How to Travel Safely as a Family during Covid-19

Although most countries in the world have opened up their borders, the COVID-19 pandemic still remains a global threat. With new variants of the disease claiming lives in every corner of the globe, those who venture beyond their home base need to be extra careful with their health and well-being. This is especially true when travelling with the family or with small children as they are more susceptible to the disease. Here are some tips to help execute your travel plans during the pandemic.

1. Destination Selection

Those who are planning to head overseas for a family holiday should consider choosing a "safe" destination for their getaway. It is important to keep in mind that even in a single country, different cities and locations will have vastly different numbers of COVID-19 cases and different restrictions so choosing a city with a lower infection rate is always possible. Ideally, travellers should pick a location where the number of cases is on a steady decline. Steering clear of popular holiday hotspots is another good rule of thumb as you do not want to interact with hundreds of people while sightseeing or dining out during the vacation so remote and secluded destinations are preferable. If travelling too far is too overwhelming, families can consider destinations closer to home where one is more assured of the steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

2. Method of Travel

Families that choose to travel to destinations that are within their own country need not worry too much about the safety of their method of travel as driving is always a possibility. Those who are choosing to travel via train instead of in your private vehicle, however, may want to consider the length of the journey and whether reserving a private cabin is possible. Tourists who need to fly to reach their vacation hub, in contrast, will need to explore not only which airline carriers have the best safety protocols but also which airports (near or in the destination) see the lowest traffic in terms of tourists.

3. Tips for Flying

While it is impossible to control the hygiene of the plane and the passengers with whom you must share cabin space for a few hours, there are ways to be proactive about safety measures. Families should try to book seats that are not on the aisle as window seats provide more privacy and distance from other passengers. Wearing gloves and refraining from touching surfaces (especially in restrooms) is another step that families can take to stay safe during the flight. Carrying your own hand sanitisers is also crucial while wet wipes and other cleaning materials will also be useful for wiping down seats and surfaces.

4. Accommodation

When it comes to booking accommodation for the family, it is necessary to make inquiries about the cleaning schedules and safety measures in place at the hotels that strike your fancy. Whether it is the PARKROYAL Parramatta or a property that calls itself the best hotel in Parramatta, every property's commitment to safety will be different. Some venues will constantly do COVID-19 testing on their employees while others will have a strict policy on how many guests can occupy the hotel simultaneously. Some hotels will have the necessary information on their websites but those who do not will need to be contacted via email so you can be assured that the hotel takes disease prevention seriously.

5. Being Vigilant on Holiday

Whether it is during travel or while the holiday is in full swing, families need to be vigilant of COVID-19 symptoms that may come up in every member of their travel group. Even if it is a light cough or muscle pain, a local doctor should be consulted immediately to rule out the possibility of the disease or to get treatment rapidly.