Safe Vacations and Traveling During Coronavirus times

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown quite the axe to your tall dreams of summertime splendour and monsoon madness. All the global vacation plans that you had for 2020 might have gone down the drain. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that travel further elevates the chances of spreading or getting infected by coronavirus. But don't you fret for there is always a way out of every obstacle! Planning a safe vacation during the time of COVID-19 pandemic has become of prime importance. There is only a certain amount of time that you can spend in your own house, after all.

As long as you are able to come up with a plan where you can visit safe tourist places without risking exposure to the virus, you might be able to get that luxurious pampering! We have listed out some important tips and protocols that you’ll want to go through if you want to be thorough with your plan of a safe vacation. From listing safe places to visit to following all the essential health protocols, here are some points that you will need to keep in mind while planning a safe vacation.

Keep a track of the pandemic

Ahead of your travel plans, it is extremely important for you to check what the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario is in your neighbourhood and the world. It is especially essential for you to keep a track of what's the COVID situation in the place that you're planning to visit for a safe vacation. Perhaps finding out a list of safe places to visit is something you can research before booking tickets or charting out a trip. Along with the situation, you must also be aware of the hotspots and restrictions that come with it. Basically, a thorough research on the place along with the important details on travelling, safety protocols to follow, safe places to stay and more, need to be covered ahead of the trip.

Be aware of the local restrictions

Depending on the situation and presence of virus, different locals have a diverse approach towards containing it. Every state in the country has different rules with respect to quarantine days and paperwork regarding the same. As for the health codes and protocols, they are the same that have been charted out by the WHO. While you do follow the necessary health guidelines, it is important to be aware of the protocols that the locals are following. For example, the quarantine rules for inter-state travel in Maharashtra and Karnataka are quite different even though they have tremendous number of cases. The same goes for big metropolitan cities in India. Hence, to ensure that you do not end up in a position where you haven't booked the right dates or right place, research is key.

Book an accommodation at a distant location

Why book within the city when you can just take a short drive to the closest quaint locations which have minimal number of cases and have fewer people? When you sit down to plan your safe vacation, opt for places that do not have a lot of people and is as secluded as one can ask for. Many hotels, resorts and Bnbs have reworked on their cleaning and health policies to ensure that they do not have any cases. Further, they are also promoting their properties which are on the outskirts of the city. Choose them and stay close to the nature and fresh air. Sure, if you do pick accommodations in the city, be certain that they have good ventilation with constant gush of fresh air. A safe tourist place is as ambiguous as the time frame of how long the virus would be present with us. However, you can take some small initiative to make sure that you're not one of the victims.

Opt for a private setting to avoid interactions

Some of the safe places to visit and stay at would be booking private villas and BnBs. There is a plethora of such accommodations that you can find on our website. Check out the properties and see if they cater to all your needs for a safe vacation. As long as you are on an estate which has a pool, a lovely outdoor setting, a barbecue set (if necessary) and everything that reduces your chances of stepping outside the property, you're golden. Home rentals are also current in rage as many individuals have flocked back to their hometown with their houses in other cities left for grabs. You can choose a clean and sanitized house and perhaps go on a workation to maintain social distancing and conduct your work in peace. Private vacation homes are always a safer option in comparison to small hotels.

Take to the road instead of air, if possible

Despite the airports being less crowded and social distancing being followed as a protocol by them and even by airlines, travelling by air seems like a risky option. But in comparison to the trains and buses, it is probably the only way with least risk. Although travelling by air seems like the only viable and safe option, it doesn't compare to the safety that comes from taking your own car out, right? Since you would be in a familiar space with your family and people you know, their travel history is no mystery to you. In fact, as you take the extra effort to keep your car and space clean and hygienic, this is a better choice. If possible, you can also rent a car and ahead of the journey, find out details about the disinfectants used by the renters to be certain that you are in safe hands.

Carry essential COVID-kit when travelling

One of the main COVID-kit essentials is a face mask. You simply cannot ditch the mask because it is your saviour during such dire times. Wear a face mask at all times when you're travelling. Carry a sanitizer with you at all times and ensure that the alcohol content is above 60 per cent. Further, choose to keep all the transactions online to avoid any physical contact. Choose a take-away instead of sitting at the restaurant and eating food. Even when you do step out for groceries during your stay at a villa or home rental, carry your own shopping bag and pack your own groceries at the mart. Basically, do everything yourself and avoid contact with people. These are some of the basic guidelines that you should follow to keep yourself and your family safe from the virus. At all times though, carry a COVID-19 PPE kit, just as a safety precaution.

Barbecue instead of dining at restaurants

If your heart has been aching to spend time outside and especially dine out, it is not time yet. The restaurants haven't completely opened for business, even at non-hotspots. The government has not enabled opening of restaurants just yet as it would instantly spike up the number of cases. However, take-aways and parcels are available so try to go for those options. Or better, just order some amazing food at your safe vacation place to stay! For a more family-indulging experience, you can actually pack yourself a nice barbecue set and take it along. What more fun than to roast some corn on the cob or make your own chicken tikkas? Plus, it would be a good time to teach your children how to barbecue and make it an interesting activity.