Traveling now requires more care than before. Asides from the known dangers of visiting an unfamiliar location, the possibility of being a victim of crime, among others, the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has dictated another level of care for safety.
It is essential that while you are preparing to go on that trip, either for a visit, business trip, or vacation, you have to ensure that your life is not in danger either from unexpected occurrences or by contracting the coronavirus disease.
What to do to ensure safety during travel
We have made a list of things you have to do and prepare for while planning to go on any trip to ensure safety.
1.Do the appropriate research
Before embarking on any journey, you should do an extensive background research on your destination. The need for this just got a lot more crucial with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are countless things you want to look out for when researching. During this period, it is crucial that you know first if you will be allowed to your destination by its policy. You also want to check out the rate of COVID-19 cases at your proposed travel destination, how the pandemic outbreak is handled, and the procedures in place to curtail the spread of the virus.
You are doing all these to ensure you will be safe in the community you intend to visit. You could also make inquiries on the crime rate and safety of foreigners in such countries. Many embassies and agencies offer travel advisory for travelers who are visiting new places.
2.Be financially prepared
It would be best if you had enough to cover your cost and contingencies while planning to travel. It is vital for your safety that you have enough money to cater to your needs throughout the journey.
While it might not be safe that you moved around with a bulk of local currency, you could use credit or debit cards to make your payments. To do this, make sure you have electronic means of transactions that are allowed at your destination.
3. Get insurance
Insurance will always come in handy when there are unforeseen circumstances. It would be best if you had insurance for all of your properties while traveling. In the unfortunate event that you suffer any loss, you will have your insurance cover such losses. Airlines have insurance schemes that can help you secure your baggage and personal belongings.
With the ravaging virus out there, it would be wise that you had some health insurance, especially if you may have to stay long at your travel destination.
4. Use tour guides
If you intend to visit a new place, your best bet in getting around is to use a travel or tour guide. There are registered agencies that would provide these services for you. They assure you of premium security in addition to an unforgettable experience.
Travel guides being experts, will help you organize your itinerary with your schedule in mind, such that you will achieve the aim of your visit and still have exciting experiences.
5.Avoid walking at night
If you are a foreigner, the last thing you want to be found doing is roaming an unknown street at night. You have to be security conscious, especially when your lack of knowledge of your surrounding already put you at a disadvantage.
If you have to move around at night, probably for reasons beyond your control, make sure you are in the company of trusted fellows. Walking alone at night can expose you to danger.
6. Travel with essentials
In preparation for your travel, ensure you have all you will need. The list of essentials has changed since COVID-19 became an issue threatening world health. You have to include personal protective wear like nose masks, hand gloves, face shields, and so on while traveling. You also have to get disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and other cleaning agents.
It is also essential that you acquire your international drivers license ahead of your trip. Getting this license will allow you to drive yourself around at your destination. You could use a registered company in your home country to request and acquire this license without stress.
One has to be very cautious while making travel plans this season. It is better to be over-prepared than to be under-prepared for a trip.
This article was written by Vincent Rubin.
He is a life coach with 7 years of experience with a focus on family relationships. In his free time, he likes to read and spend time with his family doing outdoor activities. Right now he is focused on sharing his expertise with a wider audience through his writing.