Tips to Follow When Planning Travel in 2021

05 Feb Tips to Follow When Planning Travel in 2021

Posted at 16:10h in Travel Tips by Caroline Rose 0 Comments

0 Likes

(Photo from Unsplash by Elly Johnson)

*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.

As the COVID vaccine rolls out, there finally seems to be light at the end of the tunnel! Many people hope to return to travel in 2021, most later in the year and but some are even taking trips right now.

But despite the slow return to vacationing and the introduction of the vaccine, COVID is still rampant and should be taken very seriously – especially when traveling.

My thoughts on the topic of travel right now are complex because this issue is messy and not straight forward at all. But this post isn’t about my opinion trying to encourage or persuade anyone either way; it’s written for those who have already decided to travel now or later in the year and has the intent to enourage safe and responsible travel – as much as possible.

So if you do decide to take a trip this year, follow these 2021 travel tips to avoid extra fees, be prepared and above all keep yourself & others safe.

NOTE: These are my own personal tips. READ the full CDC Travel Guidelines here.

1. Research all the COVID rules and regulations at your destination and home

Everywhere varies on their regulations, curfews, required testing, etc. so do your research to be on top of everything that’s required for planning purposes. Make sure to look up the rules for your destination and also your hometown/country upon return. Currently if traveling internationally, the U.S. is requiring testing before returning home. Read more here.

2. Evaluate how your travels will affect the locals

Before planning a trip somewhere, evaluate the location and community’s situation. For example, if they actively do not want tourists, are low on resources or cases are rising, it would be wise to reavaluate your trip.

Some places have strict COVID precautions and are begging for tourists to return, while others are not at all. Be a responsible traveler and take the time to reflect on the local’s best interest. Remember while you may be a tourist, wherever you go is someone’s home.

3. schedule your tests and quarentines

Once you’ve done your research, make plans accordingly. Schedule your COVID test before leaving (even if a place doesn’t require this, it should be a courtesy), and plan to quarantine or get tested when you return home.

4. Get Travel insurance

Even before COVID, I was a huge advocate for travel insurance. Plans change, things get lost, and travel always involves the unexpected. Now with these ~unprecedented times~ it’s even more important.

My favorite insurance that I’ve always used is World Nomads Travel Insurance. They are affordable and cover quite a lot including right now covering some travel fees if you cancel your trip due to yourself or a family member getting COVID-19. Read more about their coronavirus FAQ’s here.

*Disclosure: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

5. Try to book flexible reservations.

While travel insurance may cover many cancellations, it’s also much easier to change plans unexpectedly if you’ve booked flexible reservations. When booking accomodation, check for cancellation fees and if flying, make sure to go with an airline that doesn’t charge to change your flight. Many airlines, started offering this flexibility since 2020, but definitely double check.

6. Plan your itinerary with minimal contact to others

This might mean driving instead of flying, planning outside activities away from others, staying in private/remote accommodation, planning to cook instead of constantly eating out, etc. Create these expectations and plans before you go.

7. Book transportation and accommodation with companies that are following strict COVID guidelines.

On airline and hotel websites you can read about the COVID guidelines set into place. Note that many budget airlines may be cleaning, but they are not separating passengers by seating.

Likewise most hotels and Airbnbs are cleaning, but read into their protocols. For example, double check on Airbnb that the booking has the “Enhanced Clean” element.

8. Pack plenty of masks & sanitizing products

Throughout your trip you should be wearing a mask and keeping yourself clean. To ensure this, come prepared with everything you need packed. I suggest plenty of reusable masks, hand sanitizer, wipes (especially for the airplane), and maybe even a face shield.

9. Have a plan B and a mindset that is adaptable & patient

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the pandemic it’s that we are not in control. No matter how much planning you do, things might change. So have a plan B ready with what to do if your trip is cancelled (travel insurance and flexible bookings will help here) and be ready for the unexpected.