus, it’s important for you to consider refund and fee waiver policies before choosing to book a hotel or an airline ticket. Almost all airlines have active travel alerts on their websites which provide customers with the necessary detail to either continue planning or cancel their trip. It is important that you explore these airline web pages before making an unfortunate non-refundable commitment.

It might also be advisable to pre-call hotels about booking and refund policies while making a reservation, to prevent high cancellation costs in the future.

This has indeed been a difficult phase for all of us. As the country readies itself for new beginnings, it’s crucial that you stay safe and prepared. We hope that all your future journeys will be hassle-free!