It is safe to say many people are happy that the year 2020 is behind us. The quarantines, lockdowns, and physical-distancing measures have not made the year an easy one at all. Despite managing to stay virus-free, people’s general wellness has been greatly affected.
The word “health” seems to have gained gravity during 2020 and has arguably become an even more important consideration for travellers than ever before. But with the ushering in of 2021 and availability of vaccines, we are beginning to see some rays of light in the tunnel that COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the entire world.
With 2021 being the beginning of “bouncing back” of a seemingly normal world. It is however important that henceforth we approach travel with the aim of sustaining the positive change that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to travel. From the point of deciding to travel, timing, choosing destination, means of transportation, and the entire travel experience: all need to improve.
Making your resolutions for a safe and healthy travel this year and beyond, consider the following outlined tips as they will help you and your loved ones.
Avoid revenge for travel. Many people have missed travelling for various reasons in 2020 and may want to make up for it in 2021. Travel still carries significant risks as a new strain of the COVID-19 virus is still ravaging. Make only necessary trips. Ensure that you travel responsibly and carefully in 2021.
Read also: Covid-19 Second Wave: E-commerce trends to watch in 2021
Choose a less crowded time of the year to go on your vacation. Apart from less risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and other travel-associated illnesses, travelling at an off-peak time will reduce the stress of travel and cost.
Choose less popular destinations. This might involve choosing local destinations instead of international ones. It is amazing that the pandemic has shed more light on fun places close to us that are worthwhile visiting. It might not be a bad idea to explore such places
Plan long in advance. In as much as some travels will be impromptu when you can help it, start your plan months before the scheduled date. This will ensure that you are familiar with the travel regulations at your destination, you schedule your visit to your travel clinic, you get the necessary travel vaccinations, and you pack your necessities along.
Set a budget. Travelling is fun as it is educative. But do not go broke in a foreign land! Have enough funds before you travel.
Engage only in safe practices while on your trip. Do not take pictures close to the edge of a cliff or waterfall no matter how breathtaking the scenery?
Be mindful of what you eat/drink, practice safe sex, and do not travel at night if you are not very familiar with your destination.
Take COVID-19 vaccine once it is available. Just like every other vaccine, it has only minimal side effects. Hence, it is safe. Its safety in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is not yet established.
Remember to get Yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before you travel, if your destination requires it.
This year make up your mind to prioritize your health before you set out on a trip. Visit a Travel clinic before and after your trip. Travel with your travel kit containing basic medical necessities for you and your family. Do not travel if you are heavily pregnant or sick.
Get travel health insurance. Paying medical expenses out-of-pocket might be a huge financial challenge if you fall ill at your destination.
Ensure that any chronic conditions like asthma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and others are well controlled before you travel. Carry more than enough of the medications along on your journey.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with diets and physical exercise during travels.
Continue with the safety health measure of wearing face masks, physical distance, and frequent hand washing. The pandemic is still very much with us despite countries’ borders being opened. Until the COVID-19 vaccine achieves a wide coverage, you still cannot let down your guards even if you have been immunized.
Closely keep up with travel information both at your home country and destination. The travel requirements keep changing with the pandemic.
If you love to travel, I encourage you to set multiple travel resolutions and goals in 2021 taking a cue from the afore listed advice.
If you have never visited a Travel Clinic before, I highly recommend you make that a goal for 2021.
Whatever your travel resolutions and goals are for 2021, make sure they are for the betterment of you. 2020 was far too difficult of a year for you to sit back and not find ways to improve in this new year.
Be a better traveller in 2021. Travel smarter in 2021. And travel more responsibly in 2021 and beyond.
Adeniyi Bukola, Consultant Family Physician and Travel Medicine Physician
Q–Life Family Clinic
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