Dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis has affected people in different parts of the world. This is especially true for travel enthusiasts who are always looking for their next adventure. Most of their travel plans are cancelled because flights were banned, and several health protocols were imposed. The government and health authorities have encouraged individuals to stay home as much as they can.
No wonder, a lot of people are starting to feel bored, stressed, or anxious. Of course, this is especially difficult for those who are not really used to staying in one place for a very long time. Fortunately, the situation of the pandemic is slowly being managed and controlled. Businesses reopen, and the travel and hospitality industry is now allowed to operate again. With this, interested travellers can go back to planning their next trip.
Adjusting to Travel Protocols and Restrictions
Travelling in different countries is still challenging now that there are still some strict protocols that you need to follow. For instance, in Singapore, you need to present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before you are allowed to proceed with your flight. Keep in mind that without this, you won’t be allowed to enter the country. Another important thing to note is that you need an on-arrival PCR test and undergo quarantine for up to two days while waiting for the result.
So before you get excited about the thought that you can already go to Changi Airport for some shopping, you first need to make sure that you are not a virus carrier. The key is to take care of your health and continue staying updated about all the restrictions and protocols released by the countries you plan to visit.
Building Your Travel Plans: Finding Your Next Destination
Aside from educating yourself about all the health protocols when travelling, you need to build a detailed plan for your next travel. Keep in mind that you need to make certain adjustments because the COVID-19 crisis has brought various changes in the travel and hospitality industry. To help ensure you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip, here are some suggestions that you can consider:
- Take note of places or countries that are reopening for travellers. Checking out the news will greatly help you plan your next adventure. For instance, if you plan to visit a certain country, make sure that you stay updated about the information they release about travel restrictions. Aside from flight restrictions, check if tourist spots on that place are already open for travellers. If not, you might want to consider preparing your Plan B so you can still have something to look forward to.
- Build a list of unique travel destinations. Instead of building a list of the common tourist destinations, consider performing additional research about unique spots. There might be new places that are newly developed or built in certain countries. You can also check out newly opened restaurants if you are also a food enthusiast. Consider browsing travel blogs and other websites that may help you find useful tips about the newest travel spots for tourists.
- Don’t forget to find accommodations for your trip. Make sure that you also make a list of ideal places to stay during your trip. Find a few hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and other accommodation options. Check if they are also following strict COVID-19 protocols so that you will feel safe and secure if you ever decide to book them during your trip.
- Check out how much budgeting you need for your travel plans. Some travel costs might change because of the pandemic. If you plan to travel anytime soon, make sure that you prepare enough budget for your next trip. Check if you need to pay more for flights, accommodations, transportation, food, and even entrance tickets. Estimate the total travel costs that you might need and start building your funds for your next adventure. This way, you don’t need to worry about not being able to afford the trip that you want.
Planning your next travel destination may not be as exciting as personally going to various places. However, you need to settle for this activity as of this moment, especially if you want to protect your health and safety. Of course, you can already go travelling if you are feeling brave and confident. The key is to make sure that you always practice caution so that you don’t catch the virus. Also, you need to make sure that you prepare a detailed itinerary so you can enjoy a safe and stress-free trip.