When the world starts to open up again (which it will) and travel starts to pick up (trust me, it will), a lot of women will be wondering when the right time to travel is.
I’ve personally been taking a very cautious approach and having recently traveled locally to the west of Ghana, I felt really confident about traveling and I am inspired to continue traveling safely and cautiously for the rest of the year.
Here are few tips on how you ladies can travel safely both locally and internationally post Covid-19.
1. DON’T FORGET THAT CORONA IS STILL VERY MUCH AROUND
I had to put this tip first, not to induce fear but to share this very important reminder. When traveling, it’s so easy to be carried away with excitement that you forget the current reality: the corona virus still exists.
I want you to go through your trip keeping this in mind – not as a play into fear but so you remember to be extra cautious.
2. PACK LIGHT AND EFFICIENTLY
I’m a pack light advocate but now more than ever, if you can, please do!
The whole idea is to minimize contact as much as possible and if it can be avoided, why not?
I’ll advise you to travel with just a backpack or a carry-on with you to avoid all other unnecessary contacts.
This isn’t just about packing well but packing efficiently.
Make sure to wipe down all surface areas to ensure your safety.
Make sure to take disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, gloves, etc with you. When flying, some airlines will give you these items but don’t take any chances.
I know airlines and bus companies and are taking very important steps to reduce the spread of COVID but it’s important to do your part too. Wipe down the window area, seat handles, etc.
Make sure these items can also fit into your day to day bag so you can use them when necessary.
3. GO DIGITAL
If you weren’t already going digital, now is a good time. Use apps and websites for everything in order to avoid human contact.
When flying, check-in online, pay for your hotel, taxis, rentals, etc online. Basically, anything you can do online should be done online.
4. STAY IN GOOD HOTELS
This is not the time to be too budget-conscious that you ignore the important details. I advise avoiding hostels or any shared spaces.
I’d recommend you stay at well-known hotels who have a reputation to protect and you can be sure will go above and beyond to meet a certain hygiene standard.
I was really impressed by the resorts I stayed at had great social distancing and hygienic measures in place.
5. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION
Continue monitoring the Covid-19 situation at the destination you are visiting. Use the official websites and social media platforms of the various countries you visit to check and monitor the situation.
6. LIMIT THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
While traveling, renting a car is a great way to stay socially distanced and safe. I advise limiting the use of public transportation. If you can’t rent a car, maybe get a Uber or taxi and be sure to take the necessary precautions.
7. LIMIT THE USE OF PUBLIC WASHROOMS
If possible, make sure to do your business before you leave the hotel in order to avoid the use of public washrooms. This will ensure you can avoid contact as much as possible.
8. HAVE FUN!
I had to put this in here as the pandemic can sometimes put a downer to things but remember that life is still happening and you can have fun and experience joy even in these dreary times.
As you and your friends travel safely, make the most of your trip. I personally felt more gratitude than ever, being able to travel again and I wish you and the girls the same and more.
Stay safe and happy travels!
