Milen Marinov
Author
By now probably there are not many people on planet earth who have not experienced Covid’s repercussions in their daily lives. In the last few months, the media has been heavily vocal about the increasing number of cases, governments implying all sorts of measures and people taking precautions in a number of ways trying to prevent the spread of the global pandemic.
No question that the travel industry is one of the sectors which experienced probably the strongest impact of the measures put in place to restrict the spread of the malicious virus.
This does not sound like good news to anyone who likes to travel and staying locked home or not being able to leave town can have a tremendous negative effect in long term over one’s mental and physical health.
The big question is:
“Should COVID stop us from travelling?
The simple answer is: No!”
However there is much more behind these two letters and although the pandemic should not stop us from travelling completely, there are some smarter ways to make our beloved and longed for plans for journeys happen under the current situation.
Domestic Travel
Now is the time to get to know your own country better. There are definitely many places around you and probably not even far away which you thought of visiting or heard of long time ago, but never considered them to be truly appealing just because they did not sound really exotic or that worth to you.
You will be surprised to find out how much beauty and refreshing energy there might be in the nature around you such as in being next to a close-by green mountain, a beautiful river, a fresh water lake, by the endless sea or any other natural creation.
A short cultural trip to the next town, province or state is also something you can consider, provided the circumstances allow. There could really be so much to explore even in places that you would have never given importance of as sites of real interest.
Devetashka Cave- Devetaki, Bulgaria
Risen as a favorite amongst locals coming for a change of mindset
Krushuna Falls near Lovech, Bulgaria
The site has been even more popular amongst nearby inhabitants lately
International travel
When travelling internationally, now is the time you should be informed better than ever. Many countries are currently closed for international travel entirely or partly. In others travel is allowed but international arrivals are obliged to present a negative COVID test on arrival or have to undergo a certain quarantine period no matter they test-positive or not.
Look for the special COVID insurance policies available currently in the market and in many cases compulsory which might cost you some extra money, but will cover you in case of an unpleasant scenario heavens forbid. Before starting your travel this time, a wiser way could be to visit and do it via a certified travel agency which can update you and efficiently plan all details of your trip in accordance with the necessary norms. This is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises and to ensure a hassle free experience. Surely you do not want to end up spending your long awaited and well planned 2 weeks vacation in your beautiful hotel room!
Empty Trains have not been encouraging
Traveller’s tip: It is recommended to avoid means of mass transportation as much as possible. Even a cab ideally may not be advisable. Let your agent make arrangements for you and your co-travellers in a way that you might have your own guide and vehicle if possible for the whole trip. Have confirmed pre bookings for your accommodation with as little contact as possible with other groups of people. Avoid visiting crowded places, apply social distancing, wear a mask and sanitise your hands frequently.
There are also some aspects of COVID travelling, which you might find fun. Recently a friend of mine has posted a picture where he is riding by himself on an empty train. So do not get surprised if you end up to be the only person or group on the bus, train or plane and experience your own VIP service:)
Cruising
Although many cruise lines are currently not in operation fully or partially, there are still a few companies that are offering cruises mostly on Mediterranean or European itineraries. So if you are a fan of cruising or are longing for the refreshing sea breeze in your hair, do not entirely give up. Let your travel consultant advise you if or how a ticket to your dream cruise might become possible without any losses coming out of last moment cancellation. Although chances are not high, there still might be some money safe available options around.
A NCL Ship docked in Juneau Alaska
Travelling during COVID might be different than usual, but is not there to be entirely avoided. By all means adherence to various restrictive measures will be needed. The best advice could be to do it with the assistance of a professional travel consultant or agency. This could safeguard your money and time and take you around a long search for accurate and updated information not to mention shall protect you from any unpleasant surprises. Last but not the least preserve your own health and the health of others in these extraordinary times for all.
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Hi, my family did Bratislave, Belgrade, Budapest last year with TCI. After looking at pics above, I realize we were very close to Bulgaria. Team TCI .. add some packages covering Bulgaria…)) or some offbeat destinations.
I agree with the authors view that travel need not be avoided fully if you want to. we had a good trip earlier this month to northern India and it was very refreshing. There is just too much hype about corona. we did not face any issues at all.
Doesn’t look good at all for international travel by 2021 mid may be. too many formalities to complete and complication here in India.
Cruise booking is very dicey now. our booking has been cancelled once and then another one given a future credit shell with costa