Travel Safe, Travel in Style: Your Traveler’s Tool Kit
In this era, it can be confusing to know what information to listen to, and you may be left wondering what to expect when traveling, and how you should prepare for when you do travel again. See below for your TRAVEL À LA CARTE Traveler’s Tool Kit!
Your Pre-Trip Checklist
Check your passport now - First, check your expiration date. Renewal turnaround time is running 10 to 12 weeks, and even expedited service is four to six weeks. Now is the time to start that process, so you can ensure you have ample time before beginning to travel internationally again!
Restock your toiletry kit - I think we all raided our travel sized toiletries while staying home…not only did they remind us of staying in a hotel, but they are so convenient! Stock your go-to basics so you are ready to hit the road!
Ask the experts - Consult the U.S. State Department’s country-specific Covid-19 pages for up-to-date alerts and entry requirements.
Don’t forget about travel Insurance - To protect your investment against trip cancellation or interruption, Lisa can help you find the right travel insurance option for you and your specific needs.
What Can You Expect? Is It Safe?
On flights: With the addition of hospital-grade air filtration, enhanced cleaning, and, often, fogging the cabin with germicidal electrostatic sprayers, airplanes have proven to be a safe mode of transportation during the pandemic – even if it’s impossible to maintain six feet of social distance in flight. Doctors stress the importance of adhering to the public health basics – practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a mask, carrying hand sanitizer – during travel. Also consider wearing a face shield to protect your eyes, and minimize time spent eating and drinking to avoid removing your mask. If possible, private jet travel is a great alternative, reducing the number of people you are in contact with, and minimizes the time you are traveling!
In hotels: Hotels have implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless interactions, social distancing reminders, capacity caps, elective housekeeping during your stay, temperature screening, outdoor dining where permitted, some are providing amenity kits with hand sanitizer and masks, and more. Lisa stayed at multiple hotels recently, and can tell you about her personal experience at each location.
On cruises: When cruising does resume, many changes will be visible, including socially distanced seating everywhere from pools to entertainment venues, no self-service buffets, and mask requirements for crew and passengers. Others will be less evident, though equally important, such as upgraded air-filtration systems and medical treatment centers. Itineraries will likely be shorter at first and adhere to local health requirements.
What type of travel is popular right now?
Socially distant forms of travel, including road trips and villa rentals, or destinations big on outdoor activities, such as safari camps, beaches, national parks, and ranches - are all great ways to satisfy your wanderlust, while keeping you safe.