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Traveling during covid

Before you buy a plane ticket, read these tips.

By Jimmy SanchezPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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 Traveling during covid
Photo by Yong Chuan Tan on Unsplash

We all desire to travel. Whether it’s to a faraway foreign land or to a white sandy beach with clear blue water. Imagine eating new foods, taking pictures, and meeting different types of people. Living a life that’s filled with excitement. Sadly that desire to travel has been tainted with the fear of covid. The majority of the world has closed itself. And some countries are in lockdowns and will not accept tourists. But fear not young wander, you can still reach these mysterious lands that you desire to go. Here are some tips that will help you on your next trip.

Yes, traveling has been restricted because of covid. And a lot of countries are closed off to foreigners because of it. Fortunately, some countries are open to tourists such as Mexico, Jamaica, and Aruba. And other countries that will allow visitors from other countries but require forced quarantine like Canada for example. So before you buy your plane ticket, make sure to research the rules and covid regulations of the country you wish to visit.

Testing and Insurance

The countries that are open to foreigners demand a negative PCR test. A PCR test collects your DNA from your throat and nose by using a cotton swab. It can feel uncomfortable when they shove it up to your nose. Fortunately, it’s very quick and you get the results back within three to five days. And most countries require that you take the test within three days before your flights. You can take the test by going to your local doctor or, If you don’t have insurance, then you can go to Walgreens to take a free PCR test.

Also, you must buy insurance from the country that you are visiting, just in case you come down with the virus. The cost can depend, for example, the insurance for Aruba is thirty dollars and must be bought within three days. But be careful, some sites will scam you and rob you out of your money. Buy the insurance from the country's website and not some third-party site.

Now, what if you can not take the PCR test before your trip. Thankfully you can still go, but once you arrive, you must immediately take the PCR test and quarantine yourself until you get the results back. You also have to pay for the test. And it may be more expensive.

If you do end up being positive for covid, then you must be quarantined. And the last thing you want is to stay stuck in your room for your vacation. So save yourself the headache and get tested before your flight.

On the day of your flight

When going on an international flight get to the airport at least three to four hours early. This gives you the time that you need to go through security and customs. You must also bring a mask because you will not be allowed in without it. If you do forget one, don't worry, security will be glad to give you one. And please don't forget to bring your negative PCR test and proof of insurance. You can either print it out or show proof of it on your cell phone.

As a side note. If you want to save some money, you can bring some food from home to avoid paying for an expensive meal. Also, bring an empty water bottle. (Security allows it to go through.) You can fill it up at a water fountain and mix it with powder tea or any flavor you wish, saving you money from buying expensive drinks.

Once inside the plane, you have to wear a mask because it's mandatory. So make sure to have a mask that feels comfortable. Wearing a mask for a long flight is annoying and can hurt your nose if you’re not careful. There are some times that you can take it off and that’s when you’re eating or when you go to the restroom.

And don’t worry about catching covid inside the plane. It is the safest place in the world against covid. Before you board the plane it’s cleaned and disinfected by the crew. And most importantly, the air is circulating and constantly being filtered, renewing the air during the flight. This makes it next to impossible to get sick.

Hopefully, these tips will make your trip easier and give your mind some peace. Things are scary right now, but you shouldn’t allow that fear to control you. You should be prepared if you do decide to travel by educating yourself and taking control of your health. And if you're up for it, go find yourself a good deal on a destination that you want to go to. Then imagine being inside the plane as you lean your chair back so you can relax. Safe travels.

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