Travel plans during the holidays can become tricky without complete information about the restrictions and status of the pandemic situation. With the spiking rates of infected cases, one needs to be smart while travelling. But with the increased complexities also comes the options with ease. The hasslefree and budgeted via bike, you rent a bike or buy a used bike to experience all that is on your list with minimum cost, but a safer experience.
Usually, in the fervour of the impending experience, we forget about what we need to pack for the getaway and wind up missing many significant ordinary things. The pandemic checklist covers all the essentials. Before you plan your travel, make sure you have a negative RT-PCR report which is not older than 72 hours, a good safe layered mask and sanitiser with a medi-kit.
Social and physical separating is the new ordinary. Consistently, make sure that you are remaining in any event 3-6 feet from others, regardless of whether they are infected or not. Use liquor wipes to clean surfaces, and sanitise your hands after contact with any open surfaces.
- Opt for your own vehicle.
If you have travel plans to go to nearby areas, then minimize the exposure and opt for your own vehicle. You can easily buy used bikes at much lower prices these days and travel to places conveniently. You are safest in your own space with no contact from the outside and drive safely to your destination with the least risk. Or you can reach the airport or station in your own car/bike and avail parking facilities and head to your platforms/gates straight without any contact from any cab driver or so.
- Rented modes
You can go for a rented car or bike. It is suggested to rent a bike to have a contact-free and open ride with a little touch of adventure. You can take a car for a long journey or travel with your family. Make sure that the bike/car is sanitised and the rental company is complying with the restrictions issued by WHO.
- Travel by Flights
Before booking your flights, you first need to check with the state restrictions of departure and arrival cities. You must have got your COVID-test done from authorised laboratories before a day of departure. Properly check your flight details and restrictions of the airlines. When you arrive at the destination, make sure you have complete information about the state regulations. Also, before planning, make sure that you have contacted every property and location in order to confirm their operational hours and restrictions so that you don’t get any unwanted surprises. PPE kit, sanitizer and a good double-layered mask are necessary.
- By rail and other modes.
If you are travelling by rail or other modes, make sure to have a reservation and confirmed seats. Look for restrictions and regulations of the state and take every precaution as you will be exposed to people comparatively at a larger scale. Carry your own blanket and sheets. Sanitize your seats well and other areas. Wear a mask properly so that you are in no state of direct contact.
- Roadtrip
When on a road trip the most exciting part is food stops, but during these times you might want to rethink the options of food stops. Before any stop you have to make sure that the place is not crowded in order to avoid any contact possible, the outlet or restaurant is taking proper precautions and following safety guidelines to avoid the spreading of the virus. It is advised to have pre-packed snacks and beverages for zero contact from outside. Before using washrooms do not forget to sanitize thoroughly to be on the safer side. There is nothing important than the health and hence it must be the first priority overall.
- Hotels/Hostels/ AirBNBs
Now, the trick is choosing a good and safe stay during this pandemic.
If you are going for Hotel stays then make sure that the hotels you choose are following the guidelines by WHO with regards to COVID-19, make sure you sanitise well when you come in contact with touchpoints and have a small checklist as a reminder for important precautions.
If you are going for hostels, avoid at all cost the hostels that are not adhering to the COVID-19 norms. There are many hostels that are operational but are not following proper precautions and hence the risk is at max. Do your research well before choosing a good hostel so that your stay is fruitful.
As for AirBNBs, look for the stays that follow WHO protocols and have 5 step enhanced cleaning protocols. Do not forget to put on a mask when in shared spaces, make sure that you are keeping your distance for your safety.
- Self-Isolation post travelling
It is advised to get yourself checked when you are back and till the time the report turns in to keep yourself isolated and do not meet new people, it shall reduce the risk of spreading the virus if by any chance you have it. After a good road trip, isolate yourself for one week and enjoy your time of rest with zero contact from outside.
Since the hike in COVID cases, the majority is opting for adventure bike trips for thrill and safety reasons. You can pick any bike from a wide range of used bikes, that would be an extremely cost-friendly affair for everyone. With the rise in cost in every segment, many of us can’t plan travels because of budget constraints. To help you walk away from it, we would advise you to also trust in bike rentals mode. You just need to make sure that the bike is properly sanitised and all papers are as per standards.
It is suggested that you don’t visit many places all at once. The new ordinary is the ideal open door for you to back off and get drawn in with the way of life of the spot you visit. Besides, visiting countless spots will prompt much more travels, tourism warnings, safeguards, and flights, which isn’t prudent in any way.
Stay Safe!!
