What to Know When You’re Traveling During a Pandemic
Since the appearance of COVID-19, many of us have rescheduled or canceled our trips. Some airlines are still canceling flights. Some airlines are refusing to refund tickets and instead are giving “COVID credits” in the name of staying financially afloat. For flights that were still available, some were hella cheap to certain destinations. My one-way flight to Barbados was only $249.
Some of us took advantage of those prices and were still traveling, depending on the level of coronavirus in the country we planned on traveling to. Some of us mentally shutdown and told ourselves that travel would be impossible until the pandemic slowed down or was completely gone. We’re now seeing that the virus isn’t slowing down in most of the world and is only mutating into additional strains. While we’re adapting constantly to the punches of life, some of us are refusing for our joy of travel to be taken away regardless.
Clearly, the world doesn’t want to slow down regardless of an ongoing pandemic. Those of us who have started traveling again are just taking extra precautions. Although I’m not taking various trips, I’ve made an international move to Barbados from the U.S., which was still risky during this time of corona. So, I’m here to advise you about the best and safest ways to continue traveling during this pandemic, whether domestically or internationally, if you chose to do so. It’s possible if you’re prepared.
Pandemic Packing 101
A smartly packed suitcase, updated passport, and a big sense of adventure aren’t cutting it anymore for the main ingredients for successful trip. Trust me, because I did not plan accordingly since I didn’t think I was going to be in quarantine for this long (10 days so far)! Here’s a list of suggested things to pack in your suitcase or carry-on luggage:
· hand sanitizer — Due to COVID-19, the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice (for the U.S.), which is more liquid than TSA usually allows.
· cash and more cash — You may be thinking, “No one wants filthy cash because of the coronavirus,” but yes they do! Cash will always be king. When banks are closed in an unexpected COVID-19 related government shutdown or you’re traveling in a country where they don’t have credit card machines readily at hand, you’ll want to have cash. Also, think of exchanging currency before you leave your country.
· a book — Sometimes your electronics fail us by malfunctioning, or we fail ourselves by not charging our electronics before travel or forgetting to bring headphones. Sometimes, depending on where you’re traveling to, electronics aren’t allowed to be on during a flight. So, it’s always a safe bet to pack a physical form of entertainment. So, yes, I recommend a hardcopy of a book to keep you busy during transit.
· international credit card — Although “cash is king,” you still will want to have a credit card because sometimes your bank card might not work initially — even if you’ve alerted your bank of your travel plans. I suggest a Visa or a Capital One card.
· Extra toiletries like soap, moisturizer, and feminine products will come in handy in case you’re stuck in quarantine, like me, or your bags get lost.
· Vitamins, particularly immune builders like vitamin C, elderberry, and zinc and mild detoxes and laxatives like a probiotic, cascara sagrada, and senna will be your gut’s friend in a new environment and ward off the virus.
· washcloths (or whatever you use to bathe) — Unlike, the U.S., some countries don’t have these at hotels.
· wet wipes — Anything from flushable toilette wipes and facial wipes to baby wipes or feminine wipes, you’ll want to have to feel refreshed on-the-go and have backups for personal hygiene. These are also handy for sanitizing your area on the plane and in the airport.
Research Like You Work for INTERPOL
Of course, we research and prepare on the usual topics like currency, language, and offensive things to avoid doing or saying when we’re traveling to somewhere new if it’s out of the country. But let’s also normalize researching more even when traveling domestically. Some points of interest might include local jargon, transportation options, and local hangouts. Regardless of if you’re traveling domestically or internationally, the standard research themes aren’t cutting it anymore. There’s more to worry about because we’re in a pandemic. So, please don’t wait to the last minute to do your research because the more you research, more-than-likely, you’ll realize the more you need to find out.
Plus, regulations are constantly changing because we don’t know what the hell we’re doing, and we’re still trying to understand and eliminate the virus. Some countries (like Barbados and Italy) and even U.S. states (like Connecticut and Illinois) are requiring travelers to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test within a certain time frame (usually 72 hours) before they can enter their borders. You may also be required to quarantine. So, factor that into your time (refer to the next paragraph).
You’ll want to check for health advisories and travel warnings from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. You might rethink traveling to certain countries based on how they’re handling and being affected by the coronavirus — I guess unless you’re from the U.S. because you’re already in the most infected country, so, “Hey, what the hell?! Why not just go?” That was sarcasm, by the way.
If you do decide to journey during the pandemic, make sure there’s plenty of safe activities available. It would suck if you’re traveling somewhere where, honestly, all the touristy things are the best things to do or are must-dos for you if you’ve never been there just for those attractions to be shut down. If you’re like me and a nature bum, you’ll more than likely be OK. Although, some nature reserves, national parks, recreational centers, etc. are still closed to the general public. No more winging it on a loosely planned and poorly researched activity list!
It’s Not Jail, It’s Just Quarantine
OK. You’re almost there! You’ve arrived at your destination — but hold up! You may have to quarantine. Relax, you privileged bastard! Sorry (not sorry) for calling you out of your name, but I’m also talking to myself, as I’m currently writing this blog on day 10 of being in quarantine.
Let me just tell you about day 7 of me being in quarantine. That’s when I started to crack and had a few moments throughout the day that I wanted to burst into tears. I allowed myself a few tears, but if I had let the floodgates open, I would have lost my mind. I had to snap out of it because I was starting to feel hopeless. My sister reminded me I’m not in actual jail or prison — I wouldn’t be able to handle that! I thought to myself (in my father’s voice), if Prophet Yusef (Joseph) could be in a well for three days and jail for 12 years, then I can be in quarantine for nearly two weeks. At least I have a balcony where I can get some sunshine, see the ocean, and interact with the native birds and a shy lizard.
So, make sure you schedule enough time for your travels in case you’re in quarantine longer than expected. If you get stuck in quarantine, make sure you’re keeping your mind busy by reading, watching something entertaining or educational, or listening to a podcast or audiobook. Make sure you’re eating healthy, exercising, and sticking to some sort of routine. Get some sunshine and fresh air by opening and sitting by a window. If you don’t think you’ll have a window in your quarantine quarters, I suggest investing in a light therapy lamp. Lastly, every day you should shower, change your clothes, and do something that brings you joy. These are great tips for excellent holistic health whether you are or aren’t in quarantine, but they’re especially helpful while in short-term captivity.
Act Like You Got Some Sense
OK! You’ve made it through quarantine! I know you feel like you’ve been locked up for a while, but don’t go crazy upon release! In the tone of a Black mother about to go into a store with her kids, I say to you: “When y’all get to your destination, don’t act a fool! Don’t sneak out of quarantine! Don’t fuck up the environment or the vibes.”
Respecting others’ cultures and spaces was always important. But now, it’s more important than ever. Many countries are still allowing foreigners to travel within their borders while concurrently trying to heal their citizens and slow the spread of COVID-19. In the name of keeping economies afloat, some of these countries have even allowed travelers in from high-risk nations like the U.S. and U.K. So, please act like you have some damn sense! If you’re from the U.S., please don’t embarrass me! Wear a mask. Use your manners. Don’t litter.
A popular Islamic saying is “travel is a hardship.” If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know you’ll more-than-likely have some hiccups along the way, but you can smooth out as much as you can beforehand by being prepared. Go with the flow and stay flexible. Safe travels.
