With the reported cases of COVID-19 having gone down and the vaccine on the horizon, the travel restrictions because of the pandemic have been eased. It is the perfect time to take the holiday you have been planning for’.
But before you make any booking, go through these tips to travel safely during.
Check your supplies
There are a few items that you must carry when travelling to ensure your safety during COVID-19. These include a hand sanitiser (with around 70% alcohol content), tissues, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks. These items can help you get rid of disease-causing agents on your hands because of touching other surfaces.
Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces
Be careful when using high-touch surfaces like the buttons in elevators, ATMs and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use a generous amount of hand sanitiser after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth afterwards.
Check local requirements and travel restrictions
Governments everywhere have made wearing masks mandatory in public places. Certain countries also prescribe a compulsory quarantine for up to 14 days for travellers. You must check for local restrictions at all the stops along the way and your travel destination to avoid delays and unpleasant surprises.
Minimise human contact
Try and maintain a distance of at least 2 meters between you and others. Also, get boarding passes from the machine and sanitise your hands immediately. Another helpful advice for travelling is to make use of contactless options at food and retail outlets wherever available.
Take care of personal items
Place personal items such as wallets, keys, belts, shoes and phones in a bag, instead of bins for security checks. Mobile phones are used constantly, hence it is advisable to wipe them down with disinfectant wipes.

Wipe down your surroundings
Before you sit in public transport wipe down the hard surfaces around you, such as the front and back of the seat, the armrest, tray table and all other surfaces within your reach with disinfecting wipes.
Make as few stops as possible
If you’re travelling by car, take as few stops as possible. Frequent stops and bathroom breaks can put you in close contact with other people. Also, it is advisable to carry homemade food when travelling. If you are eating outside, opt for restaurants offering drive-through service. When you stop at a gas station, use disinfected wipes on handles or buttons after refuelling.
Choose hotels wisely
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel during your travel, check for the hotel’s website for information on what precautions and security measures they are taking to protect their guests and staff during the pandemic.
Consider testing
Testing for COVID-19 before and after travel can help in making your trip safer. You might be asymptomatic but can still spread the disease to others. Keep a copy of your test result with you while travelling; you may be asked for it. If you test positive, isolate yourself immediately.
Stay home if you’re sick
This is the most important travelling tip. Stay at home and self-isolate if you or any of your travel companions are sick.
These tips can help you travel safely during the pandemic. Ensure that you wear a mask, always practise social distancing and follow government safety guidelines when travelling.