The global tourism industry unsurprisingly took a nosedive in the past year due to the restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the arrivals for international tourists across the globe plummeted by 65 percent in the first six months of 2020 before further decreasing by 93 percent in June of the same year.
However, with the launch of successful vaccines for the virus in multiple countries across the globe, tourism may begin to pick up speed by the middle of 2021. You may want to stretch your legs and satisfy the wanderlust you've built up in the past year. But you will need to exercise caution and be very careful when planning a trip abroad.
Here are; five best practices for planning an overseas journey in the face of the new realities.
1. Be Careful When Considering Hotels
Your accommodations should be your priority before you even book a flight, much less sign up for tours. Since you're primarily going to be assessing hotels online, you're entirely dependent on their websites and internet reviews, both of which can be misleading. Although there's nothing wrong when sites use search engine optimization techniques to boost their visibility online, some unscrupulous businesses can use such tactics to misrepresent them.When considering which hotel you're going to stay in, aim for multiple sources. Aside from their official websites, look for online reviews on hospitality sites. Compare this to experience by any travel bloggers who may have visited these hotels. You can also look up their official pages on social media, although take these reviews with a grain of salt. By suing multiple sources when you're looking for a hotel, you can ensure you have a more complete picture when making your selection.
2. Prepare For A Long Stay
Although vaccines are being administered in a few countries, not everywhere has had that luxury. Even if you follow the strictest of health protocols and obey mask requirements, you can still end up being exposed to the virus. Instead of enjoying your authentic Turkish breakfast in a hotel, you may find yourself in a quarantine facility instead. The recommended length of quarantine for coronavirus is 14 days, although it can end in 10 without testing if no symptoms are recorded.For this reason, you should be prepared for a long stay in case of an emergency. Before you leave your home, make proper arrangements and entrust its upkeep to someone you can rely on. Alert your workplace that you may have to work remotely in case you get quarantined. And ensure your travel arrangements are flexible enough that you won't be stranded in case you miss your flight.
3. Have Cashless Payment At The Ready
When traveling, it's always wise to carry an appropriate amount of cash. However, the new normal has made it more socially acceptable and responsible to use remote payment options. You can pay for your purchases overseas in different ways without resorting to cash or physical contact.There are payment apps on phones that can seamlessly transfer money. You can also use credit cards, although you should sanitize them and your hands with each use. There's a distinct chance that the country you're traveling to hasn't yet adapted the cashless payment method of your choice. Just to be on the safe side, do your research and find out what are your choices can put as much as you think is necessary for your trip in them.
4. Aim For Isolation
When determining what you're going to do on vacation or trip, aim for activities and locales with as few people as possible. Instead of traveling to a crowded shopping mall or tourist attraction, why not find accommodations at a far-flung cove or a mountain retreat? These small pockets of seclusion can give you wonderful opportunities to connect with nature as well as avoid traveling alongside potentially infected individuals.There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in different countries that don't rely on being around a lot of people. For example, you can go on nature hikes or extended stays in a home or hostel. This lets you get the most out of a foreign vacation rather than risk it becoming a boring staycation.
5. Scope Out The Situation
Finally, make sure that the country or location you're planning on visiting is secure enough for you to enjoy your trip. There are a few factors you should research before planning your trip and securing accommodations or travel plans.First, find out if the country is even accepting tourists at the moment. Although plenty of countries have reopened their borders, you should find updated information on this matter. You should also monitor how many active coronavirus cases there are in the country. The odds of you catching it increase with the number of cases and if the numbers are high enough, you should reconsider going entirely.
Last, check the political situation of the location. Instability can quickly turn into an emergency, with you caught in the crossfire, preventing your safe return. Considering such situations can help you avoid such unpleasant experiences entirely.
The events of the previous year have caused ripples in every facet of society that will be felt for years to come, including travel and leisure. Planning carefully and considering the factors listed above can help you enjoy your vacation with as few risks as possible.
