Your next international trip will be unlike any international trip you’ve taken before thanks to the advent of COVID-19. With South African borders set to open from 1 October 2020, you’ve no doubt got your eye on a trip abroad.
Here are some important tips for planning your next international trip in the time of COVID-19.
The Research Phase
The single most important piece of advice during the planning phase for your next international trip is to do your research.
When it comes to booking flights look into the booking policy for the airline you plan on travelling with just in case you need to change your travel plans last minute for any reason.
You should also note that for your own safety and the safety of fellow travellers, most (if not all) airlines and destinations will require you to take a Covid-19 test before you travel to confirm you do not have the virus.
This is also the time to pay special attention to the tourist spots you plan on visiting in the country you’re going to since some areas are open for the public to enjoy, while others remain closed. To avoid disappointment do your research before choosing a destination.
When looking at the length of your trip it’s worth noting that some destinations require you to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and others require you to download an app to track your movements while in the country for contact tracing purposes.
The Planning Phase
It’s important to do thorough research about where you will stay, be it in a resort, hotel or apartment and have a clear understanding about what health and safety measures they have implemented.
Many hotels and resorts like, Club Med, have implemented health and safety measures at their properties so be sure to familiarise yourself with these before your trip.
Club Med has strict sanitisation measures in place at all its resorts including adapted
- catering offerings,
- changes to sporting activities
- medical assistance available 24/7, and a host of other measures designed to ensure peace of mind for both Great Members and staff – while retaining the Club Med spirit of conviviality and tranquillity.
As the Covid-19 situation around the world changes, should any movement within a country become restricted, booking to stay at an All-Inclusive resort will ensure you have enough land and water activities within the resort to keep you occupied.
The Travelling Phase
When it’s time to pack for your trip be sure to create a health and safety sanitary pack for everyone travelling. Grab any medicines you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies.
- Cloth face masks
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
- Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
- Thermometer
Medical and Travel Insurance is of paramount importance during this time. Having the right comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for anything COVID-19 related is another. Ask all the necessary questions of your travel insurance provider before purchasing it and ensure you are sufficiently covered.
You should also ensure you have copies of your passport in the case of medical emergency.
To ensure a safe and smooth check-in experience, airports have restricted the access points and deployed screeners at these points. This means potential longer waiting periods to check-in, so plan accordingly.
Should your temperature be over 38 degrees, secondary screening will be conducted in the screening and isolation facilities – which could further delay you, so arrive well in time.
