COVID-19 has changed the easy ways of travel in many different ways. We have to think about where we are going to, restricted to certain destinations and most of all there is a greater risk with loss of money. We work so hard to be able to travel that any loss of money is going to be heartbreaking, so you need to make sure you are booking your travel with a good company. Background checking of a company, making sure they are reputable and making sure the company has the best cancellation policy if you are unable to travel at short notice. Below are a list of things you will need to think about before you should book a trip to a certain country.
- Allowed in?
Many people are confused with the restrictions of countries at the moment. The UK have introduced a ‘Green List’ but that still doesn’t mean you are allowed into that country. Their Government decides who they would like to allow in. Make sure that country is accepting your Nationality before you book your trip.
- PCR Testing
PCR testing is now mandatory for so many countries to go to, even after you have been vaccinated this may still be a requirement. Usually, countries will give you a certain amount of time before you are to fly to get this done. 72 hours is an average. I would recommend when you book this test you should do it the exact time before your flight, for example if your flight is at 13:00 on the 4th June you should book your test 13:00 on the 1st June. PCR testing needs to be done privately at a clinic, or you can use a company such as ‘Randox’ to do a home PCR test for a more cost-effective price.
PCR testing may also need to be done before your return to your country. Make sure you know where you would be able to get that done in the country you are visiting. Do you just ask the hotel? Or is there a clinic close by in the nearest town?
- Passenger Locator Forms
Forms or apps are used to enter a country. This form needs to be filled in within 24 or 48 hours before you are due to arrive at that country. If you need to download an app to do this you will need to make sure that app is available to access online and you keep the notifications running throughout your entire trip.
These forms are usually mandatory for the return to your home country also and will need to be filled in in the same amount of time before your return.
- Quarantine Restrictions
Quarantine when you arrive into a country and on return to your home country. There isn’t much point in going on holiday if you have to quarantine when you get to a country. However for some people visiting family, this is a must. You will need to find out if the quarantine restrictions have been lifted or if they are mandatory for entry. Is this to be completed at a home? Or in a government facility? How much is this going to cost?
Quarantine on the way home could also mean answering these questions depending on the countries you have travelled to.
- FCDO Advice
FCDO advice/Government advice is also crucial. If you are travelling to a country which means you would be ‘travelling against the advice from the Government’ your travel insurance is very likely to become invalid when you travel. Would you travel if you weren’t insured? Would you take the risk? Can you get cover for this? I was able to get cover which was an insurance to cover me for everything travel related, except for COVID-19. It was an insurance for travelling to a country which was against the FCDO advice.
- Booking Travel
Have a look at the cancellation and amendment policy for the airline and accommodation you are booking. If you aren’t able to travel due to restrictions, then are you going to get a full refund or are you going to get a credit with that supplier? Are you happy with the outcome before booking? All avenues with booking need to be explored. You may be able to book through an agent, yes you may pay more for this, but do you get the peace of mind which comes with the price. Personally, I think it’s worth it.
- On Board
I travelled to Turkey and Spain whilst COVID-19 was around and you must wear a face mask for the entire duration of the flight. Unless you are eating and drinking of course, but this doesn’t mean you can sit there with an empty cup the whole time pretending to be sipping on something slowly. Be respectful of people around you.
Carry extra masks in your hand luggage as these should be changed every 4 hours. You should also carry the surgical masks rather than fashion cloths. Hand sanitiser is also a must for travel.
- Airport
Checking in for flights is very common, which people usually do anyway. Now more than ever it is crucial to make the speed of check in at the airport easy for everyone. You will get through airport security a lot quicker and it will become a much more enjoyable experience.
If you have any further queries or questions feel free to contact me via my contacts page.
LEAH HANCOX 