Over the past year and a half, travel hasn’t been an option for many of us. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic spread rapidly around the world, causing governments in many countries to close borders, implement lockdown measures and ask citizens to stay away from one another as much as possible. This has been a difficult time for those of us who like to travel, as we’ve been unable to satiate our sense of wanderlust. If you had any trips booked, chances are they were canceled or rescheduled, and even now, much travel is still ropey.
The good news is that vaccines are being rolled out around the world and the virus may be becoming more under control. With this in mind, many of us are planning trips and are looking forward to getting away. While this is positive, it’s still important that you travel safely. So, what can you do to make your trip as safe as possible? Here are a few suggestions that can help you along the way.
Table of Contents
Consider Vaccination
Not everyone is being vaccinated. Some can’t. Some simply don’t want to. If you’re going to travel, it is generally recommended that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 – not only to reduce your chances of contracting the virus while you’re away but also to reduce your chances of spreading the virus and impacting others. For further information, consult your doctor who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Consider Routine Vaccinations
Of course, there are certain countries that require specific vaccinations for you to enter them – and this was in place before the pandemic. Routine vaccines like rabies, cholera, dipthera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and more. These vaccines can help reduce your chances of experiencing other illnesses while you’re away.
Take Out Travel Insurance
You should always take out travel insurance when you travel. My first time doing it was last year when I lived in Jamaica for 6 months, and I don’t think I’ll ever go without it again! You just never know what could happen on your trip and it’s important to have the means to seek help should you need it in unfortunate circumstances. Many people only consider the protection of their belongings when it comes to travel insurance. They want to make sure that they will be reimbursed if their case is lost or stolen. But the most important aspect of your chosen policy is actually medical expenses. You need to make sure that you can afford medical treatment should you need it while you’re overseas and a good insurance policy will ensure that you are covered against anything you need. This could include consultations, medication, or even operations. Make sure to compare different policies and to read the small print to ensure your chosen policy provides everything you need from it.
Reconsider Extreme Sports
Sure, if extreme sports are your calling and the main reason you’re traveling, you’re likely to go ahead with them anyway. But if you’re not particularly fussed with these activities, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing injury by not engaging with them. Avoiding skydiving, bungee jumping, extreme climbs or walks, extreme rafting, and other activities can keep you safer. If you do engage in any of these activities and are hurt as a result of a tour provider or other professional’s negligence, contact trusted personal injury attorneys as soon as possible.
Know Camping Safety
More people are considering camping for their first post-pandemic getaway, as it provides a means of getting away with minimal contact with others. But it’s important that you are aware of basic camping safety if you are going to try this type of trip. When camping, you should always carry an emergency medical kit, which can help with situations such as getting things in your eyes, small cuts or scratches and more. Every first aid kit should include:
- Gloves
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Antiseptic Cream
- An Eye Bath
- Bandages
- Gauze Pads
- Dressings
- Tape
- Safety Pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Other basic camping tips include:
- Never light BBQs or other smoke-producing items inside tents (not only does this pose a fire risk, but it can easily cause suffocation or poisoning too)
- Avoid crossing rivers wherever possible (you never know how deep they will be or if there’s a current)
- Make sure to put any fires out completely (this reduces chances of forest fires)
- Don’t keep food in your tent or around your tent (this can prevent wildlife from approaching you)
- Avoid wild animals wherever possible (they are not domesticated and can attack)
- Have a flare or other means to call for help if needed (this will come in extremely useful if you get lost)
- Carry a torch (this will help you to see clearly in the dark if you need)
TL;DR
The tips that will best suit you and your needs will depend entirely on the type of trip you’re taking. But hopefully, some of the suggestions above will help get your journey off to the best and safest start!
