Tips for travel post lockdown

How will travel post lockdown be different?

Before the breakdown of the travel industry due to the global virus, overtourism was a huge problem. So many places fell victim to too a flood of tourists. Hence, the local inhabitants have suffered from unreasonably high rents, the environment has gotten more and more littered, and wild animals have increasingly lost their habitat.

It was about time that the travel industry needed reform. Many countries and regions are already using this standstill overthinking and restructuring their travel industry models. They need to use this crisis to build a more sustainable industry and push a shift toward ecotourism. In the future, destinations need to ensure a more sustainable number of visitors. And while we all should continue traveling in order to explore and value the beauty of this world, we need to do it the right way. And the only right way is conscious and sustainable travel. Read here what you can do to travel more sustainably.

 

 

Don’t you ever feel like you’ve seen so much abroad but know fairly little about the beauties of your own country? Now is the time!

It’s recommended to avoid long-distance trips for now. Traveling closer to home will give you peace of mind in case you need to return unexpectedly, less paperwork for planning, and makes it easier to minimize contacts on your travel.

When the lockdown has eased, you could think about a staycation within driving distance. There is so much to be seen in your own country. You’ll be surprised by the vacation mood that kicks in at that lake or those mountains nearby.

 

Social distancing will likely be a major topic for some more time. Keep this in mind when you chose your travel destination. You can go hiking, visit landscapes, mountains or beaches and lesser-known or rural towns. Remote destinations are not just an awesome place to take a break from the everyday hassle, relax, and recharge. Being in nature and opting for outdoor activities also makes it easier to avoid crowds.

 

Another tip for travel post lockdown is to avoid major tourist destinations. Besides cities, it’s a wise decision to avoid those places where you’ll likely be bumping into swarms of tourists.

When taking a break at the beach, pick one that’s lesser-known or a large one where there’s lots of space for you to pick a spot away from others.

 

In general, it’s wise to pick a destination with a low number of cases and a high recovery rate. Always observe how the numbers are developing, as we all know they can change quickly.

 

You should always check the entry restrictions for your destination country or region. There may be even regional variations to who is allowed to enter and with which premises. I’d recommend having a look at the country’s or region’s immigration and health website for the most up-to-date information.

 

As you may know, many regions and countries require a negative test result taken within the last 2 days before you arrive. But there can be other premises as well. For example, you should check, if you need to take another test once you’ve arrived. Also, you might need to self-isolate or aren’t allowed to move freely at your destination.

The EU is already talking about a vaccination certificate for travelers by summer 2021. This will most likely also influence the travel regulations in the future.

 

In any case, you definitely have to plan more carefully and there will be less room for spontaneity. Check ahead of time where to stay, what sites you’d like to visit, if they’re open, and what kinds of restrictions there are.

 

For travelers within Europe, take a look at the EU’s traffic light system. It has been developed to get an overview of the infection situation in the countries, split into green, orange, and red zones. This can help to choose your travel destination. Of course, make sure to follow the news and changes in regulations.

 

 

Planning to travel after the lockdown, your search for accommodation options might change a little. One of the most helpful tips for travel post lockdown is to look for accommodation with flexible or free cancellation.

 

In order to have less contact with people in your accommodation, renting a flat is the best choice. You can also rent a room in a homestay to support local guesthouses. Many guesthouses offer rooms with a private bathroom, so you can have space for yourself and avoid bumping into other people.

 

Small guesthouses and homestays are usually less crowded than hotels, so you could consider them safer. Also, you can avoid unnecessary contact with staff (as there usually isn’t any housekeeping, room service, or crowds of tourists on the hallways).

 

In case you prefer staying in a hotel, check their website to see what efforts they put into special safety procedures. Ideas such as the possibility to check-in online or use your smartphone as a room key can help to avoid unnecessary contacts.  Above all, not all hotels may be open again, so ensure before booking that the apartment or hotel is accepting visitors at all.

 

While most companies had to adapt during the lockdown, innovative work concepts have evolved. As many employees search for ways of relief and change of scene, workations become more and more popular. It’s a creative concept for those looking for a longer stay somewhere else than your own house. That way, you can connect working somewhere else in peace with a different scene and activities after work. This trend may become a major influence for the hotel industry trying to adapt and more and more offer those kinds of stays. Workations can become an important aspect to keep your mental health in difficult times.

 

Roadtrips are another tip for travel post lockdown that I can recommend with all my heart. Instead of flying off for your vacation you could either take your own vehicle or rent one. You can not only reach your destination in a car and thus avoid any unnecessary contacts. Besides, you could actually spend your holiday in a vehicle.

Hiring a campervan is a great way to minimize contacts and embrace freedom at the same time. You’ll not only have your “accommodation” all to yourself. At the same time, it’s one of the most fun kinds of travel, as it gives you the freedom to drive, stop and sleep wherever you are. Oh, I always love thinking back to waking up in our campervan “Alfonso” somewhere in the Peruvian countryside, next to a lagoon, surrounded by wild Alpacas.

 

 

A concern you might be struggling with is whether you’re able to claim any money back in case of another infection wave. Even if you visit a region with low cases, there is always the possibility of another outbreak. Travel insurance is always important to have. Hence, check with your insurance whether it applies in case you’re tested positive or need to head back home quickly. It’s a fast-changing situation and you should be ready to rearrange your travel plans in accordance with any virus updates.

In addition to your insurance, many hotels and travel companies offer greater flexibility during these times. For your own peace of mind, check the cancelation terms before booking.

 

 

In addition to the choice of your destination and how to reach it, you also have to adapt your packing list. Are you wondering what are the new essential packing tips for travel post lockdown? Here, I put together a list that helps you when you’re packing for a trip in the New Normal.

 

You’re probably already used to never leave your house without a mask. Obviously, that also applies when you’re traveling. And you should carry a couple of masks, depending on the length of your trip. Even if you’re trying to maximize your freedom and do a road trip in a campervan, there will always be situations in which you need to buy stuff and hence need a mask to enter.

 

Any list of travel essentials should include a hand sanitizer – even before the global virus. While you should always try to push buttons, open doors etc. with your arm or elbow, in some situations you can’t avoid touching objects.  In this case, sanitize your hands right after. The same applies after you paid cash.

 

Just as a hand sanitizer, I’ve always carried a pack of disinfectant wipes with me on my travels. You can use it to wipe surfaces in your accommodation or during transportation. Just as well, remember to regularly wipe your phone and wallet.

 

This has become a travel essential for many of us anyways. When avoiding to pay cash and using your mobile banking more often, your phone battery will weaken more easily. In order to ensure that your phone stays alive, better carry a power bank.

 

No matter which way of transportation you’re planning to take, it’s better to bring some snacks with you. That way, you don’t have to enter the snack bar in stations, trains, or motorway restaurants. In those places, you may need to touch objects and have unnecessary contacts. Another plus: you cause less packaging and litter.

 

I’m sure it will become routine for people to take a test before and after a trip. By knowing you’re negative, you can protect yourself and your travel buddy just as much as everyone you encounter.

 

You probably won’t be able to reach your destination without wearing a mask. Masks have become mandatory in any public building, hotel or guesthouse, public transport, and shops. And it will probably stay a premise to enter those places for quite a while. Don’t forget to change them regularly.

 

Many countries will request more paperwork to be allowed to enter. This will lead to longer queues at immigration counters. Also, social distancing and safety measures such as temperature control may cause a delay at airports and stations.

So, which kind of transport you take, an important tip for travel post lockdown is to plan enough time for all procedures. The worst delays will probably occur when you decide to fly. Manchester Airport has set a great example by introducing free pre-booked security slots. Thus, they’re trying to avoid a bottleneck of people during busy times. Other airports may follow, so inform yourself ahead of time.

Yet, social distancing isn’t really possible on a plane. So I’d suggest avoiding flying as much as possible. There are more sustainable ways to reach your destination that you should consider now even more than before.

 

For trains, buses, and airplane travel, most companies offer mobile tickets, checking in online, and scanning your e-boarding pass yourself. In this way, you can avoid unnecessary contacts just as much as paper waste.

 

You’ve heard it plenty of times and it should be obvious. Wash and sanitize your hands regularly, keep your distance, wear a mask, and sneeze into your elbows. Besides, you will be better off taking the stairs instead of squeezing into an elevator.

Also, did you know that you can bring up to 350 ml of hand sanitizer in your carry-on baggage?

 

 

Just because you reached your destination safely, doesn’t mean you can neglect once you arrive. The above-mentioned hygiene recommendations apply just as much wherever you are.

And planning carefully stays important too, as many restaurants, cafés, and hotels will likely still have to limit capacity and bookings or only open outdoor seating.

 

Even before the global virus, money has already been one of the dirtiest objects.

If you don’t have a credit card yet, now is the time. Paying contactless by credit card or through mobile banking as often as possible makes you avoid touching surfaces and cash.

In case you can’t avoid paying cash, always disinfect your hands afterward. Besides, there are services, such as Travel Money Club who provide sterile banknotes, at least in US Dollars and Euros.

 

Whatever activities you plan to do or sites you want to visit on your trip,  you should first check if they’re open for visitors at all. Most likely outdoor activities will be easier to join than those indoor.

Once more and more sites and attractions are able to reopen, there will be strict booking processes. So plan early, check for any restrictions or changes in opening hours and book online ahead.

Opt for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and other activities where it’s easier to keep your distance.

 

In case you’ll be visiting a city, avoid taking public transport during rush hour, museums and other crowded places during busy times. I’m a big fan of walking. It’s not only a great way to discover hidden gems of a destination in an eco-friendly way. In times of a global virus, it’s also of great help to keep contacts at a minimum.

 

Wherever you go, you will need to eat at some point. One of the best tips for travel post lockdown and choosing restaurants is to go there before or after popular lunch or dinner times. Besides, it might be required to make a reservation to get a table. In that case, prefer eating outside so rather bring a thick jacket to enjoy those local specialties.

Moreover, you can get creative – why not buy some yummy local goods at the market and make a picnic in a park, a public square, or by the river?

 

 

7. Travel more sustainably

As mentioned above, the travel industry will undergo serious reform during and after this crisis. While many destinations, tour operators and hotels will need to change their policies towards ecotourism, we also need to adapt our way of travel. The travel industry can only sustain if we treat the destinations we visit, their locals and the environment respectfully.

Besides traveling closer to home and avoiding over-visited places, you should also consider traveling more slowly. This will benefit your level of recovery as well as the carbon footprint of your trip.

After suffering extremely from loss of income, local small businesses are more dependent on our support more than ever. So, always chose local accommodation, restaurants and tour operators above international companies and chains. Besides, you should think twice when it comes to transportation choices. Try to fly less and pack light. And even if packing lots of masks will be a routine for us, we should always remember to dispose our trash into litter bins. It’s sad to see how many dumped masks are already popping up in the ocean. 

For more tips on sustainable travel read this article. 

 

Is traveling post lockdown more problematic, even when following these tips for travel post lockdown?

If you feel anxious about traveling after the lockdown, consider staying home.

 

 

Wrap up – Top tips for travel post-lockdown

1. Pick your travel destination wisely

• Discover your own country and beautiful destinations nearby instead of long-haul travel
• Choose nature over the city where you can enjoy outdoor activities
• Avoid major tourist destinations and crowded places to minimize contacts
• Check the local regulations and current entry restrictions of your desired destination
  • Be prepared to take a test
  • Us the EU traffic light system to pick a destination with a low number of cases

2. Choose your accommodation carefully

• Look for accommodation with flexible or free cancellation
• Rent a flat or a room in a guesthouse to avoid bumping into other people
• When staying in a hotel check for their safety procedures and minimize contacts
• Take a workation if you need a change of scene
• Take a road trip to enjoy freedom without any unnecessary contacts

3. Make sure your insurance has got you covered

• Get travel insurance and check if it applies in case you’re tested positive or need to return home unexpectedly

4. Pack the new travel essentials

• Bring plenty of face masks
• Never forget to pack a hand sanitizer and use it regularly
• Disinfectant wipes are another travel essential post lockdown
• Pack a power bank to always be ready for mobile payment
• Prepare and bring your own snacks

5. Tips on the way to your destination

• Take a test even if you’re not officially required
• Wear a mask in any public buildings and transportation and change them regularly
• Prepare for long queues so plan enough of time for any safety measures
• Use online check-in to avoid crowds of people
• Practice hygiene recommendations at all times

6. Tips during your trip

• Pay contactless by credit card or mobile payment options to avoid using cash
• Opt for outdoor activities and when you want to visit attractions check for restrictions, differing opening hours, and book online
• Keep human contact at a minimum by walking instead of using taxis or public transport
• For lunch and dinner avoid busy times at restaurants, check for booking requirements, and prefer outdoor seating or make a picnic

7. Travel more sustainably

• Support local businesses, accommodation and restaurants who have suffered from the downtime
• Make greener transportation choices and pack light
• Dispose your litter properly
• Travel slower

8. Stay home if you’re feeling anxious

• If you feel anxious about traveling after the lockdown, rather stay home!